Maine Governor Signs Landmark Climate Bill Into Law

Maine Statehouse.

Maine State House. Photo: Ken Lund

June 26, 2019 (PORTLAND, ME) – Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement today as Maine Governor Janet Mills signed historic, bipartisan legislation that will slash carbon emissions and prepare the state for the effects of climate change.

“We need only look out our windows to see that climate crisis is real and it is here,” said Emily Green, Staff Attorney at CLF. “We owe it to future Mainers to confront climate change head-on to protect our health, our economy and our way of life before it’s too late. This bill truly makes Maine a national leader in responding to the greatest crisis of our generation.”

The bill, An Act to Promote Clean Energy Jobs and to Establish the Maine Climate Council, will set the state on a course to meaningfully address climate change by drastically reducing carbon emissions while growing the state’s economy. The law will take effect immediately as emergency legislation.

The governor also signed two important pieces of renewable energy legislation today. These bills will expand access to solar energy across Maine, ensure the development of more renewable electricity, and create jobs by encouraging the growth of solar power in the state.

CLF has advocated for strong climate laws in every New England state. You can read more about that work here.

CLF experts are available for further comment.

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