The elections are behind us, and we face big challenges. The LePage Administration has proven hostile toward existing environmental protections for the last four years and has put up numerous roadblocks to progress. In addition, we have lost some strong advocates at the Legislature as a result of the elections. That is the bad news.
The good news is that Maine people remain passionate about protecting our environment. They showed this at the polls by passing the Clean Water Bond with the highest margin of all six bonds on the ballot. Many strong advocates remain in the Legislature, and they will continue to make the environment a priority.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine has a plan, and here it is:
• We stand ready to work with legislators and administration officials to protect our state’s waters, forests, air, wildlife, and the health of Maine people. These are not partisan issues—period.
• In the last four years the LePage Administration has favored polluting industries over clean air and clean water, and over businesses that grow and thrive with a clean environment. NRCM will challenge such ill-conceived proposals.
• NRCM will shine the light on what’s going on behind the scenes in state government, and let you know when and how you can take a stand.
• NRCM will employ sound science and move Maine forward on clean water, clear air and energy, and healthy forests and wildlife.
• At the beginning of the LePage Administration in 2010, we blocked a 63-point polluters’ wish list, designed to roll back or destroy the laws that protect Maine’s people and environment. We will rally your power—more than 16,000 supporters—as we did then, and as we have for 55 years.
This will not be easy, but we will work together to protect the Maine we love. With your support and our team of experts, we will stop further destruction of our safeguards and make progress where we can. Please stay with us in the weeks and months ahead, ready and willing for action.
If you have not already done so, please join our electronic Action Network. By doing so, you’ll be able to stay informed of the latest about our priority issues, including ways you can make a difference. I also encourage you to become a member, if you are not one yet. Your support goes a long way as we conduct the work of protecting Maine for generations to come. Together, we make a big difference.
Ever onward.
Lisa Pohlmann
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