Maine's Environmental Progress Threatened by Governor LePage's Policies
Mainers across the state take pride in their collective efforts to preserve the environment, resulting in cleaner air and water, protected lands, and more sustainable communities. However, these achievements face challenges from Governor LePage's policies since 2011.
The Natural Resources Council of Maine, advocating since 1959, has led the fight against air and water pollution. Mainers and their elected officials recognize the interconnectedness of a healthy economy and environment.
Governor LePage, however, has supported bills that increase pollution and degrade Maine's natural resources. He refused to release $11.5 million in Land for Maine's Future funds, jeopardizing over 30 conservation projects. The governor believes environmental protections hinder job creation, a stance opposed by many state representatives and senators, including Democrats and Republicans like Senator David Miramant and Representative Diane Russell.
LePage's proposals to weaken environmental protections, such as mining rules, have been consistently rejected by lawmakers from all 16 counties. He has also weakened the Department of Environmental Protection's lake protection program and pushed for unsustainable logging in public forestlands. The governor's actions have drawn criticism from the Natural Resources Council of Maine, leading him to publicly declare war on the organization.
Despite Governor LePage's efforts to roll back environmental protections, Maine lawmakers have repeatedly rejected his proposals through strong bipartisan votes. Mainers' commitment to environmental preservation remains steadfast, with a broad coalition opposing policies that threaten their shared natural heritage.
