ENVIRONMENT
Here our latest Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on environmental issues. Interested in helping us track legislation and policy on this topic at the state or federal level? Take action with us.
PROTECT THE CLEAN POWER PLAN: Oppose Trump’s repeal
The Trump Administration is taking steps to repeal the Clean Power Plan, a blueprint for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and stemming the speed of climate change.
QUICK ACTION: Voice your opposition to the stripping of environmental and health protections by submitting a public comment on the EPA’s plan by this THURSDAY.
COAL LOBBYIST NOMINATED TO EPA: Oppose Andrew Wheeler for EPA Deputy Adminsitrator
Long-time coal lobbyist and climate-change denier Scott Wheeler is up for the second most powerful post at the EPA. With EPA secretary Scott Pruitt’s job on the line, the Senate confirmation vote is more critical than ever. UPDATE 4/12: WHEELER WAS CONFIRMED, with Collins voting yes and King no.
KEEP THE COAST CLEAR: Oppose Offshore Drilling in Maine
The Trump administration wants to open most of the U.S. coastline to oil and gas exploration, including Maine. Our congressional delegation as well as the Maine legislature unanimously oppose the plan.
QUICK ACTION: Attend a public hearing in Augusta on Wednesday, March 7 and submit a public comment before the March 9 deadline.
DENY CLIMATE CHANGE DENIERS: Oppose Kathleen Hartnett White Nomination
Trump’s nominee to be the nation’s top environmental watchdog calls carbon dioxide a “plant nutrient” and says climate change poses no threat to the environment.
QUICK ACTION: Tell Senators Collins and King to OPPOSE Kathleen Hartnett White’s nomination to lead the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality. UPDATE: The White House has WITHDRAWN White’s nomination in the face of fierce opposition by senators, constituents, and environmental advocates.
CONTROVERSIAL EPA NOMINEE: Vote NO on Michael Dourson
Update 12/14: Facing opposition from a few Senate Republicans (including Collins), Dourson has WITHDRAWN HIS NOMINATION! The Trump administration’s controversial nominee to head the EPA’s chemical safety office is a chemical industry insider with a track record of favoring corporate interests over health safety and the environment. His nomination could come for a vote in the Senate soon.
QUICK ACTION: Call and email senators Susan Collins (202) 224-2523 and Angus King (202) 224-5344 ask them to oppose Michael Dourson for assistant EPA administrator.
DEFEND CLEAN CAR STANDARDS: Oppose Changes to Auto Efficiency Regs
The Trump Administration has taken the first step toward weakening fuel efficiency standards designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, which have been linked to climate change. Submit a public comment to the EPA by October 5 in support of existing clean car standards.
RENEWABLE ENERGY: Go Green in Your Home or Business
Many of Maine’s utility companies offer residential and business electricity customers the option to switch some or all of their electricity to a green power source. Choose the option that best suits your home, business or nonprofit, to maximize demand of clean, renewable energy, while reducing your carbon footprint.
SAVE THE SOLAR BILL: Urge an Override of LePage’s Veto
The Maine Legislature will vote Thursday, July 20, to override Gov. LePage’s veto of the popular and bipartisan solar bill LD 1504. Thank legislators who voted in support of the bill and ask them to hold strong, and urge those who voted against LD 1504 to support it now.
Suit Up Maine is an independent, all-volunteer grassroots progressive group that seeks to build a more informed and engaged electorate in Maine. Founded in 2016, Suit Up Maine is run by and for Mainers, and is not engaged in fundraising of any kind. Representing thousands of constituents across Maine’s 16 counties, Suit Up Maine raises awareness of and advocates for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. Suit Up Maine is beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians.
