•Update 3/26/12: Two new defensive priorities have been added for 2012 in response to bills introduced late in the session.

    →Metallic mineral mining, LD 1853

    →Govenor's Energy Bills, LD 1863 & 1864

Clean Energy Citizen Initiative:

Maine’s Future Prosperity is Powered by Clean Energy

Maine is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and gas, resulting in a cycle of pollution and cost that puts Maine’s people, economy, and environment at risk.  The Clean Energy Citizen Initiative will help transition Maine away from imported fossil fuels and put our energy dollars to work here in Maine, supporting businesses, creating jobs, and reducing pollution.  

• Update 3/26/12: This initiative did not gather enough signatures to be on the ballot this year. We will revisit it in the future.

Maine’s North Woods:

Conserve Maine’s Natural Legacy for Future Generations

The North Woods of Maine are a treasure that is central to Maine’s economy, identity, and way of life.  But without careful governing, planning, and regulatory tools, the North Woods are at risk.  While the Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC) study committee wisely backed away from abolishing LURC, some of the task force’s proposals could significantly weaken key protections for Maine’s North Woods.  We must not let that happen.

• Update 3/26/12: We support the unanimous committee report that removes the county opt-out provision.

Inland Wading Bird and Waterfowl Habitat Rule:

Protect Maine’s Water, Land, and Wildlife and the Economic Opportunities they Provide

Protecting inland wading bird and waterfowl habitat is essential to supporting the good health, good jobs, and quality of life that Maine’s environment provides to all of us.  The Board of Environmental Protection has developed a rule that has satisfied sportsmen, the Maine DEP, and the environmental community.  While the rule could be stronger, it is a reasonable compromise and we need to give it time to work, not weaken it further.

• Update 3/26/12: Success! Rule enacted.

‘Takings’ Legislation:

Prevent the Undermining of Maine’s Core Environmental Protections

Maine’s land use laws are designed to protect our water, land, and wildlife; the character of Maine communities; public health and safety; and the value of property for all Mainers.  ‘Takings’ legislation is a back door way to undermine nearly every current or future land use law. Because state agencies would be forced to choose between paying landowners to obey the law or waiving the protective regulation, ‘takings’ bills create a legal and fiscal morass for states, with potential huge costs for taxpayers.  They have been broadly rejected nationwide.  ‘Takings’ bills are simply a bad idea that is out of step with Maine people and Maine values.

• Update 3/26/12: We support the Majority Report (Moulton/Priest Amendment) which is a legislative alternative to the Takings Bill.

Clean Elections: 

Ensure Fair and Effective Policymaking

Clean Elections means a cleaner and safer environment.  The Clean Elections system enjoys broad support and a tremendous record of success - it is fair and effective policymaking at its best.  As the result of a court ruling, the Maine Clean Elections system must be amended in order to remain viable and working as it was intended.  Doing nothing will dramatically weaken the law and allow more special interest money to influence Maine policymaking.  The Maine Ethics Commission has recommended a carefully-crafted “re-qualifying option” that will strengthen Maine’s Clean Election Law. 

• Update 3/26/12: Disappointingly, we lost this fight this session.