Pingree Applauds Maine’s Updated Climate Action Plan

Maine First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree applauded the state's updated Four-Year Climate Action Plan, which was released today by Governor Mills, members of her cabinet, and the Maine Climate Council at an event in Bath. Pingree, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee, released the following statement:

"I commend the Maine Climate Council for their diligent work in updating the Maine Won't Wait Climate Action Plan. This comprehensive strategy not only addresses the pressing challenges of climate change; it also lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship in our state.

"This year has been a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action. From the intense winter storms that battered Maine's river communities and working waterfronts to record-setting temperatures across the state and the nation, the impacts of a warming planet are undeniable. The updated plan rises to meet these challenges, focusing on transitioning to clean energy, modernizing transportation, and building climate-resilient communities.

"The historic investments made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act remain vital to Maine's ambitious but achievable climate goals. These resources are helping us expand access to electric vehicles and public transit, install heat pumps, weatherize homes and businesses, and invest in affordable housing and schools to meet our clean energy targets. The plan's focus on using these federal investments to build community resilience and empower local planning is particularly timely and critical.

"I am also heartened by the plan's emphasis on equity, ensuring that all Mainers-particularly those in our most vulnerable communities-benefit from these initiatives. At a time when federal policies may shift, Maine is showing that our commitment to preserving tools like clean energy tax credits, EV incentives, and funding for resilience projects will not waver.

"As we continue to face the realities of a changing climate, this plan offers a clear roadmap for protecting Maine's environment, economy, and people. I look forward to supporting its implementation through collaboration at all levels of government, private sector engagement, and active community participation. Together, we can achieve the goals outlined in Maine Won't Wait and ensure a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come."

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee-and a recognized leader on the climate crisis-Pingree has used her role coupled with her experience as an organic farmer and islander to introduce the Agriculture Resilience Act (ARA), comprehensive legislation that sets a bold vision of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. agriculture by 2040. The ARA focuses on six concrete policy areas which dovetail in several ways with Maine Won't Wait, including an enhanced soil health grant program for states like Maine; expansion of the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program; increased funding for the Rural Energy for America Program to boost investments in renewable on-farm energy production; and provisions to incentivize carbon capture on farms and ranches.

Pingree is also the author of the bipartisan Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act, which would support coastal communities grappling with the climate crisis and preserve the character of coastal communities by protecting jobs, commercial activities, and public access to America's coast. The legislation would support efforts to protect Maine's natural resources in the state's Climate Action Plan.

Click here to learn more about Pingree's efforts in Congress to mitigate climate change.

###