Late last month, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a ruling that many believe will seriously impact our ability to fight climate change. In a 6-3 decision, the majority ruled that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have the authority to regulate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants without Congressional approval. Prior to the ruling, the Clean Air Act granted authority to the EPA to manage carbon dioxide emissions contributing to climate change. The EPA will no longer be able to use its scientific expertise to create rules regulating power plant emissions, and Congress must agree on every minor regulation before we can take action as a country to limit this harmful pollution. The ruling slows our ability to respond to the climate crisis during a time when quick and decisive action is needed.

Although we do not have any coal-fired power plants in Maine, we are not immune from the devastating impacts that CO2 emissions have on our planet. Mainers know that our economic well-being, our way of life and our children’s futures are tied to the health of the environment. That’s why for years Mainers have led efforts to keep our environment healthy.

Our very own Senator Ed Muskie was instrumental in crafting and passing the 1970 Clean Air Act. Under Maine Senator George Mitchell’s term serving as U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the Clean Air Act was reauthorized. His work to protect our environment further included his support of the Water Quality Act of 1987 and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Beyond these two influential environmental advocates, Maine has seen numerous state representatives and state senators over the years on both sides of the aisle take action to protect Maine’s natural resources.

Today, on the state level, we continue to fight this fight by investing in climate change education, preparedness and adaptation. In 2020, Gov. Janet Mills launched a four-year climate action plan called Maine Won’t Wait that sets goals for our state including achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and reducing Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, the most ambitious target of any New England state.

Over the past couple of years, we have taken steps to build out a robust renewable energy economy, empower Mainers to meet our climate goals, continue to support economic growth within the state and remain competitive in a booming global renewable energy industry.

We passed legislation that established the Maine Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator, also known as the “Green Bank,” to foster the development of clean energy and sustainability projects and infrastructure by providing financing support, including loans, loan guarantees and other financial and risk mitigation products. Making these adaptations accessible to more Mainers is crucial for meeting our climate and energy goals.

We have taken action to engage young people, including establishing a pilot program to provide teachers with professional resources to facilitate climate change education in Maine public schools. We also created and funded the Maine Climate Corps, a service program that will engage youth and generate jobs for Mainers interested in addressing climate-related challenges.

Additionally, we are continuing our work to enhance Maine’s stormwater and culvert preparedness plans, a critical component of climate change adaptation and resilience.

We have much more to do to meet our climate goals and to ensure we are prepared for all the ways climate change will impact our state, but Mainers are a hardworking and resilient bunch. We care deeply about our land and our children. Despite the extremely disappointing ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court last month, we will continue to do what is right for our neighbors, our communities and our environment.

Please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions related to Maine’s climate resilience plans or any other issue. It is an honor to serve you and to fight this fight alongside you.