MISSION
Through education, advocacy and grassroots organizing, Maine Climate Action NOW! promotes bold and decisive measures to address the climate crisis in Maine.
We call for a just transition to statewide carbon neutrality and the net exportation of 100% renewable energy by 2030 through the equitable implementation of clean energy and ecological land-use policy.
MCAN honors, amplifies and unites the voices of its member organizations, especially youth, frontline communities, and others historically excluded from the political conversation.
HOW WE BEGAN
Maine Climate Action NOW! (MCAN) formed in early 2019 to increase the impact of Maine’s leading climate action organizations. The coalition grew its roots in a visioning and strategy conference convened by A Climate to Thrive (ACTT) in 2018. ACTT had laid out an urgent vision to achieve energy independence for Mount Desert Island by 2030.
Like the other groups, ACTT realized that bold state policy and regulatory reform would be needed to meet our vision: reduce carbon emissions, improve economic and environmental health of our communities, generate year-round jobs, and increase social equity. With new leadership in Augusta, we knew the time was right for statewide action, and with inspiration from a growing global youth-led climate movement, MCAN was founded with representatives of five organizations at the Core Council level.
With the support of key legislative leaders in Maine MCAN carried ACTT’s ambitious project to the state level. This policy (LD 658) is the most progressive climate legislation passed by any state to date and requires the administration to develop a plan to make Maine energy independent (net zero) by 2030.
MCAN connects, elevates, and amplifies youth and historically marginalized voices. We unite and strengthen leaders from across Maine in demanding effective climate action now.
OUR STRUCTURE
Core Council
Climate action is a top priority for these organizations who regularly invest time and resources to the network and commit to the vision, values, and mission. Core Council member organizations designate a representative to participate in coalition meetings and activities and make a firm commitment to MCAN. This is the primary decision-making body of MCAN.
Advisory Council
Climate crisis is an area of expertise, or important to the vision, mission, and values of these individuals and organizations. Advisory Council members will volunteer unique knowledge and skills to help guide the coalition. Advisory Council members may contribute time and resources, attend meetings when appropriate, advise the group on key topics, and work to broaden the network, but are not directly responsible for decision making.
Coalition Supporter
The climate crisis is an area of interest, either ethically or economically for these individuals or groups. Supporters receive regular communications, are invited to participate in major coalition events and actions, support the network through direct action, involvement and/or funding, but do not actively participate in meetings or decision making.
CORE COUNCIL
ADVISORY COUNCIL
MEET THE PEOPLE
OUR SUCCESSES
By elevating youth voices and broadening its coalition, MCAN has changed the terms of the debate in politics at the state level.
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Energy independence has become a broadly embraced, bipartisan objective encompassing economic development as well as climate benefits. LD 658 received overwhelming support at its public hearing, was reported unanimously to the full House of Representatives by the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology, approved by both the Senate and the House and signed into law by Governor Mills in May 2019.
AMPLIFYING YOUTH VOICES
Testified on Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction bills and the Maine Green New Deal.
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Met with Legislative leadership, the Governor, and key administration officials.
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MCAN mobilized over 400 youth from twenty-five Maine schools for the April 23 Day of Climate Action at the state Capitol.
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MCAN empowered young people with education and the tools to participate in the lawmaking process.
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The Governor attended the April rally and announced her plan to engage youth leaders on a proposed Maine Climate Council. A founding member of MCAN is the youth representative on the council.
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One youth representative has been appointed to each of the six working groups of the council. MCAN supported youth from Maine Youth for Climate Justice in submitting their names for these nominations.
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Congresswoman Pingree met with youth leaders to hear their demands and discuss climate justice concerns.
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MCAN supported ME Youth Climate Strikes and MYCJ in organizing the Youth Climate Strikes on September 20th, 2019 in five Maine cities with record turnout of 3,500.
BROADENING THE COALITION
Through connecting with organizations, groups, individuals and businesses across Maine, MCAN is committed to including the voices of those historically left out of the climate conversation, especially those from frontline communities.
