The Inflation Reduction Act is the biggest environmental investment in U.S. history, but Maine youth & climate activists say it falls short of what is ultimately needed to avert the worst impacts of climate change

Maine Youth for Climate Justice (MYCJ) stands in solidarity with the Wabanaki Tribes in support of L.D. 1626 “An Act Implementing the Recommendations of the Task Force on Changes to the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Implementing Act.”

Maine may be the oldest state in the country. But a burgeoning movement of progressive youth making their voices heard on issues ranging from climate change to criminal justice reform — combined with a growing number of young legislators in Augusta — is leaving an unmistakable imprint on the state’s politics.

Youth activists, encouraged by the passage of a pioneering mandate, are leading the state and nation toward fossil fuel divestment.

In what environmental advocates called an important step forward for climate justice, Maine became the first state to commit through legislation to divest from fossil fuel companies after Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill this week.

A new bill passed by Maine’s Legislature requiring the state to divest its pension investments and other funds from fossil fuel companies is being hailed by climate activists as a major milestone, fueling optimism that more states and influential institutions could follow.

Labor groups and environmentalists have not always seen eye-to-eye. Historically, when groups came together to stand against climate change or environmental degradation, labor unions — a reliable ally on many progressive causes — were often missing from those fights.

I attended the second meeting of Maine Climate Council and participated in Maine Youth Voices Day on Jan. 29. 

AUGUSTA, Maine — The figures presented to the Maine Climate Council on Wednesday were familiar. Over half of the state’s emissions come from transportation.

Youth leaders & activists highlight issues of abortion protections, LGBTQ rights, equity & inclusion, affordable housing & childcare, climate change with elected leaders & those seeking state office during "Youth Ask the Questions" forum

The halls of the Maine State House on Wednesday were filled with a different set of lobbyists – high school kids — there to press for greater action in response to climate change.

On top of agreeing to divest from fossil fuels, lawmakers pass 10 measures that promise to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate impacts. [Three of MCAN's priority bills supported by member orgs are in this list].

On Wednesday, June 16, Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 99 into law, directing the state pension system to divest from fossil fuels by 2026.

Gov. Janet Mills has signed into a law a bill that directs the Maine Public Employee Retirement System to divest $1.3 billion from fossil fuels within five years and directs the state treasury to do the same with other state funds.

AUGUSTA, Maine (WABI) -Youth activists from high schools and colleges around the state gathered outside the State House Thursday in support of the bipartisan bill to create a consumer owned electric utility that would replace CMP and Versant.

In the face of historically exclusive spaces and performative actions, Maine youth are using their voices to flip the script through an unwavering focus on climate justice.

Government scientists told the state's climate council Wednesday that Maine has been reducing its overall emissions of climate-warming pollution over the last several decades.

MCAN partnered with the Color of Climate to create the Crafting Your Own Climate Story workshop. You can find the youth participants’ stories

Youth climate justice coalitions across the state organized a Youth Day of Action at the Maine State House Wednesday morning.

With wildfires and heat waves raging this summer across the U.S., it’s clear that the effects of climate change are situated squarely in the present tense. 

In what environmental advocates called an important step forward for climate justice, Maine became the first state to commit through legislation to divest from fossil fuel companies after Gov. Janet Mills signed a bill this week.

AUGUSTA — High school and college students met outside the statehouse to show their support for a bill that would create a publicly owned utility company.

With the first leg of Maine’s 130th Legislature well underway, environmental advocates are optimistic that the progress made so far in committee work will translate to significant victories on a host of climate priorities this session.

We were happy to have our partner coalition and statewide network Maine Climate Action NOW! (MCAN) join us for two and a half days of movement building and climate action during the 2020 Vision Climate Convergence.

AUGUSTA, Maine — Emma Sawyer, a college student at USM, joined dozens of other young activists to send a message to Maine’s Climate Council.