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Our snowy winters, snowpack and winter activities are threatened by global warming.
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Maine has a lot to lose from global warming,from rising seas threatening our coast to loss of traditional winter activities like skiing to the spread of lyme and other diseases.
This year, the Legislature will have
the opportunity to cut global warming
pollution from Maine’s two largest sources: vehicles and power plants.
Legislature: Cut power plant pollution
Last year, Gov. John Baldacci signed a historic agreement with six other Northeast governors to tackle regional power plant pollution.
This regional program, called RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative), would reduce global warming pollution from regional power plants 10 percent by 2020.
It would be the first system of its kind in the U.S. and California’s Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently announced a similar cap and trade program. Although this cap and trade program would allow flexibility for large power plant owners, the industry is looking to scuttle or weaken the program.
All the while, these power plants continue to produce smog and mercury pollution that contaminate our state. Environment Maine is calling on legislators to approve the program so that the state and region can get to work to cut global warming pollution from power plants. Maine’s action, in coordination with the other Northeast states, will help force the hand of the federal government in taking action on global warming. Scientists agree that now is the time to take action to slow and reverse global warming.
Downeaster key transit opportunity
Amtrak’s Downeaster currently runs eight daily trains from Portland to Boston, with additional trips in the works. This passenger rail service has the fastest growing ridership, the highest customer satisfaction and best on-time performance in the Amtrak system.
However, the Downeaster’s federal funding is scheduled to end in 2009 and a long-term state financing plan must be adopted. Gov. Baldacci assembled a Rail Task Force—which Environment Maine has been monitoring—to make specific recommendations on funding, and issued an Executive Order that charged state agencies and rail authorities to report back on expanding passenger rail service north of Portland to Brunswick and Auburn.
Cutting global warming pollution from Maine’s largest single source—cars and light trucks—should be a priority of the state. Expanding passenger rail service and ensuring sustainable funding for the Downeaster will do just that, and give travelers a cleaner, more efficient transportation choice.
Environment Maine will continue working with the Legislature and Gov. Baldacci to promote passenger rail service in Maine. |
