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A Message From The Co‑Chairs

Maine can’t wait to fight climate change. Warming lands and oceans threaten our way of life, and risk leaving our children and grandchildren living in a state we would not recognize. Our future — their future — is at stake.

This is why Maine adopted some of the country’s most ambitious climate change and renewable energy goals. These remain urgent during COVID-19, as we strive to understand how the pandemic may affect our climate future, and how Maine can recover from the significant economic disruption it has caused.

No single step will get us to our goals. But the Maine Climate Council is committed to meeting this challenge head-on, so we can protect our precious air, water and soil for future generations, and build new industries with lasting opportunities for Maine people to be paid well, for jobs they love, right here.

—Hannah Pingree, Director, Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, and Melanie Loyzim, Acting Commissioner, Maine Department of Environmental Protection, co-chairs, Maine Climate Council

(Header photo credit: Tom Groening, Island Institute)

What is the Maine Climate Council?

The Maine Climate Council is an assembly of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local and state officials, and engaged citizens working to address the effects of climate change on our state.

Climate Council Goals

12.01.20

Deliver Climate Action Plan to Governor, Legislature

Achieve State Carbon Neutrality By

2045

Reduce Maine's Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By Targets Outlined In State Law

45%

Below 1990 Levels by 2030

80%

Below 1990 Levels by 2050

Ensure Maine people, industries, and communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change.

HELP US DETERMINE THE PRIORITIES
FOR THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN.

The Council is accepting written comments until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. Please email submissions to maineclimatecouncil@maine.gov, or mail to Maine Climate Council, c/o GOPIF, 181 State House Station, Augusta, ME, 04330.

Climate Strategies

Six working groups — joined by an expert Scientific and Technical Subcommittee — have recommended a series of strategies to the Council for achieving Maine's climate goals. Click each icon for details.