BATH, Maine — Nearly a year after devastating storms struck Maine's coast, state and climate leaders are updating their goals in an attempt to shield the state from future impacts of climate change.
Gov. Janet Mills joined by members of the Maine Climate Council met in Bath to unveil an updated version of the "Maine Won't Wait" climate action plan. The hefty 189-page report builds upon its 2020 predecessor and lays out steps to take over the next four years.
"This historic undertaking of rebuilding our communities is bringing with it a deep understanding of the perils of climate change and a renewed urgency to protect Maine from its effects," Mills said. "The threat is real, and the danger is here and now. Maine will not wait to act."
Key areas of focus within the report include building more resilient communities with the help of funding, an increase in land conservation, and a push toward clean energy.
While Maine has already made strides in incentivizing heat pump installations, the updated plan emphasizes further reducing reliance on fossil fuels by modernizing homes and businesses with sustainable energy solutions.
"Most of our emissions come from the transportation sector and from our own homes, as most Mainers remain reliant on gasoline, heating oil, and other fossil fuels," Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim said.
Despite looming changes in administration and ambitious goals set, climate leaders remain optimistic about achieving the plan's targets.
"We have made progress on every goal we set in 2020," Hannah Pingree of the Governor's Office of Policy and Innovation said. "Many of the 2030 targets are within reach, and we’re on the right trajectory."
The updated plan will now head to the state Legislature for review and consideration.