Mills touts new initiatives, funding to help communities fight climate change
Courtesy / Office of Gov. Janet Mills
"With our climate action plan as our guide, we will combat this crisis and protect our people and their communities from its harmful impacts," Gov. Janet Mills said Wednedsay in Orono.
Marking the first anniversary of Maine's four-year climate action plan, Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday unveiled new initiatives and funding to help communities prepare and adapt for what she said is the greatest danger of our time.
Towards that end, Mills said her administration will provide nearly $25 million to local and tribal governments related to climate change. One part of that is a $20 million fund to help municipalities, tribal government, and others improve stormwater, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure from flooding, rising sea levels and extreme weather.
Mills also announced a $4.75 million program to provide grants and technical assistance to municipal and tribal governments for starting or enhancing their local climate action plans and undertake community projects to curb carbon emissions, transition to clean energy, and become more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Both initiatives were announced in Orono in recognition of the regional climate planning partnership formed this year by the town of Orono, the city of Bangor, the University of Maine and Husson University. Mills hopes to support towns and cities as they launch local efforts to address climate change in their communities, following priorities laid out in the state’s climate plan.
"With our climate action plan as our guide, we will combat this crisis and protect our people and their communities from its harmful impacts," she said. "We owe no less to future generations so that they may live in a Maine that is as beautiful and bountiful as it is today."
The latest plans come on top of climate change-related funding in the state's biennial budget and Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, including $50 million for energy efficiency programs including residential weatherization and efficiency upgrades for schools, towns, nonprofits and budgets; $50 million for affordable housing; and $40 million for land conservation to maximize carbon storage and support working waterfronts, farms and forests.
“In Maine, our lands and waters are our way of life — where we earn our livelihoods, raise our families, and find fulfillment and peace. Indeed, we are inextricably tied to this place we love and call home. But the climate crisis — a code red for humanity — is disrupting our cherished way of life, threatening our economy, and endangering our future,” Mills said. “With the very future of our state and its people at stake, Maine is not waiting to act."
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