Congratulating Beth Ahearn on Her Retirement

Floor Speech

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Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize an unwavering leader in my state who is retiring after several decades of dedicated service to environmental stewardship, legislative leadership, and an inclusive democracy.

For over thirty years, Beth Ahearn has worked tirelessly to protect Maine's environment, advance climate policies, expand voting rights, and secure elections. As the Director of Government Affairs for both Maine Conservation Alliance and Maine Conservation Voters, Beth's guidance was instrumental in shaping impactful policies for the betterment of Maine's natural resources and democratic processes.

Prior to Beth's tenure with Maine Conservation Voters, her experience and breadth of knowledge were influential in various capacities. Beth's previous roles included lobbying on behalf of Moose Ridge Associates, representing children as guardian ad litem, as staff attorney for Maine Audubon, and as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland and Androscoggin Counties.

Throughout her distinguished career, Beth oversaw several achievements that will protect Maine's environment for generations to come. In addition to crafting common sense legislation to make conservation, climate action, and voting rights political priorities, Beth guided the restoration of alewives on the St. Croix River, led the passage into law the Extended Producer Responsibility Program for Packaging and secured funding for the Land for Maine's Future Program.

Beth Ahearn's commitment to the environment and strengthening our democracy makes me very proud to represent her and the State of Maine in Congress. I wish Beth the best in her retirement, and I wholeheartedly thank her for her many years of influential work.

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