Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

In Maine our economy and our natural environment are inextricably linked. In the last two decades, politicians in Washington have wrought an environmental crisis that threatens Maine's economic future. Anyone who hunts or fishes, gardens or farms can tell you that Maine's climate is changing. The consequences of climate change to our environment, public health and the economy are potentially catastrophic, and we should take advantage of opportunities to prevent it whenever we can.

Investing in Renewable Energy

We can confront climate change by investing in renewable energy sources like solar, properly sited wind, tidal, geothermal, biomass and biodiesel to guide us toward a nuclear-free, fossil-fuel free energy future. Maine, with our tremendous natural resources, can be a world leader in conservation and renewable energy. We can create jobs that leave a cleaner world for our children and a stronger economic foundation for generations to come.

Responsible Clean Air Standards

In addition to investing in renewable energy, we must pursue strong limits on carbon emissions. Republican Susan Collins sponsored a controversial measure to gut the Clean Air Act. Instead of voting to prevent big corporations from acting responsibly, Maine leaders should support forward-looking projects that help the environment and put us on a sound economic footing.

Sustainable Agriculture and GMO Labeling

We can protect the environment and the economy by supporting sustainable and organic local agriculture and enforcing strong GMO labeling standards. We should not let big agribusiness take over our land and water for short-term profits, and as a senator I'll always stand up for the family farm over Monsanto or Dow Chemical.

A Clean Water Supply

One of the best ways to support family farms is to maintain our clean water supply. I'll be a strong advocate for environmental protection and cleanup measures. Last year Susan Collins voted for a Republican proposal to block EPA and Army Corps of Engineers efforts to protect waterways that supply public drinking water to 117 million Americans. I would have joined Angus King in voting against that measure. The Clean Water Act is one of the landmark achievements of the environmental movement, and as a Senator I'd work to extend its protections instead of chipping away at them.

I Oppose Keystone and Tar Sands Exploitation

True environmental leaders stand up for conservation rather than drilling and mining interests. That's why I oppose the Keystone XL pipeline and other dirty tar sands projects. Republican Susan Collins voted in 2012 to approve Keystone outright. She won't stand up to the proposed Portland Montreal Pipeline reversal, which would put one of Maine's most ecologically sensitive and important lakes at risk of tar sands contamination. I agree with the rest of our Maine congressional delegation that we need a new permitting process and full environmental review before any of Maine's resources are put at risk.

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