Our planet is warming and, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have only nine more years to act before the climate crisis will become irreversible. That is why immediate measures must be taken to stop rising emissions levels around the world and to keep fossil fuels in the ground. If this does not happen, we run the risk of catastrophic climate disaster as early as 2040.

As a young person, my whole life is going to be impacted by whether or not adequate climate action is taken in time to save our planet and mitigate the effects of the climate crisis. Divesting from fossil fuels is an important step. That is why I support L.D. 99, which will require the Maine Public Employee Retirement System (MainePERS) to divest from fossil fuels.

MainePERs invests millions of dollars in fossil fuel companies. These companies are not only destroying our planet for profit, they are also using their money to prevent renewable energy projects and spread fake science about climate change. MainePERs members, which are state workers like public teachers, should not have their retirement pensions be invested in companies like that, which is why MainePERs needs to divest from fossil fuels and reinvest this money into clean energy and climate solutions for Maine.

L.D. 99 will help Maine do its part in the global movement to transition away from fossil fuels, in favor of cleaner forms of energy, in order to save the planet from climate disaster.

 

Audrey Hufnagel

Damariscotta

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