I am proud of my state for its work on climate action. Though we should have intervened to mitigate climate pollution long ago, it is heartening to know that we are nearing the one-year anniversary of a comprehensive Maine Climate Action Plan and that we have a plan to improve our resilience and transition to clean energy.

But states cannot solve the climate crisis on their own. We need support from our federal government, and that support could come from the Build Back Better Act. This would be the largest investment in climate change response we’ve ever made, and we need to invest now. Unfortunately, the bill is still in limbo due to a lack of commitment from our Congress.

I am very disappointed that Congressman Jared Golden, D-2nd District, voted against the bill in the first House vote, especially as the bill’s provisions will provide much relief to Maine people, our economy, and environment. I understand that he had concerns about the bill, but now is not the time to withhold funding from needed climate action.

Climate change is not going to wait for us to have the perfect plan. Golden may have another shot at supporting the bill, and if he does, he must vote yes. The same goes for our Sens. Collins and King, who will vote on the bill in the coming weeks. Please join me in urging all of them to support a much needed bill.

 

Sally Melcher-McKeagney

Fairfield