One of the successes of the recent Maine legislative session was the passage of LD 1870, known the “Make Polluters Pay” bill. The law will ultimately result in a fund to which major fossil fuel companies — like Chevron, Exxon Mobil and BP — will contribute to help pay the costs of the damage caused by burning their products. Without it, Maine taxpayers will see higher taxes and insurance rates.
Unfortunately, petroleum lobbyists are asking Congress to pass the Stop Climate Shakedowns Act of 2026. The bill will give the same fossil fuel companies immunity from ever having to be held responsible for wrecking our planet and will nullify all state efforts to recover costs. Sen. Susan Collins receives petroleum industry PAC money. A vote for Collins is a vote to let the fossil fuel industry off the hook.
Tom Mikulka
Cape Elizabeth
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