AUGUSTA — Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, has been appointed to serve on the Maine Climate Council’s coastal and marine working group by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

The working group will study and make recommendations regarding the effects of climate change on Maine’s coast and marine resources, according to as press release issued by the Maine Senate Majority Office.

“Climate change is an existential threat to our entire way of life here in Maine,” Chenette said. “We must work to find sustainable solutions that will protect Maine’s beautiful coastline from rising sea levels, lobstering and fishing industries from warming waters, and our entire natural resources-based economy.”

The Maine Climate Council is charged with developing action plans to:

•  Reduce Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050

•  Increase Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard from the current 40 percent to 80 percent by 2030 and a 100 percent energy by 2050

•  Create new incentives for energy-efficient heating

•  Institute new solar incentive programs

Starting in 2021, the Climate Council will share information annually about its findings and recommendations, including any possible legislation. The council includes multiple working groups that will focus on certain areas of study to help the council achieve its goals.

Chenette represents two coastal communities, Old Orchard Beach and Saco, and is a member of the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee.

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