Maine’s environmental movement is steeped in a rich history of activism and resilience, dating back centuries before European settlers arrived. The Wabanaki people have long served as stewards of their homelands, honoring a deep connection to the lands and waterways that sustained their communities for generations.

From the early conservation efforts of visionaries like Ed Muskie to the grassroots campaigns of today being led by groups like Maine Youth for Climate Justice, the spirit of protecting Maine’s natural heritage is just a part of who we are. And it is integral to our work at Maine Conservation Voters.

One of us is at the very beginning of our career at MCV, and the other is approaching retirement. We both share a love for the natural wonders in Maine and a deep concern for our state’s future. Together, we believe that the time for action is now. We have witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand – warmer winters disrupting ecosystems, rising sea levels encroaching on our shores and more frequent and intense storms wreaking havoc on our communities. But we refuse to stand idly by while the people and places in our state suffer.

Maine cannot afford to wait for others to take the lead – individually and collectively, we must continue to do our part to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

To meet our bipartisan climate targets, including transitioning 80% of Maine’s electricity to renewables by 2030 and 100% by 2040, Maine needs large sources of clean, affordable energy. A just transition to clean, affordable energy must work for all Maine people.

We both believe that responsibly developed offshore wind is a powerful solution to address the climate crisis, meet our energy needs, and boost the economy all at once. By investing in clean energy infrastructure and incentivizing renewable development, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.

But this transition to clean energy will require bold leadership and concerted action. It will require a disruption to the way we’ve always done things. We’ll need to overcome political gridlock and industry opposition to implement policies that prioritize sustainability and environmental justice.

We know how to get it done. Last legislative session, we worked tirelessly to pass L.D. 1895, offshore wind legislation that reflects a broad coalition and sets high standards for labor and equity. As we continue to implement this law, we’re setting a national example for how to responsibly develop a new and affordable energy source, grow good-paying jobs for our workers, and do so without compromising Maine values.

We are equally passionate in the belief that offshore wind, and the transition to clean energy, is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to right historical wrongs and make sure our energy system works for all Mainers. Low-income and marginalized communities are often hit hardest by the impacts of climate change and have the least resources to adapt and recover. As we work to build a more resilient Maine, we must ensure that all people are empowered to participate in and all communities are served by the transition to a sustainable future.

Education and awareness are also key to driving change. We must engage with our fellow Mainers, from students to seniors, to foster an intergenerational culture of environmental protection and climate action. By raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and the benefits of clean energy, we can mobilize support for bold policy solutions and inspire grassroots activism.

As we look to the future, regardless of what part of our career we find ourselves, we are filled with hope and determination. Maine has always been a place of resilience, innovation and community spirit. By uniting across generations and rallying behind a shared vision for our future, we can rise to the challenge of climate change and reestablish respectful, reciprocal relationships with the natural world, now, for future generations, and for all.