Natural Resources
Policy:
1. Continue to Protect Maine’s Natural Resources and Outdoor Heritage
2. Build New England’s Largest Indoor Agricultural Center Via Bond Issuance and Investor Support
3. Covered Bridge Program
4. Cut Transportation-related Carbon Emissions
5. Improve Shoreline Access
Rationale:
Maine will revise the “Welcome Home” motto to something closer to “Make Vacationland Your Home.” Changes have become a bit of a tradition, but it does make a statement. A priority will be to work with all constituencies to both preserve and promote some of the greatest natural resources known to humankind. We will fight to protect Maine lakes from invasive species, milfoil, and algal blooms. While the Libby Administration will seek to harness some Maine rivers for improved hydroelectric power, we are open to all forms of preservation efforts for specific rivers designated by future policy. Easier access to Maine’s mountains will be a priority, along with promotion of hunting and fishing as a vibrant part of the Maine Outdoor economy. Maine has a great system of trails for recreational purposes. Private citizens and public officials work to preserve and protect trails, but threats exist. Trails need to be a priority consideration.
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a problem and will receive thoughtful consideration when funding in the budget process. As a legislator during the 1990's, Jim Libby helped lead an effort to eliminate the use of MTBE in gasoline. The same focus is needed now. Citizens have a right to be frustrated with misguided government policies that promoted the spreading of sludge with financial incentives.
By electing Jim Libby, you can clear the way to allow Maine to establish plans to build the largest indoor agricultural-based civic center in the Northeast. Maine should be a world leader in promoting agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and our other outdoor industries. Establishing a larger and more comprehensive event space can promote visitors to our state on a year-round basis.
Maine’s Department of Transportation (DOT) will invest strategically in building Maine-made objects that enhance our surroundings, including bridges and other structures. Supplementing galvanized steel with safety barriers comprised of composite materials like those founded by the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine will be given full consideration, as well as Maine-made lumber products. We are already seeing the return of lumber for transportation and safety purposes in many housing projects around the state.
The DOT will be directed to roll out a an 80/20 grant program for the construction of a few select covered bridges in strategic locations upon municipal request. A 20% municipal investment is proposed. While these initiatives are categorized as transportation initiatives, the idea behind this policy is to enhance and supplement natural beauty in key locations across Maine.
Maine will seek to cut transportation-based carbon emissions. The State will drop current lawsuits against fossil fuel companies including ExxonMobile, Shell, Chevron and others in favor of less-punitive and more sensible approaches to protecting citizens and the environment. The lawsuit against these companies for negligence in failing to warn Maine citizens about climate change is frivolous. Reasonable warnings should be issued by government itself through a discovery process. Companies should be given appropriate timelines to adapt to potential policy changes following public consideration of reliable and valid science that leads to legislation.
Development of more public access to shorelines will be a stated policy, including the opportunity for positive state-municipal relations regarding policy development in this area. Towns with shorefront will be advised to develop more comprehensive strategies to address shoreline issues. There is clearly a need for a few more local harbor masters when none exist.
