County Climate Accountability Action Plan
Justin helped start Saco Bay Climate Action
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Throughout my time in the legislature, I prioritized our natural resources-based economy, public health, and our way of life here in Maine by advancing policies to protect our environment, promote a green energy industry, and strive for climate justice.
In my past legislative races, I was endorsed by our state’s two leading environmental advocacy groups: Maine Sierra Club & Maine Conservation Voters. For my environmental record, I was named an Environmental Champion from the Maine Conservation Voters. I served for two years on the Environment & Natural Resources Committee and as a member of Governor Janet Mill’s Climate Council, specifically on the Coastal & Marine Working Group. We developed Maine’s Climate Action plan as a bold blueprint for specific and immediate action. The 4 year plan named ‘Maine Won’t Wait’ can be found here: https://climatecouncil.maine.gov/future/sites/maine.gov.future/files/inline-files/MaineWontWait_EXSum.pdf. Elements of the plan are currently being implemented. I’m proud of my work with the council and the committee, helping to elevate the topic of coastal erosion and the need for municipal grants to mitigate erosion issues. |
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Justin speaking at a Climate Council meeting about coastal erosion
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To protect people and the environment, reduce litter, and keep polystyrene out of the waste stream, I was a co-sponsor for LD 289, which passed a statewide ban on certain polystyrene foam products. I introduced and co-sponsored successful legislation banning offshore oil drilling, during a time the Trump Administration was seriously considering it. I also introduced and passed legislation making water a public right. I was able to help pass a resolution demanding Federal action for Camp Ellis.
I was a Senate co-sponsor to Rep. Chloe Maxmin's bill to create a Green New Deal for Maine. It was signed into law by Governor Mills. I championed campaign finance reform at the state house to ensure fossil fuel companies and other corporate lobbyists can’t influence policy outcomes. I was able to pass a lobbyist contribution ban and strengthened rules around PACs. |
With Climate Champion Rep. Chloe Maxmin discussing the Green New Deal for Maine
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I even worked to start a Climate Action Team for the Saco Bay area prior to the pandemic.
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I’m also the only candidate in this race who has signed the No Fossil Fuel Pledge, refusing any and all lobbyist, PAC, or corporate contributions, including those from the oil and gas industry. We must take a stand against those profiting off polluting our environment and directly contributing to climate change. I would extend this pledge to the role of County Commissioner, ensuring that all county finances are not invested in fossil fuel corporations. |
Below is a list of ideas for us to build upon. It’s by no means everything that we should or can be doing. It’s meant as a starting place for the discussion. At the bottom, feel free to contact me to suggest your own ideas for how we can both combat climate change and protect our critical environmental resources in our county.
Climate Accountability
Climate change represents a real, existential threat to our entire way of life. Every decision we make, every action we take, should reflect this overall sense of urgency to address this dire situation. Our economy, personal health, and quality of life are all dependent on how we treat our natural resources. Public policy decisions should be put through a prism of what can be done to combat climate change, adapt to a shifting world, and protect our communities from coastal erosion.
Subsequently, we must hold government officials accountable for their ongoing response to this crisis. When I served on the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations subcommittee, we used a policy matrix to determine the impact each piece of legislation would have combating racial disparities. This was done even for bills that might not appear related to this topic. A similar process could be used in any new solutions funded by Federal relief dollars and through the typical budgeting process.
Subsequently, we must hold government officials accountable for their ongoing response to this crisis. When I served on the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Maine Tribal Populations subcommittee, we used a policy matrix to determine the impact each piece of legislation would have combating racial disparities. This was done even for bills that might not appear related to this topic. A similar process could be used in any new solutions funded by Federal relief dollars and through the typical budgeting process.
York County Climate Change Mitigation Task Force
Before leaving the Senate, I started the first annual Saco Bay Symposium to bring various local, state, and federal officials together around the topic of coastal erosion. While I’m proud to see our legislative delegation continue what I started, we need to go a step further to ensure ongoing dialogue and action.
As county commissioner, I will push for the creation of the York County Climate Change Mitigation Task Force, to coordinate climate mitigation strategies across levels of government and municipalities, help implement Maine Climate Council recommendations from the state, and move for decarbonization of county operations by 2030.
- Ongoing discussion brining representatives from municipalities
- Membership: Youth reps from county high schools
- State DEP rep
- Legislative delegation
- Federal delegation rep
- Monthly meetings to tackle action items and brainstorm ideas to tackle climate change
- Annual workshop to coordinate and collaborate climate change mitigation county wide
- Annual meeting to discuss coastal erosion (building from the symposium I started back in 2020)
- Help to establish regional partnerships between municipalities that share neighboring issues
As county commissioner, I will push for the creation of the York County Climate Change Mitigation Task Force, to coordinate climate mitigation strategies across levels of government and municipalities, help implement Maine Climate Council recommendations from the state, and move for decarbonization of county operations by 2030.
- Ongoing discussion brining representatives from municipalities
- Membership: Youth reps from county high schools
- State DEP rep
- Legislative delegation
- Federal delegation rep
- Monthly meetings to tackle action items and brainstorm ideas to tackle climate change
- Annual workshop to coordinate and collaborate climate change mitigation county wide
- Annual meeting to discuss coastal erosion (building from the symposium I started back in 2020)
- Help to establish regional partnerships between municipalities that share neighboring issues
Protect Coastal Communities
- Fully support SOS Saco Bay’s push for the county to fund the purchase of a dredge
- Grants for municipalities to replenish sand and establish other mitigating techniques to coastal erosion based on ongoing discussions with coastal municipalities
Commitment to Clean Energy
Move county operations to 100% renewable energy by 2030
My husband and I are doing our part by installing solar panels on our home and driving electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
My husband and I are doing our part by installing solar panels on our home and driving electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Solar panels on county buildings
- Implement an EV fleet for any county vehicles
- EV charging station at county office/court house
- Conduct energy audit of existing buildings to determine if retrofitting is needed
- Create business incentive program to recognize businesses that meet certain climate action checkpoints
Expand Public Transit
Transportation is responsible for 54% of Maine’s annual greenhouse gas emissions
- Use ARPA funds to expand the current public transit in the Saco OOB area to more stops with a focus on connecting seniors to essentials
- This could include a partnership with Age Friendly Saco’s transportation initiative
- Use ARPA funds to conduct a pilot project for rural public transit in Hollis and Buxton
Protecting our Water
- Ensure there are water bottle refilling stations on county property and we can the purchase of bulk plastic bottled water unless for emergency purposes
- Advocate with legislative delegation to ensure greater public equity around corporate water extraction for bottling and call for a study group around what public ownership of water distribution could look like
Encouraging Remote Participation to reduce carbon emissions and advance equity
One of the takeaways from the pandemic was the realization to many that meetings and even work could be conducted remotely. In fact, productivity increased and carbon emissions were reduced with less traffic and less individuals having to hop in the car to get to and from places.
As an appointed member of Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee, I have been advocating for policies that encourage local control over governmental meetings being conducted remotely, regardless if there is a public health emergency. We are seeing in some cases increased public participation with either a hybrid or all remote structure to proceedings.
While there are of course times that meeting in person is warranted and beneficial, we should look to alternative ways of meeting whether it’s a public hearing, a nonprofit board, or in the private sector as a means of reducing transportation emissions and ensuring that all voices can be heard.
As an appointed member of Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee, I have been advocating for policies that encourage local control over governmental meetings being conducted remotely, regardless if there is a public health emergency. We are seeing in some cases increased public participation with either a hybrid or all remote structure to proceedings.
While there are of course times that meeting in person is warranted and beneficial, we should look to alternative ways of meeting whether it’s a public hearing, a nonprofit board, or in the private sector as a means of reducing transportation emissions and ensuring that all voices can be heard.
Add your ideas! Send them to justinchenette@gmail.com
