Sen. Bailey earns perfect score for voting record on environment and natural resources
AUGUSTA – Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, earned a perfect score from the Maine Conservation Voters for her votes this session to preserve Maine’s natural resources, promote energy independence and protect the public from harmful chemicals. Sen. Bailey was one of 17 state senators to earn a perfect score on the 2021 Environmental Scorecard, released earlier this week, which tracks how lawmakers voted on seven key proposals debated by the Maine Legislature this past year.
“Part of what makes Maine such a great state to live and work in is our beautiful environment,” said Sen. Bailey. “That’s why I’m proud to have earned this perfect score from Maine Conservation Voters. Protecting the environment — which is more fragile and vulnerable than we sometimes realize — for present and future generations is deeply rewarding. I promise to continue that effort.”
Sen. Bailey has a long history of supporting initiatives to promote, protect and preserve Maine’s environment, which supports the health and well-being of Maine people and the economy. This year, Sen. Bailey supported a landmark investment in the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program, led by Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, on which Sen. Bailey also serves. LMF is a popular program that has successfully leveraged public-private partnerships to preserve and protect Maine’s natural resources and public lands for tourists and Mainers alike to enjoy.
Sen. Bailey also supported legislation to require Maine’s Public Employee Retirement System (MainePERS) to divest itself of fossil fuel company assets that are among the 200 publicly traded companies with the largest fossil fuel reserves in the world; are among the 30 largest publicly traded companies owners in the world of coal-fired power plants; have the construction or operation of fossil fuel infrastructure as their core business; have the exploration, extraction, refining, processing or distribution of fossil fuels as their core business; or receive more than 50% of gross revenue from companies that meet the definition under the above listed categories. Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill into law on June 16, 2021.
MCV is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting Maine’s environment and democracy. MCV’s scorecard can be viewed online at www.maineconservation.org/scores.
###