Sen. Breen earns high marks for voting record on environment
AUGUSTA — Sen. Cathy Breen, D-Falmouth, earned a perfect score from the Maine Conservation Voters for her votes to preserve Maine’s rich natural resources, invest in clean, renewable energy and protect the public from harmful chemicals. This 2020 Environmental Scorecard highlighted Sen. Breen for receiving a score of 100 percent in the 129th legislative session.
“I appreciate this score from the Maine Conservation Voters—it means a great deal to me to be recognized for working to protect Maine’s natural environment,” said Sen. Breen. “As Covid-19 has forced us all to change our lifestyles, Mainers have increasingly taken to the beach, their favorite lake, or the woods via our peerless network of trails. This reliance on getting outdoors in order to pass the time and keep us sane speaks volumes on the importance of protecting our environment. I will continue to make this a top priority as long as I serve in the Senate.”
Sen. Breen has a long history of supporting initiatives to promote, protect and preserve Maine’s environment. As a member of the Falmouth Town Council, Sen. Breen oversaw the passage of the Open Space referendum, one of the most successful municipal efforts to conserve local land and wildlife habitat in Maine history. She has served on the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee and was appointed to the bipartisan Land Conservation Task Force. Sen. Breen has championed the Land for Maine’s Future program in the 129th Legislature by sponsoring one of the chief recommendations of the Task Force: a bond initiative to replenish its funding. Land for Maine’s Future is Maine’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting Maine’s land, and Sen. Breen is hopeful that the bond will be sent to the voters before the Legislature adjourns.
The Environmental Scorecard tracks how each member of the Maine Legislature votes on key environmental issues in an effort to hold elected officials accountable. Sen. Breen,who has a lifetime pro-environmental voting record of 100%, is a proven champion for Maine’s environment.
“The unprecedented circumstances of 2020 have forced us all to reconsider many aspects of our lives and our society. Throughout it all, MCV is grateful for the leadership of lawmakers who are voting to accelerate Maine’s transition to a clean energy economy and deliver the environmental and public health results that communities across our state want and deserve,” said Beth Ahearn, Director of Government Affairs at MCV.
The Maine Conservation Voters scored six key initiatives debated by the legislature this year, including the Land for Maine’s Future Bond, which was the only initiative proposal that didn’t pass. All 21 Senate Democrats received perfect scores for their environmental record. MCV’s Scorecard can be viewed online at www.maineconservation.org/scores.
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