Senator Chipman earns perfect score for voting record on the environment and natural resources
AUGUSTA – Senator Ben Chipman, D-Portland, earned a perfect score from the Maine Conservation Voters for his votes this session to preserve Maine’s natural resources, promote energy independence and protect the public from harmful chemicals. Senator Chipman was one of 17 state senators to earn a perfect score on the 2021 Environmental Scorecard released last week, which tracked how lawmakers voted on seven key proposals debated by the Maine Legislature this past year.
“Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing our society,” said Senator Chipman. “As our environment deteriorates, other issues such as the affordable housing crisis, income inequality and the need for affordable health care will only worsen. That’s why I fundamentally believe in taking immediate climate action and will always support initiatives to protect the environment in Maine. I’m proud to receive this perfect score from the Maine Conservation Voters.”
Senator Chipman has always stood up for the environment. He understands that the success of Maine people is directly connected to how we take care of our natural resources. This year, Senator Chipman supported a milestone investment in the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) program. LMF leverages public-private partnerships to preserve and protect Maine’s natural resources and public land for visitors and Mainers alike to join making it a very popular program. Senator Chipman also supported an initiative to change packaging laws that requires corporations to pay taxes for wasteful materials that are then distributed to municipalities to support recycling programs.
Climate change will have the greatest impacts on future generations, which is why Senator Chipman supported passing a bill to divest Maine Public Employees Retirement Fund from fossil fuels. The legislation was supported by young climate activists in Maine who agree with Senator Chipman that the time to take climate action is now.
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.
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