BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 29, 2020
Transportation accounts for the majority of all climate-warming emissions in Maine (~54%). In March, the EPA rolled back fuel economy standards that would have raised the new vehicle fuel economy to 54 miles per gallon. At the most crucial moment in American history, we are moving backwards. Maine is starting to take action. The Maine Climate Council is considering proposals to expand public transportation and increase rebates for electric vehicles. The Transportation and Climate Initiative is another solution that could mean more investment in climate-friendly transportation for disadvantaged communities. Climate change is mostly an economics issue, and economics and climate solutions can go hand in hand. Switching to a green economy could result in a net increase in jobs. ~ William Lauring Somes, political science and economics major, UMaine