PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 11, 2021
Lawmakers gave final approval this week to a bill directing Maine’s state government and pension fund to stop investing in fossil fuel companies as part of the global “divestment” movement in response to climate change. But the sell-off of stocks or other investments in fossil fuels wouldn’t take place immediately – and may never happen entirely – because of a key clause that still gives broad latitude. If the Maine bill becomes law, Maine will be the first state where divestment is ordered by the state legislature.