BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 20, 2024
Maine Audubon testified on 80 individual bills in Maine’s 131st Legislature. Five of the most important wins for Maine wildlife:
• LD 1895 is about promoting safe offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine.
• LD 958 will protect loons from lead poisoning.
• LD 670 will set bird-safe building guidelines.
• LD 57 adds animals to the Maine Endangered Species Act.
• LD 2101 improved the enforcement of shoreland zoning.
There are many more wins to celebrate — including increased funding for the management of aquatic invasive species, expanding the consideration of impacts to endangered species, and protecting the rights of Mainers to plant native plants. We fell short on some bills, though, including: efforts to advance smart growth principles. ~ Francesca Gundrum, advocacy director, Maine Audubon