Curbing Carbon Through Policy and Practice
Realizing effective and lasting solutions to climate change and its effects requires policies based on sound science.
Reducing the amount of greenhouse gases we send into the atmosphere is up to us. Maine has the highest carbon emissions and spends the most on energy per capita in New England. That’s why TNC partners with policymakers and leaders to shape bold, innovative approaches that reduce emissions in Maine—and beyond. Collaborating to build public support for these initiatives helps ensure their continued success.
Our priorities include advancing clean energy, incentivizing energy-efficient practices, and setting ambitious emissions-reduction targets. TNC’s work to help establish and lead the Maine Climate Council has positioned us at the forefront of the climate change policy that is making Maine a model for our nation and the world.
Quote: Kaitlyn Nuzzo
The amount of greenhouse gases we send into the atmosphere is something we can control, and Maine has an important role to play. We need bold policies and innovative partnerships that reduce emissions in Maine and beyond.
Curbing Carbon in Maine
TNC played a significant role in developing Maine's statewide Climate Action Plan. We built bipartisan support for legislation that called for the Climate Council and helped shape the plan throughout its development. The final product is a comprehensive playbook to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon storage and ensure an equitable transition to a low-carbon future.
Leveraging Nature's Power as a Climate Solution
The Nature Conservancy's climate research shows that nature can provide a third of the emissions reductions the world needs between now and 2030. In Maine, we are showcasing strategies to help forests capture more CO2 through carbon offset programs and advancing policies and programs to help forestland owners across the state increase the amount of carbon stored on their properties.
Inspiring Ambitious Climate Policy
With a broad range of partners, we are developing and advocating for state, regional and federal policies that advance river and stream restoration, climate resilience, clean transportation, and well-sited renewable energy. We also continue to support more equitable conservation outcomes by advocating for the voice, choice and action of our Indigenous partners.
Helping Communities Transition to Clean Energy
We are working with Efficiency Maine to support small municipalities statewide in switching from oil to electric heat pumps, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting in public buildings and installing publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers. In addition to directly reducing carbon emissions, these demonstration projects show that clean energy upgrades can meet the needs of rural Maine communities.
A Cleaner Ride to School
Transportation accounts for over 50% of Maine’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to cleaner electric vehicles a critical element of our state’s climate strategy. We partnered to assist Maine school districts in accessing federal funding available for electric school buses. Now dozens of clean yellow buses are coming to Maine’s neighborhoods, offering kids a quiet, fume-free ride to school.
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What Policy Success Looks Like
Our priorities include advancing clean energy, incentivizing energy-efficient practices and setting ambitious emissions-reduction targets. As part of our Join Maine campaign, we are working to ensure these critical successes by 2024:
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On Track for 80%
of Maine's electricity supply to be provided by renewable sources by 2030
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On Track for an 80%
reduction in Maine's greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2050
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