Maine Lawmakers Propose Climate Change Bills

Two bills aim to address global warming and reduce carbon emissions in the state.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Two climate change bills, LD 2037 and LD 1870, have been proposed in the Maine legislature. LD 2037 supports the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, while LD 1870 would provide financial incentives for people to lower their carbon footprints. The author, a gardener, argues that climate change is a serious issue that needs to be addressed through legislative action and individual lifestyle changes.

Why it matters

Climate change is impacting Maine residents, especially gardeners who are facing new challenges each year. These bills represent an opportunity for the state to take concrete steps to address global warming and support efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The details

LD 2037 supports Maine's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a regional cap-and-trade program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. LD 1870 would provide financial incentives to Maine residents to help them lower their carbon footprints, such as through the adoption of solar power or other emissions-reducing measures.

  • The Maine legislature is currently considering LD 2037 and LD 1870.

The players

Deb Sayer

The author of the letter, a gardener who has personally taken steps to reduce her carbon footprint by using solar power and making lifestyle changes.

LD 2037

A bill that supports Maine's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

LD 1870

A bill that would provide financial incentives for Maine residents to lower their carbon emissions.

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What they’re saying

“To turn a blind eye to this worldwide problem would be like terminating all family trees, and burning their roots. We cannot sit back and do nothing.”

— Deb Sayer, Gardener (pressherald.com)

What’s next

The Maine legislature will vote on LD 2037 and LD 1870 in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

These climate change bills represent an important opportunity for Maine to take concrete steps to address global warming and support individual efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Passing these bills could have a significant impact on the state's environmental future.