EcoHomes October Action:Become a Climate Voter!

THE FACTS

Lately, media sources claim that the urgency of climate change is unfashionable. But facts are facts. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) reports that August averaged 75.6 degrees Fahrenheit in the Lower 48 states, making it the warmest August on record. Daytime maximum temperatures also reached 88.6 degrees Fahrenheit on average, another record. Drought covered almost 60% of the U.S. this summer. All of these changes are directly related to the use of fossil fuels.

THE QUESTION

Climate change is not going away. It is more imperative than ever that we make climate change our top priority if we are to continue to thrive on this planet. Polls indicate that a large majority of our neighbors agree. The question is: do our elected officials agree? And if they agree, will they follow that up with the consistent, dedicated action we need from them?

YOUR OCTOBER ACTION

Each and every one of us must be an informed voter to make a difference in our planet’s health. Your October action is to investigate your candidates for national and state office, determine if they support strong action on behalf of the environment, and VOTE (on or before November 3). Encourage your neighbors to become informed climate voters, too.

Here are some questions to ask.*

Does your candidate:

☐ Discuss climate change?
☐ Promote clean energy sources (wind, solar) over expanding fossil fuel use?
☐ Offer a target date for reduction of carbon emissions?
☐ Hold organizations accountable for their impact on the environment?
☐ Assure that all people receive equitable responses to climate disasters?
☐ Uphold the development of wind energy off the Maine coast?
☐ Support the reduction of single use plastic?
☐ Favor protecting state and national lands from resource extraction and reinstating funds allocated to national parks?
☐ Support a ban on harmful chemicals, such as PFAS?
☐ Support the resumption of federal incentives for purchase of electric vehicles?
☐ Intend to end subsidies for fossil fuel companies?
☐ Accept contributions from fossil fuel companies?

🔎 LEARN MORE

On the Maine League of Women Voters website you can read candidate statements and connect with candidates by email.

You can also check out recommendations from the League of Conservation Voters and review candidates’ websites.

This November’s election is consequential for our state and our planet. Question your candidates, and vote to support a healthier environment for all.

*questions adapted from the Clean Choice Energy website.