HALLOWELL, Maine (AP) The Maine Climate Council has held its first meeting just days after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills addressed the United Nations to talk about the state’s efforts to address climate change.
The 39-member panel is tasked with recommending strategies for boosting renewable energy and reducing greenhouse emissions. Members include state lawmakers, scientists, municipal officials, energy experts and tribal officials, along with representatives of industry, fishing and environmental groups.
Mills opened the meeting Thursday by quoting 16-year old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, saying “Change is coming whether you like it or not.”
Also addressing the group was former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy.
Mills pledged during at the UN on Monday to make Maine carbon neutral by 2045. She said the climate council will provide recommendations by Dec. 1, 2020.