A Message from our Executive Director Jeff Marks

In 2024, ClimateWork Maine experienced significant growth, adding new programs and staff all dedicated to advancing our mission while preparing for the challenges that face us in 2025. The political climate in Washington is evolving, with shifts in leadership that are reshaping national energy policy and influencing the direction of climate action. At the same time, while Maine has long been at the forefront of climate policy starting with the rollout of Maine Won’t Wait in December 2020 and its revisions in November 2024, the state is poised for even greater action.

With resilience to increased storm damage likely to drive these efforts, we can anticipate continued focus on renewable energy development and climate resilience, grid modernization, and permitting reforms.

We must now look at ways to engage with policymakers, invest in sustainable practices, support innovation, and create public-private partnerships. To that end, ClimateWork Maine plans to explore a new and broader grassroots movement for climate action in 2025. This will be a broader alliance, with support of and participation by the business community, but in close partnership with citizen-based communities, environmental groups and other NGOs, state government officials, universities and colleges, and other coalitions and networks.

We need to seek a new way to engage on how to work together, find common ground, and reduce division. Not to duplicate, but to expand, advance, and promote current efforts, strengthening existing initiatives while fostering greater collective impact.