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Angus King on Environment
Independent Former ME Governor
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Phase out single-use plastic and foam
Loosen or tighten environmental regulations?Angus King (I): Tighten. Introduced a bill phasing out single-use plastic food containers and other plastic foam products. "We need bold action to tackle this global crisis."
Supported addressing maintenance backlog in national parks.
Demi Kouzounas (R): Likely loosen. "Radical Democrats" support the Green New Deal.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maine Senate race
, Sep 9, 2024
Support EPA brownfield program for industrial cleanup
Angus King sits on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. From that position he has protected our national parks and toiled on renewable energy issues to reduce the environmental impacts of climate change. He has voted in favor of increasing the
EPA's Brownfield program to clean up polluted industrial and hazardous waste sites. In Maine he fought successfully to ensure that entrance fees at Acadia National Park didn't spike out of reach of most of us.
Source: Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel on 2018 Maine Senate race
, Aug 5, 2018
River "amenities" have enormous economic & cultural value
San Antonio's special character flows (couldn't resist) from the river that meanders through its heart. It's a perfect example of how something the planner-types call "an amenity" (and hard-nosed but short-sighted businesspeople sometimes call a frill)
can have enormous economic, social, and cultural consequences. Texas as a whole takes in about $6 billion a year on tourism; San Antonio alone represents $4 billion of that total. And the River Walk, along with the Alamo, is what makes it happen.
Source: Governor`s Travels, by Gov. Angus King, p. 56-57
, Aug 16, 2011
National parks are tax money well spent
A word is in order about our national parks. They're great--well maintained, impressive (each in its own way), and most particularly, staffed by courteous & dedicated people. From Kitty Hawk to Fort Sumter to Big Bend, we found really nice people who
were passionate about "their" place and who made us feel welcomed and valued as guests. People are always complaining about taxes, but whatever goes to these magnificent places is money well spent. We still don't need one in northern Maine, though.
Source: Governor`s Travels, by Gov. Angus King, p. 70
, Aug 16, 2011
Two Maines: inexorable decline of rural areas
In Maine, one of our most persistent problems--dating back at least 100 years--is what we call the Two Maines: the more prosperous and economically diverse southern part of the state, centered on Portland and its proximity to
Boston, and the northern and eastern parts, whose economies have always been based on natural resources--farming, fishing, and forestry--all of which seem to be in a perpetual state of gradual decline.
Generations of leaders--governors, legislators, mayors, local citizens--have worked on this, trying everything from special tax incentives, infrastructure improvements, and educational centers to regional industrial parks and development authorities.
In fact, I spent the better part of my second term trying to slow, if not reverse, this seemingly inexorable trend.
Source: Governor`s Travels, by Gov. Angus King, p.102
, Aug 16, 2011
Get cars out of the more crowded national parks
Tour buses, lines at the store, endless circling for a parking place. To its credit, the Park Service is wrestling with this issue on an ongoing basis and clearly understands the conflict inherent in its basic charge--to make
America's natural wonders accessible while at the same time preserving and protecting them for future generations.
There's no easy answer to this one, but some steps seem pretty obvious, like getting the cars out of at least some of the parks altogether and using shuttle buses or some other alternative.
It seems to me that something like this has to come--at least to the more crowded parks--in the pretty near future.
Source: Governor`s Travels, by Gov. Angus King, p.116-117
, Aug 16, 2011
Maine is clean & getting cleaner
Our environment-already one of the best in the world-is getting better.- We have cleaner air: In the mid-80s, Maine averaged 9 days of unhealthy air a year. In 1999, we had 1.
- We have a cleaner marine environment:Over 100,000 acres of clam flats
have been opened in the last 5 years and the value of the lobster catch is at an all-time high.
- We have cleaner workplaces: As a result of the Toxic Use Reduction Act, we have seen a 57% reduction in toxic materials released.
- We have cleaner rivers
Dioxin levels in river fish have steadily declined as the nation’s most stringent dioxin standards have been implemented ahead of schedule.
- We’re improving our forests: The Forest Practices Act has been strengthened, and most of Maine’s large
landowners-including the state itself-are voluntarily going through an outside audit of their forest practices.
- We are preserving our natural heritage: Last year, the state acquired Scarborough Beach and 29 miles of shorefront on Moosehead Lake.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Me. legislature
, Jan 24, 2001
Promote Smart Growth via tax breaks
The Smart Growth initiatives include promoting investments in our downtowns and service center communities, and helping communities restore traditional neighborhoods. It also includes preserving our open rural spaces and promoting agriculture by reducing
penalties on farmland under the Farm and Open Space Tax Act, eliminating the sales tax on electricity use in agriculture and aquaculture, and strengthening our Right to Farm law. I strongly support this package, and will work hard to implement it.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Me. legislature
, Jan 24, 2001
Eliminate mercury releases by 2003.
King signed the New England Governors' Conference resolution:
- WHEREAS, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) is well on its way to meeting the 50% reduction goal outlined in its 1998 Mercury Action Plan before the target date of 2003, and that a sustained, coordinated effort continues to be necessary to achieve the ultimate goal of “virtual elimination of anthropogenic mercury” releases into the environment, including the identification of other potential sources of mercury releases and their appropriate controls; and.
- WHEREAS, the New England states each have freshwater fish consumption advisories and recent information suggests a parallel need for salt-water fish advisories for certain species of fish; and
- WHEREAS, success in keeping anthropogenic [from human sources] mercury out of the environment depends on ensuring that stockpiled and recovered mercury is retired from the market in a safe and permanent manner;
- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the NEGC recommends that each state commit to working with their respective legislatures toward the goal of “virtual elimination” of anthropogenic mercury as expeditiously as feasible, and to evaluate new reduction targets beyond the 50% reduction by 2003 [and new targets for 2010]; and
- BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NEGC make every effort to work constructively and efficiently with industry, EPA, and other state and federal agencies as needed to ensure that large quantities of stockpiled or recovered mercury are permanently retired in a manner that safely and securely avoids reintroduction of that mercury into the marketplace or, potentially, into the environment.
Source: NEG/ECP Resolution 25-1: Mercury 00-NEGC1 on Sep 22, 2000
More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups.
King adopted the National Governors Association position paper:
The Issue
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), otherwise known as Superfund, was created to clean up the worst hazardous waste sites across the country and to recoup expenses from responsible parties. Since the law was enacted in 1980, the Superfund program has caused significant amounts of litigation, while cleanup of hazardous waste sites has not been as fast or effective as the statute envisioned. In addition, states have not had the necessary tools or funding from the federal government to adequately clean up state sites. “Brownfields” sites—abandoned or undeveloped non-Superfund industrial or commercial sites under state jurisdiction—have gained increasing attention from Congress in recent years as passage of a comprehensive Superfund package has become increasingly unlikely.
NGA’s Position
NGA supports the reauthorization of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. NGA policy calls for more opportunities for states to take authority for cleanup of National Priorities List (NPL) sites, increased autonomy and funding over brownfield sites, and the concurrence of a Governor before a site can be listed on the NPL.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA15 on Aug 1, 2001
Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water.
King adopted the National Governors Association position paper:
The Issue
The Clean Water Act (CWA) has not been reauthorized since 1987. At that time, provisions were added to address nonpoint source pollution, pollution from diffuse sources such as runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, stormwater runoff, and sediment. Governors and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagree on the best approach to addressing the problem of nonpoint source pollution.
NGA’s Position
NGA supports the reauthorization of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (the Clean Water Act). The Governors support an increased focus on watershed management planning, including funding for the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and nonpoint source pollution programs. States should have the flexibility to develop plans for attaining federally approved water quality standards in impaired waters - in consultation with local government officials and stakeholders - and to allocate responsibility for cleanup among contributors. The TMDL regulations should be revised, by legislation if necessary, to give states adequate flexibility, funding, and time to address impaired waters.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA9 on Aug 1, 2001
No EPA permits required for forest road runoff.
King co-sponsored Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act
Congressional Summary:Amends the Clean Water Act to prohibit the EPA from requiring permits for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from silviculture activities.
Opponent`s argument against bill: (Evergreen Magazine and Washington Forest Law Center): In Aug. 2010, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously that polluted stormwater generated by logging roads is subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. [The ruling meant] that rain runoff from forest roads constituted an industrial (not forestry) activity, which should be considered a `point source` discharge under the CWA. The lawsuit was brought because forest roads have been dumping sediment into rivers that support myriad species of salmon and resident trout, all of which are at risk from the pollution. The ruling will require State agencies to issue permits and ensure that road construction and maintenance practices limit or eliminate such discharges.
In March 2013, the
US Supreme Court reversed the Ninth Circuit: permits are not required for stormwater discharges from pipes, ditches and channels along logging roads. [This legislation supports the Supreme Court ruling, against the Ninth Circuit conclusion].
Proponent`s argument for bill: (Press release by sponsors):
Sen. WYDEN (D-OR): `We need a healthy timber industry to provide timber jobs and to do the restoration work that ensures healthy forests. The way to do that is to stop litigating questions that have already been answered.`
Sen. CRAPO (R-ID): `The jobs and economic activities relating to the forest products industry are critical to the Pacific Northwest. The Clean Water Act was not intended to regulate stormwater runoff on forest roads.`
Rep. HERRERA BEUTLER (R-WA): `At the heart of our efforts are the moms and dads employed by healthy, working forests--and passing this law will help make sure they have jobs, and will help make our forests healthy.`
Source: S.971 / H.R.2026 13-S0971 on May 16, 2013
Loosen restrictions on predator control in Alaska.
King voted YEA Disapprove Subsistence Hunting Rule on ANWR
Library of Congress Summary: This joint resolution nullifies the rule finalized by the Department of the Interior on Aug. 5, 2016, relating to non-subsistence takings of wildlife and public participation and closure procedures on National Wildlife Refuges in Alaska.
Case for voting YES by House Republican Policy Committee: The Fish and Wildlife Service rule--which lays claim to more than 20% of Alaska--violates ANILCA (Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act) and the Alaska Statehood Compact. Not only does [the existing 2016 rule] undermine Alaska`s ability to manage fish and wildlife upon refuge lands, it fundamentally destroys a cooperative relationship between Alaska and the federal government.
Case for voting NO by the Sierra Club (April 6, 2017):
- President Trump signed H.J. Res. 69, overturning the rule that banned `predator control` on federal wildlife refuges in Alaska unless `based on sound science in response to
a conservation concern.`
- Any rule mentioning `sound science` is in trouble under a Trump administration.
- So what kinds of practices will the Trump administration now allow on our federal wildlife refuges? Activities that include shooting or trapping wolves while in their dens with pups, or hunting for grizzly bears from airplanes.
- It`s all about ensuring a maximum yield of prey species like elk, moose, and caribou for the real apex predator: humans. So if having more elk requires killing wolf pups in their dens, then so be it.
- The Obama administration`s rule (which Trump revoked) never tried to stop all hunting. Subsistence hunting was still allowed. What`s changed is that the predators on federal wildlife refuges are now under the control of the state of Alaska. And that makes them prey.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 52-47-1, March 21; passed House, 225-193-12, Feb. 16; signed by Pres. Trump April 3.
Source: Congressional vote 18-HJR69 on Feb 16, 2017
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Other governors on Environment: |
Angus King on other issues: |
ME Gubernatorial:
Janet Mills
Paul LePage
ME Senatorial:
Betsy Sweet
David Costello
Demi Kouzounas
Sara Gideon
Susan Collins
Susan Rice
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Gubernatorial Debates 2023:
KY:
 Incumbent Andy Beshear(D)
vs.State A.G. Daniel Cameron(R)
vs.Ambassador Kelly Craft(R)
vs.State Auditor Mike Harmon(R)
LA:
Incumbent John Bel Edwards(D,term-limited)
vs.Jeff Landry(R)
vs.Shawn Wilson(D)
vs.John Schroder(R)
vs.Sharon Hewitt(R)
MS:
Incumbent Tate Reeves(R)
vs.Bill Waller(R,withdrew)
vs.Brandon Presley(D)
Gubernatorial Debates 2024:
DE: Gov. John Carney (D, term-limited);
vs. Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long (D)
vs. County Exec. Matt Meyer (D)
vs. State Rep.Mike Ramone (R)
IN: Gov. Eric Holcomb (R, term-limited);
vs. Sen. Mike Braun (R)
vs. Suzanne Crouch (R, lost May 7 primary)
vs. Eric Doden (R, lost May 7 primary)
vs. Attorney General Curtis Hill (R, lost May 7 primary)
vs. Jennifer McCormick (D)
MO: Gov. Mike Parson (R, term-limited):
vs. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R)
vs. State Senator Bill Eigel (R)
vs. Lt.Gov. Mike Kehoe (R)
vs. House Minority Leader Crystal Quade (D)
MT: Gov. Greg Gianforte (R)
vs. Ryan Busse (D)
vs. State Rep. Tanner Smith (R, lost June 4 primary)
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Gubernatorial Debates 2024 (continued):
NC: Gov. Roy Cooper (D, term-limited);
vs. Lt.Gov. Mark Robinson (R)
vs. Attorney General Josh Stein (D)
vs. Treasurer Dale Folwell (R, lost March 5 primary)
vs. Justice Michael Morgan (D, lost March 5 primary)
vs. State Senator Andy Wells (R,withdrew)
vs. Rep.Mark Walker (R, withdrew)
ND: Gov. Doug Burgum (R, retiring)
vs. State Rep. Rick Becker (R)
vs. U.S.Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R)
vs. State Sen.Merrill Piepkorn (D)
NH: Gov. Chris Sununu (R, retiring)
vs. U.S.Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R)
vs. Mayor Joyce Craig (D)
vs. Acting Gov.Chuck Morse (R)
vs. Exec.Councilor Cinde Warmington (D)
UT: Gov. Spencer Cox (R)
vs. State Rep. Phil Lyman (R)
vs. Minority Leader Brian King (D)
VT: Gov. Phil Scott (R)
vs. Lt.Gov.David Zuckerman (D, withdrew)
vs. Selectman Peter Duval (D)
vs. Commissioner Esther Charlestin (D)
WA: Gov. Jay Inslee (D, retiring);
vs. Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D)
vs. U.S.Rep.Dave Reichert (R)
vs. State Sen. Mark Mullet (D)
vs. County Chair Semi Bird (R)
vs. Hilary Franz (D, withdrew to run for U.S.Rep.)
WV: Gov. Jim Justice (R, term-limited)
vs. WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R)
vs. Huntington Mayor Steve Williams (D)
vs. WV State Auditor JB McCuskey (R, withdrew)
vs. WV Secretary of State Mac Warner (R, lost May 14 primary)
vs. State Del. Moore Capito (R, lost May 14 primary)
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