Energy Justice
As a climate justice organization, 350 Maine advocates for energy justice and a just transition. Part of this work includes opposing the CMP Corridor (also know as New England Clean Energy Connect) and advocating for a Consumer-Owned Utility in Maine by working in coalition with Our Power Maine. Learn more below!
CMP Corridor Opposition
Did you know that part of Massachusetts’ renewable energy contracts include electricity generated from Canadian hydropower? This energy, sourced from megadams that violate Indigenous rights, destroy ecosystems, and release greenhouse gases, would be brought from Quebec through a transmission corridor running through Maine, that would cut through hundreds of miles of carbon-capturing forests and the ancestral territories of Indigenous communities. This project, commonly known as the CMP corridor or New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC), is not a climate justice solution and hydropower is not the clean energy that it has been marketed as. 350 Maine opposes this project to stand in solidarity with hydro-impacted communities in Canada and the Penobscot Nation, who also openly opposes this project. Check out these resources to learn more and email [email protected] to get involved with CMP Corridor Opposition Working Group!
Stop New England’s Greenwashing of Mega Dam Hydropower - September 2021
Webinar organized by Maine Youth for Climate Justice, the North American Megadam Resistance Alliance, Sierra Club Maine, and 350 Maine, featuring Melissa Ferretti, a member of the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe and its elected Chairwoman and President, and Lokotah Sanborn, a Penobscot artist and advocate dedicated to Indigenous liberation and empowerment, as speakers. It also includes calls to action, such as writing and submitting a Letter to the Editor about the Corridor using this guide for support! Recording of this event is here.
Why Hydro-Electricity is a False Solution to the Climate Crisis - May 2021
Webinar by the North American Megadam Resistance Alliance where activists and experts expose the myth that megadam hydropower is "renewable and green." Recording of this event is here.
Newsletter Archives and Upcoming Meetings and Events
Want to see what we are up to? Check out our calls to action, upcoming meetings, and other events in our archived newsletters below. You can also learn more about local group and statewide meetings here.
October 2021 Part One - October 2021 Part Two
September 2021 Part One - September 2021 Part Two
August 2021 Part One - August 2021 Part Two
July 2021 Part One - July 2021 Part Two
June 2021 Part One - June 2021 Part Two
May 2021 Part One - May 2021 Part Two
April 2021 Part One - April 2021 Part Two
JEDI Glossary
Welcome! This glossary is meant to serve as a guiding document as 350 Maine strives to truly embody Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) in our work to address the climate crisis. This JEDI Glossary was developed by a small group advising 350 Maine. We’ve drawn on numerous sources as well as personal experience. We want to note that we all have work to do and it will take a lifetime. Here is just one place to start. This can be as short or long as you need - with interactivity built in. Below the glossary definitions, questions are provided to invite self-reflection. We welcome everyone and acknowledge everyone’s diverse lived experiences as you enter this space.
It's also very much a living document, and a work in progress where we invite your input. Personal stories have real power to grow our understanding of the world and each other. Please send any additions or stories via email to: [email protected]
Click "learn more" below to read more about each category and see a glossary of related terms and concepts.
Justice
Climate Justice requires the recognition that the climate crisis was caused by failures of our political, social, and economic systems. It operates at the intersection of racial and social rights, environmental and economic justice. It focuses on the root causes of climate change and demands holding those responsible for the climate crisis accountable. Climate Justice calls for a transformation resulting in a livable future where all can thrive.
Equity
The guarantee of fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically under-served and underrepresented populations, and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups.
Diversity
Psychological, physical, and social differences that occur among any and all individuals; including but not limited to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles.
Inclusion
The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to fully participate and bring their full, authentic selves to work. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in the words/actions/ thoughts of all people.
Coalition Work
350 Maine fights for climate justice with actions aimed at addressing key components of the climate justice movement.
To help us strive towards these goals 350 Maine co-founded (in 2019) a broad coalition of organizations dedicated to climate justice to address the climate crisis in our state, Maine Climate Action NOW! We have recently joined the coalition Renew New England to address our region’s overlapping crises: mass unemployment, racial injustice, the coronavirus pandemic, and climate change. We’re fighting for a region wide Jobs Guarantee, universal healthcare, affordable housing, racial justice, and bold climate action. We also work in coalition with Maine’s Environmental Priorities Coalition (EPC).
Our closest ally is the coalition of youth organizations, Maine Youth for Climate Justice. We support their work as adult allies and follow their call to bold and urgent action in our state.
Check out our Youth Engagement page to learn more about our collaboration with MYCJ, or click here to see our past initiatives.
350 Maine members gather in Portland for a lunch get together, October 2020.
Donate
Your contribution will help us build a strong movement to take action for climate justice in Maine. 350 Maine is only as strong as its grassroots network of volunteers and donors, so we sincerely thank you for your support!
Please consider helping to sustain our efforts with a MONTHLY DONATION. Click here to make a monthly contribution.
To give a tax-deductible donation by check: Please make the check out to our kind fiscal sponsor, Resources for Organizing and Social Change. Don't forget to write "350 Maine" in the note field! If a tax-deductible donation is not necessary, the check can be made out to 350 Maine. Mail to: 350 Maine, P.O. Box 4736, Portland, Maine 04112
Thank you to our sponsors:
An Environmental Trust Putnam Foundation
