Numerous members of the public, elders and young spoke strongly even passionately in favor of the bill. Listen to two speakers from the hearing below .
In her testimony, Inches said that, as an amendment to the Maine Constitution "LD 489 gives us a permanent way to protect Maine’s natural assets and the health of Maine people." Pointing to the short life of the Baldacci-era Quality of Place legislation story (terminated by the Lepage Administration), she warned "Laws— even laws with bi-partisan support—are not permanent. LD 489 would establish the right of all Maine citizens to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment, and it would guarantee these rights for present and future generations. If you don’t pass this bill, the health of our environment and our people is up for grabs with each swing of the political pendulum."
What's the Amendent? "This resolution proposes to amend the Constitution of Maine to grant the people of the
38th State a right to a clean and healthy environment and to the preservation of the natural, cultural, recreational, scenic and healthful qualities of the environment."
Listen to two strong speakers in support of LD 489
Friendship resident Richard Nelson told legislators "Even though the lobster industry serves
as a prime example that conservation go hand in hand with economic health, today it matters
little if the speaker is a lobsterman, teacher, or even legislator. The issue at hand is so basic
and is fundamentally shared between us, as humans, as is the air we suck into our lungs and
the water that passes our lips. Each of us dependent on the life sustaining environment
around us on this planet." Yet, as he noted: "Today this unquesti
onable relationship finds a bit of confusion when stated as a human right."
onable relationship finds a bit of confusion when stated as a human right."
Sue Inches worked in Maine's State Planning Office 2004 - 2011. represented Baldacci Administration on policy initiatives including Quality of Place Act, Growth Management Act, Solid Waste and Energy Efficiency Legislation.
In her testimony, Inches said that, as an amendment to the Maine Constitution "LD 489 gives us a permanent way to protect Maine’s natural assets and the health of Maine people." Pointing to the short life of the Baldacci-era Quality of Place legislation story (terminated by the Lepage Administration), she warned "Laws— even laws with bi-partisan support—are not permanent. LD 489 would establish the right of all Maine citizens to clean air, clean water and a healthy environment, and it would guarantee these rights for present and future generations. If you don’t pass this bill, the health of our environment and our people is up for grabs with each swing of the political pendulum."
