The Environment

For over 25 years, Maine People’s Alliance has fought for a clean, toxic-free environment. Due to the fact that the HoltraChem plant in Orrington dumped their toxic by-products into the Penobscot River, residents of Penobscot Valley communities have been exposed to dangerous levels of Mercury. On top of that, many of the products we use in our day-to-day lives contain toxic chemicals that pose threats to human health and the environment. MPA is working for elimination of toxins from the environment because no Mainer should be exposed to dangerous and harmful toxics. We tackle these issues both by engaging our own membership and working through larger coalitions like the extremely successful Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine.

CFL Bill passes!
In 2009, MPA was proud to help pass LD 973, which provides for the proper disposal of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Amounts of mercury can be as low as 1mg and as high as 100mg in these bulbs, based on technology used and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection showed that this mercury can have health impacts on Mainers. If broken in the home, infants and small children are at the greatest risk. MPA helped engage regular citizens in the legislative process and the bill eventually passed unanimously in the Senate and by 138 to 4 in the House.

Kid-Safe Product Law Passes!
In 2008, MPA worked with the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine to help pass the Kid-Safe Products law, which identifies consumer products, including toys, which contain dangerous toxic chemicals and mandates the removal or replacement of these dangerous toxins. MPA and ACHM are now working to take this Maine law to the national level.

Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine

The Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine is a diverse coalition of nine Maine-based organizations that has embarked upon a multi-year public health campaign to phase out the long-lived toxic chemicals that build up in the food chain and our bodies. Through a series of strategic issue campaigns, ACHM will target sources of persistent toxic chemicals to be replaced with safer alternatives. ACHM Principles and Statement of Support (PDF file)

Maine People’s Alliance—Organizing for a Better Maine!

565 Congress St., Suite 200, Portland, Maine 04101; (207) 797-0967; mpa@mainepeoplesalliance.org
27 State Street, Suite 44, Bangor, Maine 04401; (207) 990-0672; jesse@mainepeoples alliance.org
145 Lisbon Street, Suite 200, Lewiston, Maine 04240; (207) 782-7876; kate@mainepeoplesalliance.org