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Raft of Environmental Bills in Legislative Hopper

February 03, 2009 - AUGUSTA -- Groups representing environmental interests said Thursday they will lobby on behalf of six bills, including one addressing pesticides and another to recycle light bulbs that contain mercury.

The Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, a partnership of 27 groups, came to the Statehouse to talk about what they'd like to see the Legislature do this year.

"When we work together to protect our environment, Maine people and Maine businesses can thrive," said Maureen Drouin, executive director of Maine Conservation Voters.

Heather Spalding, associate director of the Maine Organic Farmers & Gardeners Association, said one bill would require farmers and others who spray pesticides to notify neighbors within a quarter mile that they intend to apply the chemicals. Neighbors who want more detailed information can then signup to be part of a registry.

"This bill is a strong, simple, common-sense approach," she said.

In particular, the bill would help organic farmers who are located next to traditional farmers address their concerns over "pesticide drift," she said.

Another bill would limit how much mercury can be contained in light bulbs sold in Maine and would create a collection and recycling system for used bulbs.

Sandra Armington, a Hallowell nurse, said she wants a safe way to dispose of compact fluorescent bulbs.

"In preparation of a tsunami of burnt-out light bulbs that contain mercury, Maine needs to have a safe disposal and recycling program already established," she said.

She said manufacturers should be required to help pay for this type of program.

Other bills supported by the coalition:

* Additional funding, in the form of a bond, for the state's Land for Maine's Future program, which protects land from development, ensures public access and helps working farms and forests.

* The "Maine Climate and Energy Planning Act," which would guide planning decisions to make new development energy-efficient.

* A measure that would broaden energy efficiency and weatherization programs.

* A bill that proposes to provide better protection for certain bodies of water, including The Basin, a coastal water body in Sagadahoc County.

Friday January 30th, 2009

by Susan M. Cover, staff writer
Kennebec Journal news story


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