Pingree should support Ocasio-Cortez resolution

I am 19 years old and I am scared about climate change. I am terrified because every day I read about the latest record natural disasters and the dozens of people dying because of them. I am scared for my future. United Nations climate scientists tell us we have just 12 years to move our country off fossil fuels, to avoid catastrophic climate disaster. We need a Green New Deal to create millions of green jobs, move our country off fossil fuels, and protect working people of all backgrounds. I am calling on Representative Pingree to support Representative Ocasio-Cortez’s resolution to create a House Select Committee for a Green New Deal in Congress.

Maya Egan,

Freeport

Pause needed in oyster farm plans

I am writing to share my concerns about Mere Point Oyster Company’s application for a standard aquaculture lease in Maquoit Bay. I have worked closely with both Dan Devereaux and Doug Niven and greatly respect the intent of their work to create a sustainable aquaculture business that enhances economic opportunities for Maine’s coastal communities. It is not these values and their potential for positive impacts that I am opposed to. What I do oppose is the scale of the proposed lease in Maquoit Bay, an area designated as a “Statewide Area of Ecological Significance” by the Maine Natural Areas Program in 2010 in part because it includes a “large undeveloped block.” Maquoit Bay is a small and pristine bay unique to a town with already limited coastal access.

In addition, I believe there is currently a regulatory loophole that does not require municipal input regarding standard lease details or approval. I hold an M.S. in Zoology and have conducted research on the regulations in the offshore lobster fishery. And I have worked in ocean policy for the Ocean Conservancy, serving as manager of stakeholder outreach on national and regional ocean planning efforts. In addition, I currently serve on the town Marine Resources Committee. In each of these arenas, I have studied the regulatory structures in place at a variety of levels from municipal to federal and have always advocated for the importance of local participation. In the case of Maine’s aquaculture permitting framework, approval for standard leases is limited to the state with minimal requirement or allowance for municipal input.

This system may make sense for open ocean permitting, but minimizes critical citizen and municipal input in the case of inshore bays such as Maquoit Bay. I would urge that now is the time to take a pause and get it right from the start so that the potential for the growth of a truly positive waterfront opportunity is not stymied.

Susan A Olcott,

Brunswick