Included in this edition:
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Zero-Emission Standards in Maine!
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Did you know that more than 80% of homes in Maine burn fossil fuels including fossil gas, heating oil, and propane for space and water heating. Furnaces and water heaters are a leading source of the state’s health-harming nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution. PSR Maine worked with our partners at the Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation to create this two-pager on why Maine should adopt zero-emission standards for new HVAC’s and water heaters. Addressing building pollution is essential to cleaning the air, saving lives, reducing illness, and meeting state climate targets. Check it out here!
Are you a Health Professional who wants to work with us on climate change? Click here to join Maine Health Professionals for Climate Action!
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NEW Legislative Updates from Augusta
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As the 131st Legislature wraps up its session, PSR Maine is proud to have backed several bills by offering testimony, rallying health professionals to testify, urging our supporters to join in, and lately, urging you to reach out to the Governor. As this newsletter goes out, there are still a few environmental bills in progress. Hence, we'll update you on any pending legislation next month.
Here’s the wrap-up of the finalized bills we were supporting:
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LD 2007, Tribal Self-determination: Governor Mills signed LD 2007!
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"The signing of this bill on Earth Day is a good reminder that robust and collaborative relationships between tribal and state governments is a proven and tested way to heal and serve our shared Mother, the Earth. We remain hopeful and we remain focused on this journey of restoration and change." -Maulian Bryant, President, Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador and Wabanaki Alliance
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LD 1537, PFAS Products Ban: The Governor signed this bill into law on April 16
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LD 2261, An Act Designating New Motor Vehicle Emissions Rules as Major Substantive Rules: signed by the Governor on April 12
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LD 1215, End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco: This bill never ran and, with the end of the legislature, cannot be carried over.
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LD 2224, An Act to Strengthen Public Safety by Improving Maine’s Firearm Laws and Mental Health System, was signed by the governor on Friday. The bill has three major components:
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An expansion of background check requirements for firearm transfers;
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Minor changes to the state’s yellow-flag law; and
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Investments in Maine’s mental health system and violence prevention program.
- LD 2238, An Act to Address Gun Violence in Maine by Requiring a Waiting Period for Certain Firearm Purchases, would require a 72-hour waiting period after the purchase of a firearm, was allowed to go into law without the governor’s signature.
- LD 2086, An Act to Amend the Law Governing the Disposition of Forfeited Firearms, was vetoed.
- LD 2283, An Act to Enact the Crisis Intervention Order to Protect the Safety of the Public, received a public hearing with overwhelming support from the public but was not considered by the full House or Senate. If a special session takes place, LD 2283 could be carried over, otherwise, it will not be carried over to the new legislative session in December.
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PSR Maine President Joins UNE Student Chapter for Conversation
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PSR Maine Board President Sydney Sewall, MD joined the student chapter of PSR Maine at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in April to present on "What is Public Health". Pictured below are the medical students serving in leadership roles in the student chapter with Dr. Sewall. Following the presentation, students reflected on the discussion, "our student PSR club is very passionate about bringing awareness to public health issues as we work to address the multitude of social determinants of health that will affect our future patients". PSR Maine looks forward to continuing to work with the student chapter at UNE!
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Summer CME Event: Maine Osteopathic Association Annual Convention
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The MOA’s Annual Convention, June 14-16, 2024, is a celebration of Maine’s rich osteopathic profession. Offering ~20 CME credits in a range of topics relevant to many specialties, it is a large medical education event for physicians in New England and attendees represent a range of specialties from all over the state and country. You may attend virtually or in person. FREE registration for students for in person or virtual!
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Calling all Health Professionals!
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Your voice is crucial. Please consider reviewing and endorsing these petitions:
Health Care Without Harm's Open Letter to the International Negotiation Committee for a Plastics Treaty: We urge delegates to commit to a just and equitable treaty that respects human rights, limits plastic production, eliminates single-use plastics, prioritizes detoxification, and ensures transparency throughout the plastic lifecycle. Your support is vital for protecting human and planetary health. Sign on here.
Support for Health Protection Setback Zones: San Francisco and Los Angeles PSR Chapters are seeking endorsements from healthcare providers nationwide. They aim to gather over 1000 signatures to highlight the health risks associated with oil drilling near residential areas, schools, and medical facilities. Let's stand together to safeguard public health and the environment. Endorse the statement here and help thwart the fossil fuel industry's efforts to overturn crucial laws. Sign on here.
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Thank you for your generous support of PSR Maine!
To mail your contribution to us, please send a check to our mailing address:
PSR Maine, 126 Western Ave #1012, Augusta ME 04330
To donate online using our secure server click on "Donate Here" below.
Or point your camera at this QR code and you’ll be taken directly to our secure donor page:
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