AUGUSTA — Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross appointed seven House Democrats to serve on the Maine Climate Council, including on its subcommittees and working groups. Among the seven lawmakers is Rep. Vicki Doudera, who represents Camden and Rockport in Augusta. 

The Maine Climate Council was established by Gov. Janet Mills and the Legislature in June 2019 and is charged with establishing strategies and initiatives to help the state meet its greenhouse gas reductions and renewable energy generation targets as it works to combat climate change, and to make sure our communities, industries and people are resilient to the changes our state is facing.

The Climate Council consists of several department commissioners, key state leaders, science and technical experts, business and nonprofit leaders, municipal leaders, a tribal representative and a representative of Maine youth. The council is supported by two subcommittees and six working groups.

“Addressing the climate emergency is the challenge of a lifetime and the steps Maine is taking will put us on the path of not only a cleaner environment, but a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Speaker Talbot Ross. “I want to take a moment and thank Governor Mills, the Maine Climate Council and these new House appointments for their tireless work and dedication to preserve our planet and safeguard the well-being of future generations. The Council has created a clear pathway to meet the aggressive carbon reduction goals passed by the Maine Legislature and has made Maine a national leader in our shared fight against climate change.”

Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, has been reappointed to the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council. She is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Camden and Rockport.

Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, has been appointed to serve on the Maine Climate Council. He is serving his third term in the Maine House and represents part of Cape Elizabeth and part of South Portland.

Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, has been reappointed to the Coastal and Marine Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. She is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Bristol, Damariscotta, Newcastle, Nobleboro and Monhegan Plantation.

Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, has been appointed to the Transportation Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. He is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents a portion of Brunswick.

Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, has been appointed to the Community Resilience Planning Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. She is serving her sixth nonconsecutive term in the Maine House and previously served three terms in the Senate.

Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, has been appointed to the Building, Infrastructure and Housing Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. He is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents a portion of Portland.

Rep. Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, has been appointed to the Natural and Working Lands Working Group. She is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents part of Saco.

Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, has been appointed to the Energy Working Group of the Maine Climate Council. He is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents Ogunquit, Wells and York.