ClimateWork Maine

Some BYU students now have the bragging rights to the highest miles-per-gallon vehicle in all of the Western Hemisphere.

BYU students build ‘supermileage’ vehicle, logging over 2,000 mpg Some BYU students now have the bragging rights to the highest miles...

E2 recently released its latest Clean Economy Works analysis, which tracks clean energy manufacturing and utility-scale energy project announcements and cancellations across the country. The report includes data through the first quarter of 2026 and highlights several notable trends.

Clean Economy Works | Q1 2026 Analysis | E2 Clean energy developers announced more than 50 new utility-scale generation and storage projects in the first quarter of this year—nearly double the number of active projects announced in all of 2025— continuing a rush to start construction on solar and wind projects ahead of a looming July 4 de...

Maine Dept. of Energy Resources Compiles List of Enacted Legislation

During the Second Regular Session of Maine’s 132nd Legislature, lawmakers approved several significant measures aimed at strengthening Maine’s energy future while improving affordability, reliability, and sustainability.

www.maine.gov

As the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, new research from Climate Central highlights how rising temperatures driven by climate change could affect player performance and game strategy. The analysis found that 97 of the tournament's 104 scheduled matches face an increased likelihood of experiencing heat conditions that can impair athletic performance.

2026 World Cup: Climate Change Boosts Performance-Impairing Heat at Nearly Every Match | Climate Central Warming caused by climate change could impair player performance and affect match strategy at the 2026 World Cup.

Not Our Usual Post 👉 A Message From Our Executive Director: Reconnecting to Purpose

Eight years ago, I stepped away to volunteer overseas with an extreme animal rescue team. It was one of the most difficult, humbling, and meaningful experiences of my life. This summer, I’ll be doing it again.

At ClimateWork Maine, I’ve had the privilege of working with businesses on environmental and energy issues — helping organizations navigate sustainability, resilience, and the realities of a changing world. It’s work I deeply believe in. But anyone in this field understands that climate and environmental progress often exists at the intersection of science, politics, economics, and competing priorities. The work matters enormously, but it can also be exhausting.

At some point, you realize that recharging is not stepping away from purpose — it’s reconnecting to it.

Wildlife and animal welfare have always been deeply personal to me. Rescue work is not glamorous. It can be brutal, heartbreaking, and emotionally and physically draining. But it is also profoundly human. To care for vulnerable animals in difficult conditions is to be reminded that compassion still matters, even in a world that often feels overwhelmed by crisis and noise.

Life is short. Much shorter than we like to pretend.

If there’s something meaningful you’ve been called to do, a change you’ve wanted to make, or a way you’ve hoped to help others — this is your reminder not to wait forever. Positive change rarely arrives at a convenient time. Sometimes you simply have to choose it.

While I’m away, I’m excited that a nationally recognized sustainability expert will be stepping in as a strategic advisor to help steer ClimateWork Maine and continue delivering value and benefits to the business community. I have tremendous confidence in the leadership and the mission moving forward. More on that transition later.

I’m looking forward to learning, serving, and returning in Autumn with renewed perspective, energy, and gratitude.

Sent from the road. . .

Jeff Marks

Happy Earth Day! 🌎 🌊 🏔️

Our Power, Our Planet reminds us that progress in protecting our land, air, and water is real, resilient, and sustained by the daily actions of communities, workers, innovators, and businesses.

We are especially grateful for the businesses and individuals who show up every day to advance climate action and steward the places we live and work. Last month’s Summit was a powerful reminder of the momentum, collaboration, and optimism driving this work, and we’re energized by all that’s ahead this year. From new partnerships to exciting programming, we’re looking forward to continuing to build a more sustainable future together.

For sustainable businesses, every day can be Earth Day. 🌲

In celebration of Earth Day 2026 and this year’s focus on renewable energy and our collective power to drive change, ClimateWork Maine is pleased to announce our 2026 Fall Climate Connection Business Webinar Series: Powering Maine’s Future.

This three-part series, sponsored by Drummond Woodsum, will explore the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping Maine’s energy landscape—today and in the years ahead.

Join us this fall for engaging conversations with experts and leaders across the energy sector:

(1) Innovations in Grid Generation, Transmission & Policy:
A look at how Maine’s grid is evolving to meet future energy demands.

(2) The Northern Maine Renewable Energy Transmission Project:
Exploring one of the region’s most significant infrastructure initiatives.

(3) AI & Data Centers in Maine: Technology, Policy, and the Road Ahead:
Understanding the intersection of emerging technology and energy use.

As Maine continues to lead in clean energy innovation, these discussions will highlight how we can responsibly and effectively power our communities while supporting economic growth and sustainability.

All webinars in the series are free and open to the public, making it easy to learn, engage, and be part of the conversation.

Mark your calendars and reserve your spot today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/55587355643

Looking for some Earth Day listening? Check out this Let's Connect Radio episode recorded at our Summit! 🎙️ 🌎

Host Kristina Egan, Executive Director of 2026 Climate Collaborator Award winner GPCOG, sits down with keynote speaker Bob Keefe of E2 for a conversation about how business leadership can drive climate action and economic growth.

Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the summit stage and into the real-world choices shaping Maine’s clean economy. Hear practical insight, big-picture perspective, and a reminder that climate leadership and economic growth can move forward together.

Listen to Let's Connect on your favorite podcasting platform or right here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cLm2GoVutdtO4iVJRWSg6

Watch more Summit content on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/

With Earth Day tomorrow, this new Ask ACE article featured in Mainebiz is a timely reminder that sustainability can start with one practical, affordable step.

Written by ClimateWork Maine Sustainability Council and Association for Consulting Expertise Board member Carrie Yardley, the piece shows how small businesses can begin by asking the right questions about where they bank and how their money is put to work.

The article also highlights low-cost actions like choosing financial partners aligned with your values and making smart efficiency upgrades that support both your bottom line and a cleaner future.

ClimateWork Maine is here to help businesses navigate these practical first moves and connect with like-minded leaders taking action across Maine.

Read the article here and check it out to see how your business can take the first step today: https://mainebiz.biz/article/ask-ace-my-company-cannot-afford-a-sustainability-officer-what-is-a-practical-first-step-action-we-can-afford-now/

Time to announce our final 2026 Climate Action Award, the Climate Collaborator Award! 🫂

The Climate Collaborator Award honors a nonprofit or community organization that brings people together—building partnerships to advance climate justice, resilience, and a thriving, low‑carbon economy.

This year’s recipient, the Greater Portland Council of Governments, exemplifies that spirit of collaboration. Through its work with dozens of municipalities, GPCOG helps communities across our region plan sustainably, access vital funding, and turn climate goals into local action.

Their focus on engagement, data, and shared learning has created a model for regional climate leadership—one grounded in partnership and practical solutions.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Climate Action Award winners, and thank you for all of the great work that you do!

📸 Gould Photo
Accepting the award is Sara Mills-Knapp, Director of Sustainability at GPCOG.