AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted Wednesday to advance a measure from State Rep. Maggie O’Neil, D-Saco, that would enshrine in Maine’s constitution the right to a clean and healthy environment.

If approved by lawmakers, LD 928 would send the proposed amendment to Maine voters in November.

“A healthy environment is fundamental to everything that we as Mainers hold dear. Without clean air, clean water and stable ecosystems, all our other rights and freedoms would be at risk,” said O’Neil. “Maine has stronger environmental protections than many other states, but it’s impossible for statute to cover every possible circumstance. For example, think of emerging contaminants like PFAS that we could not have previously anticipated. The Pine Tree Amendment will provide a safeguard in these instances to protect our most valuable resources.”

Similar constitutional provisions exist in Pennsylvania, Montana and New York. The amendment to New York’s state constitution was approved in 2021, when 70% of voters in the state supported the measure.

“Our way of life in Maine demands recognition and protection as a right of the people,” said Senator Rick Bennett, R-Oxford, lead cosponsor of the measure. “Sadly, our government has shown that it cannot always be trusted. Thus, the Pine Tree Amendment will help safeguard the harmonizing elements of our way of life, our shared values and our common culture.”

Supporters told the committee at a public hearing last week that O’Neil’s proposal would help to ensure Maine’s most important resources are protected.

“This measure will protect the basics of environmental rights and last for future generations regardless of who holds office. By adding in only a couple sentences into our constitution, we empower Mainers and their communities to protect what they hold dear,” said Cole Cochrane of Maine Youth Action. “As a youth advocate, I find it to be critical for my generation to have the Pine Tree Amendment as a tool in order to support our efforts in environmental rights and protection.”

“Mainers' rights to a clean and healthy environment is fundamental and should be enshrined in our state constitution permanently,” said Amy Eshoo, director of Maine Climate Action Now. “The Pine Tree Amendment ensures that these rights are equitable: they will apply to all communities regardless of race, ethnicity or income. Maine Climate Action Now supports systemic change such as this amendment to bring us all to a just and equitable future.”

“The right to breathe clean air and drink clean water should be as fundamental as our right to vote. The Pine Tree Amendment further instills trust in our government to protect Maine’s natural resources for generations to come, for all Mainers,” said Maureen Drouin, executive director of Maine Conservation Voters. “The PTA would enshrine environmental justice in Maine’s constitution, demonstrating the state’s permanent commitment to equity and providing legal standing to those who believe their environmental rights have been violated.”

The measure faces additional votes in the House and Senate. Constitutional amendments require two-thirds support in both bodies in order to be sent to voters for final approval.

O’Neil is serving her fourth term in the Maine House. She represents part of Saco and is a member of both the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and the Government Oversight Committee.