A first look at climate accountability in Maine

The Pine State is no stranger to the impacts of climate change. In fact, the state will need to spend $10.9 billion to protect its coasts from sea-level rise over the next 20 years.

According to a recent survey, the vast majority of likely voters in Maine support holding oil and gas companies accountable for those costs, given the industry’s role in creating the climate crisis. The poll of 600 likely Maine voters found that 69 percent of Maine voters support suing oil and gas companies to hold them accountable for their pollution and the costs associated with climate change. 

After learning about the industry’s history of climate denial and deception, 82 percent of Maine voters want oil and gas companies to pay for all or some of the costs associated with protecting their communities from the impacts of climate change, and 79 percent of voters think they aren’t paying their fair share right now.

A majority of Maine voters are worried about the immediate impacts of climate change, with 80 percent indicating that they are “somewhat” or “very” concerned. Even more Maine voters are worried about how climate change will impact future generations, with 84 percent saying they are “somewhat” or “very” concerned. The health impacts of climate change are top of mind for Mainers, with 40 percent of voters saying increased asthma cases and disease-carrying insects like ticks are what concerns them most about climate change.

Across the state, voters say they want oil and gas companies to be held responsible for their role in creating the climate crisis. Finally, full topline results are available here. 

Clearly, Mainers are eager to hold the fossil fuel industry accountable. The only question that remains is whether or not their elected leaders will take action.