AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - A politically active environmental group has given Governor LePage a poor grade when it comes to protecting Maine's natural resources.
Members of Maine Conservation Voters say Governor LePage made a mistake by putting business interests over environmental protection. They say thew outdoors of Maine are an economic engine that should be protected. They blasted the governor's regulatory reform that weekend some of the state's environmental laws.
"Sadly, Governor LePage's policies and actions are a disappointment and leave much room for improvement", said Leslie Harroun of Maine Conservation Voters.
The governor's office claims politics are behind the poor grade. Its last report card in 2010 Maine Conservation Voters gave Democratic Governor John Baldacci a B+.
His office also provided us with documents submitted to the group by state departments that deal with environmental policy including the Department of Environmental Protection and Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Those documents tout the administration's accomplishments including expanding fish stocking programs and handing out large environmental fines to violators.
The group concedes it was encouraged by those by those moves as well as the administrations waste management efforts. But leaders say the harm done by the Governor outweighs the good, and the grade he received was based on his record, not his political party.
NEWS CENTER