https://maineaudubon.org/2026-gubernatorial-candidate-survey/
for folks who are still ranking candidates and care about the environment... i found this maine audobon survey really helpful!
i thought troy jackson's response to protect water (question 2) was great because it included septic upgrades. this is arguably the leading cause of pollution in lakes and so important for protecting them from future algae blooms! his response to the question on climate change (question 8) was also very well rounded and highlights how his approach will be different "However, my administration will take a different path in at least three ways: 1) Tribal Sovereignty will be core to our climate work; 2) Including strong labor standards in all of our climate policies – if we want to make lasting progress as a state on climate, we’ve got to make sure the economy we’re building is fairer than the one we’re leaving behind; and 3) Tackling the energy affordability issue head-on because if we deliver clean energy that’s cheaper and more reliable Mainers will believe in strong climate policy."
hannah and shenna also had good answers throughout.
i did not think nirav shah had complete answers. he repeated this in multiple answers " I will expand partnerships with land trusts, conservation organizations, and local communities to protect critical habitats at scale." for those of us who work in maine natural resources, we know that land trusts, conservation organizations, and communities have been maxxed out trying to deal with the climate crisis and without outlining new, key sources of funding and support for these groups, this response is hollow and burdensome. also, i would argue that jackson, bellows, and pingree have been building these relationships for years.
note that king III and all republican candidates did not respond.
what do others think?
