350 350 Maine

Though the multinational energy corporation ConocoPhillips and its oil and gas subsidiaries paint a nice picture of what a liquified petroleum gas (LPG) tank would look like on the coast of Maine, we’re not buying it.

Many of us across the state are quite troubled by the planned development of a massive LPG tank in the town of Searsport.

Many who live in the area, including our friends at  Thanks But No Tanks and those who organized this recent action, have done tremendous work in opposition to this environmental, aesthetic and safety monstrosity.

They say — and we agree — that the risk is too great and the fast tracking of this project is both concerning and dangerous. With the promise of short-term jobs and cheaper energy, the demands of large fossil fuel companies look to  trump long-term local, state, and regional interests.

This project will impact all of us — both in the region and beyond; for this generation and for those that follow. We abhor what the LPG tank is, the kind of short-term thinking it represents, and we stand in solidarity with those who reject it.

And now, all Mainers and concerned residents have the opportunity to speak out against the project.  This week – as the Searsport Planning Board holds public hearings from Nov. 26th to Nov. 29th — it is time for all those who stand in opposition to speak up and have their voices heard. Your voice needs to be heard. Your opposition counted.

A recent letter to the planning board by 350Maine organizers Heidi and Read Brugger, who live in the town of Freedom, reads in part:

The path to a livable planet is made up of many small decisions. Denying a building permit for the LPG facility is one such decision. Permitting the DCP tank in Searsport will make it harder to transition away from planet killing fossil fuels. Whether it is ultimately used to import liquefied propane or to export natural gas, its construction will bring to market more fossil fuel. It is an investment that we cannot afford to make. We have a moral duty to oppose the construction of the LPG tank in Searsport.

Here are some things you can do to get involved and help stop this dirty energy project before it moves beyond the planning stage:

1. Sign this petition (here) which will be given to local and state elected officials
2. Speak Out: Attend the public hearings in Searsport this week or
3. Write a Letter: Here is a list of contacts or address your letter to:
   Bruce Probert, Chairman 
   Searsport Planning Board 
   PO Box 499 
   Searsport, ME 04974
   
4. Spread the word:
   Share this link with your friends and neighbors;
   Visit ‘Thanks But No Tank‘ and utilize their resources
   Like the ‘Searsport LPG Tank Protest’ Facebook page and show your support
5. Join us at 350Maine as we support this effort against misguided fossil fuel infrastructure projects and follow new pathways to a smarter, saner and more sustainable energy future for all of Maine and beyond.

350 Maine and Seacoast NH 350 – in association with the Portsmouth Music Hall – will be hosting a 350 Movie Night on Friday (12/7) and Saturday(12/8) with the viewing of the award-winning documentary: “Chasing Ice”. Showings will be at 7:00 PM both nights.

Event details here.
Posted on 350Maine’s Facebook page here.
Rideshare info here.

About: “In the spring of 2005, acclaimed environmental photographer James Balog headed to the Arctic on a tricky assignment for National Geographic: to capture images to help tell the story of the Earth’s changing climate. Even with a scientific upbringing, Balog had been a skeptic about climate change. But that first trip north opened his eyes to the biggest story in human history and sparked a challenge within him that would put his career and his very well-being at risk.

“Chasing Ice is the story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. Within months of that first trip to Iceland, the photographer conceived the boldest expedition of his life: The Extreme Ice Survey. With a band of young adventurers in tow, Balog began deploying revolutionary time-lapse cameras across the brutal Arctic to capture a multi-year record of the world’s changing glaciers.

“As the debate polarizes America and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Balog finds himself at the end of his tether. Battling untested technology in subzero conditions, he comes face to face with his own mortality. It takes years for Balog to see the fruits of his labor. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate. Chasing Ice depicts a photographer trying to deliver evidence and hope to our carbon-powered planet.”

Thanks to everyone who came to the State Theatre in Portland on Tuesday night to hear Bill McKibben, 350.org and notable allies describe for us the critical moment we find ourselves in. It was thrilling to see a sold-out house filled with Mainers ready to take on the fossil fuel industry directly and begin the necessary work to create a better future for ourselves, the generations to follow, and the planet as a whole.

We at 350Maine are ready to work and as we embark on this new journey we welcome all of those inspired to join us with open arms. None of us can do this work alone and, as Bill said in clear terms, we know this won’t be easy. But together, as neighbors and friends, we think we can help blaze a new path forward for our state, our nation, and, yes, our world.

If you’d like to get involved as we build this organization and take up these battles, please visit our GET INVOLVED page. You can also send us a message (including the best way to contact you for future events and planning) at 350maine@gmail.com.

You can find us on Facebook and  Twitter. Please bookmark our website at 350maine.org.

If you’d like to take share your level of interest with us, you can complete our online survey here. It will only take a few moments and helps us immensely.

Keep in touch. Seek us out. We’re just getting started.

With a warm welcome,

The 350Maine Team