AUGUSTA - Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, will deliver the keynote address at the First Annual Coastal Conference hosted by SOS Saco Bay on Tuesday, Sept. 27. The conference will focus on the challenge of confronting rising seas and coastal erosion, and Gramlich's remarks will provide an overview of climate change and its implications on Maine's shoreline and the economy.
According to the Maine Climate Council, the combination of sea level rise and increased storm surges is estimated to lead to the loss of more than 20,000 jobs in the state by 2050, with cumulative damages to coastal buildings potentially reaching $17.5 billion in that timeframe. Additionally, sea level rise could cost Maine $1.7 billion in tourism spending annually by 2100, with 13 million fewer annual visitors due to narrowing beaches.
"As the climate crisis intensifies and sea levels continue to rise, coastal erosion poses a clear and significant threat to communities like mine and many others here in York County," said Gramlich. "It jeopardizes our local economies that rely on beach tourism, threatens homes and businesses, reduces recreational opportunities and endangers critical ecosystems and essential wildlife habitat. We cannot afford to wait to address this issue or to leave it for future generations. I am grateful for SOS Saco Bay's advocacy efforts, as well as for the opportunity to be able to present at this inaugural conference."
The Legislature took significant steps to respond to and mitigate climate change this year, including funding the Maine Climate Corps, creating a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools and setting new goals for state and local fleets to transition to electric and zero-emissions vehicles, among other initiatives. In 2021, Gramlich also co-sponsored successful legislation to mitigate shoreline damage in Saco Bay.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and second-term member of the Maine House. She serves on both the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee and Taxation Committee.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Gramlich], c. 214-3185