Maine

Opinion: Let’s keep Maine’s packaging law moving forward

Published

1 year ago

December 5, 2024

Opinion: Let’s keep Maine’s packaging law moving forward

This week, out-of-state corporations launched a last-minute attempt to slow down implementation of Maine’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law, a practical and proven approach to reducing taxpayer costs and curbing wasteful packaging. As the Senate co-chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee, I want to clarify why Maine lawmakers passed this law, the rigorous process behind it, and the immense benefits it brings to Maine’s communities and environment.

The EPR for Packaging law is not an untested idea – it’s a proven model successfully implemented in dozens of countries and regions across the globe. In fact, the majority of the developed world already requires producers of packaging to share in the cost of managing the waste they create. Maine is following a well-worn path that reduces waste, improves recycling rates, and ensures the financial burden does not unfairly fall on municipalities and taxpayers.

This law took years to craft, with broad public input and careful deliberation at every step. It passed after a three-year legislative process that included multiple bills, work sessions and stakeholder input. Rulemaking has continued for an additional two years, with dozens of public meetings and opportunities for improvement. Contrary to claims that businesses need “more time” to develop a workable solution, there has been no shortage of engagement opportunities. Unfortunately, many of those now criticizing the law – including the large out-of-state corporations responsible for our waste crisis – have consistently failed to offer meaningful alternative solutions and instead are working hard to thwart the law.

Let’s be clear: Maine has a waste problem and right now the burden for dealing with it falls solely on our taxpayers. Voluntary efforts by some businesses have not been enough. Without systemic change, taxpayers and municipalities will continue to shoulder the costs of managing waste from packaging, while large corporations remain unaccountable. The EPR for Packaging law shifts these costs to where they belong – on the producers who have control over the materials they put into the market.

The statutory exemptions for small businesses and updated rules demonstrate the state’s responsiveness to business concerns. Yet opponents continue to mischaracterize the law, despite these concessions. Small- and medium-sized Maine businesses with annual revenues under $5 million are exempt from the law. This legislation is targeted at large corporations – such as Amazon, Walmart and Procter & Gamble – that are responsible for the majority of packaging waste, much of which is single-use plastic. These companies already comply with similar laws worldwide. If these companies can adapt in other markets, they can do so here.

Opponents claim uncertainty about costs, but these costs are not new. They are currently borne by Maine’s property taxpayers and municipalities, which budget for waste management without knowing what materials will come into their towns or if markets will exist for those materials. Under EPR, producers will have financial incentives to reduce packaging waste, creating a system that is both more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Critics suggest these costs will be passed on to consumers. However, evidence from other jurisdictions does not support this claim. These scare tactics aim to manipulate public opinion and officials, undermining a law that benefits Maine people and protects our environment. Companies that produce plastic packaging are keen to keep the market for single-use plastics in packaging prolific, as it benefits their bottom line.

Finally, it is important to note that full implementation is still two years away, with clear guidance and support forthcoming from the stewardship organization. This measured timeline ensures that businesses can prepare and adapt effectively.

The EPR for Packaging law is a practical approach that addresses our waste crisis while supporting Maine communities and taxpayers. It aligns with practices around the world, where businesses take responsibility for the lifecycle of their products. Maine deserves no less.

On Dec. 5, the Board of Environmental Protection is expected to vote on this critical rule. I urge my fellow Mainers to see through the misinformation and recognize this law for what it is: a step forward for our state, our environment and our future.

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Maine

Search widens for stolen antique truck last spotted entering Maine, police say

Published

23 minutes ago

January 29, 2026

Press Room

Search widens for stolen antique truck last spotted entering Maine, police say

PORTLAND (WGME) – Maine State Police are helping Massachusetts police find a stolen antique truck last seen in Maine.

Police say the truck was stolen out of Ashland, Massachusetts, and was last seen towed into Maine on I-96 on Friday, January 23.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION (1)

If you think you’ve seen the truck or know where it is, you’re encouraged to call 508-395-4526.

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Maine

Susan Collins says ICE surge in Maine has ended

Published

12 hours ago

January 29, 2026

Press Room

Susan Collins says ICE surge in Maine has ended

Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins says “enhanced” operations by Immigration and Custom Enforcement in Maine have ended.

In a news release, Collins says Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told her that the surge of ICE agents that began recently is over and that the agency will continue “normal operations that have been ongoing for many years.”

“While the Department of Homeland Security does not confirm law enforcement operations, I can report that Secretary Noem has informed me that ICE has ended its enhanced activities in the State of Maine,” Collins said in the release. “There are currently no ongoing or planned large-scale ICE operations here.”

The announcement comes after Collins asked Noem earlier this week to pause its surge in Maine and Minnesota, saying both operations were too sweeping and indiscriminate.

Collins told Maine Public on Wednesday that she had received multiple calls from constituents expressing fear and anger about the ICE operation because it was sweeping up people who are here legally.

ICE’s surge has prompted fierce backlash over its tactics and conduct, which resulted in two agents shooting and killing two U.S. citizens protesting and monitoring its activities in Minnesota.

Noem has been heavily criticized for her role in those operations and her characterization of those who were killed by ICE agents. Last weekend’s killing of Alex Pretti has intensified that criticism and congressional Democrats have called for Noem’s impeachment. Two Republican U.S. Sens. Thom Tillis, of North Carolina, and Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, have also called for her removal.

The backlash has also prompted calls from Democrats to halt funding to DHS, the umbrella agency for ICE, until more accountability measures are put in place. Collins, the leading Republican on the Senate budget committee, has said she’s open to new proposals, but does not support halting funding for the agency because it also includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard.

The controversy over the surge of ICE agents has also become a significant factor in Collins’ re-election bid. The two leading Democrats vying to replace her, Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner, have heavily criticized Collins for not doing enough to curtail the operations and her support for continuing funding for DHS.

Collins’ announcement about ICE operations in Maine was followed by an announcement by White House border czar Tom Homan that the agency would decrease the force deployed to Minnesota as long as officials there cooperate to assist in the apprehension of illegal immigrants with criminal records. Homan said much of that cooperation centers on jails and working with ICE to apprehend illegal immigrants there rather than on the streets.

“More (agents) in the jail means less people in the streets,” he said.

Homan was dispatched to Minnesota to take over operations after ICE agents shot and killed Pretti. He said during a press conference Thursday that operations will target illegal immigrants with criminal records.

Homan was asked about a force drawdown in Maine, but he did not directly answer.

DHS did not immediately respond to a request to confirm Collins’ announcement. The agency has not said how many additional agents it has deployed to Maine during the surge and it’s unclear how many operate here during normal operations.

The agency has previously said that 200 arrests have been made in Maine and that it had more than 1,400 individuals targeted for detainment.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, said in a statement that she could not independently confirm the end of the surge, citing the lack of information from DHS and Noem.

“If these enhanced operations have in fact ceased, that may reduce the visible federal presence in our state,” she said. “But I think it is important that people understand what we saw during this operation: individuals who are legally allowed to be in the United States, whether by lawful presence or an authorized period of stay, following the rules, and being detained anyway.”

She added, “That is not limited to this one operation. That has been the pattern of this Administration’s immigration enforcement over the past year, and there is no indication that policy has changed.”

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Maine

Food pantries in Maine report fewer clients amid ongoing ICE operations

Published

1 day ago

January 28, 2026

Press Room

Food pantries in Maine report fewer clients amid ongoing ICE operations

WESTBROOK (WGME) — As federal ICE operations intensify across Maine, many in immigrant communities are reportedly staying home from work and school and even from public spaces like grocery stores or food pantries.

In response, several food pantries and nonprofits are stepping up to fill the gap.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, more than 200 people have been arrested by ICE in Maine over the past week and a half. This has led to a significant decline in attendance at food pantries across the state, as many people are too fearful to leave their homes.

“The asylum seekers here in the area are scared and they’re hunkering down. They’re not coming out,” Saco Food Pantry Board Member Sheldon Nightingale said.

The Saco Food Pantry typically provides food to nearly 1,000 people in the community monthly.

“Our immigrant community is not coming out right now. We have partnered with a couple of organizations to help out, if need be,” Nightingale said.

Several food pantries in Lewiston are also delivering food to those too afraid to leave home.

“Our business is to give out food and to help people who are in need and food insecure, and we intend to do that anyway we can,” Nightingale said.

In Westbrook, one business is working to ensure no one goes hungry.

“Right now, that’s taking donations to help feed families that are concerned about the ICE presence here in Westbrook,” The Daily Grind Senior Barista Mackenzie Bearor said.

The Daily Grind Westbrook

State Rep. Sue Salisbury of Westbrook and her husband Joe are feeding families through their mobile food pantry and raising money at their coffee shop, The Daily Grind.

They report having helped more than 100 families since the ICE surge in Maine.

“People are afraid to leave their homes, so we are just trying to make sure they stay fed and get the food that they need,” Bearor said.

Pantry officials urge anyone in need of food to contact their local food pantry.

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