Maine Energy and Climate Advocacy

This practicum will focus on understanding how the Maine Legislature works by participating in the public advocacy process. With the federal government tied up in partisan gridlock, some of the most meaningful climate and energy legislation in recent decades has occurred at the state level. We will examine how bills move through the Legislature from the draft stage to the final version that is voted on by the House and Senate. Students will learn about the ways that the public and professional lobbyists can engage at nearly every stage of the process. Course participants will be introduced to a variety of environmental non-profits, including Sierra Club Maine, Maine Youth for Climate Justice, and the Environmental Priorities Coalition, and learn how they work both independently and collaboratively to advocate for legislation. While this course is Maine-specific, many of the advocacy skills used in public processes may be applicable in other contexts, including municipal, county, and national decision-making. Some of these skills include conducting policy research and analysis, understanding the legislative process, and developing clear written communication. We will read past legislation relating to energy policy, fossil fuel divestment, and tribal sovereignty and discuss why they were successful or not, and whether there were unintended consequences for bills that passed. Students will be required to identify 3 draft bills they find meaningful, draft testimony to present at the public hearing, and work collaboratively with classmates and/or nonprofit organizations to advocate for those issues as they proceed through the legislative process. The course will include at least two weekday field trips to Augusta to attend public hearings and meet with legislators in person.

Evaluation will be based on participation in class discussions, completion of written assignments, engagement with the material and demonstration of working knowledge of the legislative process.