Rewind: What climate leadership looks like in Maine 🌲, with Hannah Pingree

Governors are especially critical given the catastrophic presidential scenario. So today we’re re-sharing a conversation recorded in spring with Maine’s democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree. (“Gubernatorial” is too good a word not to use!)

Hannah is is a longtime public servant and climate leader from a small island off the midcoast of Maine. She served in the Maine House of Representatives from 2002 until she was termed out in 2010. (Shoutout to term limits!) After that, she served on her local school board and managed a sustainable housing nonprofit. And most recently, from 2019 to 2025, she was founding director of Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future. There, she co-chaired the Maine Climate Council and oversaw development of Maine’s ambitious climate plan, called “Maine Won’t Wait.”

Hannah said to me, “I want to be one of the best climate governors in the country.” Honestly, in this era of “climate hushing” it’s refreshing to hear a politician say that.

In this interview, we cover everything from AI data centers, to clean energy, affordability, bi-partisan climate progress, aquaculture, PFAS (aka forever chemicals), working waterfronts, and the critical role of governors in this era of excruciating federal rollbacks.

This conversation had an odd effect on me. I found it... relaxing? To hear a politician speaking competently, calmly, clearly, practically and with nuance about climate policy was so soothing, reassuring. More of this please!

Next week we have for two more conversations for ya with climate candidates running for key leadership positions. Stay tuned.

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CALLS TO ACTION: Get out the vote! ✅

Local and state leadership matter so much, including for implementation of climate solutions. So make sure to vote all the way down your ballot!

Wherever you live, it’s definitely not too late pick a candidate, roll up your sleeves and help them win. I’ll be knocking doors for pro-Earth candidates in Maine this weekend. You can just reach out to a campaign via their website and sign up to volunteer.

Some resources:

* VOTE! Early voting has started in many states. Bill and I have already voted. Have you?