UPDATES, NEWS, AND OUR STORIES.

Yes on Question 6: Truth, Transparency, and Accuracy in Maine’s Constitution

By Yasmeen Pauling | November 2, 2023 | Comments Off on Yes on Question 6: Truth, Transparency, and Accuracy in Maine’s Constitution

November 7th is election day and there are a few important questions on this year’s ballot. One of those questions is Question 6. WHAT IS QUESTION 6? Question 6 is a referendum question that pertains to the top of tribal sovereignty in Maine. More than 100 years ago, the state of Maine stopped printing the…

PFAS Impacted Farmers Hold Press Conference in Michigan

By Taylor Moore | October 24, 2023 | Comments Off on PFAS Impacted Farmers Hold Press Conference in Michigan

Yesterday, PFAS impacted farmers from across the country are gathered to speak to the media about what the contamination has meant for their livelihoods and their businesses in a press conference. Impacted farmers and policy experts will speak about the economic and health impacts of the contamination of farmland with the so called ‘forever chemicals.’ Speakers…

Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act: The Importance of Supporting the Farmlands

By Yasmeen Pauling | October 24, 2023 | Comments Off on Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act: The Importance of Supporting the Farmlands

Farmlands across the country are an important part of our everyday lives. They sustain life by providing us with the food that we need to survive. They also provide shelter for wildlife, help control flooding, maintain air quality, and protect wetlands and watersheds. Maine is no stranger to PFAS contamination and our struggle is linked…

Community Clean-Up with Community Conservation Initiative

By Sergio Cahueque | October 12, 2023 | Comments Off on Community Clean-Up with Community Conservation Initiative

Last month, Defend’s organizer, Sergio Cahueque, joined the Community Conservation Initiative leaders for their #TheCCINeighnorhoodCleanUpProgram in Deer Oaks Park. This community clean-up is part of an ongoing effort to take care of the environment, and we are grateful for the invitation to talk to impacted communities about our Healthy Housing program. The Community Conservation Initiative…

Defend Our Health Featured on ‘What You’re Eating’ Podcast

By Yasmeen Pauling | September 21, 2023 | Comments Off on Defend Our Health Featured on ‘What You’re Eating’ Podcast

Hosted by Jerusha Klemperer, in episode 16 titled “PFAS: The ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Your Food,” Food Print spoke to our campaign manager, Adam Nordell, to focus their attention on Maine to learn more about PFAS and how the chemicals have ended up in well water, on farms, in food, and ultimately in people’s bodies. Adam…

Internship Reflection and 2023 Legislative Cycle

By Daniela Morales | August 9, 2023 | Comments Off on Internship Reflection and 2023 Legislative Cycle

For the past few months I had the opportunity to work with Defend Our Health as an intern, where I focused on supporting priority bills in Maine’s 2023 legislative session. With my background in environmental health, and my current work as a public health analyst and a Physician’s for Social Responsibility Next Generation Climate Ambassador,…

PFAS Fund Administration Plan Officially Approved

By Yasmeen Pauling | July 21, 2023 | Comments Off on PFAS Fund Administration Plan Officially Approved

On July 10th, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) announced that the PFAS Fund Advisory Committee adopted the Plan for Administration of the Fund to Address PFAS Contamination.  According to the DACF, this newly adopted bill will provide direct support to PFAS-impacted farmers, purchase and manage PFAS-contaminated agricultural land, and fund research to…

The Healthy Housing Project in Southern Maine

By Sergio Cahueque | July 5, 2023 | Comments Off on The Healthy Housing Project in Southern Maine

Living in an older rental property is a significant risk factor for several health conditions. In Southern Maine, the housing market is incredibly tight, which forces people to take any available affordable unit, regardless of the condition or quality.  Lead based paint, asthma triggers, and carbon monoxide risks are some of the prevalent health issues…

The Fight Against PFAS Contamination in The Gulf Coast

By Yasmeen Pauling | June 23, 2023 | Comments Off on The Fight Against PFAS Contamination in The Gulf Coast

Gulf Coast communities have long been subjected to the iron grip of petrochemical plants and oil companies. These communities, often BIPOC and low-income, are heavily subjected to the health impacts of both air and water contamination. Around 200 million Americans likely receive water that is contaminated with PFAS and the Gulf Coast is no stranger…

Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine

By Yasmeen Pauling | June 8, 2023 | Comments Off on Minnesota Becomes the Second State to Ban PFAS – With A Little Help From Maine

Since 2021, Maine has been the first and only state in the nation to ban the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in all products. Until now! On May 17, 2023, the Minnesota legislature passed an environment and energy package, HF 2310 “Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Finance and Policy Bill,” which includes a total ban…