When Gov. John Baldacci made a stop in South Portland last week to honor military veterans, he said only something that important would get him to leave the Legislature alone for a few hours at a time like this.

Maine’s lawmakers have indeed been churning out legislation in recent days as the session draws to a close. And Maine environmentalists sound pretty pleased with the results, so far.

The Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition, a gaggle of conservation groups, plans to hold a news conference at noon Wednesday in the State House to highlight achievements during the session. The coalition’s news releases says: “In a year marked by a dire budget shortfall and significant fiscal challenges, environmental protection emerged as a bright area with progress on climate change, renewable energy, clean drinking water protections, energy efficiency, reducing exposure to lead and combating sprawl.”

Here’s a quick roundup of some high-profile bills:

A proposal to overhaul and streamline regulation of wind power projects was passed unanimously by the House and Senate last week. Baldacci is expected to have a big signing ceremony Friday afternoon.

On Monday, the Legislature narrowly approved energy efficiency building standards for new homes. That one is expected to get Baldacci’s signature, too.

Baldacci ceremonially signed a law today that places a moratorium on coal gasification plants (like one that had been proposed in Wiscasset) until new greenhouse gas emissions standards are developed.

Conservationists are still holding their breath over one more bill on their priority list. It would create a system for the state to track, and potentially ban, toxic chemicals from household products. This one is facing an uncertain fate in the Senate, with intense lobbying on both sides.

The uncertainty isn’t keeping conservation groups from claiming victory, but it could definitely affect the mood in the Hall of Flags Wednesday.

E-mail this entry to a friend