AUGUSTA — Representative Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, has been appointed to serve in support of the Maine Climate Council, according to a news release. 

“We need to address the climate crisis if we want to keep Maine’s working waterfront strong and Maine’s coastline healthy,” said McDonald. “As a lobsterman, I’m glad to be doing this important work for the future of our industry and our state.”

In June 2019, the Governor and Legislature created the Maine Climate Council in an effort to strategize a plan for climate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, in addition to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

The Maine Climate Council is supported by one subcommittee and six working groups.

McDonald has been appointed to the Coastal and Marine Working Group, which is responsible for providing recommendations and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coastal and marine sectors.

In June 2020, the working group published their report, which outlines six strategies to monitor and manage the impacts of climate change on our marine resources and coastal communities.

McDonald represents the communities of Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, North Haven, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan's Island, Tremont and Vinalhaven, plus the unorganized territory of Marshall Island Township. She serves as the House chair of the Government Oversight Committee and as a member of the Marine Resources Committee.