We just experienced the hottest June on record in Maine, followed by the rainiest July, punctuated by several days of smoky skies from a record-breaking fire season in the west.

Ongoing extreme weather events around the world make it clear that we must act on climate now.

It’s past time for Congress to take serious action on climate change, and the federal budget reconciliation package currently being assembled is the opportune time to do it. If passed, this bill would be the most significant climate legislation ever seen in the United States.

Throughout my work in the Maine Legislature and at Lewiston City Hall, I have fought to increase equity for Maine residents and ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive here. Climate change will inevitably amplify the difficulties faced by those that are already most burdened, and we must act quickly if we are to prevent the worst outcomes for future generations.

We can use this opportunity to boost our economy, create thousands of new clean energy jobs, and level the playing field for all Mainers, but only if we implement changes now.

We cannot accomplish our climate goals here in Maine without support from our leaders in Congress. Our Congressional delegation has pledged to help Maine reach our climate goals in time to avoid climate disaster, but we won’t have another chance like this for quite some time.

I urge our delegation to take this opportunity seriously and pass a fully-funded budget reconciliation package.

Kristen Cloutier, state representative of House District 60, former mayor of Lewiston