Governor Signs Executive Order to Make Maine a Cleaner, Safer, Healthier Place

Augusta, MaineFebruary 22, 2006

Governor John Baldacci signed an Executive Order this morning in a Cabinet Room ceremony to promote safer chemicals in consumer products and services.

Governor Baldacci says that the Executive Order commits the Government of the State of Maine to phase out its use of long-lasting toxic chemicals while making information available to the public about safer alternatives to those chemicals.

The Executive Order further looks to the future by spelling out the next steps that Maine will take against chemicals that have already been identified as priorities such as mercury, lead and pesticides.

The Governor also announced the creation of a task force designed to identify safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals and promote the use and development of the alternatives. The task force will be made up of representatives of environmental groups, people from the business and labor communities, members of the University system, state government and the general public.

"We are all at risk * our children especially * from hazardous chemicals," Governor Baldacci said. "When there are toxic materials in the house, kids will find them. I am proud that Maine is continuing to be a leader in making this state one of the healthiest states in the nation."

Governor Baldacci worked with the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Maine on the Executive Order. The Alliance is made up of representatives from The Learning Disabilities Association of Maine; The Maine Labor Group on Health; The Maine Environmental Health Strategy Center; The Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association; The Maine People's Alliance; The Maine Public Health Association; Maine Physicians for Social Responsibility; The Natural Resources Council of Maine; and The Toxic Action Coalition.