RadioActive 2/27/14

Producer/Host: Meredith DeFrancesco

Issue: Environmental and Social Justice

Program Topic: U Main Fossil Fuel Divestment Movement; Public Hearing on Metallic Mining Bill; Work to Connect Local Farms to Unions and Low Income Mainers

Key Discussion Points:
a) Today we hear some of the testimony given before legislative committee on a bill aimed at opening the state for metallic mining. Water quality, cleanup, and the democratic process were all brought into question at Monday’s hearing.
b) We also look at work to support local farmers and connect them with union members and low income Mainers.
c) But first, we speak with a member of Divest UMaine. This afternoon students met with the University of Maine’s Investment Committee on the impacts the institution could have, if the divested from the fossil fuel industry.

Guests:
A) Iris SanGiovanni, Divest UMaine
B) Senator Chris Johnson, Maine Legislature
C)Chief Brenda Commander, Houlton Band of the Maliseets
D)Rep. Ralph Chapman, Maine Legislature
E) Erin Sweeney, agricultural organizer, Food and Medicine, www.foodandmedicine.org