Rethinking Local Implementation

Climate change is moving faster than many people imagined, prompting sea level rise, flooding and many other problems across our state. We are lucky to have local and state governments that have committed to reducing emissions. During this hour we will check in with Taylor Maguire of the Town of York planning office and Rep. Gerry Runte of Maine’s 146th House district to learn about the latest steps to combat global warming locally and across the state. 

Taylor Maguire is a planning professional with a strong background in urban ecology, data analysis, and community engagement. In her current role as an Environmental Planner for the Town of York, she is working to implement the town’s Climate Action and Comprehensive Plans. Her previous roles include global experience as an Ecological Impact Analyst, where she was responsible for designing and implementing mangrove restoration and climate-resiliency projects along Cambodia’s southern coast. She has worked for the University of Utah, performing active transportation planning and helping to update their Climate Action Plan, at the Utah Inland Port Authority with data analysis and GIS, policy work for both the Utah Association of Special Districts and the 2022 Utah State Legislative Session, and a designer and educator at off-grid, passive solar design-build firm Earthship Biotecture. In addition to her professional experience, Taylor is a Staff Sergeant in the 19th Special Forces Airborne Army National Guard after actively serving with the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade. Her occupational specialty as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Noncommissioned Officer lends to her depth of knowledge in hazardous waste, operations, and EPA regulations.

Gerry Runte is the State Representative for House District 146 in Maine, which includes western York, seacoast Wells, and the Town of Ogunquit. He serves on the Joint Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Technology, the Maine Climate Council, and on the board of the Hydrogen Energy Center. In York, he was a member of the Planning Board, the Energy Steering Committee and co-chaired the Climate Action Plan Steering Committee. Prior to moving to York, Gerry had a 47-year career equally split between the electric utility and clean energy sectors.

This event is part of York Public Library’s 2024 climate programming series, “Living in a Climate Changed World.” For more information, please visit yorkpubliclibrary.org/climate.