Maine board adds new environmental justice standard

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Authorities in Maine are adding an environmental justice standard to the state’s reviews of proposed or expanded solid waste facilities.

The Maine Board of Environmental Protection voted to add the new standard on Thursday, Maine Public reported. The move came after the urging of environmental and tribal groups.

The Penobscot Nation has suffered environmental injustice in the past, said Bob Duschene, a BEP board member. He pointed to a landfill that was situated next to tribal lands.

The new environmental justice standard has opponents in industry.

The board also turned down a proposal designed to eliminate hundreds of thousands of tons of waste that Massachusetts sends to Maine.