How can we trust Susan Collins on the environment? | Letter
Sen. Susan Collins’ Recent Votes Spark Environmental Concerns in Maine
Portland, Maine – A letter to the editor in the Portland Press Herald has drawn renewed attention to Sen. Susan Collins’ environmental record. The Maine‑based writer, Stephen Simpson, who uses a heat‑pump system in his home, expressed disappointment that Collins voted to advance a 2025 budget bill that rolled back tax credits designed to help households adopt energy‑efficient technology. He cited the senator’s recent confirmation votes and low scores from environmental groups as evidence that the Maine‑born senator is not as environmentally focused as she claims.
Rolling back tax credits for home‑efficiency upgrades
In late 2024, Maine’s 2025 budget package was approved by the Senate, including a provision that eliminated or reduced federal tax incentives for homeowners who install heat pumps and other energy‑saving upgrades. The incentives were originally created under the federal Inflation Reduction Act to encourage lower energy consumption and lower greenhouse‑gas emissions. Simpson argued that the removal of the credits would make it harder for Maine residents to replace heating oil systems, which have historically been a significant source of pollution and greenhouse‑gas emissions in the state.
Collins, who often speaks on environmental issues, voted in favor of the budget measure. The vote came after the senator had previously voted against the Inflation Reduction Act, which included the tax credits that the budget now limits. Her support for the budget bill was seen by Simpson and other critics as a step back from the state’s environmental progress.
Confirmation votes that raise questions
The senator’s voting record on judicial appointments also drew scrutiny. On May 18, 2024, Collins voted to confirm Stevan Pearce as director of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Pearce, a former U.S. Representative from Kansas, has a history of supporting the sale of public lands and has faced criticism for his ties to oil and gas interests. His tenure has been described by environmental groups as potentially detrimental to the protection of public lands and national monuments.
In addition, Collins voted to confirm Justin Smith to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Smith’s record as Missouri’s deputy attorney general includes support for industry challenges to state clean‑water regulations. The confirmation vote, according to critics, signals a willingness to prioritize corporate interests over environmental protections.
Low scores from conservation groups
Collins’ environmental record, according to the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), earned her a 0% rating in 2024 and a 31% rating in 2025. The LCV evaluates senators’ votes on environmental issues such as climate change, wildlife protection, and clean‑water enforcement. The low scores reflect her votes against key environmental legislation and her support for measures that many conservationists view as weakening environmental safeguards.
State‑level impact
Maine has long relied on a combination of state and federal incentives to reduce heating‑oil dependence and protect its natural resources. The elimination of tax credits for energy‑efficient home upgrades could slow progress on the state’s climate goals, according to environmental analysts. Meanwhile, the BLM’s stewardship of more than 245 million acres of public land has implications for Maine’s own conservation efforts, especially regarding water quality and biodiversity.
Looking ahead
Sen. Collins faces reelection in the 2026 cycle, and her environmental record is likely to be a focal point for voters in a state that values clean air and water. The letter from Simpson and other residents underscores a broader debate: whether Collins’ actions align with the environmental priorities of Maine’s electorate.
Maine’s environmental groups have called for more detailed explanations from the senator about how her votes affect the state’s climate goals. Collins, for her part, has reiterated her commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, though critics argue that her recent voting pattern suggests otherwise.
