The Maine TU Council Advocacy Committee coordinates Maine TU's position, and provides testimony to conservation-oriented bills progressing through Maine's legislative process.

The work of the committee:

• Monitor the progress of legislative bills as they are posted on https://legislature.maine.gov/
• Arrive at a consensus about which bills to take a position on and articulate that position
• Notify Maine Council Executive Committee of our stance, and receive either approval or disapproval
• Write up formal testimony of approved stances and prepare to deliver same in person

Advocating for Maine

Healthy fish need healthy water. TU’s advocacy ensures that sound policy decisions and conservation investments directly impact the health of rivers, the strength of the restoration economy, and the continuation of America’s hunting and fishing tradition.  As a TU member, you can play an active role in influencing policy makers’ decisions. 

This guide gives Maine Trout Unlimited members practical ways to advocate for healthy rivers, cold-water fisheries, and responsible water management. Use it to contact elected officials, submit letters to local newspapers, and file comments with FERC when river conditions or policy decisions affect Maine’s fisheries.

1. Contact your federal and state representatives and senators.
2. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
3. Submit a comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Contact your federal and state representatives and senators

Tips on Communicating with Your Legislator:  

When contacting a legislator, begin by saying who you are and why you are reaching out. Name the bill or issue up front, then explain in your own words why it matters to you, your community, and Maine’s rivers and fisheries. Keep the message concise: legislators receive large volumes of information and are more likely to remember clear, direct requests. Include your contact information so staff can follow up and consider adding a relevant photo from a personal or news source if it strengthens your message.

A simple message can follow this structure: I am a Maine resident and Trout Unlimited member writing about [bill or issue]. Healthy rivers and cold-water fisheries matter to me because [brief personal connection]. I respectfully ask you to [specific action]. Thank you for considering this request, and I would welcome any follow-up questions.

Federal representatives:

Senator Susan Collins: 202-224-2523 or 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510, Augusta: 207-622-8414, Portland: 207-780-3575, Bangor 207-945-0417 or 202 Harlow St., Room 20100 Bangor, ME 04401, Caribou: 207-493-7873

Senator Angus King: 202-224-5344 or 133 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510, Augusta: 207-622- 8292 Bangor: 207-945-8000 or 202 Harlow St., Suite 20350
Bangor, ME 04401, Presque Isle: 207-764- 5124, Scarborough: (207) 883-1588

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree: 202-225-6116 or 2162 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515, Portland: 207-774-5019, Waterville: 207-873- 5713

Congressman Jared Golden: 202-225-6306 or 223 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515, Bangor: 207-249-7400, Caribou: 207-492-6009, Lewiston: 207-241-6767

State Representatives:

You can find your state representative here:

https://legislature.maine.gov/house/MemberProfiles

State Senators:

You can find your state senator here:

https://legislature.maine.gov/senate-home-page/find-your-state-senator

Write a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper.

Letters to the editor can help bring public attention to river health, fisheries, and water management decisions. To increase the odds that your letter is published, keep it timely, local, concise, and focused on one clear request.

Letter Structure

• Salutation: Begin with “Dear Editor” or the editor’s name.
• Opening Paragraph: Reference the article or issue and clearly state your main point or stance.
• Body: Present supporting evidence, personal anecdotes, or data in 1–2 concise paragraphs. Use logical flow and transitions like “Furthermore” or “For example.”
• Conclusion: End with a call to action or recommendation for readers.
• Closing: Include your name, contact information, and any relevant affiliations 

Style and Length

• Keep the letter short and focused, typically 150–250 words, as most publications have strict word limits 
• Focus on one main idea to maintain clarity and impact.
• Use a professional yet engaging tone, combining facts with personal experience when appropriate.
• Avoid tangential points or overly complex arguments 

File with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Submit an e-comment to FERC using the Quick Comment form: https://ferconline.ferc.gov/QuickComment.aspx

• Write your comments in a Word doc or email first, then go to the website. 
• Fill in your info. After you hit Authorize, you will receive an email that includes a link to submit your comment. When you click that link your info should be pre-filled. 
• Copy and paste your comments. Make sure to input the Docket Number, which is P-2572-133. And click the blue + button. 
• Key points: Ask FERC to require Brookfield to invest in reliable equipment and maintain a stronger backup plan for trip events that reduce flows and threaten fish habitat. Brookfield is in the process of receiving a 30-year license, so this is an important time for people to speak up; there may not be another comparable opportunity for public input for three decades.

Here is an example: 

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding water loss and fish mortality on Maine’s West Branch of the Penobscot River caused by down power lines that created a power loss at the McKay power station on July 27, 2026. This event warrants immediate attention and review. Reductions in water levels have reportedly resulted in significant stress on aquatic species and habitats in the West Branch. Lower flows increase water temperatures, reduce available habitat, decrease dissolved oxygen levels, and create conditions that are detrimental to fish and other aquatic species.

 Maine anglers and conservationists recognize the West Branch for its cold-water fishery and its importance to Maine's natural heritage and outdoor recreation economy. Sustained or repeated water losses that cause fish mortality threaten the river's ecological balance and the livelihoods of Maine residents and harm recreational opportunities that depend upon healthy fish populations. These conditions can lead to fish deaths and have raised concerns among local residents, anglers, guides, and conservation-minded citizens.

As a citizen who values the ecological, recreational, and economic importance of this river, I respectfully request that FERC investigate whether current water management practices associated with licensed hydroelectric operations are contributing to these conditions. Specifically, I ask that the Commission:

1. Review current flow management and operational practices affecting the West Branch.
2. Assess the extent of fish mortality and habitat impacts from reduced water levels.
3. Evaluate whether existing license requirements adequately protect aquatic resources.
4. Consider additional monitoring, reporting, and mitigation measures where necessary.
5. Ensure that river flows are maintained at levels sufficient to protect fish populations and aquatic habitat.

The protection of Maine's river ecosystems requires careful balancing of energy production and environmental stewardship. I urge FERC to take these concerns seriously and work with state agencies, tribal representatives, conservation organizations, and local stakeholders to address these impacts. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate your commitment to protecting the public interest and maintaining the environmental integrity of our nation's waterways.

Include your name and contact information!