Site Navigation Menu
The Camden Public Library will host a panel discussion titled “Where Does Camden Stand on Climate Action?” on Thursday, December 7, at 6:30 PM in the Picker Room and on Zoom. This event discussion will provide insight into Camden’s climate action and is in the second of the Camden Talks Climate series cosponsored by the town and CamdenCAN (ClimateActionNow). Panelists will include Watershed School activists, Sarah Miller, Jeremy Martin, and Dave St. Laurent, among others.
This is a hybrid event and will take place in the Picker Room and on Zoom. To attend virtually, register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Oo1Dosj5TmyFmCEOy0wkEg
The panel will begin with Janet McMahon and Alex Facq, who will give the background on the Watershed School’s investigation of climate change and the push to have Camden become the first Maine community to sign on the Global Covenant of Mayors. They’ll discuss the importance of climate education in our schools as well as explore how a green house gas inventory is conducted.
Sarah Miller, a Camden resident who sat on the (now defunct) Energy Committee, will then report on their initiatives, progress, and the inevitable set backs.
Jeremy Martin, Camden’s Planning and Development Director, will follow with an update on the changes made to public buildings (the Siemens projects) and other municipal efforts including the town solar array.
Dave St. Laurent, the town’s Public Works Director, will discuss flood resiliency (storm and water level management) and other initiatives. Other participants will provide updates on data for EVs, heat pumps, and solar panel installations in town.
Janet McMahon is an ecologist who works with land trusts, conservation organizations, state agencies, and private landowners to identify, understand, and design landscape-scale conservation areas and climate corridors. She studied biology and geology at Colby College and has a masters degree in plant ecology from the University of Maine. She served on the faculty of Watershed School for 12 years, where she taught courses in Global Climate Change, World Geography, and Conservation Biology.
Alex Facq is a 2023 graduate of Colby College with a major in Environmental Policy. Alex graduated from Watershed high school, where they were a member of the Camden Energy Committee and one of the students involved in helping Camden to join the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate. In their free time, Alex enjoys glassblowing and cross country skiing.
Sarah Miller is a semi-retired international energy and business journalist and editor. She has lived in Missouri, Brussels, Washington D.C., London, New York City, and now Camden, where she is active in numerous community organizations. Sarah was on the last Camden Energy and Sustainability Committee and is a founding member of CamdenCAN. She is also a blogger on Medium and on Pen Bay Pilot.
Jeremy Martin is Camden’s Planning and Development Director. Jeremy has over 25 years of experience in land use planning, zoning, permitting, and regulatory compliance. Jeremy oversees all land use and environmental permitting and compliance, as well as the administration of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code for Camden. He also coordinates economic and community development activities. Over the last few years Jeremy has also taken on the role coordinating climate resilience and adaptation work for Camden. Jeremy is certified in Shoreland Zoning, Floodplain Management, and Land Use Planning, as well as Building Codes Administration by the State of Maine’s Department of Economic and Community Development. Prior to joining Camden (March of 2018), Jeremy served as the City of Bangor’s Director of Code Enforcement, Permitting, and Inspections. Prior to that he served as the City’s Development Coordinator and Zoning Administrator. He also worked as an Environmental Specialist with the Cobbossee Watershed District in Winthrop, Maine, and was a Land Use Consultant for the Maine Association of Conservation Districts. He began his work in watershed management as a Natural Resource Specialist with the China Region Lakes Alliance where he worked on non-point source pollution reduction programs. Jeremy has a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University where he studied Geography and Political Science. He also studied Environmental Policy and Forestry at Unity College.
Dave St. Laurent is Camden’s Public Works Director, Road Commissioner, Tree Warden, Dam Control Agent, and Water Resource Manager. David has over 25 years of environmental experience including working for Beal’s Island Shellfish Hatchery, Maine Inland Fish & Wildlife, Poland Spring, Bath Iron Works, Fisher Engineering, and the City of Rockland. With 15 years of municipal experience in the mid-coast, David has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies from the University Maine Machias. Much of his career has been focused on protecting water resources as well enjoying much of the recreation it provides. David lives in Rockport.
CamdenCAN (ClimateActionNow) is a citizen-led organization committed to reducing Camden’s contribution to climate change through local action, education, advocacy, and resources. We help our community take advantage of climate solutions with actionable steps. Together we CAN make a difference.