2026 Environmental Policy Forum

Maine State Chamber of Commerce Environmental Policy Forum
Thursday, January 22, 2026

The 2026 Environmental Policy Forum, hosted by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, brought together business leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts for a full day of solutions-focused discussion on the policies shaping Maine’s economic and environmental future. Held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Maple Hill Farm Inn & Conference Center, the forum featured a packed room and strong engagement throughout the day.

The agenda moved beyond theory to focus on real-world impacts for Maine employers and communities, with in-depth sessions on permitting reform, PFAS, maritime electrification, and dam decisions. Speakers and panelists shared practical perspectives, case studies, and forward-looking ideas aimed at improving Maine’s permitting landscape while supporting economic development.
Highlights included remarks from Congressman Jared Golden on federal permitting reform and the SPEED Act, as well as insights from Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Melanie Loyzim and EPA Region 1 Administrator Mark Sanborn on state and federal environmental priorities. Additional panels and presentations explored PFAS policy and technology opportunities, river and dam considerations, and electrification in the Gulf of Maine.

The 2026 Environmental Policy Forum underscored the importance of collaborative, informed dialogue at the intersection of environmental policy, infrastructure, energy, and economic development. The strong turnout and high level of engagement reflected both the urgency of these issues and the value of bringing diverse perspectives together to advance practical, workable solutions for Maine.

Thank you to everyone who attended, spoke, and helped make the 2026 Environmental Policy Forum a success — and to our generous sponsors who made the event possible!

Click here to download the slide deck.