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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

Report: Maine’s coastal infrastructure at risk as sea levels rise

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Thursday, July 18, 2024   

A new report is warning of threats to Maine's coastal infrastructure.

From power plants and post offices to affordable housing units, the report lists 17 assets vulnerable to flooding at least twice a year by 2050 under current sea level rise scenarios, and the number jumps to nearly 50 at the turn of the century if greenhouse gas emissions do not decrease.

Rachel Cleetus, climate and energy policy director for the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the report by her group shows how climate change is already affecting Maine.

"Lifelines that communities depend on are at risk of flooding," Cleetus emphasized. "And just regular high-tide flooding, even without storms, is reaching further inland and higher."

Cleetus pointed out there is still time to curb fossil fuel use to avoid the worst flooding later this century. But she still recommends upgrading infrastructure now to make it more resilient against sea level rise. Maine has invested millions in recent years to help communities transition to cleaner forms of energy and climate-proof its critical assets.

Other sites at risk to regular flooding include contaminated industrial areas, wastewater treatment plants and town offices. Cleetus stressed spending money in the coming years should keep towns safe far into the future.

"The science in this report is sobering but it's also actionable science, because it's telling us where and when pieces of critical infrastructure will be at risk for flooding," Cleetus explained. "This is a call to policymakers and decision-makers to take action now."

Nationwide, the report said more than 1,600 buildings could see disruptive flooding at least twice a year by 2050. The most common type of at-risk infrastructure is public and affordable housing.


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