Letters submitted by BDN readers are verified by BDN Opinion Page staff. Send your letters to [email protected]
I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Sen. Susan Collins for voting to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In a vote on Thursday, she broke ranks with her party to vote “no” on H.J.Res. 131. This resolution stripped away protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, America’s largest wildlife preserve.
While the bill did pass, 49-45 (6 did not vote), I am proud to say that the only Republican senator to break rank, to try and protect my interests, is from my state.
While the refuge is a far-flung piece of land, its effect can be felt all over the continent thanks to the thousands of bird species that live and migrate there every year. As an amateur bird watcher myself and member of the University of Maine Arctic Protection Club, I am glad that the natural beauty of their habitat is something we can all agree to preserve.
I understand that being a moderate in 2025 is a challenging task. Especially within the turbulent Republican space right now. So I believe choosing to risk being further labeled a “RINO” over something that should be protected on principle shows real integrity.
Clayton Wilson
Searsmont
