| December 3, 2010 |  |
Maine Scientists and Academics Urge Sens. Snowe and Collins to Support Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (December 3, 2010) -- A diverse group of academics, scientists and college administrators from a dozen Maine educational institutions have signed onto letters urging the state’s two senators, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, to support New START, a treaty that would reduce U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons.
“Higher education and science are about building a better future,” said David Hales, president of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. “So is New START, and that’s why scientists and academics across the state support this modest but critical treaty that would reduce the nuclear threat and protect the planet for future generations.”
The Massachusetts-based Union of Concerned Scientists organized the effort, which includes two letters: one signed by the presidents of five Maine colleges and universities, and another signed by 24 Maine academics from a range of disciplines.
The support for New START from Maine’s academic community adds to a growing, bipartisan, diverse range of individuals and constituencies in Maine who are speaking out. Hundreds of Mainers have asked their senators to support the treaty this year.
Earlier this fall nearly 90 Maine people signed a New START open letter to the senators. The Maine Medical Association approved a resolution in October supporting New START and many of Maine’s religious leaders have spoken out in favor of the treaty. All the major daily newspapers in Maine have editorialized in favor of New START. Former Maine Sen. William Cohen has urged the Senate to approve the treaty.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
