AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature approved a measure Thursday sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would improve the air quality and ventilation in Maine's public schools.
LD 705 would create consistent standards across the state and would direct the Department of Education (DEP) to amend the governing standards of air quality and ventilation for schools. Current DEP rules only prescribe that there should be "sufficient changes to produce healthful conditions and to avoid odors or concentrations of toxic substances or dust particles." There is no definition of "healthful condition", resulting in a patchwork of ventilation practices.
The COVID-19 pandemic has catapulted the concern of adequate ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ) to the forefront. Poor IAQ can be from mold, dust mites, water leaks and poor ventilation and can negatively impact people's health. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a school's physical environment, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, can also play a major role in academic performance.
"Maine students, educators and school staff should be confident that, no matter their school, the air is safe to breathe," said Millett. "Funding LD 705, and promulgating appropriate rules, will help us attain this goal by taking real steps to protect the health of our children."
The bill would require amended standards to apply to all public schools no later than July 1, 2026.
Millett is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents District 30, part of Cape Elizabeth. She sits on the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. Prior to representing House District 30, Millett served eight years in the State Senate, representing District 29, which includes South Portland, Cape Elizabeth and part of Scarborough.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Millet] c. 812-1111