Robert Kennedy – UMaine President: “We’re proud today to announce the formation of Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative, a broad-based interdisciplinary research and outreach program led by UMaine’s Senator George James Mitchell Center that will dramatically affect our state’s future. The core of this initiative is a collaborative research center based here at UMaine, through which groups of experts will apply their skills and experiences to address issues related to environmental, economic and social sustainability. In Maine, where quality of life is central to all we do and all that we are, it is critical that we work together to develop the most effective ways to move forward in those three areas, while maintaining our focus on preserving our unique and invaluable qualities.”

Governor John Baldacci: “This center of sustainability solutions housed at the University of Maine is also going to work in support of expanding science, technology, and engineering and mathematics disciplines across the state. The project will directly support two to three hundred positions a year over the next five years, supporting our workforce and developing research and capacity with huge dividends down the road.”

David Hart – Director of George J. Mitchell Center: “The goal of our project is to improve the science and the practice of sustainable development. To create a brighter economic, social and environmental future for the people of Maine. Well, what do we mean by sustainable development? This is a coordinated strategy that seeks to achieve multiple goals: economic well-being, livable communities and a healthy environment. We just can’t afford to focus on one of these goals at a time – we’ve got to get all three right. This is what many Mainer’s mean when they talk about the importance of Maine’s quality of place. It’s also what business leaders are talking about when they emphasize the need for a triple bottom line: a focus on profits, people and the planet.”