Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) and Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper will host a 1-hour, virtual “Lunch and Learn” on Wednesday, July 22 at 12 noon to commemorate 40 years of defending Sears Island from industrial port development. The panel will also discuss the major issues and threats facing the island today, and offer solutions for protecting critical coastal habitat and advancing renewable energy along the coast of Maine.
Details and registration information are below.
PANELISTS
Kyla Bennett | Director of Science Policy; Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Director, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility and Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Director
Kyla first became involved with PEER in the mid-1990s when she became a whistleblower herself. She previously worked at the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 for 10 years as a wetland permit reviewer and as the Region’s Wetlands Enforcement Coordinator. Kyla’s familiarity with science, the law, and the inner workings of state and federal governmental agencies enable her to assist public environmental employees throughout New England. She has a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Connecticut and a law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.Steve Miller | Penobscot Bay Advocate
Steve Miller, one of Islesboro Islands Trust's founders, became Executive Director in 1985. After 40 years of serving IIT's mission, Steve retired in 2025, earning the title Executive Director Emeritus, but continues to be involved in IIT's Advocacy mission.Scott Sells | Environmental Attorney
Scott Sells is an attorney and counselor at law based in Portland, Maine, specializing in energy, environmental, and corporate law. He is the founder of The Sells Law Firm, LLC.
Moderator:
Pete Nichols | Executive Director, Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper
Currently the Executive Director of Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper, Pete has worked for nearly three decades as an environmental advocate.
***This is a FREE, VIRTUAL event, but registering through the button below is required. A zoom link will be emailed along with your registration. Thank you!***
