Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine – Institute for Legislative Action

205 Church Hill Road, Augusta, Maine 04330

207-623-4589 david@samofmaine.org

Press Release

May 20, 2026

The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine is taking the extraordinary early, pre-primary step of endorsing Senator Susan Collins for reelection to the United States Senate.

The contrast between the remaining candidates in this race could not be more stark. Senator Collins understands the tremendous responsibility that comes with serving in the United States Senate. She is humble, thoughtful in researching issues, willing to engage with interested parties, and consistentlycarries herself with dignity.

No Senator in the U.S. Senate or member of the U.S. House of Representatives has a stronger record on conservation or a more consistent commitment to the interests of those who care about hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation than Senator Collins.

When PFAS chemicals were discovered in Maine waters and farmlands, we called Senator Collins and asked for help funding the expansion of Maine laboratories to accelerate the removal of these dangerous chemicals from our wildlife and food supplies. She delivered. When we learned that more than half of Maine’s hatcheries exceeded their Maine Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Protection Agency effluent discharge licenses, Senator Collins helped secure federal funding for a desperately needed new hatchery and additional funding to upgrade several existing hatcheries.

Senator Collins understands that our political discourse has devolved into an angry and, at times, dangerous free-for-all shaped by demagogues who seek to divide our state and nation. We need statesmanship, not rhetoric that deepens division. We need leaders who recognize after elections, they represent all Maine people and who conduct themselves with integrity, self-control, moral clarity, and acommitment to help bring a fractured nation back together.

*Candidate questionnaires for the U.S. House races will be distributed in the coming days, and the SAM ILA may grade or endorse candidates in those races as well. Questionnaires for the Maine House, Maine Senate, and gubernatorial races will be distributed after the primary.

Definitions

Statesman – “The art or practice of conducting governmental affairs; political leadership characterized by wisdom, breadth of vision, and regard for the general welfare rather than partisan interest.”

Demagogue –

“A political leader who gains power by exploiting people’s emotions, fears, and prejudices rather than using rational arguments. Demagogues often make false claims, pit groups against one another, and use charismatic rhetoric to manipulate the public for personal or political gain.

”Susan Collins: Conservation & Outdoor Recreation Record

Born and raised in Aroostook County, Senator Collins has long been a strong voice for Maine’s sportsmen and women and has worked to protect the recreational spaces that sustain Maine’s outdoor heritage and traditions.

Senator Collins has been a longtime defender of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), our nation’s most successful conservation program, and has led efforts to advance federal legislation protecting natural spaces in Maine and across the country.

As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Collins has defended Maine’s national parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and estuaries against proposed budget cuts. She has also used her leadership position to secure millions of dollars for conservation and outdoor recreation projects throughout Maine.

Key Legislative Victories and Ongoing Efforts

• Original cosponsor of the landmark Great American Outdoors Act, which provided permanent, full funding for the LWCF at $900 million annually. This funding has expanded access for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation; supported working forests and ranches; protected critical lands in national parks, wildlife refuges, and national forests; and funded state and local recreation projects, from ballparks to trail systems. The law also incorporated the Restore Our Parks Act, which provided $9.5 billion for critical repairs and maintenance at national parks, including Acadia National Park.

• Cosponsored the John D. Dingell Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which permanently reauthorized the LWCF. The law included provisions from the bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act, including establishing a national “Open Until Closed” policy; dedicating 3% of LWCF funds to additional public access for sportsmen and women; authorizing funding for shooting sports facilities; reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs; and allowing permitting and leasing of public lands for shooting and target ranges.

• Cosponsored legislation enacted in 2022 that designated the York River as part of the National Park Service’s Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

• Cosponsored the Outdoors for All Act, which expanded outdoor recreational opportunities in low-income communities and codified the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, which funds new trails and green spaces.

• Cosponsored the America the Beautiful Act, which continues the work of the Great American Outdoors Act by reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund to address maintenance backlogs in national parks and public lands.

Protecting Maine’s Natural Resources Against PFAS

Senator Collins has secured millions of dollars through her leadership on the Senate Appropriations Committee to protect Mainers, wildlife, agriculture, and the environment from PFAS “forever chemicals” while helping position Maine as a national leader in PFAS research.

Clean Water and Land

Since 2021, Senator Collins has secured $155 million for 82 drinking water and wastewater projects across Maine. Many of these infrastructure improvements have helped reduce PFAS contamination affecting water supplies, farms, wildlife, and natural resources.

Leading Research

Senator Collins secured $18 million to establish a PFAS Center of Excellence at the USDA New England Plant, Soil, and Water Research Laboratory at the University of Maine. The center is now at the forefront of PFAS testing, public education, and outreach to communities impacted by contamination. She has also directed an additional $23 million to support the center and its ongoing research.