PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 5, 2026
Honey bees are Maine’s official state insect and a keystone species in our ecosystem. As a local beekeeper measuring PFAS in my own hives, I stand with the Maine farmers. I can’t help but wonder how different our response will be to present and emerging environmental crises if we have someone trained in both law and scientific thinking as our next governor. During his time as director of Maine’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Shah recognized how widespread PFAS contamination is in Maine’s soil and water. Now, at a time when science-informed leadership is more essential than ever, he’s made PFAS protection a top priority. ~ Erin Evans, Portland