Statewide
News From Across The State
Gov. Janet Mills moved expeditiously on some of her core campaign pledges during her first 100 days and is credited with helping change the political tenor in Augusta. But with major issues looming, the question is: Will it last?
Published Date: 04/15/2019
Gov. Janet Mills moved expeditiously on some of her core campaign pledges during her first 100 days and is credited with helping change the political tenor in Augusta. But with major issues looming, the question is: Will it last?
Senators Collins, King Meet with Maine Hospital Association, Discuss Solutions to Issues Hospitals are Facing Throughout the State
Published Date: 04/11/2019
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus King (I-ME) met with members of the Maine Hospital Association (MHA) in Washington, D.C., to discuss possible solutions to several issues hospitals throughout Maine are facing.
…Teams advance to Farm to School Cook-off Finals Competition
Published Date: 04/11/2019
The Maine Department of Education Child Nutrition office kicked off their 4th annual Farm to School Cook-off last month. Cook-off teams representing nine school districts from across Maine participated in the event. The teams, consisting of a student and school nutrition staff member, served up tasty and nutritious breakfast and lunch meals within a specific time frame that showcased Maine grown ingredients.
MPUC Approves Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity For the New England Clean Energy Connect Transmission Line
Published Date: 04/11/2019
The Maine Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously today to approve Central Maine Power Company’s Petition for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for the New England Clean Energy Connect Project (NECEC) proposed transmission line.
…Belfast company plans to buy former Madison paper mill for insulation production, employing 110
Published Date: 04/10/2019
GO Lab Inc., which specializes in the development of construction products, is planning to produce wood fiber insulation out of the former Madison Paper Industries mill that was shuttered three years ago and could employ some 110 people.
…Out-of-state funding boosts Susan Collins’ coffers
Published Date: 04/09/2019
Republican Sen. Susan Collins has out-raised a liberal crowdfunding effort to unseat her, thanks to out-of-state donors
Regulators set to vote on key permit for CMP’s hotly contested power line
Published Date: 04/09/2019
Thursday’s vote by the Public Utilities Commission will be a key point in Central Maine Power’s effort to build the transmission line through western Maine.
Marinas in Camden and Portland to receive $3M for infrastructure upgrades
Published Date: 04/09/2019
Two Maine marinas will receive a total of $3 million through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2019 Boating Infrastructure Grant program.
…Committee To Hear Testimony On Several Rank-Choice Voting Bills
Published Date: 04/08/2019
The Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs has scheduled public hearings this Wednesday for 6 different Rank-Choice Voting (RCV) bills…
King to IRS: Stop Targeting Low-Income Maine People
Published Date: 04/08/2019
Data Shows Two of Maine’s Poorest Counties Have Higher-Than-Average Audit Rates
…Committee Divided on National Popular Vote Bill
Published Date: 04/07/2019
At least 100 people submitted testimony in early March to the Committee On Veterans And Legal Affair’s hearing for LD 816. Sen. Peter Jackson (D-Aroostook), whom sponsored the bill (co-sponsors), argued that because so many people feel left out of the political process, it’s important that every American’s vote should count equally.…
Opposition turns to Legislature as CMP’s $950M transmission project enters a week of hearings
Published Date: 04/03/2019
On Friday, Maine Public Utilities Commission staff issued a 162-page Examiners’ Report recommending approval of Central Maine Power’s 145-mile transmission line New England Clean Energy Connect project. That review focused on public interest and public benefit standards. Reviews this week by Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Land Use Planning Commission will look more closely at environmental and land use issues.
…Governor Mills Signs Legislation to Restore Net Metering & Incentivize Growth of Solar Power in Maine
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Gov. Mills today signed into law a bill that will incentivize long-awaited growth of the Maine’s solar industry. LD 91 An Act to Eliminate Gross Metering, sponsored by Representative Seth Berry, will reset the state’s metering policy for solar and ensure that consumers who produce electricity from solar panels will be fairly compensated for supplying excess energy back to the electric grid.
…As poll shows public disapproval, foes of $1 billion CMP hydro project take fight to State House
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Central Maine Power’s $1 billion proposal to deliver Quebec hydropower to Massachusetts through a western Maine corridor looks to be sailing for regulatory approval, but it is deeply unpopular, according to a new poll from opponents.
…Susan Collins and Angus King announced that GPCOG has received funding for a pilot program to increase transportation access for vulnerable populations in Greater Portland.
Published Date: 04/02/2019
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, announced that Greater Portland Council of Government has received $70,000 in federal funding for a pilot program to increase access to transportation for vulnerable populations in the Portland area.
…Maine treatment plants scramble to meet state’s new sludge-testing edict
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Wastewater treatment plant operators across Maine are scrambling to meet a tight deadline imposed by the Mills administration to begin testing municipal sludge for so-called “forever chemicals” before the sludge can be used as fertilizer.
…Committee hears testimony on ending 100-megawatt cap on hydroelectric generators under the Renewable Resource Laws
Published Date: 04/02/2019
Rep. Jeff Hanley (R- Pittston) sponsored LD 1027 (co-sponsors) and testified before The Energy Utilities and Technology Committee that the rules were set up to promote growth of renewables and that growth has been achieved. Therefore, and because it’s a renewable energy, we should now allow large-scale hydro-electric facilities to qualify for the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.…
Maine will use your personal location data for transportation planning
Published Date: 04/01/2019
State agencies have subscribed to a program that uses personal GPS locations to analyze traffic patterns.
…U.S. House Republican leader assails ranked-choice voting in Maine
Published Date: 04/01/2019
Republicans in Augusta and Washington are trying to stymie or repeal a voting method they say helps Democrats like Jared Golden.
…Bill banning Native American mascots in public schools passes in committee
Published Date: 04/01/2019
The Committee on Education and Cultural affairs voted 7-5 to recommend passing the legislation. It will now go before the House of Representatives.
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