AUGUSTA - Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, appointed Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich to serve on the Surface Water Ambient Toxics Monitoring Program (SWAT) as one of two legislators on the Technical Advisory Group.
"It's important we use good data to construct an effective, inclusive plan to safeguard Maine's natural environment and protect residents," said Hepler. "I'm honored to join my colleagues in working to shield Maine's surface waters and fisheries from toxic contaminants."
The SWAT monitoring program was established in 1993 and is charged with determining the nature, scope and severity of toxic contamination in our surface waters and fisheries. Under the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the program uses data to understand the risks posed to human and environmental health in our state.
"Clean, pristine waters are a hallmark of Maines environment," said Talbot Ross. "Rep. Hepler has the experience necessary to provide strong leadership to both monitor and safeguard one of our most valuable natural resources."
The Technical Advisory Group review the Department of Environmental Protection's annual and five-year work plans. The group consists of 12 individuals, including two legislators and two representatives with scientific backgrounds representing each of five following interests: business, municipal, conservation, public health, and academic.
Hepler is a strong advocate for a sustainable environment. She introduced successful legislation supporting communities infested by browntail moths in the 130th Legislature, and is sponsoring legislation this session to improve Maine's bottle redemption laws and protect loons from lead poisoning. She is the House chair of the Marine Resources Committee and a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee as well as the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
Hepler is serving her third term in the Maine House, and represents Arrowsic, Georgetown, Phippsburg, West Bath and Woolwich.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Hepler], c. 305-965-2744Mary-Erin Casale [Talbot Ross], c. 415-4965