AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, and House chair of the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, and Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, a member of the Energy, Utilities and Technologies Committee, issued the following statements in response to Versant Power's intention to file a request to the Maine Public Utilities Commission asking for an increase in distribution rates.

AUGUSTA - Two new laws sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, went into effect on Friday, Aug. 9. They include a measure to allow natural organic reduction, or body composting, as well as a measure to create a pilot program to develop clean hydrogen.

AUGUSTA - On Thursday, Aug. 8, Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, was the keynote speaker at the Second Annual Symposium for the Advancement of Maine's Blue Economy, hosted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Educate Maine, the Maine Aquaculture Association and Southern Maine Community College.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jane Pringle, D-Windham, that will work to ease the administrative burden of on healthcare providers will go into effect today.

AUGUSTA - A new law sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that will support municipal franchise agreements, goes into effect today.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, that will help protect fishermen's access to Maine's working waterfront goes into effect today.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, has been selected to participate in the national Council of State Governments 2024 Robert J. Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy.

AUGUSTA - Last week, Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, moderated a housing panel at the Council of State Governments' annual Eastern Regional Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, has been appointed to serve on the Homeless Student Workgroup established by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The workgroup provides an opportunity for collaboration among legislators from across the country to develop policies and funding sources to assist students who are homeless.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, was one of 50 state legislators chosen nationwide to participate in the 2024 Emerging Legislative Leaders Program, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and held at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia from July 8-11.

The attendees were chosen based on their demonstrated leadership qualities, such as integrity, compassion and intelligence. The program is designed to inspire participants to continue their careers in public service while bolstering their leadership skills.