• Read more about Waldo County lawmakers release joint statement on Penobscot McCrum fire

AUGUSTA - In response to the fire that devastated the Penobscot McCrum processing plant in Belfast early in the morning on Thursday, lawmakers representing Waldo County communities in the Maine Legislature, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, Rep. Sherman Hutchins, R-Penobscot, Rep. MaryAnne Kinney, R-Knox, and Rep. Paige Zeigler, D-Montville, have released the following joint statement:

• Read more about Terry introduces legislation to strengthen Maine's energy storage capacity

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, presented LD 2030, a bill aimed at encouraging energy storage companies to conduct business in Maine, before the Legislature's Taxation Committee on Wednesday. LD 2030 would create an exemption from sales and use tax for energy storage systems and would make qualified energy storage systems eligible for the business equipment tax exemption.

• Read more about House votes to upgrade clean water classification of lower Androscoggin, other Maine waters

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted unanimously to enact a measure Thursday to upgrade the clean water classification of the lower Androscoggin River, along with other Maine waters. The legislative action marks 50 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act, a landmark law spearheaded by former U.S. Sen. Edmund Muskie.

• Read more about House advances Gramlich proposal to increase behavioral health support for first responders

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Thursday to advance a proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to increase behavioral health support for Maine's first responders. The bill earned initial approval "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

• Read more about Committee holds public hearing on bill to address and prevent sexual trauma in the Maine National Guard

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee held a public hearing Friday on a proposal to strengthen how the Maine National Guard prevents and responds to sexual assault and sexual harassment.

• Read more about House advances proposal to support clean energy development while preserving natural resources

AUGUSTA - In a unanimous vote, the Maine House gave initial approval Thursday to a bill from Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, that would help identify the best land for clean energy development while ensuring the state's natural resources remain protected.

• Read more about Legislature advances Maine Climate Corps funding proposal

AUGUSTA - The Maine House enacted legislation Thursday to provide funding for the Maine Climate Corps, a program that gained unanimous support in the Environment and Natural Resources Committee last year, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook.

• Read more about House enacts bill to combat browntail moths

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted unanimously Thursday to enact a measure sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would provide direct funds to communities to support their efforts to reduce the presence of browntail moths.

• Read more about House advances bill to support lobster fishing industry

AUGUSTA - The Maine House delivered a strong bipartisan vote Thursday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would provide direct relief funds to Maine's lobster fishermen impacted by recent federal regulatory changes. The vote was 116-18.

• Read more about Pierce serves as Speaker pro tempore in the Maine House

Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, presided over the Maine House of Representatives Tuesday as Speaker pro tempore. House members serving their final term are offered an opportunity to oversee the House's proceedings. Pierce is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and represents part of Falmouth. She is House chair of the Legislatures budget-writing Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Pierce] c. 812-1111