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August 31, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Paul Davis Named to National Panel on Energy and Agriculture

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Paul Davis has been named to an influential national committee that deals with major energy and agricultural issues under the auspices of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree recently announced the appointment, which takes effect immediately.

Rep. Davis (R-Sangerville) will join the NCSL’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Energy, which has jurisdiction over state and federal agriculture and rural development legislation, natural resources legislation and energy and electric utilities legislation. It has recently addressed such issues as energy security, water allocation dispute resolution and cost-benefit analysis of environmental regulations.

“I’m honored by this appointment, and I’m looking forward to sharing information and ideas with legislators from other states,” Rep. Davis said. “Both agriculture and energy are important issues in Maine. Our energy costs are among the highest in the country, which makes it tough for Maine companies to compete. Hopefully, we’ll be able to benefit from the experience of other states. NCSL committees are national in scope, and the idea is to pool our knowledge base and share best practices.”

In the current Legislature, Rep. Davis serves as the ranking Republican on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; hunting; fishing; trapping; recreational and hunter safety; fisheries and wildlife research; fish hatcheries; wardens; licensing; ATVs; snowmobiles; boat safety registration; personal watercraft; and white water rafting.

Rep. Davis said one of the strengths of the NCSL is its firm support for state sovereignty. “At a time of growing federal encroachment on states’ rights, we’re fortunate to have this strong advocate for federalism,” he said. The NCSL, based in Denver, is a bipartisan organization. Its committees have no actual legislative authority. Instead, they attempt to educate Congress and federal agencies as to state concerns regarding the most pressing state issues.

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