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August 14, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Windol Weaver Named to National Leadership Groups on Environment, Communications

AUGUSTA – Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree has named Rep. Windol Weaver to two influential committees at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointments, which take effect immediately, will bring Rep. Weaver into contact with state legislators from around the nation to share approaches and solutions to common problems.

Rep. Weaver (R-York), a second-term lawmaker, was named to NCSL’s Standing Committee on Environment and the Standing Committee on Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce. Rep. Weaver also pulls double duty in the Maine Legislature, serving on the Marine Resources Committee, where he is the ranking Republican, and on the Insurance and Financial Services Committee.

“I’m honored by these appointments and by the opportunity to represent Maine at the national level,” said Rep. Weaver. “The NCSL is an outstanding organization and provides an excellent forum for legislators to share information about options being considered in other states. The best ideas don’t always come from the federal government. I think the most innovative solutions often come from the states.”

The NCSL’s Environment Committee educates Congress and federal agencies as to state concerns regarding a variety of issues, such as air quality, water management and cost-benefit analysis of environmental regulations. Its jurisdiction extends to a diverse group of environmental issues, including natural disasters, waste disposal, pesticides, alternative energy and nuclear waste.

The Standing Committee on Communications, Financial Services and Interstate Commerce has jurisdiction over state-federal relations with regard to electronic commerce, banking, insurance, securities and other financial services issues. It is responsible for protecting states’ interests in federal decisions regarding these areas.

The NCSL, based in Denver, is a non-partisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues; and it advocates for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

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