Rep. Nathan Wadsworth (R-Hiram)
The 132nd Legislature was officially been sworn in December 4 and committee assignments have been made. I will be returning to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology (EUT), where I served as the Ranking Member during the 130th Legislature.
The EUT Committee has jurisdiction over Maine’s energy policy, including energy resources, wind energy development, biomass energy, hydropower, solar energy; efficiency and conservation; electric industry, including supply, transmission and distribution; natural gas industry; tele-communications industry, including telephone, Internet, broadband and cable television services; E-9-1-1; water and sewer utilities, including district charters; Public Utilities Commission; Office of the Public Advocate; Governor’s Energy Office; ConnectME Authority; and Efficiency Maine Trust.
As you can see from the official committee description, the EUT is a very busy committee with far-reaching responsibilities. I am most interested in finding ways to lower our energy bills. Maine consumers are overpaying for energy and it is hurting Maine citizens. We need to help make Maine more affordable for working families and prevent more employers from going out of business.
The Legislature will begin reviewing a proposed two-year budget from the Governor very soon. Recent revenue projections are slightly better, but still show a substantial deficit in 2026/2027. This needs to be addressed in order to meet the Maine Constitution’s balanced budget requirement.
The Legislature reconvenes January on 8, and the deadline for submission of session bills by legislators is January 10.
There are many other important issues that I am interested in going forward. I look forward to hearing from during the next two years on state issues of interest to you, or matters concerning state agencies. Please contact me at Nathan.wadsworth@legislature.maine.gov if I can be of assistance. I appreciate the opportunity to represent you in Augusta.
Thank you,
Rep. Nathan J. Wadsworth (R-Hiram)