AUGUSTA undefined Governor Paul R. LePage was honored today by the Maine Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) at a “Briefing with the Boss” held in Augusta. More than 30 employers of reserve component members, ESGR volunteers and community leaders came together to build a positive working relationship and talk about ways to help each other in the future.

Governor LePage delivered remarks at the event, during which he was awarded the Seven Seals Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program Award. The award recognizes his strong support of the military and for his ongoing work to expedite licensing processes for veterans and military members who already have the required training and experience for civilian jobs.

“It is an honor for me and my administration to help support your work as you help to support our men and women in uniform,” said Governor LePage. “They have made sacrifices to protect America and to protect our way of life. Our nation is forever indebted to these brave service members who regularly leave their families and the comforts of home to ensure our freedoms. We are also grateful for the dedicated and supportive employers who continue to make their service in the National Guard and Reserves possible.”

Governor LePage also thanked Brigadier General James Campbell, the Adjutant General, Anne Head, Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, and Board Administrator Catherine Carroll for their significant contributions in recognizing Guard members and working with the Department of Labor to match up their military skills with civilian jobs.

Since 1972, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has been the Department of Defense program for service members and their civilian employers operating under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Photo: Brigadier General James Campbell, the Adjutant General, presents Governor Paul R. LePage, Anne Head, Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, and Board Administrator Catherine Carroll with ESGR Seven Seals awards.

 

Maine Department of Labor Submits Public Comment in Opposition to Proposed OSHA Regulation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2013 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009 Proposed rules for online reporting could violate individual privacy of injured workers and create additional burdens for businesses AUGUSTAundefinedCommissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette announced today that the Maine Department of Labor is submitting public comment opposing the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) proposed rule changes related to the OSHA 300 form. The department’s subject-matter experts have recommended opposing the changes after reviewing the rules and their potential effect on Maine workers and businesses. The proposed changes would require about 250,000 businesses nationally to submit their workplace injury and illness reports to OSHA electronically, allowing the information to be posted online. Governor Paul R. LePage supported the decision to oppose these rules. “Posting information online to embarrass workers and employers who have had accidents is the wrong way to encourage workplace safety, especially when it can violate the privacy of an individual who is already suffering from a workplace accident,” he stated. “Maine chooses to be a role model for others by incentivizing workplace safety rather than burdening employers with more regulation, and our track record stands for itself.” Commissioner Paquette provided background on the department’s position. “Small businesses make up the majority of our employers,” she stated. “These rules would require businesses to submit data about injured workers that OSHA would post online. When there are only a few employees in a company or at a specific location, it can be easy to piece together the information to identify injured workers even though their names are not posted.” Paquette noted, “The proposal contains no assurances that enough personal information would be scrubbed from the records so that individuals would not be able to be identified. Posting this information online could create a potentially embarrassing or even hostile situation for the injured worker. ” The proposed rules would also change which businesses and industries are required to submit these reports. Under current rules, certain industries are partially or ordinarily exempt from maintaining the OSHA 300 forms. These changes would add an additional regulatory reporting burden for these employers. Individuals or businesses wishing to submit public comment may do so by March 10, 2014, at http://www.regulations.gov or by fax at (202) 693–1648. All submissions must include the docket number (Docket No. OSHA–2013–0023) or the RIN (RIN 1218–AC49). Additional information on the rule and submitting public comment is available at https://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/proposed_data_form.html . “Opposing these rules does not mean that we are de-emphasizing workplace safety,” stated Commissioner Paquette. “Maine has a strong record on workplace safety and injury reporting. The training programs we provide serve as a national model. Employers can take advantage of the free safety courses taught by the department in Augusta and locations statewide, as well as customized courses taught at an employer’s worksite and online.” The U.S. Department of Labor has recognized Maine as a leader in teaching injury record-keeping to employers, which increases their reporting accuracy. When injuries do occur, these records provide important data about the types, conditions and frequency of injured workers in specific occupations and industries. This helps the state and businesses identify areas of concern and target training to prevent or avoid injuries.  Maine’s businesses also participate in the national Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Maine has more active SHARP worksites, 63 to date, than in all other New England states combined. SHARP companies, and public sector employers in the sister program, “SHAPE”undefinedSafety and Health Award for Public Employers, must undergo a comprehensive audit and meet several safety standards. After awarding the SHARP designation, OSHA exempts the employer from its general scheduled inspection list for two years. This program supports best practices, keeps injury rates low and saves businesses time and money. Employers interested in learning more about the SHARP designation should contact SafetyWorks! at 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . SafetyWorks! provides a trained consultant with industry-specific expertise who will review the facility by appointment. The consultation may include such elements as recognizing safety hazards, sampling for air and noise exposures, recommending ways to reduce or to eliminate hazards, developing or improving a safety program, complying with federal OSHA regulations and identifying training needs. SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year.

Manufacturers Association of Maine Announces 2014 Manufacturing Summit 

Governor LePage scheduled speaker at March 13^th event

AUGUSTA – The Manufacturers Association of Maine announces the 2014 Manufacturing Summit will take place March 13, 2014 at Pineland Farms, New Gloucester. Governor Paul R. LePage will address leaders in Maine’s manufacturing industry as they premiere the latest high-tech manufacturing innovations in Maine and take part in facilitated discussions focused on identifying industry challenges. The summit will include several partners, including industry associations in wood, pulp and paper, composites, agriculture, boat builders, alternative energy, bioscience and textile.

“During the past three years, Maine’s economy has grown 13,000 new private sector jobs, and it’s estimated the State will add another 4,500 this year,” said Governor Paul R. LePage.  “Today, there are 1,800 manufacturing companies in Maine that provide more than 50,000 jobs. Confidence is growing among executives in their companies’ ability to innovate, evolve and add jobs, which will help Maine grow even stronger as a manufacturing state.”

The theme of the day-long event is “Your Future is Here”, encompassing the Association’s new partnership with the national “Dream It. Do It.” program. The campaign works with the manufacturing industry, educators and students to raise the image of manufacturing within Maine. Through collaborative partnerships, the “Dream It. Do It.” program exposes students to educational opportunities and career possibilities in manufacturing.

This year’s event will feature a Business Showcase, highlighting eight Maine businesses that are excelling in their industry sectors.

“Each of these companies will present their latest advancements in a showcase event, much like TED-talks,” said Lisa G. Martin, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Maine. “These companies span many industries, from composites to custom wood turning to specialty ropes. These companies are changing the image of Maine manufacturing.

Additionally, each industry sector will meet in facilitated groups to discuss top challenges. The output from those meetings will be part of an overall manufacturing report presented to Governor LePage and economic leaders.

“In past years, each sector has identified critical challenges faced by Maine companies,” said Martin. “These issues have ranged from health care coverage to workforce training.  By identifying these challenges in each summit, the Association can set an agenda for critical issues to tackle during the year.”

One initiative stemming from the 2012 Summit will be showcased at the March 13 event. Dozens of high school students involved in the Robotics Institute of Maine will be at the Summit, showcasing their robots for the Summit attendees 

“We want to create the link between what students are learning in school (STEM) to what their future can be in Maine companies,” said Martin.

For more information on the 2014 Summit go to www.mainemfg.com/events

Additional contacts:

Lisa G. Martin, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Maine, lisa@mainemfg.com, (207) 854-2153

Dianna Fletcher, Fletcher Media, dianna@fletcher-media.com, (207) 831-8148

Free Workplace Safety Training Courses in March

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 7, 2014 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009 Courses offered in Presque Isle, Portland, Springvale, Augusta, Calais and Westbrook AUGUSTAundefinedThe Maine Department of Labor’s SafetyWorks! training and safety consultation program announces free training courses for February. “In addition to these free course, SafetyWorks! will come to a business and provide free training and health and safety consultations,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Investing in safety protects employees, improves morale and reduces costs. It just makes good business sense.” All courses are held in the Central Maine Commerce Center at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted. To register, call (207) 623-7900 or register online at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com . Businesses with several employees requiring the same training course should contact SafetyWorks! to ask about the free onsite training program. March 10: Combustible Dust Safety Training –  It is now well known that OSHA is focused on enforcing current recognized and generally accepted engineering practices for dust prevention. This half-day course, running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., provides an overview of OSHA standards and the hazards associated with combustible dust generation in the workplace. March 11 and 25: Mine Safety and Health Administration: Refresher – The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires all surface mining (i.e., stone crushing, gravel pit, etc.) employees to receive eight-hour annual training. This one-day course will cover generic MSHA training. However, site specific training will also need to be conducted once you return to your respective job sites. March 11 will be held at the Springvale CareerCenter and March 25 will be at Washington County Community College; both run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 11: Safety Officer Training – This half-day training, running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Seasons Event Center in Portland, is designed for the new Safety Officer. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, OSHA regulations, facility inspections, required training and policies and procedures. March 13: Lockout/Tagout Procedures – This half-day training session, running 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., covers the OSHA requirements and procedures to be used in the Lockout/Tagout process to ensure safety and protection during repair and maintenance of equipment. March 14: Forklift Operator Training – This half-day class is designed for new operators. The instruction will involve classroom and hands-on trainings. This training does not meet the requirements to qualify participants to be a “qualified operator.”  Only the employer can provide such certification. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 17 to 21: 30-Hour Construction Standards – This five-day course introduces attendees new to construction safety and health to the OSHA standards (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete all five days will receive OSHA 30-hour construction course completion cards. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., day one through day five. Note: OTI charges $5 per card. March 24: Scaffolding and Fall Protection – In this full-day class you will learn the types of scaffolding and proper setup. While learning how to protect workers from falls and when you must use fall protection. The instructor will explain the OSHA requirements for scaffolding and fall protection, including the definition of “competent person.” The eight-hour program will include a demonstration of the proper setup of scaffolding. Attendees must wear the appropriate PPE to class. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 25: Hazard Communication/Global Harmonization – GHS stands for the “Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.”  GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical product and communicates health and safety information on labels and material safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, in GHS).  Come learn what you need to do to prepare for the GHDS and the impact it will have on you and your workers. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Presque Isle CareerCenter located at 66 Spruce Street. March 27: Machine Guarding – Participants in this half-day class will learn about the standards for metal and woodworking machines as well as various machine guarding techniques.  We will be applying basic guarding practices when specific issues aren't covered in the regulation. OSHA Subpart O will be covered. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 27: OSHA Recordkeeping – This full-day class provides thorough and comprehensive six-hour training for both new and experienced safety and human resources personnel. You will learn the OSHA rule (29 CFR 1904) regarding recording and reporting work-related injuries and illnesses as it applies to your organization. This class includes several hands-on activities on how to correctly fill out the required injury reporting forms.  Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at Westbrook Public Safety. March 28: Noise/Hearing Protection – This half-day session will cover the effects of noise on hearing. Students will learn about the anatomy of the ear, the physics of sound the effectiveness of hearing protectors and show workers how they can protect themselves against hearing loss from the noise exposure on and off the job. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com .

“Best Places to Work in Maine” Program Accepting Nominations 

Project offers resources for employers to retain and attract top talent

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management has kicked off the ninth annual "Best Places to Work in Maine" program. The program, endorsed by, Best Companies Group, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, The Maine Department of Labor, The Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine HR Convention and Mainebiz recognizes companies that have established and consistently fostered outstanding workplace environments.

“For eight years this program has recognized companies in Maine that understand that part of their success is based on the importance placed on recruiting and retaining top talent,” said Deb Whitworth, State Director of the SHRM Maine State Council.

“This program is only successful because of those companies, and we want to continue to grow the number of businesses that get involved and to educate those who may not have participated in Best Places to Work about the benefits of the program,"

In June, Best Companies Group will survey all the Maine companies that have registered online by the deadline of May 23rd. The scientifically validated survey will incorporate a company’s employee benefits and policies and responses from a comprehensive employee engagement and satisfaction survey. The data collected from the assessment will be used to determine the Best Places to Work in Maine.

“This program honors employers who take care of their most valuable resource: the people who work for them,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine has many great businesses – big and small – ranging from small mom-and-pop shops to hospitals, mills and major manufacturers. Maine’s job creators help make our State the best place to live, work and raise a family. I support this program because it highlights our robust economy and our hardworking and talented workforce.”

The Best Companies Group “Employee Feedback Report” is presented to each participating company, even if they did not make the list. The report includes the summarized employee engagement and satisfaction data, the Maine Benchmark Report, and the transcript of employee written comments. The report is used by many to make significant improvements in their workplace culture.

There is a fee to participate in this program that covers the cost to conduct the comprehensive survey and create the "Employee Feedback Report".

"This is not a pay to play program," said Ms. Whitworth. "Companies only make the list if their employee survey ranks high, so it truly is based on what employees think of the company culture, and this is why the Employee Feedback Report is such a great human resources tool to help companies who don't make the list to improve."

First place winners of the eighth annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program in 2013 included Pittsfield-based CIANBRO in the large company category and Putney, Inc., located in Portland, in the small/medium category.

Any company with at least 15 employees in the state of Maine is encouraged to participate. Companies selected as a “Best Place to Work in Maine” will be announced at a gala event in the fall of 2014. A complete list of top companies will be featured in a statewide publication put out by Mainebiz. There is a fee to participate in the “Best Places to Work in Maine” program that helps cover administrative costs and the production of the Employee Feedback Report.

The Maine State Council is pleased to announce that JobsInME.com is the premier sponsor of Best Places to Work in Maine 2014 program.

Interested companies can apply to participate in the program online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com. The deadline for registration is May 23, 2014 and all registered companies will be surveyed simultaneously following the deadline date.

Media Contact:

Angie Helton (207) 653-0365

nema@maine.rr.com

Maine Contacts:

Dave Vasconcelos, ProSearch Inc., dvasconcelos@psicareers.com, 207-699-4383

Jodie Griffith, InterMed P.A., jgriffith@intermed.com, 207-523-3721

FRANKLIN COUNTY– As a part of the company’s regular efforts to support its communities, employees of Barclays in Wilton rallied around the effort to raise funds and food for the Safe Voices Food Pantry in Franklin County, which is accessible to victims of domestic violence.

 

The dedicated staff collected donations, and representatives made a special delivery to the Safe Voices office in Farmington with multiple boxes of food and $30 in cash contributions.

 

"Everyone is someone’s child," Chris Bourassa shared when asked why this cause is so close to her heart. Bourassa is responsible for the very popular ‘Buttons for Babes’ project locally, in partnership with the United Way and Barclays.

 

Safe Voices’ food pantries are available to anyone working with the agency, whether they are stopping in after a support group session, or are in need of enough food to get them through the weekend while staying in a motel prior to coming into Safe Voices’ emergency shelter.

Unfortunately, resources are scarce, as many people have experienced firsthand. The cost of food continues to increase, and limited dollars are stretched very thin.

 

Safe Voices is so appreciative of Barclays’ efforts to help fill the local pantry shelves, as are the survivors it supports each day. "There’s a great variety of high preference foods such as tuna and peanut butter that were collected, and we’ll be able to supplement other pantry needs with their generous financial support, " local advocate Rebecca Austin stated.

 

The mission of Safe Voices is to support and empower those affected by domestic violence and engage the community in creating social change in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford Counties. Please visit www.safevoices.org to learn more.

 

Raiding the State’s Rainy Day Fund has Serious Consequences

During my career as a businessman, I would never empty a company’s savings account to pay one month’s bills. As Governor, I find the Legislature’s proposal to raid the budget stabilization fund to fill a one-time budget hole both fiscally irresponsible and just plain incompetent. The repercussions will cost Mainers tens of millions of dollars in added interest costs.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

I never imagined Democrats would be so short-sighted and fiscally irresponsible that they would raid the budget stabilization fund and endanger the state’s fiscal status.

This fund is commonly called the rainy day fund. It is a financial reserve that is set aside for emergencies, such unexpected revenue shortfalls or interruptions in normal state operations.

It is not a slush fund for politicians to use when they don’t want to make tough decisions on the budget.

Credit agencies want our state to have a rainy day fund at a minimum of 3 percent of our budget. That would be roughly $180 million. These agencies recommend we have 15 days of cash flow in reserve.

Over the past three years, we have struggled to build it to $60 million. That’s only enough cash to run state operations for 5 days.

Now Democrats have cut our financial reserves by 40 percent and take $21 million from the fund. That would leave 3 days of cash flow to run the state in an emergency.

I have repeatedly warned Democrats that taking $21 million from the rainy day fund would harm our state’s credit rating and increase the costs of borrowing. A downgrade in our credit rating would result in higher interest rates, which could cost tens of millions of dollars. Maine’s taxpayers would have to foot the bill.

For Democrats to put this burden on hard-working Mainers is unconscionable.

That’s why we cannot go the bond market until Democrats replenish the budget stabilization fund to its previous level of $60 million. The decision to sell bonds rests squarely on the actions of Democrats in the Legislature.

We have worked for three-and-a-half years to build up our cash reserves, and we just paid off $490 million in hospital debt. This has greatly improved our state’s financial position. Depleting our already limited financial reserves by robbing the rainy day fund is a big step backwards.

Just as a credit score is of vital importance to the average Mainer, the ratings from credit agencies have very real and very serious consequences for our state.

Democrats do not seem to care about fiscal accountability. They just want to spend every dollar in sight so they can focus on buying votes for the election. Then they can dump their responsibility for balancing the budget on the next Legislature.

Playing politics is one thing. But I cannot stand by and watch as Democrats destroy our state’s credit rating and cash reserves. They may not care if being fiscally irresponsible will have a disastrous effect on our state. I do.

That’s why I will submit a proposal to replenish the state’s budget stabilization fund before we talk about going to the bond market. It’s the right thing to do.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today joined Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb, Legislators and Maine Maple Producers on the Blaine House lawn for an annual tradition – the tapping of a maple tree. The event coincides with the beginning of maple syrup season and helps promote the industry. This year’s event was buoyed by the results of a new study highlighting the economic impact of Maine’s Maple Industry.

“Maine’s maple industry contributes an estimated $27.7 million directly to the Maine economy,” said Governor LePage. “The new study also shows that Maine’s maple industry has an annual statewide economic contribution, including multiplier effects, of an estimated $48.7 million in output, 805 full- and part-time jobs and $25.1 million in labor income. Most importantly, this industry has a huge potential for additional job creation.”

 Other key findings of the study by University of Maine Professor of Economics Todd Gabe:

• Maine has the third largest maple industry in the United States.

• Maine’s maple industry is characterized by a relatively small number of farms accounting for the vast majority of syrup that is produced.

• Maine’s licensed maple syrup producers have been in operation an average of 24 years, and many of the farms appear to span multiple generations.

• Maine’s maple industryundefinedwhich counts the licensed producers, and sales at retail food stores and businesses impacted by Maine Maple Sundayundefinedgenerates 567 full- and part-time jobs, and $17.3 million in labor income.

[The study was funded through a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, University of Maine, and the Maine Maple Producers Association.]

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted the support that Maine’s maple industry receives from a variety of sources. “Governor LePage, the Legislature and particularly Representative Black (R-Wilton), all recognize the significance of Maine’s rural economy,” said Commissioner Whitcomb. “Today’s tree-tapping event is symbolic of the broad-based support our maple industry receives and demonstrates how Maine can have multiple uses of its natural resources – maple syrup, wood production, recreation and open space.”

The Blaine House tapping event also serves as a prelude to Maine Maple Sunday, which is held every year on the fourth Sunday of March. This year, Maine Maple Sunday will celebrate its 31^st Anniversary on March 23, with approximately 100 sugarhouses participating throughout Maine. Sugarhouses will be open for visitors to enjoy syrup and candy sampling, demonstrations of making syrup, sugarbush tours, and a variety of other activities.

SBA to Provide Low-Interest Loans to Businesses Affected by December Ice Storm 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has been informed that the Small Business Administration has issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) declaration for the State of Maine, which will be used to address business losses suffered during December’s ice storm. 

“We’re thankful for the prompt response by the SBA,” Governor LePage said. “For those businesses that lost significant revenue during the Christmas season, this will be a resource for low-interest loans to supplement their cash flow.”

The SBA declaration is specifically issued for Androscoggin, Cumberland, Hancock, Kennebec and Waldo Counties. However, because SBA programs also cover contiguous counties, the disaster loans will also be available in Franklin, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Washington and York Counties.

The Governor said information will be forthcoming from the SBA shortly on how businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the ice storm can apply for a low-interest loan. 

The Governor’s request to the SBA was made on Friday, February 21. A decision on a request for FEMA disaster assistance, also made on the February 21, is likely to take several weeks.

Those seeking a loan application should go to: www.sba.gov/disaster

Governor LePage Signs Executive Order Convening Invasive Green Crab Task Force

Task force to review and consider the impacts of European green crabs on bivalve shellfish industry

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed an executive order establishing a task force to review and consider the impacts of the invasive European green crab. The Governor made the announcement this morning at the 39^th Annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport.

In recent years, the European green crab population has rapidly expanded in Maine’s coastal waters, threatening the depletion of shellfish species such as the blue mussel and soft-shelled clam. The European green crab has already destroyed eelgrass and fringe marsh habitat throughout the coast.

“Green crabs are threatening our state’s $25 million bivalve shellfish industry, which is Maine’s third most lucrative fishery. It’s critical that we protect the fishery and the good jobs the industry supports,” said Governor LePage. “Green crabs not only endanger a vital segment of Maine’s fishing economy, but this invasive species could destroy some of Maine’s most famous dishes, including steamed clams and the fried clam dinner.”

The proclamation language is as follows:

AN ORDER ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S TASK FORCE ON THE INVASIVE EUROPEAN GREEN CRAB

WHEREAS, the European green crab population has rapidly expanded in Maine’s coastal waters in recent years; and

WHEREAS, the European green crab is a voracious predator known to be causing resource depletion of bivalve shellfish species such as the blue mussel and soft-shelled clam; and

WHEREAS, the European green crab has destroyed eelgrass and fringe marsh habitat throughout the coast; and

WHEREAS, the bivalve shellfish fishery is worth approximately $25 million to the state economy; and

WHEREAS, the eelgrass and fringe marsh habitats are critically important to the health and productivity of Maine’s marine resources; and

WHEREAS, the impacts of European green crab predation are unknown with regard to other commercially important marine species; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, hereby order as follows:

 

1. The Governor’s Task Force on the invasive European green crab is hereby established.

 

1. The membership of the task force shall consist of (12) twelve people, appointed by the Governor, including representatives of the following groups:

1. Department of Marine Resources (1);
2. Department of Environmental Protection (1);
3. Department of Economic and Community Development (1);
4. Towns with municipal shellfish ordinances (2);
5. Bivalve shellfish industry (2);
6. Other marine resource industry (2);
7. Researchers from disciplines such as ecology, marine biology or shellfish biology (2);
8. Researchers from disciplines such as economic or market development (1).

The Task Force shall:

a. Review and consider the impacts of European green crabs on the commercial bivalve fisheries, shellfish aquaculture; intertidal and subtidal habitat, and other marine resources;

b. Develop recommendations for short-term and long-term solutions in addressing the European green crab population explosion in coastal Maine waters including, but not limited to targeted depletion and directed fishery development;

c. Determine the direct economic impacts of European green crab predation on the bivalve shellfish resources of Maine.

d. Review and consider costs associated with proposed control strategies;

e. Consider anything else necessary to successfully address the European green crab crisis in Maine waters.

1. The Task Force Chair shall:

a. Identify the process, schedule and information to carry-out the Executive Order.

1. The Task Force shall submit a written report with recommendations to the Governor no later than September 30, 2014, after which the Task Force shall dissolve.

The effective date of the Executive order is February 28, 2014.