Good afternoon!
On Monday of this week, the Council testified in support of LD 1131, “An Act to Reform the Process by Which a Person May Petition an Agency to Adopt or Modify Rules Under the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.” If enacted, this bill change the number of voter signatures required to petition an agency to require an agency to adopt or modify agency rule. Currently, only 150 signatures are needed to initiate this process, which is undoubtedly too low of a bar to indicate broad support for a new rule or modification. Our testimony in support can be found here.
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On Tuesday, we submitted testimony to the Labor Committee in opposition to LD 598, “An Act to Require Minimum Payment for Reporting to Work.”
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We also testified before the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee on LD 1252, “An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Maine Agriculture, Food System and Forest Products Infrastructure Investment Advisory Board.” Our testimony highlights concerns that we have with one section of the bill that would require producers to obtain, “to the extent practicable” forest products from a forest in the state. We offered a few suggestions to remedy the language, including an amendment that would say “to the extent logistically and financially practicable.”
We appreciate the sponsor’s intent and the desire to support investment in Maine’s heritage forest industry. We will continue to monitor this legislation as it progresses.
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On Wednesday, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted 7-1 in support of LD 987, “An Act Clarifying Exemptions from the Notification Requirements for Products Containing PFAS.” The Council worked closely with partners and the Department to arrive at a compromise to include off-road motor vehicles used for construction and forestry in an exemption from notification requirements for PFAS.
This change will be important to our industry, and we would like to thank the Committee for supporting this measure.
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Also on Wednesday, the Council provided testimony ‘Neither for nor Against’ LD 1308, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Inland fisheries and Wildlife to Establish a Working Group to Explore Opportunities to Maintain Public Access of Land.”
This is one of two bills focused on public use of private land this session, and we are working with all parties to define the objectives for this type of review. Our testimony on LD 1308 can be found here.
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WE URGE OUR MEMBERS TO JOIN US IN TESTIFYING IN STRONG SUPPORT OF LD 1313
WHO: Taxation Committee
WHAT: Submit testimony online or join us in testifying in strong support of LD 1313, “An Act To Promote Equity In The Forest Products Industry By Allowing Commercial Wood Haulers To Be Eligible For Certain Sales Tax Exemptions And Refunds.”
WHEN: Wednesday, April 9 at 1:00 PM
WHERE: Room 127 of the State House or sign up to testify online
This bill, submitted by Senator Brad Farrin at the request of MFPC, enjoys a broad bipartisan list of co-sponsors and is also a top priority for PLC.
Since 2011, depreciable machinery and equipment purchased for “commercial wood harvesting” has qualified for a sales tax exemption/refund. This same exemption also applies to “commercial agricultural production”, “commercial aquaculture” and “commercial fishing.” Our bill, LD 1313, amends to the definition of “commercial wood harvesting” by expanding the definition to include equipment and machinery used for “hauling” forest products.
This simple amendment will help our loggers make the necessary capital investments to remain efficient and profitable by including logging trucks and trailers in this important tax credit/exemption program designed spur investment in our heritage industry businesses.
If you’re unable to attend the hearing, we still encourage members from all sectors to provide written comments in support of the bill. If you need assistance with signing up to testify online or with submitting testimony, please don’t hesitate to contact Krysta at kwest@maineforest.org.
LD 1313 is a perfect opportunity for the entire industry to rally behind our loggers and truckers. We hope that you will join us!
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That’s all for this week! As always, if you have any questions about any upcoming bills or our policy positions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.4
Patrick Strauch and Krysta West
Maine Forest Products Council