Maine Legislative Update
Mainers Encouraged To Use Water Efficiently
The Maine Public Utilities Commission, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recently encouraged Maine homeowners to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. Fixing leaks not only saves water, it can help homeowners save money on their utility bills as well. You can save water in a number of ways, including:
Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear, replacing them if necessary;
Replace the rubber flapper on your toilet, which is often the cause of leaky toilets;
Replace the nylon or rubber washer on a leaky garden hose, and;
Check landscape irrigation systems each spring to make sure they were not damaged by frost or freezing.
If you do have to replace toilets, faucets, or other items, check to see if they carry the EPA’s WaterSense label. These products have been independently tested and certified to ensure that they save water and perform as well or better than standard models. For more information on the EPA’s WaterSense program, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense.
Consumers Warned About Door-To-Door Sales
After receiving a number of reports regarding questionable door-to-door sales, officials with the Maine Department of Professional & Financial Regulation urged consumers to use caution regarding door-to-door sales. Door-to-door sellers are typically required to be licensed through the department.
With weather improving and many Mainers considering lawn and home projects, home repair and door-to-door selling scams may be more prevalent this time of year. If you have any questions regarding the license status of a door-to-door seller, you may contact the department at 207-624-8624 or visit their website at http://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/ for more information.
Paper Applications For Moose Permit Lottery Due By April 1
Paper applications for the 2010 Moose Permit Lottery must be submitted to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) by 5PM on April 1. Paper applications may be delivered in person to the IF&W offices at 284 State Street in Augusta or mailed to the Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.
Although the deadline for paper applications is April 1, hunters may submit applications online until 11:59PM on May 14. The online service is available on IF&W’s website at http://www5.informe.org/online/moose/. This year, IF&W will issue 3,140 permits, with the Moose Lottery drawing being held on June 17 at L.L. Bean in Freeport. Successful applicants will be notified by mail within a few weeks after the drawing.
