Sen. Simpson appointed to national energy board

AUGUSTA — State Sen. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, has been invited by the National Conference of State Legislatures to serve on its new Task Force on Energy.

The panel is composed of legislators and policy experts from across the country. They will meet several times throughout the coming year to discuss state energy issues, how energy affects the economy and ways to utilize local and regional energy providers. The task force explores ideas and studies state initiatives from across the country to reduce energy use and prevent harm to the environment.

"This gives us the opportunity to see what is happening in other states regarding energy policy," Simpson said. " I am excited about learning what other states are doing and even more excited to share Maine's progress in energy efficiency with them."

Simpson is in her first term in the Maine Senate, having previously served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives.