AUGUSTA (AP) – Cruise ship effluent standards that would make Maine and Alaska “the environmental bookends of the United States” were endorsed Thursday by the Maine House, a day after the Senate gave its blessing.

The cruise ship industry had expressed reservations about the bill as it began its course through the Legislature, but a leading supporter, Rep. Herbert Adams, reassured the cruise lines that the state is not shunning them.

“In Maine, the welcome mat is out, but it says wipe your feet,” said Adams, D-Portland.

The bill, which faces further votes, applies to large passenger vessels.

Thirty cruise ship visits are scheduled in 2004 in Portland, and 87 are scheduled in Bar Harbor. Bar Harbor’s total is more than twice its 2000 figure, while Portland’s is smaller by 13.

The bill requires the state Department of Environmental Protection during the next two years to adopt new effluent standards that are consistent with those of Alaska, which is said to have the nation’s most stringent.
Domestic violence bill sent to Baldacci
AUGUSTA (AP) – A string of deaths in Androscoggin County stemming from domestic violence resulted in a bill that was approved by the Legislature and sent to Gov. John Baldacci for his signature.

The bill that received final approval Wednesday is designed to protect the rights of children who need guardians following domestic violence deaths. It calls for a refined state policy on investigations of domestic violence murders.

In each of the Androscoggin County domestic violence deaths, children were placed with the family of the perpetrator as police investigated the crimes.

Under the bill, the Department of Human Services would be notified when a domestic violence death has occurred, and criminal background checks would be conducted on those who want to take custody of children involved.
Senate OKs loggers’ bill
AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine Senate voted Thursday in favor of a bill to give northern Maine loggers and wood haulers a say on rates they’re paid by landowners.

The 20-14 vote follows similar action a day earlier by the House and bolsters the bill’s chances of final passage.

The measure would allow wood haulers and harvesters to organize associations and negotiate collectively for rates, which would be determined by a board representing loggers, landowners and the public.

The measure is sought by loggers who said they have a hard time making a living from the rates they’re now offered. Supporters say the bill would not violate state or federal antitrust laws.

An opponent, Republican Sen. Kenneth Blais of Litchfield, said the bill tinkers with the free market system and could hasten the loss of jobs in the wood industry.

Blais said independent business owners in other trades, such as carpentry and house painting, would be in violation of antitrust laws if they too were allowed to associate for ratesetting purposes.

But Sen. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, said a bargaining council created 25 years ago under similar circumstances in Maine’s agricultural sector helped to save the state’s potato industry.

The logging bill, which was carried over from last year’s session, faces final House and Senate votes.

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