PRESS RELEASE
March 29, 2011
GrowSmart Maine
309 Cumberland Avenue
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
CONTACT: Kimberly Ballard
Testimony of Nancy Smith, Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine
in favor of LD 616,
“An Act To Clarify Landowner Liability for Environmental Damage Caused by Others”
March 29, 2011
Senator Hastings, Representative Nass and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary. My name is Nancy Smith and I am the Executive Director of GrowSmart Maine. As many of you know from our previous interactions with the committee, GrowSmart Maine is a statewide non-profit membership-based organization working to grow Maine's economy, protect its distinctive character, and enhance our state's quality places. I regret that previously scheduled commitments prevent me or other GrowSmart Maine representatives to present this testimony at today’s Public Hearing.
As a part of our commitment to strengthening Maine’s economy, GrowSmart Maine is particularly enthusiastic about well grounded, thoughtful and creative proposals which seek to grow the economy in a sustainable manner while at the same time preserving our state’s unique character and quality of place. We believe this bill fits that description. The viability of the natural resource sector is a priority for GrowSmart Maine. Our working farms, forests, and waterfront contribute to our economy and to Maine’s unique sense of place. This legislation, in removing an unreasonable risk associated with land ownership, addresses a significant challenge to profitably running a natural-resource sector business come with land ownership.
Thank you for the opportunity to present these remarks.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions regarding GrowSmart Maine’s support for LD 616.
* * *
