WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, issued the following news release: In recognition of its successful record implementing energy efficiency programs, First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree honored Efficiency Maine in the Congressional Record --highlighting the agency's ongoing efforts to help Mainers switch to more sustainable home-heating systems. Pingree's Congressional Record Statement (CRS) comes after Efficiency Maine was recognized as a 2024 "Leader of the Pack"  more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register on Nov. 29, 2024, entitled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx". Here are excerpts: * * * SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise the critical habitat designation for the contiguous U.S. distinct populat more ST

PORTLAND, Maine, Dec. 11 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Maine issued the following news release on Dec. 10, 2024: A North Berwick man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for filing fraudulent applications for loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Frederick Avery, 50, to five months in prison followed by five years of supervised release including five months of home detention. He was also ordered more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following news: U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Angus King (I-Maine) - members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee - introduced the Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2024 to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other research partners to comprehensively study the impacts of repetitive low-level blast injuries on veterans' mental health. The leg more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service issued the following news release: * * * Urges Increased Public Engagement to Help Save the Species * * * The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation's most beloved species -- the monarch butterfly -- and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific protectio more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The U.S. Department of the Treasury's U.S. Mint issued the following news release: The United States Mint (Mint) began accepting orders for the 2024 American Innovation $1 Coin Reverse Proof Set on December 10 at noon EST. The set is priced at $28.00 (product code 24GC). Orders are limited to five sets per household for the first 24 hours of sales. The American Innovation(R) $1 Coin Program is a multi-year series featuring distinctive reverse (tails) designs that pay ho more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 -- Sen. Tina Flint Smith, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release: Today, U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced legislation to improve access to health care and address the physician shortage in rural areas. The Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 would authorize the Rural Residency Planning and Development Program to continue providing start-up funding to rural hospitals, medical schools, and other organizations to establ more PR

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued the following news release: Funding Will Improve Access to a Clean, Reliable Electric Grid and Safe Drinking Water for Millions in Rural and Tribal Communities U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is investing $6.3 billion in rural and Tribal communities across 44 states to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, provide safe drinking water and create good-paying jobs. more PR