AUGUSTA –– The state Senate on Thursday unanimously endorsed Gov. Paul LePage’s nominee to serve on the state board that plays a key role in energy and utilities regulation. The Senate voted 33-0 to confirm Carlisle McLean to the Public Utilities Commission. McLean, who has been LePage’s chief legal counsel since 2013, will serve a four-year term, filling the open seat left by former Chairman Tom Welch, who retired in December before his term was up. McLean is LePage’s third appointment to the three-member board, but the governor’s appointments have not all served at the same time.