Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-111
Section 1361.5 - Climate Change Advisory Committee(a) Establishment.--There is established within the department the Climate Change Advisory Committee. The purpose of the committee shall be to advise the department regarding the implementation of the provisions of this act.(b) Membership.--(1) The committee shall be composed of residents of this Commonwealth selected as set forth in this subsection. Members shall be appointed on account of their interest, knowledge or expertise regarding climate change issues. Members shall be selected to reflect a diversity of viewpoints on climate change issues from the scientific, business and industry, transportation, environmental, social, outdoor and sporting, labor and other affected communities.(2) Eighteen members shall be appointed as follows:(i) Six members appointed by the Governor.(ii) Six members appointed by the Senate. Of these members, the Majority Leader of the Senate shall appoint four members, and the Minority Leader of the Senate shall appoint two members.(iii) Six members appointed by the House of Representatives. Of these members, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint four members, and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint two members.(3) The Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Secretary of Community and Economic Development and the Chair of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, or their designees, shall be ex officio voting members of the committee.(c) Appointment.--Members of the committee shall be appointed within 30 days of the effective date of this act.(d) Terms of service.--A member shall be appointed for a term of four years. Of the initial members appointed by the Governor, three members shall serve initial terms of two years. Of the initial members appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate, two members shall serve initial terms of two years. Of the initial members appointed by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, two members shall serve initial terms of two years. Of the initial members appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, one member shall serve an initial term of two years. Of the initial members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, one member shall serve an initial term of two years. After such initial terms, all appointments shall serve for a term of four years.(e) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the committee shall be elected from among and by a majority vote of the members appointed under subsection (b)(2). The term of a chairperson shall be for two years, and an individual may serve no more than two consecutive terms as chairperson.(f) Meetings.--Within 60 days of the effective date of this act, the department shall call the first meeting of the committee and shall establish a schedule for regular meetings of the committee to assist in the implementation of this act.(g) Expenses.--Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed from funds appropriated for such purposes for necessary and reasonable travel and other expenses incurred during the performance of their duties.(h) Facilitator.--The department shall retain the services of a third-party facilitator to conduct the activities of the committee.(i) Department responsibilities.--The department shall create and maintain an Internet website listing the membership, activities, meeting schedule, meeting agenda, expense reimbursements and other relevant information regarding the committee.2008, July 9, P.L. 935, No. 70, § 5, imd. effective.