With the retirement of two Chairs of the Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and a switch from the House to the Senate for a third Chair, the new session of the General Assembly will mean an almost complete turnover of environmental leadership in the Senate and House.

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced her retirement at the end of 2011.  She served as Chair of the Committee for 12 years.

Rep. Camille George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced his retirement at the beginning of 2012.  He served as both Majority and Minority Chair of the Committee for 29 years.

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, was elected to the Senate this month to replace Sen. Mary Jo White.  He served as Majority and Minority Chair of the Committee over six years.  He also served as Chair of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee for 11 years.

The only member likely to stay in a position of environmental leadership is Sen. John Yudiack (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.  He has served as Chair since the retirement of Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) in 2010.

Committee appointments should be announced at the latest in January when the new session convenes.

11/26/2012