The Department of Environmental Protection’s Citizens Advisory Council Chair Walter N. Heine this week announced the appointment of three new members to council-- Gail Conner, Joyce Hatala and Curtis Kratz.

Gail Conner, from Newtown Square in Delaware County, was appointed by Gov. Rendell and replaces Maggie Powell. She is the founder and president of G & C Environmental Services Inc., an environmental engineering/consulting firm. Conner has more than 20 years of environmental experience, including regulatory compliance, and previously served in several environmental roles for the state of Wisconsin.

Joyce Hatala, from Fleetville in Lackawanna County, is a Senate appointment and replaces Mike Washo. She is director of the Environmental Institute at Lackawanna College, and was previously the Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator for Lackawanna County. Hatala also serves on DEP’s Recycling Fund Advisory Committee.

Curtis Kratz, from Souderton in Montgomery County, is a Senate appointment and replaces Paul Hess. He is a Franconia Township Supervisor. Kratz is also chair of the Montgomery County Agricultural Land Preservation Board and vice-chair of the Montgomery County Conservation District Board.

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council is a nonpartisan group of 18 citizen volunteers appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

For more information visit the CAC website or contact Stephanie Mioff at 717-787-4527 or send email to: smioff@state.pa.us .

7/15/2005