On August 18, bipartisan legislation-- House Bill 2797-- was introduced by Rep. Parke Wentling (R- Mercer), Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) and others to keep the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee in business.

The Committee was due to go out of business on July 1, 2021 as a result of a provision included in the FY 2019-20 budget.

“For more than 50 years the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee (JLCC), a bicameral and bipartisan legislative service agency, has provided the General Assembly legislative oversight of the executive branch of state government and its agencies,” said Rep. Wentling, the current Chair of the Committee.  “The JLCC serves as a clearinghouse for issues related to:  acid mine drainage, water and wastewater infrastructure, energy development, forest resource management, e-waste & tire recycling, recreation & tourism, among other issues.  JLCC holds hearings, generates reports, and crafts model legislation to assist all members of the General Assembly.”

“Since its formation in 1968, the JLCC’s mission remains to care for our natural resources and ensure that our executive branch and state government agencies do their jobs,” said Rep. Comitta. “It can be as simple as electronic waste and tires being recycled and disposed of properly, to keeping acid mine drainage out of our water supply. I’m proud to be a part of this bicameral, bipartisan committee that has worked to preserve and protect the health and safety of all Pennsylvanians, and hope to see its continuation.”

Rep. Comitta said the JLCC was instrumental in passing the Environmental Rights Amendment of the Pennsylvania Constitution (Article 1, Section 27) in 1971. This was only after three years of operation.

 The JLCC has facilitated and staffed the Legislative Forestry Task Force for nearly 20 years, with a focus on health and productivity for Pennsylvania forests.

For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, call 717-787-7570, Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Committee.

[Posted: August 22, 2020]

8/24/2020