New House Speaker Dennis O’Brien (R-Philadelphia) Friday named the chairs of the House Committees. Republicans have not yet named their chairs. They are:

Agriculture and Rural Affairs – Rep. Mike Hanna (Centre) (was not chair before)

Appropriations – Rep. Dwight Evans (Philadelphia)

Environmental Resources and Energy – Rep. Camille “Bud” George (Clearfield)

Game and Fisheries – Rep. Ed Staback (Lackawanna)

Local Government – Rep. Robert Freeman (Northampton) (was not chair before)

Professional Licensure – Rep. Mike Sturla (Lancaster) (was not chair before)

Transportation – Rep. Joseph Markosek (Allegheny) (was not chair before)

Urban Affairs – Rep. Thomas Petrone (Allegheny)

Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness – Rep. Tony Melio (Bucks) (was not chair before)

1/12/2007