The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out legislation to create an Adopt-A-River Program, but withheld action on bills to prohibit the sale of mercury thermostats and establish an Office of Environmental Advocate. The bills include:

· House Bill 328 (Sturla-D-Lancaster) establishing the Adopt-A-River Program within DCNR; and

· House Bill 44 (Rubley-R-Chester) prohibiting the sale of mercury thermostats (withdrawn to be considered at a future meeting); and

· House Bill 454 (Frankel-D-Allegheny) establishing the Office of Environmental Advocate.(formally tabled).

Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Minority Chair.

6/6/2008