Posted: | December 3, 2024 09:31 AM |
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From: | Senator Gene Yaw |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | AQTAC Appointments |
In the near future, I plan to reintroduce legislation, SB 274 of the 2023-2024 session, amending the Air Pollution Control Act to standardize the make-up of the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC). As background, AQTAC is a DEP advisory committee that reviews draft regulations and technical guidance. They are briefed on national issues including ambient air quality standards and interactions with EPA. All members have technical backgrounds in the control of air pollution from stationary or mobile sources. My bill would repeal the current statutory authorization and replace it with a model that mirrors the appointment process found for other advisory committees, such as the Climate Change Advisory Committee and the Citizens Advisory Council. Presently, all 19 members of AQTAC are appointed to the Committee by the Secretary of DEP. My bill would balance out appointments with the Governor and Legislature and provide for an 18 member Committee: six appointed by the Governor; six appointed by the Senate (four from the Majority, two from the Minority); six appointed by the House of Representatives (four from the Majority, two from the Minority). The responsibilities of the AQTAC members will remain the same. The process and length of terms would also follow that of other advisory committees. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |