[41 Pa.B. 1754]
[Saturday, April 2, 2011]PART I. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE [ 4 PA. CODE CH. 6 ] [ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2011-01 ] Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission March 8, 2011
Whereas, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is fortunate to have one of the most abundant and diverse mineral resource fields in the world, including the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves; and
Whereas, innovative technological advances in drilling, mining methods, equipment and water protection and treatment have made development of gas in the Marcellus Shale and other unconventional natural gas reserves possible; and
Whereas, in 2010, Commonwealth taxpayers and communities received more than $600 million in state and local tax revenue from Marcellus Shale; and
Whereas, Marcellus Shale offers tremendous economic and energy independence opportunities for the Commonwealth; and
Whereas, the Commonwealth takes seriously its responsibility to ensure the development of natural gas in a manner that protects the environment and safeguards the health and welfare of its citizens; and
Whereas, the responsible development of natural gas resources will position the Commonwealth in the global marketplace as a world leader in energy supply and reduce our dependence on foreign oil; and
Whereas, it has been determined that the Governor and the Commonwealth would benefit from the advice and counsel of an official advisory commission comprised of key stakeholders, including experts from the environmental community, natural gas industry, local government representatives and state government officials.
Now, Therefore, I, Tom Corbett, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other laws, do hereby establish the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission as hereinafter set forth.
GovernorFiscal Note: 2011-01. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 4. ADMINISTRATION PART I. GOVERNOR'S OFFICE CHAPTER 6. ADDITIONAL COUNCILS AND COMMITTEES Subchapter II. GOVERNOR'S MARCELLUS SHALE ADVISORY COMMISSION Sec.
6.431. Purpose. 6.432. Responsibilities. 6.433. Composition. 6.434. Terms of membership. 6.435. Compensation. 6.436. Staffing. 6.437. Cooperation by State agencies. 6.438. Reports. 6.439. Effective date. 6.440. Termination date. § 6.431. Purpose.
The Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission shall develop a comprehensive, strategic proposal for the responsible and environmentally sound development of Marcellus Shale.
§ 6.432. Responsibilities.
The Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission) shall do the following:
(1) Complete a review of existing and proposed statutes, legislation, regulations and policies that regulate or affect Marcellus Shale natural gas development in this Commonwealth and provide analysis and recommendations regarding the following:
(i) Additional steps necessary to protect, conserve and enhance this Commonwealth's environment and natural resources and further mitigate impacts from development on this Commonwealth's air, land and water resources.
(ii) Efforts necessary to promote the efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective development of Marcellus Shale and other unconventional natural gas resources.
(iii) Policies designed to encourage the end use of natural gas and natural gas by-products.
(iv) Workforce development needs and opportunities.
(v) Identifying, quantifying and recommending proposals to address the needs and impacts of natural gas development on local communities.
(2) Provide interim reporting to the Governor, as determined as appropriate by the Commission Chairperson.
(3) Provide a final report due by July 22, 2011.
(4) Convene its first meeting by March 31, 2011, with subsequent meetings as determined by members of the Commission. A simple majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
(5) Adopt rules of procedure consistent with this subchapter.
§ 6.433. Composition.
The Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission) shall consist of the following members:
(1) The Lieutenant Governor, who will serve as Chairperson of the Commission.
(2) A minimum of 25 and a maximum of 35 appointees, representing the interests of environmental, conservation, industry, local and State government, who will be chosen by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
§ 6.434. Terms of membership.
The members of the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission) shall serve from the date of their appointment by the Governor until July 22, 2011, or their removal from the Commission by the Governor, whichever occurs first. The Governor may fill vacancies that may occur and may remove any member from the Commission at his discretion.
§ 6.435. Compensation.
Members of the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission) receive no compensation for their service as Commission members. Nongovernment members will be reimbursed for travel and related expenses in accordance with Commonwealth policy. See Chapter 40 (relating to travel and subsistence).
§ 6.436. Staffing.
The Department of Environmental Protection will provide administrative staff resources to support the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.
§ 6.437. Cooperation by State agencies.
Agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction shall cooperate with and provide assistance and support as needed by the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission to carry out its functions effectively.
§ 6.438. Reports.
In addition to the interim recommendations in § 6.432(2) (relating to responsibilities), the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission (Commission) shall submit to the Governor a final report on the Commission's activities by July 22, 2011.
§ 6.439. Effective date.
This subchapter shall take effect March 8, 2011.
§ 6.440. Termination date.
This subchapter shall remain in effect until July 22, 2011.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 11-548. Filed for public inspection April 1, 2011, 9:00 a.m.]
