House GOP Appoints Committee Chairs

House Republican Leader Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) today appointed Republican Chairs to each of the standing committees--

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) was again appointed Minority Chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee--
"Energy and environmental issues have been in the forefront of the local and national conversation for the last few years," Rep. Hutchinson said. "With the current economic forecast, it is even more important for us to look at ways to save our residents and employers money on their heating and other energy costs."
In the upcoming session, Rep. Hutchinson would like to see a larger focus on home-grown, proven resources to fuel the energy needs of Pennsylvanians, including responsible energy production on state-owned land. Additionally, he wants to look at ways to lessen the impact that the upcoming lifting of electricity rate caps will have on residents of the Commonwealth.
"In the immediate future the Legislature must look at ways to mediate the expiration of the electric rate caps," Rep. Hutchinson said. "Although alternative fuel sources should be developed, we must also be careful not to over-regulate or over-tax the oil, gas and coal industries since they are a critical part of the Commonwealth's energy and economic futures, especially if we wish to lower our dependence on foreign oil."
He also continues to serve as the chairman of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, a position he has held since April 2001. The Joint House-Senate Committee studies a variety of environmental issues from Heritage Parks and waste tire cleanup and electronics recycling, to forestry and water-sewer infrastructure. The Joint Committee also conducts public hearings to help determine the need for legislation on emerging environmental issues.

Rep. Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) is the new Minority Chair of the Agriculture Committee--
"I am looking forward to serving the agricultural community and all residents of Pennsylvania as the Republican chairman of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee," said Rep. Rohrer. "Agriculture brings more revenue into the Commonwealth than any other industry, and during this time of economic hardship, it is important that we not only maintain the industry, but also foster expansion and job creation in farming and related sectors."
"It will be a pleasure to work with the hard-working family farmers of Berks County to develop policies that work for farmers," said Rep. Rohrer. "I am also going to continue my fight to completely eliminate school property taxes, which stifle farm and homeowners."

Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton) is the new Minority Chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee;
"Hunting and fishing are very popular activities in my legislative district and throughout Pennsylvania," said Rep. Dally, an avid sportsman and an outspoken defender for the Second Amendment right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.
"Studies show the recreational, economic and wildlife conservation benefits of hunting, fishing, and boating," he added.
Reviewing all legislation concerning hunting and fishing, balancing the interests of residents and the importance of wildlife to the state, and determining fees and costs for licensing are just some of the major areas the committee considers. When House session resumes, both the Game Commission and the Fish and Boat Commission will come before the committee to issue and discuss annual reports and request legislation that they may need.
"Pennsylvania's hunters and anglers contribute billions of dollars in revenue to our state and local economies through the purchases of licenses, registrations, firearms, ammunition, other sporting equipment and travel and lodging," Rep. Dally said. "I pledge as Republican chairman of the committee to speak for them."

The full list of Republican Chairs appointed today include:

Aging & Older Adult Services: Tim Hennessey (R-Chester)
Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Sam Rohrer (R-Berks)- NEW
Appropriations: Mario Civera (R-Delaware) (previously elected by the Caucus)
Children & Youth: Dennis O'Brien (R-Philadelphia)- NEW
Commerce: Dick Hess (R-Bedford)
Consumer Affairs: Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery)
Education: Paul Clymer (R-Bucks)- NEW
Environmental Resources & Energy: Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango)
Finance: David Argall (R-Schuylkill)- NEW (pending the outcome of his special Senate election race)
Game & Fisheries: Craig Dally (R-Northampton)- NEW
Gaming Oversight: Curt Schroder (R-Chester)- NEW
Health & Human Services: Matt Baker (R-Tioga)- NEW
Insurance: Nicholas Micozzie (R-Delaware)
Intergovernmental Affairs: Chris Ross (R-Chester)- NEW
Judiciary: Ron Marsico (R-Dauphin)
Labor Relations: Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks)
Liquor Control: John Taylor (R-Philadelphia)- NEW
Local Government: Julie Harhart (R-Lehigh)- NEW
Professional Licensure: William Adolph (R-Delaware)
State Government: Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre)- NEW
Tourism & Recreational Development: Stephen Barrar (R-Chester)- NEW
Transportation: Richard Geist (R-Blair)
Urban Affairs: John Perzel (R-Philadelphia)- NEW
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness: Russell Fairchild (R-Snyder)

House Democrats are expected to appoint their committee chairs in January.

The Senate appointed its committee chairs earlier in December: Senate Republican Chairs, Senate Democratic Chairs.