DEP Citizens Advisory Council Sets Regional Meeting On Mining Issues Oct. 3-5

The Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of Environmental Protection is a nonpartisan group of 18 citizen volunteers legislatively charged with examining all environmental legislation, regulations and policies affecting the Commonwealth, and also reviewing the work of DEP and making recommendations.

Each year, the CAC holds a regional meeting in a different part of the state. The purpose of the meeting is to hear comments from citizens and groups on key environmental issues facing the region and the work of DEP. This year’s regional meeting will focus on the impacts of underground mining in southwestern Pennsylvania.

On October 3, 4 and 5 the CAC will conduct site visits and hold public meetings in the Washington, Pa area to hear from local residents and industry, particularly those in Washington and Greene counties. The CAC’s goal is to bring attention to public concerns, comment on how they might be addressed, and encourage their resolution.

On October 3, the CAC will hear presentations from DEP regarding its protection efforts pursuant to “Act 54”, which amended Pennsylvania’s Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act. The meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, 119 Murtland Ave., Washington, PA.

On October 4, the CAC will hold a public input session starting at 6:00 p.m. at Washington & Jefferson College, 60 S. Lincoln St., in The Commons Media Room, Washington, PA. Anyone seeking to provide input to the CAC must contact Sue Wilson, CAC Executive Director via email at suswilson@pa.gov or by calling 717-787-4527.

In addition, CAC members will tour a variety of sites related to underground mining and related surface impacts on both October 4 and 5.

The CAC was legislatively created Act 275 of 1971 in 1971. Its members are appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. CAC’s mandate is to review the work of DEP and make recommendations for improvement, study major environmental issues facing Pennsylvania, and promote sound environmental legislation. The CAC reports its recommendations to DEP, the Governor, the General Assembly, and the public.

John Walliser, a vice president of the PA Environmental Council, serves as Chair of the Council.

For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage.