Republican Sen. Hutchinson Introduces Bill To Abolish DEP Climate Change, Recycling Fund, Coastal Zone Advisory Committees

On June 10, Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) introduced Senate Bill 755 to abolish “inactive” boards and advisory committees including DEP’s Climate Change, Recycling Fund and Coastal Zone Committees.

“Pennsylvania currently has over 300 statutorily created boards, commissions, and other similar entities,” said Sen. Hutchinson in announcing the bill.  “These organizations are responsible for various tasks, including overseeing government programs, regulating licensed professionals, conducting studies, implementing new programs, advocating for specific groups, and advising state agencies.

“While some of these organizations provide valuable insights and serve important functions, many are inactive, dormant, or no longer necessary. 

“This includes one-time boards that have fulfilled their original purpose, advisory committees that have overlapping duties covered by other public entities, and commissions that no longer fulfill essential government functions present.”

Also cosponsoring the bill were Republican Senators Judy Ward, Tracy Pennycuick, Greg Rothman, David Argall, Kristin Phillips-Hill, Wayne Langerholc, Daniel Laughlin (Erie), Elder Vogel, Patrick Stefano, and Cris Dush.

Climate Change Advisory Committee

DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee meets six times a year and the next meeting is set for June 24.

Its membership includes a diversity of viewpoints including business and industry, transportation, environmental, social, outdoor, sporting, labor and other affected communities appointed by the Governor and leadership in the House and Senate.

It is actively engaged in advising DEP on the preparation of the state Climate Change Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventory as required by Act 70 of 2008.

Recycling Fund Advisory Committee

DEP’s Recycling Fund Advisory Committee meets jointly with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee at least annually, as directed by Act 101 of 1988, to advise DEP on priorities for using grant funds generated under Act 101 and overseeing the effectiveness of the state’s recycling program.

The Committee is composed of representatives of counties, municipalities, authorities, the recycling industry that implements Pennsylvania’s recycling programs on the ground and members of the House and Senate appointed by leadership.

Coastal Zone Advisory Committee

DEP’s Coastal Zone Advisory Committee was established by Executive Order on September 22, 1980 to meet state eligibility requirements for implementing the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has two coastal areas-- the Lake Erie and Delaware Estuary coastal zones.

The Committee generally meets twice a year to review priorities for Coastal Zone Management Grants funded by the federal program and oversee the state administration of the Federal Coastal Zone Program in Pennsylvania.

The membership of the Committee includes DEP, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, the Department of Transportation, Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

Other representatives often participating in the meeting include the Erie County Department of Planning and Community Development, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, DCNR, NOAA, US Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program.

The bill was referred to the Senate State Government Committee.

Related Article:

-- PA Senate Republicans Pass Bill To Roll Back Environmental, Health, Safety Regulations By Doing Nothing And Avoiding Accountability  [PaEN]

[Posted: June 11, 2025]  PA Environment Digest