PA Senate Republicans Pass Bill To Abolish DEP Climate Change, Recycling Fund, Coastal Zone Advisory Committees

On October 27, Senate Republicans passed Senate Bill 755 to abolish “inactive” boards and advisory committees including DEP’s Climate Change, Recycling Fund and Coastal Zone Committees by a vote of 27 to 22-- Democrats opposing. 

The bill now goes to the House for action.

Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) said on introducing the bill-- “While some of these organizations provide valuable insights and serve important functions, many are inactive, dormant, or no longer necessary.”

The three DEP-related committees included in the bill are not inactive or dormant and still perform valuable functions.

Climate Change Advisory Committee

DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee meet four times in 2025 and the next meeting is set for December 16.

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.

[Posted: October 28, 2025]  PA Environment Digest