The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) values the expertise of its advisory committees, boards, councils, and commissions. These advisory bodies assist the DEP in developing environmental policies and regulations.
DEP aims to balance expertise and views in its advisory bodies. To ensure continuity of fair representation, membership positions regularly undergo routine evaluation.
Members serve voluntarily. They often represent various groups, including:
- Academic institutions
- Environmental organizations
- Regulated entities
- Public interest groups
- State and federal agencies
They have knowledge and interest in the advisory body's subject matter.
Explore the dropdown menu below to learn more about DEP’s advisory bodies.
Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee
Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act established the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee. Its members advise the Department of Environmental Protection on regulations and technical guidance. This group is also briefed on national issues. These include ambient air quality, standards, and federal efforts.
Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee
The Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee is DEP's second advisory group. The Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act established it. This committee must review DEP's policies that may affect small businesses in Pennsylvania.
Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board
The Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board helps DEP develop health standards. It selects valid procedures, determines risk factors, and gives technical advice. The Board's purpose is to implement Act 2 of 1995, the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act.
Storage Tank Advisory Committee
The Storage Tank Advisory Committee helps DEP with storage tank rules in Pennsylvania.
Climate Change Advisory Committee
The Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (Act 70 of 2008) established the Climate Change Advisory Committee. This committee must advise on implementing the Act. This includes forming DEP’s Climate Change Action Plan and an annual greenhouse gas inventory. The committee also gives feedback to DEP on climate change policies and regulations.
Environmental Justice Advisory Board
The Environmental Justice Advisory Board provides a public forum. It aims to protect the health of at-risk communities. This Board helps DEP with environmental justice issues. It aims to end disparities in minority and low-income communities. It also seeks to involve those communities in permit processes. It aims to ensure fair enforcement of regulations.
Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee
The Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee was established under the Pennsylvania Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Act of 2002. This committee provides technical assistance and recommendations to DEP on the adoption, amendment, or repeal of rules, regulations, standards, criteria, and procedures as it deems necessary to implement the act.
Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board
The Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board helps the DEP Secretary. It advises on all matters related to surface coal mining and reclamation. This includes experimental practices, alternate backfilling methods, and selecting reclamation projects. It also covers alternate reclamation methods, pollution liability, and changes to reclamation loans, fees, and bonds.
The DEP created the Aggregate Advisory Board. It will help carry out the Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act. This Board advises DEP on all matters related to surface mining. This includes experimental practices, alternate backfilling methods, pollution liability, reclamation plan changes, fees, and bonds.
The Board of Coal Mine Safety is a rulemaking board. Like the Environmental Quality Board, the Board of Coal Mine Safety is unique. It can make regulations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Pennsylvanians. The Board considers promulgating regulations related to mine safety and mine safety standards.
Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence Insurance Board
The Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence Insurance Board manages funds. They cover insured losses from the collapse of underground coal and clay mines. This board has broad powers. It can set the policy's terms, premium rates, and reserves to ensure solvency. It can also direct payments of damage claims to reimburse DEP for program costs.
Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council
The Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council helps DEP plan for mine emergencies. The council reviews the plan often. It recommends changes to DEP as needed.
Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment
The Bituminous Coal Mine Safety Act authorizes a committee. It will advise DEP on diesel-powered equipment. It must evaluate technology or methods to meet diesel equipment needs. It should assist operators, investigate, and train on diesel emissions controls and testing.
Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board
The Oil and Gas Act of 2012 established the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board. This act charges DEP with consulting the board when making technical regulations.
PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council
The Department of Community and Economic Development oversees the Council. It's called the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council. This council must review and recommend changes to the DEP's rules and policies. The council must set rules to enforce environmental standards for the oil and gas industry.
Radiation Protection Advisory Committee
The 1984 Radiation Protection Act created the Radiation Protection Advisory Committee. The committee reviews DEP's draft and final regulations. It advises DEP on radiation issues.
Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee
The Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee was set up in 1988. Its task is to review and give feedback on DEP's draft regulations. The committee reviews and comments on operator selection. This includes DEP's proposed standards for the operator's qualifications and compliance history. The committee also helps DEP with policies on the Act.
Solid Waste Advisory Committee
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee works with DEP. They develop programs, policies, and regulations to manage waste and recycling. The committee may recommend rules for statewide solid waste management.
The Agricultural Advisory Board advises DEP on Pennsylvania agriculture. The Board reviews and gives feedback on DEP's agricultural policies and regulations.
Water Resources Advisory Committee
The Water Resources Advisory Committee advises DEP on water management. It examines the effects of regulations, policies, and technologies. This includes their environmental, economic, and social effects. The committee may request a review of DEP policies and regulations. The Office of Water Management needs them to implement it.
Coastal Zone Advisory Committee
The Coastal Zone Advisory Committee advises and coordinates with DEP's coastal program. It ensures that state and local activities affecting Lake Erie and the Delaware Estuary are consistent. They are both coastal zones.
The Sewage Advisory Committee can review the Department's rules. They are under the 1996 Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act. This includes proposed and existing regulations and procedures. This committee allows the regulated community and stakeholders to help develop those documents.
Public Water System Technical Assistance Center (TAC)
The Public Water System Technical Assistance Center Board advises the DEP on water programs. It also comments on rules that affect public water systems, especially small ones.
State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers
The Pennsylvania Sewage Facilities Act gives authority to the State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers (SEO). It must run a certification program for those who want to become SEOs.
State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators
The State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators must run DEP's certification program for water and wastewater operators.
Certification Program Advisory Committee
The Certification Program Advisory Committee must provide written comments and recommendations on regulatory proposals and technical guidance to DEP and the State Board of Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators.
Interested in Serving on an Advisory Committee?
The Department of Environmental Protection accepts resumes from prospective advisory committee members on a rolling basis. All information will be kept on file and referred to when advisory committee vacancies occur.
To be considered for a position on an advisory committee, submit your resume here.