It is the Council's duty to review the work of DEP and make recommendations for improvements, study major environmental issues facing Pennsylvania, and promote sound environmental legislation. The council reports its recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, DEP and the public. In addition, the 1992 amendments to Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act (APCA) require DEP to consult with the Council in developing state implementation plans and regulations to implement the federal Clean Air Act. These amendments mark the first time state legislation designated Council as an advisory group on a specific issue.
Council's legislative mandate requires it to not only monitor administrative and organizational initiatives by the Department, but also various wide-ranging environmental issues facing Pennsylvania. With such a comprehensive mission, Council currently has six different committees to address a variety of issues. Members are asked to serve on one or all committees based on their interest and experience. The chair of each committee is involved in setting the monthly CAC meeting agenda. Current committee structure is as follows:
Policy & Regulatory Oversight Committee
This Committee is tasked with appraising new policy, guidance, and regulatory proposals of the Department (all environmental media), as well as following general Department operations. This Committee is tasked with the role of reviewing DEP Air Quality Program State implementation plans (SIP) and regulations needed for the implementation of the Clean Air Act and providing recommendations to Council.
Members:
- Tim Weston, Chair
- Cynthia Carrow
- William Fink
- Trisha Salvia
- Jerome Shabazz
- Thad Stevens
- John Walliser
- Jim Welty
Legislative Committee
This committee shall be tasked with evaluating existing and proposed legislation relative to current environmental issues and reaching out to legislators to provide Council's perspectives and to understand legislator concerns and priorities to ultimately shape Council's advice and recommendations to the General Assembly. The committee shall also be tasked with building a closer working relationship with legislators with the goal of heightening awareness of Council's mandate, mission, current priorities, and recent actions.
Members:
- Cynthia Carrow, Chair
- Robert Barkanic
- Trisha Salvia
- Thad Stevens
- John Walliser
- Jim Welty
Strategic Issues Committee
This Committee shall be tasked with identifying and managing special initiatives of the CAC as necessary, including statutory review and analysis efforts (e.g. Act 54 Five Year Report, infrastructure issues, water well construction standards). Identification of an annual strategic issue will serve as a framework for Council meeting agendas throughout the year as Council members educate themselves on the full issue, to culminate with a site visit at the annual regional meeting.
Members:
- Jacquelyn Bonomo, Chair
- Mitchell Hescox
- James Schmid
- Tim Weston
Public Participation Committee
This Committee is tasked with facilitating public outreach and involvement for Department activities, as well as evaluating the Department's performance on transparency and public involvement.
Members:
- Jamie Bracey-Green, Co-Chair
- Mitchell Hescox, Co-Chair
- Cynthia Carrow
- William Fink
- Jerome Shabazz
- John Walliser
Advisory Board Committee
This Committee is comprised of all CAC members currently serving on EQB, AQTAC, MRAB, TAB, EHB (Rules), LLWAC, SWAC, RPAC, and any other advisory boards and committees of the Department. The Chair of the CAC shall also be the chair of this committee. This Committee is responsible for informing the full Council of members' respective participation on, and the issues presented before various advisory boards.
Members:
- All CAC members currently serving on EQB, AQTAC, MRAB, TAB, EHB (Rules), LLWAC, SWAC, RPAC, and any other advisory boards and committees of the Department Executive Committee
Executive Committee
Members:
- William Fink (immediate past Chair)
- Robert Barkanic
- Jacquelyn Bonomo
- Cynthia Carrow
- Mitchell Hescox
- Jerome Shabazz
- Tim Weston
Act 54 Workgroup
Members:
- John Walliser (Workgroup Chair)
- Cynthia Carrow
- James Schmid
- John St. Clair
Other Boards & Committees
Environmental Quality Board
Members:
- Robert Barkanic
- Cynthia Carrow
- Trisha Salvia
- John Walliser
- James A. Schmid
Alternates:
- Jim Welty
- John St. Clair
Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board
Members:
- Cynthia Carrow
- James Schmid
- John St. Clair
Alternate:
- Ian Irvin
Aggregate Advisory Board
Members:
- William Fink
- Thad Stevens
- Tim Weston
Alternate:
- Ian Irvin
Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee (AQTAC)
Member:
- John Walliser
Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee (LLWAC)
Member:
- Ian Irvin
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
Member:
- Jim Welty
Alternates:
- Ian Irvin
Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board (TAB)
Appointee:
- Jeffrey P. Walentosky, P.G.
Environmental Hearing Board Rules Committee (EHB)
Appointee:
- Gail M. Conner, Esquire
Radiation Protection Advisory Committee (RPAC)
Appointee:
- Ian Irvin
Sewage Advisory Committee (SAC)
Appointee via Pennsylvania Water Environment Association:
- Duane Mowery