FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Greg Vitali                                       D-Delaware www.pahouse.com/vitali

Vitali appointed to Climate Change Advisory Committee

HARRISBURG, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, was recently appointed to the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which will advise the Department of Environmental Protection on the implementation of the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act.

This act, signed into law July 9, is the first climate change legislation enacted in Pennsylvania. H.R. 200 of 2001, a resolution sponsored by Vitali, served as the basis for the act. Vitali also secured the $300,000 funding in the 2008-09 state budget for implementation of the act.

In addition to providing for this advisory group, the act requires the DEP to conduct an annual inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, prepare a report on the economic impacts and opportunities of climate change in Pennsylvania, and to develop a state plan to reduce emissions.

"I am pleased to be appointed to this committee," Vitali said. "I hope this climate change planning process will lead to much-needed greenhouse gas reduction in Pennsylvania."

Criteria used for selection to this 21-member committee included interest, knowledge or expertise regarding climate change issues. Terms for committee members are four years. The first committee meeting is set for Sept. 5 in Harrisburg.

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