HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 107

(By Delegates By Delegates Morgan, Stephens, Cann, Butcher, Ferns, Givens, Hall, Hartman, Hatfield, Jones, Martin, Phillips, R., Staggers, Swartzmiller, Talbott, Azinger, Kump, O’Neal, Nelson, Romine and Storch)

(Originating in the Committee on Government Organization;

February 25, 2011 )

Requesting that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance authorize a study of the independence of the Office of Environmental Advocate within the Department of Environmental Protection.

    WHEREAS, The safe-guarding of a clean and healthy environment is a concern to the Legislature for the protection of the citizens and communities of West Virginia through reasonable and appropriate regulatory enforcement; and

    WHEREAS, An the office of Environmental Advocate currently exists within the Department of Environmental Protection to work on behalf of the citizens, and the State of West Virginia has made efforts to ensure the protection and safety of the environment; and

    WHEREAS, It is desirable to examine the independence of the Environmental Advocate in order to address the concerns of citizens in regard to the use and enjoyment of their land and environment in accordance with the existing regulatory structures; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to authorize a study of the independence of the Office of Environmental Advocate within the Department of Environmental Protection; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Regular Session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Legislative expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.