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2000 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 76
Continuing the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment as the Commission on the Future of Virginia’s Environment.

Agreed to by the Senate, March 9, 2000
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 8, 2000

WHEREAS, the 1996 Session of the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 221, creating a study to examine the history of environmental and natural resources programs and funding for such programs in the Commonwealth and to develop a long-term vision and plan for the future management of Virginia’s natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 Session of the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 136 and the 1999 Session of the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 719 continuing the study on the Future of Virginia’s Environment; and

WHEREAS, the joint subcommittee has formed subcommittees on parks and land conservation, solid waste, the Water Quality Improvement Act, and the vision and plan for the future of Virginia’s environment, each of which has met frequently and accomplished a great deal; and

WHEREAS, throughout the joint subcommittee's existence, it has been on the forefront of environmental issues coming before the General Assembly, including solid waste issues, the Water Quality Improvement Act, and land conservation issues; and

WHEREAS, due to a continuing desire to monitor the implementation of the joint subcommittee's numerous recommendations and a recognition of the role the joint subcommittee has established for itself as a body of experts on emerging environmental issues, the joint subcommittee members agree that the joint subcommittee should continue for an additional year; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Joint Subcommittee Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment be continued as the Commission Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment. The Commission shall be composed of 16 members, as follows: 3 members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; 5 members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, in accordance with the principles of Rule 16 of the Rules of the House of Delegates; and 7 citizen members, three to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections and four to be appointed by Speaker of the House. The Secretary of Natural Resources, or his designee, shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio member.

In conducting its study, the Commission shall continue to monitor the implementation of its recommendations and create opportunities for the members of the Commission to become educated on environmental issues that may require legislative action.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $14,700.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2001 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.