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2001 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 373
Continuing the Commission Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 22, 2001
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 21, 2001

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 2000 Session of the General Assembly passed House Joint Resolution No. 76 continuing the study on the future of Virginia's environment; and

WHEREAS, two Senate Joint Resolutions, Senate Joint Resolution No. 133, requesting a study of the strategies to reduce the amount of solid waste being deposited in Virginia's landfills, and Senate Joint Resolution No. 217, requesting a study of the need to expand the best management practices for the nonpoint program to include urban land uses, were referred to the Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Commission has formed subcommittees on the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, solid waste, and parks and land conservation to receive testimony not only on the two resolutions but on such timely environmental issues as the tributaries strategies, the total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements, land use and growth, oyster replenishment, the regulatory programs for medical waste and nontidal wetlands, and the Water Quality Improvement Act; and

WHEREAS, the Commission has not completed its work on the two resolutions and on the numerous issues before it this year; and

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

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the Commission Studying the Future of Virginia's Environment be continued. The Commission shall consist of 18 members, which shall include 10 legislative members, seven nonlegislative members, and one ex officio member, to be appointed as follows: four members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; six members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; seven citizen members, three to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections and four to be appointed by Speaker of the House; and the Secretary of Natural Resources, or his designee, who shall serve ex officio without voting privileges.

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 $16,000.

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 by November 30, 2001, to the Governor and the 2002 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.