GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1991

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1070

Short Title:  Env. Sci./Tech. Policy Study.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives Woodard; and Bowman.
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Referred to:  Rules, Appointments and Calendar.
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April 23, 1991

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO CREATE THE LEGISLATIVE STUDY COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY.
Whereas, wise stewardship of the environment is essential to the survival, public health, and well-being of the State's inhabitants; and
Whereas, the quality of the environment is vital to the economy of North Carolina; and
Whereas, the formulation of public policy should be integrated with knowledge of the science of the environment; and
Whereas, there exist within North Carolina abundant human and capital resources, both public and private, for the scientific investigation of the environment; and
Whereas, coordination and development of resources in environmental science, technology, and public policy would enhance State and local governmental decision making, the research community, and the economy of North Carolina; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Study Commission on Environmental Science and Technology Policy is hereby created to study alternatives for the integration of environmental science and public policy in North Carolina.  The Commission shall consist of 12 members:  four Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, four Senators appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and four nonlegislative members appointed by the Governor.  All initial appointments shall be made by 1 August 1991.  Vacancies on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner as initial appointments.
Sec. 2.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall designate one Senator as Cochairman and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall designate one Representative as Cochairman.
Sec. 3.  The Commission shall study alternatives that promote the development of environmental science in North Carolina and that bridge environmental science and technology with public policy decision making.  The Commission shall make recommendations on initiatives to promote the development of environmental science, technology, and policy in North Carolina which enhance State and local governmental decision making on environmental issues, which coordinate and strengthen the research community in environmental science, and which strengthen the ability of those engaged in environmental research to compete for federal and private research support.
Sec. 4.  The Commission may submit an interim report to the 1992 Session of the 1991 General Assembly.  The Commission shall submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before the first day of the 1993 Session of the General Assembly by filing the report with the President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Sec. 5.  The Commission, while in discharge of official duties, may exercise all the powers provided for under the provisions of G.S. 120-19 and G.S. 120-19.1 through G.S. 120-19.4.  The Commission may meet at any time upon the joint call of the Cochairmen.  The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building with the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.
Sec. 6.  Members of the Commission shall receive travel and subsistence expenses as follows:
(1)	Commission members who are members of the General Assembly, at the rates set forth in G.S. 120-3.1;
(2)	Commission members who are also employees of the State, at the rates set forth in G.S. 138-6; and
(3)	All other Commission members, at the rates set forth in G.S. 138-5.
Sec. 7.  The Commission may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services as provided by G.S. 120-32.02.  The Legislative Services Commission, through the Legislative Administrative Officer, shall assign professional staff to assist in the work of the Commission.  The Supervisor of Clerks of the House of Representatives and the Supervisor of Clerks of the Senate shall assign clerical staff to the Commission when directed to do so by the Legislative Services Commission.  Expenses relating to clerical employees shall be borne by the Commission.
Sec. 8.  The Commission may request staff support from the North Carolina Board of Science and Technology and from the Office of Environmental Education of the Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources in carrying out its responsibilities.
Sec. 9.  All State departments and agencies, local governments, and public colleges and universities shall furnish to the Commission upon request any information in their possession or available to them.
Sec. 10.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of $15,000 for the 1991-92 fiscal year and the sum of $15,000 for the 1992-93 fiscal year to fund the work of the Commission.
Sec. 11.  This act becomes effective 1 July 1991.