A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to study the extent of and issues arising from Coal ash disposal in this State.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  The Study Committee on Coal Ash Disposal is created. The Committee shall consist of five members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and five members of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall each designate one member as a cochair. Vacancies to the Committee shall be filled by the same appointing authority making the initial appointment. The Committee will meet upon the call of the cochairs. A quorum shall be a majority of the Committee members.
SECTION 2.  The Commission may study the scope of potential problems with coal ash disposal in the State and evaluate the need for clarification and expansion of the requirements for monitoring, permitting, and inspection of combustion products landfills and structural fill facilities in order to adequately protect public health and the environment and to study proper corrective action for existing combustion products surface impoundments and the possible mechanisms for financing of such corrective actions.
SECTION 3.  The Committee, while in the discharge of its official duties, may exercise all powers provided for under G.S. 120‑19 and G.S. 120‑19.1 through G.S. 120‑19.4. The Committee may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building. Members of the Committee shall receive subsistence and travel expenses at the rates set forth in G.S. 120‑3.1.
The Legislative Services Commission, through the Legislative Services Officer, shall assign professional staff to assist the Committee in its work. The House of Representatives shall assign clerical staff to the Committee, and the expenses relating to the clerical employees shall be borne by the Committee. The Committee may contract for professional, clerical, or consultant services, as provided by G.S. 120‑32.02.
SECTION 4.  The Committee may make an interim report, including any proposed legislation, to the 2013 Regular Session of the General Assembly when it reconvenes in 2014. The Committee shall terminate upon filing its final report or upon the convening of the 2015 Regular Session of the General Assembly, whichever is earlier.
SECTION 5.  This act is effective when it becomes law.