§ 27-2109. Advisory committee on mercury pollution.

1. There shall be established, within the department, an advisory
committee on mercury pollution to examine, evaluate and make
recommendations concerning the prevention and cleanup of mercury
pollution, and the latest technology for the remediation of mercury
pollution.

2. The advisory committee on mercury pollution shall consist of seven
members, each appointed member to serve a term of two years, to be
appointed as follows:

(a) one member appointed by the temporary president of the senate;

(b) one member appointed by the speaker of the assembly;

(c) the commissioner, or his or her designee; and

(d) four members appointed by the governor as follows:

(i) one shall be a representative of an industry that manufactures
mercury-added consumer products,

(ii) one shall be a public health specialist,

(iii) one shall be a toxicologist, and

(iv) one shall be a scientist who is knowledgeable on matters relating
to mercury contamination.

3. The members of such committee shall be broadly representative of
the geographic areas of the state. The commissioner, or his or her
designee, shall serve as the chair of the committee. Vacancies in the
membership of the committee shall be filled in the manner provided for
original appointments.

4. The members of the advisory committee on mercury pollution shall
receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their
actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their
duties pursuant to this section.

5. To the maximum extent feasible, the advisory committee on mercury
pollution shall be entitled to request and receive data from any
department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state
or any political subdivision thereof as it may reasonably request to
carry out properly its powers and duties pursuant to this section.

6. On or before February first, two thousand six, the advisory
committee on mercury pollution shall submit a report to the governor and
the legislature relating to:

(a) the extent of mercury contamination in the soil, waters and air of
the state;

(b) the extent of any health risk from mercury contamination in the
state, especially to pregnant women, children and people that use fish
as a major source of food;

(c) the methods available to minimize the risk of further
contamination or increased health risks to the public;

(d) the potential costs of minimizing further risk and recommendations
on how to acquire the funds necessary to reduce contamination and
minimize the risk of mercury-related health problems;

(e) the effectiveness of the provisions of this title in reducing
mercury contamination and mercury-related health problems; and

(f) any necessary coordination with other states to effectively
address mercury issues.