Ch. 223

1997 LAWS OF MARYLAND

(i) Two members of the Department, including a chairman of the
Committee appointed by the Secretary;

(ii) A representative of the soil conservation district of Allegany

County;

(iii) A representative of the soil conservation district of Garrett

County;

(iv) Two members appointed by the Governor with the advice and
consent of the Senate for 3-year terms to represent the mining industry;

(v) One member who is a representative of [the] Allegany County
[Planning and Zoning Commission] to be appointed by the Governor, on the
recommendation of the Allegany County Commissioners, with the advice and consent of
the Senate to represent the local government for a 3-year term;

(vi) One member who is a representative of [the] Garrett County
[Planning Commission] to be appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of the
Garrett County Commissioners, with the advice and consent of the House of Delegates to
represent local government for a 3-year term;

(vii) Two members from the community who do not have any interests
in any mining operation, one to be a resident of Garrett County and one to be a resident
of Allegany County, appointed by the Secretary for 3-year terms; and

(viii) Three members of the Department of Natural Resources
appointed by the Secretary of Natural Resources.

(2) Committee members representing the community or local government
shall receive the per diem set by the Secretary for each day they meet with the Committee
or are called on by the chairman to transact other business of the Committee. Funds for
the per diem allowances shall be provided for in the budget of the Department.

(3) The Committee shall meet at the chairman's request and at least twice a
year. A quorum consists of at least [9] 7 members. No action may be approved by the
Committee unless a quorum is present and a majority of those present approves the
action.

(4) COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHALL RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM
PROCEEDINGS THAT MAY AFFECT THEIR DIRECT OR INDIRECT FINANCIAL
INTERESTS.

(b) The Committee may:

(1) Study and recommend surface coal mine reclamation policies, practices,
and standards;

(2) From time to time, review the surface coal mining laws, regulations, and
policies for the purpose of recommending changes to improve the efficiency and
effectiveness of the program;

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