HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has been named Republican chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.

“Now more than ever, Pennsylvania’s role as an energy producer is vital to the future of our Commonwealth and our nation,” Causer said. “I look forward to advancing policies that will grow our energy industry and opposing those that seek to crush it.”

The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development. This includes regulations and conservation efforts; initiatives related to public lands and their renewable resources; policies affecting surface mining, coal, oil and gas, forestry, and mineral leasing; and oversight of air and water resources.

The committee also has legislative oversight of the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources.

In addition to his work as Republican ERE chairman, Causer was also reappointed to the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, on which he has served since its creation under Act 52 of 2016. The council was created to advise and assist the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prevent overregulation of the conventional oil and gas industry, and to develop a plan to increase production of Pennsylvania grade crude.

Causer was also appointed to serve on the Environmental Quality Board, a 20-member board which is responsible for reviewing and giving final approval to Department of Environmental Protection regulations.