Section 1506.21. Ohio Lake Erie commission

(A) There is hereby created the Ohio Lake Erie commission, consisting of the directors of environmental protection, natural resources, health, agriculture, transportation, and development services, or their designees, and five additional members appointed by the governor who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The members of the commission annually shall designate a chairperson, who shall preside at the meetings of the commission, and a secretary.

The commission shall hold at least one meeting every three months. The secretary of the commission shall keep a record of its proceedings. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the chairperson or upon the request of four members of the commission. All meetings and records of the commission shall be open to the public. Six members of the commission constitute a quorum. The agencies represented on the commission shall furnish clerical, technical, and other services required by the commission in the performance of its duties.

(B) The commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure the coordination of state and local policies and programs pertaining to Lake Erie water quality, toxic pollution control, and resource protection;

(2) Review, and make recommendations concerning, the development and implementation of policies, programs, and issues for long-term, comprehensive protection of Lake Erie water resources and water quality that are consistent with the great lakes water quality agreement and the great lakes toxic substances control agreement;

(3) Recommend policies and programs to modify the coastal management program of this state;

(4) At each regular meeting, consider matters relating to the implementation of sections 1506.22 and 1506.23 of the Revised Code;

(5) Publish and submit the Lake Erie protection agenda in accordance with division (C) of section 1506.23 of the Revised Code;

(6) Ensure the implementation of a basinwide approach to Lake Erie issues;

(7) Increase representation of the interests of this state in state, regional, national, and international forums pertaining to the resources and water quality of Lake Erie and the Lake Erie basin;

(8) Promote education concerning the wise management of the resources of Lake Erie;

(9) Establish public advisory councils as considered necessary to assist in programs established under this section and sections 1506.22 and 1506.23 of the Revised Code. Members of the public advisory councils shall represent a broad cross section of interests, shall have experience or expertise in the subject for which the advisory council was established, and shall serve without compensation.

(10) Prepare and submit the report required under division (D) of section 1506.23 of the Revised Code.

(C) Each state agency, upon the request of the commission, shall cooperate in the implementation of this section and sections 1506.22 and 1506.23 of the Revised Code.

Amended by 130th General Assembly File No. 25, HB 59, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2013.

Amended by 129th General AssemblyFile No.28, HB 153, §101.01, eff. 9/29/2011.

Effective Date: 06-30-1997