State Sen. John Yudichak has been appointed Democratic Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Democratic leaders announced Tuesday.

Yudichak, who was sworn in for his first Senate term on Jan. 4, said the committee assignment is an opportunity to protect Pennsylvania from repeating the mistakes of the past while developing the economy of the future.

Before becoming a senator, Yudichak served in the PA House of Representatives.

In his new capacity, he will also serve on the Aging and Youth, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness, Policy and Local Government committees.