Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, was appointed to serve as Republican chair of the newly created Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2025-26 legislative session.

“I look forward to taking on this added responsibility and am grateful to our House Republican Caucus leaders for naming me to this important position,” Rader said.

“As a lifelong Monroe County resident, I appreciate the great outdoors and understand its significant role in the Commonwealth’s economy,” he said. “I plan to work with my colleagues in advancing legislation to preserve and protect our environment for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians.”

The House Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Committee is responsible for legislative oversight of environmental laws administered by both the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource. The committee addresses issues involving clean air, land and water; radioactive and other waste disposal; recycling; and more.

Standing committees are a cornerstone of the legislative process. All bills are assigned to a committee to undergo review. Committees may hold hearings on legislation, consider amendments to pending bills and report them to the full House for a vote.

Rep. Joe Emrick, R-Northampton, announced he will serve as Republican chairman of the House Professional Licensure Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session.

“Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of occupations who may require a license to operate in their official capacity,” Emrick said. “Ensuring professionals are properly licensed protects our consumers and promotes a healthy environment for businesses, health organizations and the public.

“It is an honor to serve in a leadership role within the state House of Representatives.

“Serving as a committee chair is an essential part of effective governance, and I look forward to working with committee members from across the commonwealth to deliver quality legislation and results for all Pennsylvanians.”