Gentile to chair environment committee

       State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, has been appointed House Chair of the Environment Committee by Speaker of the House-designate Brendan Sharkey (D-Hamden). 
       Gentile had previously served as chairperson of the Planning and Development Committee.
     “I thank Speaker Sharkey for this opportunity,” Gentile said. “I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing a balanced and common sense approach to meaningful environmental legislative policy that will protect and preserve the environment while allowing sound, comprehensive and responsible energy and economic development initiatives the opportunity to move forward.”
     "Rep. Gentile brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the issues that will come before her as chair of the Environment Committee," Sharkey said. "Protecting our natural resources and understanding how that relates to our economy is critical to the success of this committee and I am confident Linda is the right choice to oversee this challenge." 
     The Environment Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Environmental Protection, including conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control; and all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture, including farming, dairy products, and domestic animals.

     Gentile is beginning her fifth term as state representative in the 104th District. In addition to chairing the Environment Committee, she will serve on the Commerce Committee and the Planning and Development Committee.

This information is from a press release from Gentile's office.