O’Neal assigned to 3 committees
After taking his oath of office June 5, State Rep. Tim O’Neal was named this week was named to three House standing committees for the remainder of the 2017-18 legislative session.
His assignments are Environmental Resources and Energy, Gaming Oversight, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.
O’Neal served in the Reserve Officers Training Corps while in college and while on active duty in Afghanistan after graduation, he earned the rank of captain. While in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for valor.
The district of the South Strabane Township Republican is also home to The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, which is subjected to gaming oversight.
As to his assignment on the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, he said would “champion a balance between policies that allow for the growth of the Marcellus Shale industry, while also protecting our environment.”
The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is responsible for legislative oversight of 45 different environmental laws in place in the Commonwealth, administered by both the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The committee addresses legislation involving clean air, land and water; radioactive and other waste disposal; recycling; and other activities.
O’Neal won a special election May 15 to fill the unexpired term of Democrat Brandon Neuman, who was elected last year to a seat on the Washington County bench.
O’Neal and his Democratic opponent, Clark Mitchell Jr., also of South Strabane Township, will square off again Nov. 6 for a two-year term in the 48th Legislative District, which includes Washington; Chartiers, North Franklin, North Strabane and South Strabane and Canonsburg, East Washington and Houston boroughs.