§ 27-2109. Advisory committee on mercury pollution. 1. There shall be established, within the department, an advisory committee on mercury pollution to examine, evaluate and make recommendations concerning the prevention and cleanup of mercury pollution, and the latest technology for the remediation of mercury pollution. 2. The advisory committee on mercury pollution shall consist of seven members, each appointed member to serve a term of two years, to be appointed as follows:

(a) one member appointed by the temporary president of the senate;

(b) one member appointed by the speaker of the assembly;

(c) the commissioner, or his or her designee; and

(d) four members appointed by the governor as follows:

(i) one shall be a representative of an industry that manufactures mercury-added consumer products,

(ii) one shall be a public health specialist,

(iii) one shall be a toxicologist, and

(iv) one shall be a scientist who is knowledgeable on matters relating to mercury contamination. 3. The members of such committee shall be broadly representative of the geographic areas of the state. The commissioner, or his or her designee, shall serve as the chair of the committee. Vacancies in the membership of the committee shall be filled in the manner provided for original appointments. 4. The members of the advisory committee on mercury pollution shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties pursuant to this section. 5. To the maximum extent feasible, the advisory committee on mercury pollution shall be entitled to request and receive data from any department, division, board, bureau, commission or agency of the state or any political subdivision thereof as it may reasonably request to carry out properly its powers and duties pursuant to this section. 6. On or before February first, two thousand six, the advisory committee on mercury pollution shall submit a report to the governor and the legislature relating to:

(a) the extent of mercury contamination in the soil, waters and air of the state;

(b) the extent of any health risk from mercury contamination in the state, especially to pregnant women, children and people that use fish as a major source of food;

(c) the methods available to minimize the risk of further contamination or increased health risks to the public;

(d) the potential costs of minimizing further risk and recommendations on how to acquire the funds necessary to reduce contamination and minimize the risk of mercury-related health problems;

(e) the effectiveness of the provisions of this title in reducing mercury contamination and mercury-related health problems; and

(f) any necessary coordination with other states to effectively address mercury issues.