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Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council

The Mine Families First Response and Communications Advisory Council is authorized under The Mine Families First Act to assist the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in developing the initial mine families first response and communications plan and provide assistance in periodic review and updating of the plan. The advisory council assists in reviewing how the plan is used in the event of an actual mine emergency and offers recommendations to the DEP for any needed changes to the plan resulting from its review. The Mine Families First Act established this council when the act became effective on Oct. 4, 2007.

The seven-member board consists of five members appointed by the governor and two at large members that are selected from the general public. The president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate appoints one at-large member, and the speaker of the House of Representatives appoints the other.

House Bill No. 483 (PDF)

Bylaws (PDF)

Mine Families First Response and Communications Implementation Plan (PDF)

Letter to Mine Operators (PDF)

Current Membership
Rachel GleasonPennsylvania Coal Alliance
Vacant (alternate)Pennsylvania Coal Alliance
Ronald J. BowersoxUnited Mine Workers of America
Frank J. Reidelbach (alternate)United Mine Workers of America
Judith D. ShabbickLocal Emergency Response
Christopher S. Anderson (alternate)Local Emergency Response
Mark F. LeporeMental Health Professional
Grafton Eliason (alternate)Mental Health Professional
Philip G. BarkerPennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
William Spencer (alternate)Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
VacantSenate At-Large Member
Vacant (alternate)Senate At-Large Member
Joseph A. Sbaffoni, ChairpersonHouse At-Large Member
Vacant (alternate)House At-Large Member