March 9, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following appointments to the Refined Petroleum Cleanup Advisory Council: 

Allen A. Cholger of Madison Heights, international representative for Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers International Union (PACE).  Mr. Cholger is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

James P. Clift of Lansing, policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council.  Mr. Clift is appointed to represent the general public for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

Edward S. Weglarz of Livonia, executive director of the Service Station Dealers Association of Michigan.  Mr. Weglarz is appointed to represent the petroleum industry for a term expiring at the pleasure of the Governor. 

The Refined Petroleum Advisory Council, a new legislatively-created body, is required to make a recommendation to the Governor and the Legislature on how funds transferred from the Michigan Underground Storage Tank Financial Assurance Fund to a new Refined Petroleum Fund should be expended.  The Refined Petroleum Fund was established in 2004 to fund gasoline inspection programs, corrective actions to address releases of petroleum products under a refined petroleum product cleanup program, and to cover costs of administering the Fund.

The council is required to submit a report to the Governor and the legislature that evaluates and makes recommendations for a refined petroleum cleanup program that provides for corrective actions necessary to address releases of refined petroleum products, makes recommendations on appropriate limitation costs for administering the Refined Petroleum Fund, and makes recommendations to update obsolete provisions of Michigan law relating to releases of refined petroleum products and cleanup.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval.

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