(a) The drycleaner environmental response program is created within the department, in the division of remediation.
(b) From time to time the commissioner may appoint a drycleaners advisory committee that shall advise the commissioner on matters related to the drycleaner environmental response program, including, but not limited to, proposed rules and changes to fees. The commissioner may determine the identity and number of committee members and the term during which the committee will operate. When appointing members the commissioner shall consider the nature of the issues that are relevant to the charge given to the committee. The commissioner shall appoint persons from affected interests, which may include large and small drycleaners, facilities that use or have used dense non-aqueous solvent, facilities that use or have only used light non-aqueous solvent, property owners where drycleaners are located, and environmental interests. No member of the committee is entitled to a salary for duties performed as a member of the committee and no member of the committee is entitled to reimbursement for travel or other expenses incurred in the performance of the member’s official duties.