Sec. 4. (a) There is established a geological and water survey advisory council.

     (b) The council consists of the following members:

(1) One (1) member appointed by the president of Indiana University who is a faculty member of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs to serve for a period of four (4) years. A member appointed under this subdivision must have a background in energy, geology, water, or environmental science.

(2) One (1) member appointed by the president of Indiana University who is a faculty member of the earth sciences department to serve for a period of four (4) years.

(3) The vice provost of research of Indiana University, or the vice provost’s designee.

(4) The chairperson of the house of representatives standing committee tasked with studying utilities and energy, or the chairperson’s designee.

(5) The chairperson of the senate standing committee tasked with studying utilities and energy, or the chairperson’s designee.

(6) The director of the department of natural resources, or the director’s designee.

(7) The director of the Indiana department of environmental management, or the director’s designee.

(8) The director of the Indiana economic development corporation, or the director’s designee.

(9) The public finance director appointed under IC 5-1.2-3-6, or the public finance director’s designee.

(10) Two (2) individuals who:

(A) are appointed by the governor;

(B) represent private industry; and

(C) have a background in energy, geology, water, or environmental science.

An individual appointed by the governor under this subdivision serves for a term of four (4) years.

A designee under subdivision (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9) must have a background in energy, geology, water, or environmental science. The members of the council shall annually elect a chair and vice chair from among the membership of the council.

     (c) A member who is appointed or designated to serve on the council under subsection (b):

(1) in the case of an appointed member:

(A) holds the position for the term of the appointment;

(B) continues to serve after expiration of the appointment until a successor is appointed and qualified; and

(C) subject to subdivision (2), is eligible for reappointment;

(2) may not serve on the council for a total of more than two (2) consecutive terms; and

(3) serves at the pleasure of the appointing or designating authority and may be removed by the appointing or designating authority at any time.

The appointing or designating authority shall fill a vacancy that occurs after a member appointed or designated by the authority resigns, is removed, or is no longer qualified to serve.

     (d) The state geologist shall serve as secretary of the council, shall provide staff support to the council, and shall report on the following at each meeting of the council:

(1) The staffing of the survey.

(2) The finances of the survey.

(3) The outreach programs of the survey.

(4) The current research projects of the survey.

(5) Any other report requested by the council.

     (e) The state geologist may cast the deciding vote to break a tie.

     (f) Each member of the council who is not a state employee is entitled to the minimum salary per diem provided by IC 4-10-11-2.1(b). A member is also entitled to reimbursement for mileage and traveling expenses actually incurred in connection with the member’s duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

     (g) Each member of the council who is a member of the general assembly is entitled to receive the same per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid to legislative members of interim study committees established by the legislative council. Per diem, mileage, and travel allowances paid under this section shall be paid from appropriations made to the legislative council or the legislative services agency.

     (h) Each member of the commission who is a state employee is entitled to reimbursement for traveling expenses as provided under IC 4-13-1-4 and other expenses actually incurred in connection with the member’s duties as provided in the state policies and procedures established by the Indiana department of administration and approved by the budget agency.

     (i) Expenses paid under subsections (f) and (h) shall be paid from appropriations made to the state geologist.

     (j) The council shall meet quarterly in the first month of each quarter. The date, time, and location of a meeting must be upon agreement of the council.

     (k) The council shall meet with the state geologist to make recommendations concerning:

(1) the functions and performance of the survey; and

(2) appropriations and funding for the survey.

     (l) The council may make recommendations concerning the effectiveness and efficiency of the survey and other matters.

     (m) Recommendations and reports of the council shall be directed to the following:

(1) The governor.

(2) The budget agency.

(3) The president of Indiana University.

(4) The director of the department of natural resources.

(5) The commissioner of the department of environmental management.

     (n) The terms of the members of the council described in subsection (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(10) expire as follows:

(1) For the members described in subsection (b)(1) and (b)(2), June 30, 2025, and each fourth year thereafter.

(2) For the members described in subsection (b)(10), June 30, 2027, and each fourth year thereafter.

     (o) The terms of the members of the council who are members of the general assembly designated under subsection (b)(4) and (b)(5) expire June 30 of an odd-numbered year.

[Pre-2007 Higher Education Recodification Citation: 20-12-28-4.]

As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.288. Amended by P.L.233-2017, SEC.30; P.L.108-2022, SEC.1; P.L.42-2024, SEC.144.