Jul. 24, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) has been appointed to serve on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.
“It is an honor to get the chance to serve on this committee and continue the incredibly important work they do,” Wentling said. “I’m looking forward to helping ensure the responsible use of our natural resources and figuring out the best ways to power Pennsylvania.”
This is Wentling’s first appointment to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, but he has experience working with these sectors as a legislator. He previously served as chairman of the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Legislative Conservation Committee (JLCC). In this role, he helped pioneer a partnership between numerous power companies and the Erie Bird Observatory to build osprey nesting boxes on top of power lines. These boxes simultaneously protected the ospreys from electrocution, and communities from disruptive power outages.
Wentling is the co-chair of the House Cycling and Trails Caucus, which aims to lead efforts to make our roads safer and more accessible for cyclists, along with expanding and improving the network of trails in Pennsylvania.
Additionally, the caucus aims to raise awareness of the positive impact that cycling and other trail activities have on tourism, economic development, the environment, and mental and physical health.
Wentling also serves on three other House committees – Game and Fisheries (Republican vice chairman), Local Government (Republican chair, Subcommittee on Townships), and Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development – for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. He was also named a deputy chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.