Section 3. Report on potential climate change impact and
economic opportunities for this Commonwealth.
(a) Report required.--The department shall prepare and publish a report on the potential impact of climate change in this Commonwealth. The report shall identify the following:
(1) Scientific predictions regarding changes in
temperature and precipitation patterns and amounts in this
Commonwealth that could result from climate change. Such
predictions shall reflect the diversity of views within the
scientific community.
(2) The potential impact of climate change on human
health, the economy and the management of economic risk,
forests, wildlife, fisheries, recreation, agriculture and
tourism in this Commonwealth and any significant
uncertainties about the impact of climate change.
(3) Economic opportunities for this Commonwealth created
by the potential need for alternative sources of energy,
climate-related technologies, services and strategies; carbon
sequestration technologies; capture and utilization of
fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from any source; and other
mitigation strategies.
(b) Cooperation.--In preparing the report, the department shall consult with Federal and other State agencies, academic institutions and the committee. The department may also evaluate the recommendations of climate change action plans prepared by counties and municipalities within this Commonwealth. The report shall reflect any diversity of opinion among the entities consulted by the department.
(c) Deadline.--This report shall be completed, published and distributed to the General Assembly and made available to the public in printed form and on the department's Internet website within nine months of the effective date of this act and shall be revised every three years thereafter.