NC H738

Establishes the Science Advisory Board within the Department of Environmental Quality as a permanent 11-member board appointed jointly by the Secretaries of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services, with two-year terms.

Board membership includes required positions: epidemiologists, toxicologists, the State Epidemiologist, State Health Director, medical doctors, scientists specializing in air and water contaminants, atmospheric science/climatology, and coastal geology, plus a representative from the North Carolina Association of Local Health Directors.

Board shall meet at least six times per year and advise the Environmental Management Commission on contaminant regulation, chemical effects reviews, health risk assessments, and emerging contaminant concerns.

Board duties include reviewing contaminants for regulation, recommending acceptable concentration ranges, evaluating synergistic health effects of chemical mixtures, and providing scientific assessments on policy issues in public health and environment.

Takes effect July 1, 2019; codifies the existing Science Advisory Board created by charter on July 28, 2017, with current members becoming the initial board, and provides administrative support through Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Health and Human Services staff.