1. There is hereby created within the department the "state petroleum bulk storage advisory council" hereinafter referred to as the "council". Such council shall consist of seven members, at least one of whom shall be a representative of operators other than owners in the state, at least one of whom shall be a representative of owners in the state, at least one of whom shall be a representative of municipal corporations, and at least two of whom shall be representatives of organizations whose prime function is the protection of natural resources and enhancement of the environmental quality of the state. The members of the council shall be appointed by the commissioner within three months of the effective date of this title. Each member shall be, by professional training or experience and attainment, qualified to analyze and interpret matters pertaining to bulk storage of petroleum.

2. One member shall be elected chairman of the advisory council by a majority vote of the members of such council.

3. The members of the council shall serve without compensation for their services as members of the council, except that each of them may be allowed the necessary and actual expenses which he shall incur in the performance of his duties under this section.

4. The council shall have the power, duty and responsibility to:

a. Serve as a working forum for the exchange of views, concerns, ideas, information and recommendations relating to the bulk storage of petroleum.

b. Advise the department on the proposal, preparation and revision of the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this title.

c. Request and receive from the department at each meeting of the council any portions of the rules and regulations then available for review, whether in final or draft form, and any supporting documents or other pertinent data.

d. Before promulgation of the rules and regulations required by this title, the commissioner shall first submit such rules and regulations to the council for review. The council shall, within sixty days of such submission, recommend in writing to the commissioner any suggested modifications to such rules and regulations.

5. The recording of council proceedings shall be performed by personnel of the department.