Merrillville, Ind.-NiSource Environmental Officer and Counsel Arthur E. Smith Jr. has been appointed by Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon to the Indiana Environmental Quality Service Council.

Effective immediately, Smith is to serve the remainder of a two-year term, which will expire July 1, 2000.

The 24-member body includes a cross-section of state lawmakers and individuals representing business and industry, agriculture, local government and environmental organizations.

"It will be with the assistance of talented Hoosiers like yourself that we will reach our goal of making Indiana government responsive to the challenges which confront our great state," O'Bannon said in a letter confirming the appointment.

The council advises the Indiana Department of Environmental Management on environmental policy issues. It also serves as a forum for citizens, the regulated community and legislators to discuss broad policy directions.

"One way in which NiSource demonstrates its commitment to the environment is through public service and dialogue with a broad spectrum of stakeholders interested in environmental quality," Smith said.

"This appointment will further broaden our ability to encourage the expansion of progressive environmental policy that makes economic and environmental sense for Indiana." .