The Advisory Council is a board that advises the Natural Resources Commission and the Department of Natural Resources. Included among the Advisory Council's responsibilities is service as an advisor to both the Department and the Commission regarding policy and program administration. The Advisory Council cannot act upon specific license or permit applications. Advisory Council membership includes citizens chosen by the Governor on a bipartisan basis. For water withdrawal contracts governed by IC 14-25-2 and 312 IAC 6.3, the Advisory Council oversees public hearings and issues a written report prior to Commission action. For rule adoptions at IC 14-25-7 pertaining to water quantity protection, the Advisory Council would be augmented by four members of the Indiana General Assembly. The Advisory Council is required to meet in January of each calendar year, and may hold meetings at the call of the Chair. The Advisory Council traditionally meets in months when the Commission does not.