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Senate Republicans continue the legacy of
responsible environmental stewardship in Pennsylvania dating back to
Republican Gov. Gifford Pinchot, in which natural resources are protected
without harming the economy or restricting use by citizens.
Growing Greener
In 1999, led by Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
Chair Mary Jo White (R-Venango), the Senate approved the
largest environmental investment in Pennsylvania's history: the $645 million
Growing Greener environmental initiative.
Signed into law by Republican Gov. Tom Ridge,
Act 68 cleaned up abandoned mines and restored watersheds, protected open
space, eliminated the maintenance backlog in state parks, and provided new and
upgraded water and sewer systems. In 2002, Republican Gov. Mark Schweiker signed
into law Act 90, which
extended Growing Greener into a 13-year, $1.24 billion
program.
In 2005, the Senate passed legislation to implement a $625 million
Growing Greener environmental bond approved by voters. Under
Act 45, debt service on the bond is paid by using a portion of the existing
fee charged for waste disposal at landfills. The Rendell Administration
had proposed increasing taxes on households and businesses by nearly $150
million annually to pay debt service and fund other projects. Senate
Republicans
rejected the governor's proposal.
Water Supplies and Recycling
Other environmental measures that Senator White and Senate Republicans
worked to implement include
Act 220 of 2002, which launched the first
comprehensive review of Pennsylvania's water supplies in more than 25
years. In 2006, the Senate approved Act 140, which extended funding of the
Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction
program until 2012. The recycling fee was scheduled to sunset in 2009. As
amended by Republicans, the measure exempts smaller communities from certain
mandates and provides more local control and flexibility for larger communities.
2007-08 Session
Senate Republicans ensured passage of the $650 million
Alternative Energy Investment Act to boost renewable energy development and
reduce energy consumption without imposing new taxes, improved and expanded the
state
Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, and continued funding of the
Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act through 2010-11 without raising taxes. |
2007-08 Special Session on Energy
$650 Million
Alternative Energy Investment Act
The Senate passed with bipartisan support the $650 million Alternative
Energy Investment Act, a measure sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to boost renewable energy development and reduce
energy consumption without imposing new taxes.
Special Session Act 1 of 2008 supports research and development of
alternative energy technologies, helps municipalities and businesses
implement clean-energy projects, and provides assistance to consumers to cover
up to 25 percent of the cost to install energy-saving equipment.
It also boosts funding of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
by $100 million and provides rebates for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. The
measure invests a total of $650 million over 10 years, funded by anticipated
growth in the state gross receipts tax, and includes no new taxes.
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Alternative Fuels
Incentive Fund
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to encourage the use
of energy-efficient alternative fuels was signed into law.
Special Session Act 2 of 2008 will improve and expand the state
Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, which is aimed at reducing air
pollution and providing the Commonwealth with the independence to manufacture
its own fuel sources.
The law authorizes an additional 75 cents per gallon subsidy for biodiesel
producers who produce more than 25,000 gallons per month, up to a total of $5.3
million annually. Individual producers could receive no more than $1.9 million.
The law will also increase the reimbursement to producers of alternative fuels
from 5 cents to 10 cents per gallon up to 12.5 million gallons annually.
Alternative fuels emit no particulate matter, less carbon monoxide, and fewer
pollutants that contribute to smog than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel.
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Hazardous Sites
Cleanup Funding
Legislation that would ensure funding of state hazardous sites cleanup efforts
was approved by the Senate.
Act 77 of 2007, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi
(R-Delaware) and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Mary
Jo White (R-Venango), would fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act through
2010-11 without raising taxes.
Funding for HSCA, which finances cleanups at contaminated sites and the
investigation of illegal hazardous waste disposals, was not included in the
final state budget adopted by the General Assembly in July. The Department of
Environmental Protection has indicated that the HSCA program will be shut down
if a funding solution is not found.
The measure provides $17 million for HSCA through the 2007-08 fiscal year. It
earmarks $40 million out of the state Capital Stock and Franchise Tax for the
following three fiscal years. The bill does not affect the Senate GOP commitment
to phase out this tax by the end of 2010.
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Limiting Truck
Pollution, Noise
The Senate approved legislation to reduce the noise and noxious exhaust
fumes of idling tractor trailers.
Act 124 of 2008, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), bars
commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any
60-minute period.
Violators could face fines ranging from $50 to $150. The measure includes a list
of exceptions to allow truckers to do their jobs.
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Eliminating
Phosphate in Detergents
Legislation to virtually eliminate the amount of phosphate in automatic
dishwashing detergents was approved by the Senate.
Act 15 of 2008, sponsored by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster), would
amend the Phosphate Detergent Act to require household dishwashing cleaning
agents to contain no phosphorous. Phosphorus is destructive to fish and
plant life when it makes its way into rivers and other bodies of water.
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Act 20 of 2007 - This law provides a five-year sunset extension for
the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program and
Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention Program These initiatives were
due to expire in July 2007.
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PA Climate Change
Act
The state Senate approved the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act, sponsored by
Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware).
Act 70 of 2008 would create a stakeholders group to advise the state on
climate change issues and identify green economic opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Under Senator Erickson's bill, the advisory committee will be made up of members
appointed by the governor and the General Assembly. The committee will issue a
report on scientific predictions regarding changes in temperature and
precipitation that could result from climate change, as well as the potential
impact of climate change on health, the economy, wildlife, agriculture and
tourism.
The bill requires that the predictions reflect the diversity of views
within the scientific community. The measure also requires the state Department
of Environmental Protection to annually create an inventory of greenhouse gases
in Pennsylvania. Within 15 months of the bill becoming law, DEP and the advisory
committee will submit a climate change action plan that identifies greenhouse
emission trends and evaluates cost-effective strategies for reducing or
offsetting emissions.
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Comprehensive Mine
Safety Law
The state Senate approved a sweeping mine safety bill that will provide for
the first rewrite of Pennsylvania's mining laws in nearly half a century.
Act 55 of 2008, co-sponsored by Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee Chair Mary Jo White (R-Venango), would create a new Board of
Coal Mine Safety to keep Pennsylvania's mine safety standards regularly updated.
The legislation also provides for greater legal responsibility for operators to
ensure mine safety, and enables the state to establish a
central database of mine maps. It also addresses responses to accidents,
requiring mine operators to notify DEP within 15 minutes of an accident, and
updates ventilation and roof support requirements.
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Reforming State
Conservation Districts
The Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. Rob Wonderling
(R-Montgomery) to reform the Commonwealth’s 66 conservation districts.
Act 75 of 2008 proposes to streamline and increase operating funds
for the conservation districts, better coordinate efforts between districts,
provide uniform staff capabilities, and establish fair review fees.
The bill also requires the General Assembly to provide one appropriation
directly to the State Conservation Commission at a level sufficient to meet the
50 percent funding goal for certain district positions. It allows districts to
receive advanced funding for certain programs and not be required to lapse
unused funds. It recommends districts apply for DCED land use assistance grants,
and requests that the Commission consider alternative funds, including possible
fees to support the Nutrient Management Program. The measure also requires that
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection develop a training
program to certify inspection personnel and improve standardization of
enforcement activities.
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Senate Approves Pileggi Bill to Give Local
Communities a Share of Air Pollution Fines
When a company is fined by
the state for violating Pennsylvania's Clean Air Act, local communities would
get a share of that money for environmental projects under legislation
introduced by Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and approved unanimously today by
the Senate.
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee Discusses Marcellus Shale Safety Issues
The Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), met today
for a briefing on Marcellus Shale safety issues.
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to be
Briefed on Marcellus Shale Safety Issues
The Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will meet
next week for a briefing on Marcellus Shale safety issues.
Senate Majority Policy Hearing on Natural Gas Pipelines
Ensuring pipeline safety and providing reliable and sustainable energy for
consumers were two of the main topics of discussion during a public hearing held
by the State Senate Majority Policy Committee.
Transportation Committee Chair Tours Marcellus Shale Drilling Site
At the invitation of Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Senator John Rafferty,
chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, visited central Pennsylvania
to learn more about the Marcellus Shale industry. Senator Yaw organized
the presentation and tour to show how the industry is impacting transportation
services and needs.
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Senator Rafferty
White: Senate Approves Funding for Recycling, Tire Pile Cleanup
The state Senate approved legislation that would extend funding for
municipal recycling and the cleanup of tire piles across Pennsylvania, according
to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21).
Senator Mary Jo White Statement on State Forest Leasing &
Natural Gas Development
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary
John Quigley came before the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee, as well as the Senate Republican Caucus.
Acting DCNR Secretary Pledges to Keep State Parks Open
Under questioning from state Senator Don White (R-41), Acting Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary John Quigley pledged to keep
Pennsylvania's 117 state parks open this summer.
Governor Signs Yaw Legislation to Set Reporting Requirements for Gas Wells
Governor Rendell signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw
(R-Lycoming) that would establish reporting requirements for owners of gas
wells. This marks the enactment of the first regulatory legislation relating to
Marcellus Shale.
Senate Committees Examine Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency lauded Pennsylvania's
progress in reducing pollution in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during a joint
hearing of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
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1:26
Yaw Legislation to Set Reporting Requirements for Gas Wells Sent to Governor
In a bill sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), the Senate of Pennsylvania
took action on the first regulatory legislation relating to Marcellus Shale.
This action paves the way for signature by the Governor in the near future.
Majority Policy Committee Explores Steps to Make DEP Permitting Process More
Timely, Efficient
The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26), held
a public hearing on improving the Department of Environmental Protection's
permitting process.
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1:40
Senate Committee Re-Affirms Directive to DEP Ensuring Water is Protected from
Natural Gas Drilling
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21), unanimously approved six bills at its public meeting
White Bill Would Extend Options for Mining on State Land
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved
legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would provide a new
option for the leasing of state-owned real property for mining operations.
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Senator Yaw's Clean and Green Proposal Passes Senate, Heads to House
The State Senate passed a bill sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, which
is designed to benefit farmers and landowners by eliminating the inconsistent
interpretation of the state's Clean and Green law.
Senate Committee Conducts Hearing on Marcellus Shale Wastewater Issues
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21), held a public hearing on Marcellus Shale natural gas wastewater
treatment issues.
Agenda |
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2:04
Coal Bed Methane Dispute Measure Headed to Governor
Legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane
(CBM) well- location disputes between land owners and gas companies received
final legislative approval and is headed to the Governor for enactment into law,
according to Senator Don White (R-41).
Senate Committee Hears from DCNR Secretary on Budget, Natural Gas Leasing
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21), held a public hearing to receive testimony on implementation of
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources budget.
Committee Votes to Extend Funding of Recycling Act, Fund Waste Tire Cleanup
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo
White (R-21), approved legislation that would extend funding of the state
recycling program and fund the cleanup of waste tire piles across Pennsylvania.
Senate Approves Bill Protecting Access to State Parks
The Senate unanimously approved a bill introduced
by Senator Don White (R-41) to ensure the Commonwealth honors leases allowing
groups to use state park facilities during impasses over the state budget.
Committee Approves Lessee Access to State Parks Bill
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee unanimously
approved a bill introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to ensure the
Commonwealth honors leases allowing groups to use state park facilities during
impasses over the state budget.
White: Committee Votes
to Extend Funding of Recycling Act, Fund Waste Tire Cleanup
The Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White
(R-21), approved three bills, including a measure that would extend
funding of the state recycling program and fund the cleanup of waste tire piles
across Pennsylvania.
Yaw's Bill Expanding Gas Well Reporting
Requirements Approved by Senate
Senate Bill 297,
which would change the requirements for reporting gas well data to the
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was unanimously approved by the state Senate, according
to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, the bills prime sponsor.
Senate Approves
White Bill Extending Deadline for PA Climate Change Action Plan
The state Senate
unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to
extend the deadline faced by the state Department of Environmental Protection
for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan.
White: Committee
Votes to Extend Climate Change Plan Deadline, Increase Transparency of Gas Well
Reporting Requirements
The state Senate
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White
(R-21), approved six bills, including legislation to extend the deadline
for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan and tighten
Marcellus Shale gas
well reporting requirements.
Senate Approves Coal Bed
Methane Well Dispute Act
The Senate approved Senate Bill 275, legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to
establish a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.
Senate Committee Holds
Public Hearing on Marcellus Shale Gas Reserves
The Senate
Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing in Williamsport on the
multiple issues surrounding the Marcellus Shale gas reserves.
Bills Proposed to Solidify Nutrient Trading Program
Sen. Pat Vance
(R-Cumberland/York) and Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York) recently introduced
legislation that seeks to strengthen Pennsylvania's existing nutrient credit
trading policy.
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