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Bi-partisan Group Of Senators Join To Tout Environmental Proposals For Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, a bi-partisan group of senators from across Pennsylvania came together this week to discuss and highlight legislative efforts to protect the Commonwealth's environment and promote a new, clean energy future.
 
"39 years ago America celebrated its first Earth Day and began a movement that's made incredible progress in cleaning our air and water, removing the haze from cities and protecting some of the most pristine and beautiful lands in Pennsylvania and across the country," stated PennEnvironment Director David Masur. "There is certainly reason to celebrate, but there's also more work to be done. And today we're joined by legislators who've shown time and again that they're willing to act--cast votes and introduce legislation-to protect our environment."
 
PennEnvironment was joined by Democratic and Republican state senators alike, including Senators
Andy Dinniman (D-Chester), Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia), Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia), Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks), John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia);
 
The Earth Day event included an announcement by state Senator Ted Erickson (Delaware
County) introducing his e-waste recycling legislation that will help stop computers, televisions and other electronic devices from ending up in Pennsylvania's landfills.
 
"I believe that used computer equipment and televisions have, and will continue to place a heavy and costly burden on all parts of our waste disposal system. These devices can be refurbished and reused and many contain valuable components that can be recycled," stated Sen. Erickson. "I am convinced that now is the time for the Commonwealth to establish a comprehensive, convenient, and environmentally sound program for the collection, recycling and reuse of this equipment."
 
The Senate Earth Day news conference also included state Sen. Kitchen highlighting her Green Jobs Creation bill (Senate Bill 21).
 
"We will need a strong work force if we want to boost our alternative energy plan, as well as our economy," Sen. Kitchen said. "That's why I've introduced legislation that would create the GreenWork Force Training Program. The legislation (Senate Bill 21) would promote job training related to energy efficiency and renewable energy industries."
 
"We must look for ways to improve our economy and foster job growth while improving our environment," Sen. Kitchen said. "The Green Work Force Training Program would contribute to Pennsylvania's commitment to improve our environment."
 
PennEnvironment also used Earth Day 2009 to highlight many of the important legislative victories that have taken place recently in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania's environment, including the recent passage of statewide energy efficiency standards, historic increases in clean energy funding, and the ongoing work of the state's Climate Change Advisory Committee.
 
The group of senators was joined by Senators John Rafferty and Daylin Leach discussing their green buildings legislation.
 
"One of my top priorities throughout my legislative career has been drafting legislation that will encourage Pennsylvanians to lead a 'greener' life. Some of my environmental legislation has been enacted and some has not," Sen. Leach said. "By joining my colleagues here today on Earth Day, we are sending the message that we will continue to fight for smarter energy use legislation, so that one day we can live in a cleaner, greener Pennsylvania."
 
Sen. Stack, Minority Chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee gave
homeowners and alternative energy supporters good news on Earth Day, "I'm happy to announce that the Insurance Department recently approved the first homeowner's insurance energy-efficient discounts. These discounts will offer a 5 percent solar energy discount for homes generating electricity for home use or heating.. . and a separate 5 percent discount for installing a geothermal heat pump meeting "Energy Star" requirements" said Sen. Stack.
 
"I am proud to join my colleagues and the residents of my district in Chester and Montgomery Counties in celebrating Earth Day," remarked Sen. Andy Dinniman. "The day is often spent on great activities such as cleaning up our rivers and streams. It's also a time to reflect on what we can and should do the other 364 days of the year to help the environment."
 
"The need to preserve our planet has never been greater. On this Earth Day we're reminded how fragile a state it's in--from the quality of the air we breathe to the water we drink," noted Sen. Lany Farnese. "I've personally sought to do my part by driving a hybrid vehicle and encourage everyone to do so as well. I support and applaud PennEnvironment for its continued commitment toward making sure there will be a clean planet for generations to come."
 
"As the statement goes, 'Make Earth Day Everyday,"' stated Masur. "Today, these state senators are showing their commitment to make this statement a reality. By working to promote and gain passage for these and other critical environmental initiatives in the state capitol, these environmental leaders will help protect the state's natural heritage and our health-for now, and for future generations of Pennsylvanians."
 
For more information, visit the PennEnvironment website.

4/24/2009

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