Susquehanna River at Chickies Point, Lancaster County

Here’s a quick overview of some of the major environmental issues pending in the Senate and House:

· Sewer/Water Bond Issue: Legislation to implement the $250 million water and sewer funding bond issue passed by voters earlier this year has been considered by both the Senate and House, but not finalized. Senate Bill 1102 (Gordner-R-Columbia) is back in the Senate after House passed it in June and the House passed House Bill 2690 (Weber-R-Montgomery) which is also pending in the Senate.

· Advanced Energy Portfolio Standards: Advanced energy portfolio standards to promote renewable and domestic sources of energy generation was the subject of many hearings this year, but so far has not seen committee action in either the Senate or House, although the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has set a meeting to consider the Senate legislation for Tuesday. The primary bills are: Senate Bill 1030 (Erickson-R- Delaware) and House Bill 2250 (Ross-R-Chester). (See story below for more on the scheduled Senate Committee activity.)

· Energy Development Authority Funding: This year’s budget included $10 million for the Energy Development Authority the Rendell Administration wants to use to fund domestic and renewable sources of energy-- Senate Bill 1220 (Stout-D-Washington) was introduced to authorize use of the funds.

Green Ribbon Commission: The Commission has held one meeting and solicited priorities from members on what they think are the most important programs to fund from Gov. Rendell’s bundle of environmental funding initiatives. The Rendell Administration also promised updates to the Commission on the financial status of the Recycling and Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funds.

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America Recycles Day November 15

Life on the Delaware

11/8/2004