09/16/24 - 98 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/2zvd7hju
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Senate Environmental Committee OKs Clean Water Fund Bill, Asks More Time On Regs.
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The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out legislation on the Clean Water Fund, mapping workable coal seams, recycling text books and voted to extend the Committee's time to comment on final changes to erosion and Total Dissolved Solids discharge regulations related to oil and gas drilling for 14 days.
The bills include:
-- Senate Bill 1303 (MJ White-R-Venango) authorizing the use of the Clean Water Fund to finance Black Fly and West Nile Virus suppression (amended);
-- Senate Bill 1374 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring DCNR's Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey to update workable coal seams annually and setting separation distances from gas wells and coal seams; and
-- Senate Bill 1379 (Musto-D-Luzerne) requiring the recycling of textbooks (amended).
The Committee also voted to extend its its review time on final regulations making changes to erosion and sedimentation control requirements and Total Dissolved Solids discharges standards related to oil and gas drilling by 14 days. (5/24/10 Pa Environment Digest) Copies of the regulations are available on the May 17 Environmental Quality Board meeting webpage.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Lackawanna) and Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) voted against delaying two sets of state regulations relating to gas drilling.
“With so much drilling activity occurring, and more to come, we must have sufficient standards and safeguards to protect public health and the environment. My vote reflects the feelings of many individuals in our area who are deeply concerned that these important protections are not yet in place,” Sen. Baker said.
“The well blowout last week reminded us that technology is not fail-safe. Even the best emergency response is no substitute for upfront protection,” she pointed out.
“While I understand that parts of the regulations can be improved, there is a sense of urgency here. Time is not the ally of communities that have to deal with the consequences if something goes wrong at another drilling site,” Sen. Baker stated.
Sen. Mary Jo White noted at the meeting the Department of Environmental Protection was already imposing the Total Dissolved Solids standards for oil and gas operations through permit conditions.
The meeting agenda and summaries of the bills are available on the Committee webpage.
Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.
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6/14/2010 |
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