Several environmental bills were introduced in the General Assembly this week ahead of the beginning of session--

Landfill Regulation: Senate Bill 911 (Boscola-D-Lehigh) would expand the definition of “affected municipalities” surrounding landfills and require DEP to do a community health risk study; and Senate Bill 913 (Boscola-D-Lehigh) which requires a referendum in host and affected communities before a landfill permit could be issued.

Waste Truck Penalties: Senate Bill 914 (Boscola-D-Lehigh) providing additional penalties for overweight vehicles carrying solid waste.

Energy Policy: House Bill 2048 (George-D-Clearfield) establishing the Pennsylvania Energy Office and Advisory Council and providing for an Emergency Energy Assistance Grant; House Bill 2049 (George-D-Clearfield) authorizing the Governor to issue emergency gasoline declarations; and House Bill 2051 (George –D-Clearfield) prohibiting price gouging and authorizing the Attorney General to investigate energy price increases.

10/14/2005