The Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committees have a hearing and a meeting set for January 31 and there are several environmental bills on the Senate and House calendars. Here’s the rundown…

Calendars

The House starts the week with these bills on their Calendar-- House Bill 2067 setting limits on state spending through a constitutional amendment; House Bill 1902 eliminating the sunset date on the $2/ton Recycling Fee and requiring Recycling Performance Grants to be used for local recycling and waste reduction efforts; and Senate Bill 640 claims for taxes, water, lighting fee exclusions for donations of property.

On the Senate Calendar is House Bill 2054 that makes changes to the Eminent Domain Code in response to the Kelo decision; House Bill 1114 expanding waste tire recycling program; Senate Bill 1025 would establish a Pennsylvania Clean Car Program by adopting federal Tier II standards.

Committees

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold a hearing on legislation to improve Pennsylvania’s deep mine safety program and the Senate Appropriations Committee meeting to consider House Bill 2317 adopting the 2005-2006 Capital Budget for flood control, Keystone Recreation and Environmental Stewardship projects.

In the House, the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider legislation to establish an investment tax credit for alternative energy providers and create a State Energy Office within the Department of Environmental Protection.

1/27/2006