The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday approved controversial legislation to retroactively change the protection streams receive under Act 54 from underground coal mining-- Senate Bill 624 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson)-- in a party-line vote with Republicans all supporting the bill.

The bill was introduced to influence an appeal now pending before the Environmental Hearing Board of an underground coal mining permit allowing Consol to longwall mine under streams in and around Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County.  (EHB Docket No. 2014-072-B)

Groups like the PA Environmental Council have opposed the bill on the grounds recent studies by the Department of Environmental Protection have demonstrated the existing protections in Act 54 are not adequate to prevent permanent, long-term damage to streams.  Click Here for more.

The bill was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The other bill on the Committee agenda was reported out unanimously-- Senate Bill 649 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne).  It would fill a significant funding gap in DEP’s Underground Storage Tank Program. Click Here for more.

Senate Bill 649 is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov.   Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: yudichak@pasenate.com.

NewsClips:

Cusick: Senate Committee Advances Controversial, Retroactive Coal Mining Bill

Legere: Bill Defining Coal Mine Pollution Advances In Senate

Editorial: Legislature Should Not Circumvent Legal Process For Mining Industry

Related Stories:

PEC Expresses Opposition To Bill Retroactively Changing Protection For Streams Affected By Deep Coal Mining

SB 624 Attempts To Retroactively Influence Decisions Protecting Ryerson State Park, Streams From New Mine Subsidence

Observer-Reporter: Consol Agrees Not To Mine Near Kent Run, Ryerson Station State Park

[Posted: May 22, 2017]

5/29/2017