Sen. Mary Jo White

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, outlined the Committee’s recent accomplishments and her priorities for the coming legislative session.

Sen. White said during the 2005-2006 legislative session, the Committee advanced legislation to address a host of important environmental and conservation issues. These included:

· Funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund;

· An enhancement of former Gov. Tom Ridge’s Growing Greener program, which White sponsored in 1999. The Committee also rejected the Governor’s proposal to increase taxes by $150 million annually;

· Encouraging development of indigenous dormant oil and gas reserves;

· Increased payments in lieu of taxes for public lands; and

· Extension of the $2/ton recycling fee.

The Committee held numerous public hearings to gather information on pressing issues. Sen. White also created a Committee website to ensure timely and efficient access by the public to the Committee’s activities along with public hearing and meeting information.

Sen. White also outlined several key issues that the Committee will tackle in the coming session, including:

· Finalizing a state strategy to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants;

· Comprehensive amendments to the state’s mine safety law;

· Securing long-term funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund;

· Reforming operations of the Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Quality Board;

· Reviewing alternative energy and “climate change” policies; and

· Assuring consumer access to reliable and affordable energy.

“I am very pleased with this appointment (as Chair), and I look forward to continuing the efforts of the Senate to promote sound and responsible environmental and conservation policies for the Commonwealth,” said Sen. White. “I also look forward to working with Sen. Ray Musto, Democratic chair of the Committee, as we work to reach a consensus on difficult and complex issues.”

For more information, visit the Senate Environmental Committee webpage.

12/22/2006