The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out bills that would establish the Mine Families First Program, a resolution expressing opposition to electric transmission line routes and legislation increasing fees on nuclear power plants.

They include:

· House Bill 483 (Bastian-R-Somerset) establishes the Mine Families First Program to deal with the needs of families of mine workers involved in an emergency. The legislation is based on steps taken by Gov. Schweiker and the Department of Environmental Protection during the 2002 Quecreek Mine Rescue;

· House Bill 496 (George-D-Clearfield) that would increase fees on nuclear power plants and for transportation escorts; and

· Senate Resolution 129 (Stout-D-Washington) expressing opposition to the designation of national corridors of interest in Pennsylvania for electric transmission lines.

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.

6/29/2007