The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out Senate Bill 1100 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) that would provide a dedicated source of funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program.

"I am pleased that we are moving this bill forward, and I look forward to quick consideration by the Senate," said Sen. Mary Jo White, chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "This represents the third effort by the Senate to provide the necessary funding for HSCA without raising taxes, and I urge the Governor and the House of Representatives to get on board."

"This crisis should have been averted by addressing HSCA in the budget," said Sen. Pileggi. "But our proposal will fully fund HSCA for four years without a tax increase, and without cutting any other state programs."

The bill would direct $17 million to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund out of legislative accounts for the current fiscal year, and earmark $40 million in existing capital stock and franchise tax revenue until this tax is phased out in 2011.

The bill was then referred to Senate Appropriations Committee and is set for consideration next week.

Sen. Mary Jo White noted, in response to a question, the Rendell Administration may be coming up with another funding initiative of their own for HSCA. An agreement between Gov. Rendell and Senate Republicans to fund HSCA during the July budget debates fell through when the House refused to go along with the deal. (See July 16, 2007 PA Environment Digest)

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

10/26/2007