Here's a quick update on environmental issues given attention by the General Assembly.

Manure Hauler Certification Now Law: House Bill 1809 (Egolf-R-Perry) creating a commercial manure hauler and broker certification program in the Department of Agriculture was signed into law by Gov. Rendell this week. The legislation is designed to help make sure manure is applied to land in Pennsylvania in compliance with nutrient management program requirements, especially manure coming in from other states.

Guaranteed Energy Savings Contracts: House Bill 1996 ( Adolph-R-Delaware), which establishes new procedures and reporting requirements for cooperative purchasing expands and makes more specific the measures government agencies can include in guaranteed energy savings contracts, was given final approval and sent to the Governor for his action.

Vehicle Emissions Inspection: The House voted 140 to 60 to table an amendment made by Rep. Casorio (D-Westmoreland) to House Bill 2636 that would have suspended the vehicle emissions inspection program. There were also several other attempts to amend other legislation in a similar fashion, but were variously withdrawn or declared unconstitutional.

Waste Tire Bill: House Bill 2289 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne), which amends the Waste Tire Recycling Act to require a waste tire recycling facility to have a waste processing permit from DEP, was passed by the House this week and sent to the Senate for consideration.

Energy Efficiency Standards: House Bill 2035 (McIlhenney-R-Bucks) which sets energy efficiency standards for certain appliances was moved in and out of House Appropriations this week and on to the House floor.

State Forest Naming: Senate Bill 1160 (Gordner-R-Columbia) naming the Wyoming State Forest in Columbia and Northumberland counties after former Senator Ed Helfrick was passed by the Senate and is now in the House.

7/5/2004