Environment
The General Assembly must take this directive seriously and the Senate Democrats are leading on many fronts.
Fighting Climate Change
Climate Change is real. Denial only delays the inevitable and increases the price tag and
technical difficulty of the eventual solution, if it’s not too late already. Greenhouse gases from human activity are the primary driver of climate change. Worldwide, net emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities increased by 35 percent from 1990 to 2010. Emissions of carbon dioxide, which account for about three-fourths of total emissions, increased by 42 percent over this period. The Senate Democrats have proposed to increase the percentage of renewable energy required to power or electric grid and to enter a regional greenhouse gas initiative that would create a cap and invest program to require reductions in carbon emissions.
Renew Growing Greener
We need fund a new round of Growing Greener programs. This should include renewable
energy investments, cleaning up legacy pollution, protecting and improving watersheds and open spaces, and helping
our agricultural industry.
Pipeline Safety
The Marcellus Shale drilling boom and hydraulic fracking have set off a massive pipeline construction surge that is intruding and threatening many communities. Pipelines are encroaching on residential communities, schools, and water sources creating potential hazards that must be addressed. Environmental laws and regulators must keep up with this new phase of construction to protect communities, families, and our children. And pipeline development need to be held to a high standard and accountable for their construction.
Addressing Drinking & Sewer Water Contamination
Pennsylvania’s drinking water systems are unfortunately repeatedly and dangerously showing signs of age and pollution contamination. Aging pipeline infrastructure that has been found to be leaching lead into our drinking water, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been found in municipal water systems across the Commonwealth, and threats from oil and gas drilling are just some of the all too common dangers our citizens are confronting. The Senate Democrats want to find solutions to fund these poisonous situations.
Maintaining the State Forest Drilling Moratorium
Pennsylvania has an amazing treasure in our state forests and parks. Much space has already been leased away in our forests for gas drilling development. What is left must be protected for the enjoyment and use of our many recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and off-roading.
Our Members at Work
PA Legislators Celebrate Energy Efficiency Day with Bill to Save $250M on Electric bills, Reduce 350,000 Tons of Carbon Annually
HARRISBURG, PA – In celebration of World Energy Efficiency Day 2023 today, Monday, March 6, 2023, State Representatives Jennifer O’Mara (Delaware County) and Tom Mehaffie (Dauphin County) have partnered with State Senator Lindsey Williams (Allegheny County) to...
Sen. Lindsey Williams, S&B USA eMobility Host School Bus Fleet Electrification Forum for Local School Districts, Bussing Operators
McCANDLESS TOWNSHIP, PA – State Senator Lindsey Williams, in partnership with S&B USA eMobility, hosted an informational forum on Monday, February 13, 2023, at the A.W. Beattie Career Center. The forum was geared towards local school districts and bussing...
Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti Introduces Electronic Waste Recycling Legislation
Norristown, PA – August 19, 2022 – Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17 Montgomery/Delaware) introduced a comprehensive electronic waste recycling bill that would establish an electronic recycling program for Pennsylvania. With the rapid production of new electronics,...
Sen. Muth: Resident Watchdogs Were Crucial in Conviction of Energy Transfer
ROYERSFORD − August 5, 2022 − State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) today commended the hard work of community watchdogs and impacted residents whose persistence, consistent documentation, and reporting of issues related to the construction of the Mariner...
Senator Santarsiero Reacts to Supreme Court Decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency
BUCKS COUNTY − June 30, 2022 − The following statement is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10), in response to the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency. “The Supreme Court’s decision today in West...
Senators Santarsiero, Martin & Cappelletti Introduce Legislation to Help Counties in Collection of Household Hazardous Waste
BUCKS COUNTY − June 15, 2022 − Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10), Scott Martin (R-13) and Amanda Cappelletti (D-17) have introduced legislation to help counties with the collection of household hazardous waste. Senate Bill 1220 would increase the limit on...
Senator Collett Reacts to DEP PFAS MCL Plan Announcement
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. − November 16, 2021 − Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced that the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved its plan to set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) of two forms of Perfluoroalkyl and...
Muth, Sturla introduce Pennsylvania Water Resource Act
HARRISBURG, November 8, 2021 – State Sen. Katie Muth, D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks, and State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, announced today that they have introduced the Pennsylvania Water Resource Act in both the House (H.B. 20) and the Senate (S.B. 868) to improve...
Local Leaders Gather at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center to Call Environmental Infrastructure Funding
PHILADELPHIA – November 3, 2021 – Senators Anthony H. Williams (D-Delaware/Philadelphia), Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), and Amanda Cappelletti (D-Delaware/Montgomery) joined state Rep. Regina Young (D-Delaware/Philadelphia), the Overbrook Environmental Education...
Bill Would Expand Access to Solar Power
Harrisburg, PA − October 26, 2021 − Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) have introduced legislation that would expand access to solar power through a local voluntary program, while ensuring adequate ratepayer protection. Senate Bill 919,...
Senator Kearney Issues Statement, Praises Pa. AG Shapiro for Filing Charges Against Energy Transfer Partners
SPRINGFIELD, PA – October 5, 2021 – I applaud Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s decision to criminally charge Energy Transfer Partners with environmental crimes for their disastrous pipeline construction. Today’s announcement is a step toward justice and signals...
Comitta Calls for Halt to Mariner East Pipeline Project
WEST CHESTER – October 5, 2021 – State Senator Carolyn Comitta, Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, issued the following statement regarding today’s announcement that Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro is filing criminal...
Policy Committee Hears Support for Closing Hazardous Waste Loopholes
HARRISBURG – September 30, 2021 – Earlier today, State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Montgomery/Chester/Berks), Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee, along with Rep. Innamorato (D-Allegheny) hosted a policy hearing on legislation that would close the hazardous...
Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Fails to Address Climate Crisis
HARRISBURG − August 18, 2021 − State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) was met with blank stares in the state Capitol today as she pressed the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to prioritize a comprehensive plan to invest in Pennsylvania and address the environmental and public health issues impacting communities across the Commonwealth.
On the One-Year Anniversary of Sunoco Spill, Sen. Muth & Rep. Friel Otten Condemn Sunoco, DEP for Lack of Remediation at Marsh Creek Lake
CHESTER COUNTY − August 11, 2021 - Yesterday marked the one-year anniversary of Sunoco’s massive spill of drilling fluid at its Mariner East 2 pipeline construction site near Marsh Creek State Park. On August 10, 2020, Sunoco spilled approximately 8,000 gallons of...
Boscola Statement on Vote to Extend the Tools Needed to Address the COVID Crisis
Harrisburg − June 10, 2021 - Today, I voted in support of both HB854, extending waivers needed to address the COVID crisis as a matter of legislation, and HR 106, ending the emergency declaration. As I cast these votes, I viewed my decision as an opportunity to...
Senators Santarsiero, Collett Announce Legislation to Give Attorney General Concurrent Jurisdiction in Environmental Crimes
BUCKS COUNTY – April 30, 2021 – State Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and Maria Collett (D-12) today announced legislation to allow the state Attorney General to more directly investigate and pursue polluters, and others who damage our land, waterways and...
Senators Amanda M. Cappelletti, Katie Muth and State Representative Chris Rabb Announce Bold Step with #Go100PA Legislation for Climate Change
Harrisburg, PA − April 3, 2021 − Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D- Montgomery, Delaware) and Senator Katie Muth (D- Berks, Chester, Montgomery) announced companion legislation with State Representative Christopher Rabb (D-Philadelphia) that would put Pennsylvania on...
Senator Santarsiero Announces Democratic Lawmakers Motion Granted to Intervene in DRBC Lawsuit
BUCKS COUNTY – March 29, 2021 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) held a virtual press conference last week to announce the Democratic Senators’ motion to intervene in Yaw v. Delaware River Basin Commission was granted by the judge on Friday, March 19, 2021....
Senators Haywood and Laughlin Introduce Renewable Energy Legislation
HARRISBURG – March 26, 2021 – Today, State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) introduced legislation that will promote economic development efforts and generate jobs by supporting alternative energy production and...