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
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...
Pennsylvania Senate and House Elected Officials Strongly Urge Governor Wolf to Investigate Serious Health Impacts Associated with Fracking
Harrisburg, PA − March 17, 2021 − Earlier today, State Senator Katie Muth (D - 44th Senate District) and State Representative Sara Innamorato (D - 21st House District) along with 33 members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, publicly requested Governor Wolf direct...
Senator Muth Commends Action by taken by the DRBC to Protect Drinking Water
Chester, PA − February 25, 2021 − State Senator Katie Muth (D - Chester, Montgomery, Berks) was relieved that the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) voted to permanently prohibit unconventional oil and gas extraction in the 13,539 square-mile area of the Delaware...
Statement: Senator Santarsiero Applauds DRBC Vote to Ban Fracking
BUCKS COUNTY − February 25, 2021 − The following statement is attributable to Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) in response to the Delaware River Basin Commission Special Meeting on February 25, 2021: “I applaud the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) on its...
Etna EcoDistrict Wins Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
Etna, PA — October 22, 2020 — On October 13, 2020, the Borough of Etna and the Etna Community Organization (ECO) jointly received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence from the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection on behalf of the Etna...
Senator Katie Muth Asks for Pause in all Drilling Near Marsh Creek Lake, Allow for Comprehensive, Independent Investigation
Royersford, Pa. − August 27, 2020 − Senator Katie Muth called for all drilling near the spill site at Marsh Creek Lake to be halted while the Department of Environmental Protection undergoes a comprehensive, independent investigation. Calls from residents in...
Legislators Call on Wolf Administration to Revoke Mariner East Pipeline Permits in Chester County
Harrisburg – August 2020 – State legislators representing five House districts and three Senatorial districts in Chester County have signed a letter to Secretary Patrick McDonnell of the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine of...