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Environment

Our environment is a finite resource and the Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that “people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”


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

Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Fails to Address Climate Crisis

Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee Fails to Address Climate Crisis

August 18, 2021

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.

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Leach Proposes Constitutional Ban on Fracking

July 2, 2020

HARRISBURG – July 2, 2020 – State Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today announced legislative language to create a constitutional amendment banning hydraulic fracturing in Pennsylvania. Leach’s announcement comes days after Attorney General Josh Shapiro...

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Dinniman Issues Statement on Pipeline Fine, Settlement

Dinniman Issues Statement on Pipeline Fine, Settlement

January 3, 2020

HARRISBURG (January 3, 2020) – State Senator Andy Dinniman today issued the following statement in response to news that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued a $30.6 million civil penalty to ETC Northeast Pipeline for violations related...

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