Environment and Energy

Environment and Energy

Senate Republicans continue the legacy of responsible environmental stewardship in Pennsylvania dating back to Republican Gov. Gifford Pinchot, in which natural resources are protected without harming the economy or restricting use by citizens.

Growing Greener
In 1999, led by Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Mary Jo White (R-Venango), the Senate approved the largest environmental investment in Pennsylvania's history: the $645 million Growing Greener environmental initiative.

Signed into law by Republican Gov. Tom Ridge, Act 68 cleaned up abandoned mines and restored watersheds, protected open space, eliminated the maintenance backlog in state parks, and provided new and upgraded water and sewer systems. In 2002, Republican Gov. Mark Schweiker signed into law Act 90, which extended Growing Greener into a 13-year, $1.24 billion program.

In 2005, the Senate passed legislation to implement a $625 million Growing Greener environmental bond approved by voters. Under Act 45, debt service on the bond is paid by using a portion of the existing fee charged for waste disposal at landfills. The Rendell Administration had proposed increasing taxes on households and businesses by nearly $150 million annually to pay debt service and fund other projects. Senate Republicans rejected the governor's proposal.

Water Supplies and Recycling
Other environmental measures that Senator White and Senate Republicans worked to implement include Act 220 of 2002, which launched the first comprehensive review of Pennsylvania's water supplies in more than 25 years. In 2006, the Senate approved Act 140, which extended funding of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction program until 2012. The recycling fee was scheduled to sunset in 2009. As amended by Republicans, the measure exempts smaller communities from certain mandates and provides more local control and flexibility for larger communities.

2007-08 Session
Senate Republicans ensured passage of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Act to boost renewable energy development and reduce energy consumption without imposing new taxes, improved and expanded the state Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, and continued funding of the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act through 2010-11 without raising taxes.

2007-08 Special Session on Energy

$650 Million Alternative Energy Investment Act
The Senate passed with bipartisan support the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Act, a measure sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to boost renewable energy development and reduce energy consumption without imposing new taxes.
Special Session Act 1 of 2008 supports research and development of alternative energy technologies, helps municipalities and businesses implement clean-energy projects, and provides assistance to consumers to cover up to 25 percent of the cost to install energy-saving equipment.
It also boosts funding of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $100 million and provides rebates for the purchase of hybrid vehicles. The measure invests a total of $650 million over 10 years, funded by anticipated growth in the state gross receipts tax, and includes no new taxes.
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Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) to encourage the use of energy-efficient alternative fuels was signed into law.
Special Session Act 2 of 2008 will improve and expand the state Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, which is aimed at reducing air pollution and providing the Commonwealth with the independence to manufacture its own fuel sources.
The law authorizes an additional 75 cents per gallon subsidy for biodiesel producers who produce more than 25,000 gallons per month, up to a total of $5.3 million annually. Individual producers could receive no more than $1.9 million. The law will also increase the reimbursement to producers of alternative fuels from 5 cents to 10 cents per gallon up to 12.5 million gallons annually. Alternative fuels emit no particulate matter, less carbon monoxide, and fewer pollutants that contribute to smog than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel.
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Act 35 of 2007 - This law will steadily increase the amount of solar energy used in Pennsylvania through 2020. (Summary of Act 35/HB 1203)

Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funding
Legislation that would ensure funding of state hazardous sites cleanup efforts was approved by the Senate.
Act 77 of 2007, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Mary Jo White (R-Venango), would fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act through 2010-11 without raising taxes.
Funding for HSCA, which finances cleanups at contaminated sites and the investigation of illegal hazardous waste disposals, was not included in the final state budget adopted by the General Assembly in July. The Department of Environmental Protection has indicated that the HSCA program will be shut down if a funding solution is not found.
The measure provides $17 million for HSCA through the 2007-08 fiscal year. It earmarks $40 million out of the state Capital Stock and Franchise Tax for the following three fiscal years. The bill does not affect the Senate GOP commitment to phase out this tax by the end of 2010.
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Limiting Truck Pollution, Noise
The Senate approved legislation to reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers.
Act 124 of 2008, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), bars commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any 60-minute period.
Violators could face fines ranging from $50 to $150. The measure includes a list of exceptions to allow truckers to do their jobs.
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Eliminating Phosphate in Detergents
Legislation to virtually eliminate the amount of phosphate in automatic dishwashing detergents was approved by the Senate.
Act 15 of 2008, sponsored by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster), would amend the Phosphate Detergent Act to require household dishwashing cleaning agents to contain no phosphorous. Phosphorus is destructive to fish and plant life when it makes its way into rivers and other bodies of water.

Act 20 of 2007 - This law provides a five-year sunset extension for the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program and Underground Storage Tank Pollution Prevention Program These initiatives were due to expire in July 2007.

PA Climate Change Act
The state Senate approved the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act, sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware).
Act 70 of 2008 would create a stakeholders group to advise the state on climate change issues and identify green economic opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Under Senator Erickson's bill, the advisory committee will be made up of members appointed by the governor and the General Assembly. The committee will issue a report on scientific predictions regarding changes in temperature and precipitation that could result from climate change, as well as the potential impact of climate change on health, the economy, wildlife, agriculture and tourism.
The bill requires that the predictions reflect the diversity of views within the scientific community. The measure also requires the state Department of Environmental Protection to annually create an inventory of greenhouse gases in Pennsylvania. Within 15 months of the bill becoming law, DEP and the advisory committee will submit a climate change action plan that identifies greenhouse emission trends and evaluates cost-effective strategies for reducing or offsetting emissions.
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Comprehensive Mine Safety Law
The state Senate approved a sweeping mine safety bill that will provide for the first rewrite of Pennsylvania's mining laws in nearly half a century.
Act 55 of 2008, co-sponsored by Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Chair Mary Jo White (R-Venango), would create a new Board of Coal Mine Safety to keep Pennsylvania's mine safety standards regularly updated.
The legislation also provides for greater legal responsibility for operators to ensure mine safety, and enables the state to establish a central database of mine maps. It also addresses responses to accidents, requiring mine operators to notify DEP within 15 minutes of an accident, and updates ventilation and roof support requirements.
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Reforming State Conservation Districts
The Senate passed legislation introduced by Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery) to reform the Commonwealth’s 66 conservation districts.
Act 75 of 2008 proposes to streamline and increase operating funds for the conservation districts, better coordinate efforts between districts, provide uniform staff capabilities, and establish fair review fees.
The bill also requires the General Assembly to provide one appropriation directly to the State Conservation Commission at a level sufficient to meet the 50 percent funding goal for certain district positions. It allows districts to receive advanced funding for certain programs and not be required to lapse unused funds. It recommends districts apply for DCED land use assistance grants, and requests that the Commission consider alternative funds, including possible fees to support the Nutrient Management Program. The measure also requires that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection develop a training program to certify inspection personnel and improve standardization of enforcement activities.
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White: Committee Votes to Extend Funding of Recycling Act, Fund Waste Tire Cleanup
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved three bills today, including a measure that would extend funding of the state recycling program and fund the cleanup of waste tire piles across Pennsylvania.
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Yaw's Bill Expanding Gas Well Reporting Requirements Approved by Senate
Senate Bill 297, which would change the requirements for reporting gas well data to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was unanimously approved by the state Senate today, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, the bills prime sponsor.
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Senate Approves White Bill Extending Deadline for PA Climate Change Action Plan
The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to extend the deadline faced by the state Department of Environmental Protection for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan.
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White: Committee Votes to Extend Climate Change Plan Deadline, Increase Transparency of Gas Well Reporting Requirements
The state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved six bills today, including legislation to extend the deadline for submitting a Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan and tighten Marcellus Shale gas well reporting requirements.
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Senate Approves Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
The Senate today approved Senate Bill 275, legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to establish a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.
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Senate Committee Holds Public Hearing on Marcellus Shale Gas Reserves
The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today in Williamsport on the multiple issues surrounding the Marcellus Shale gas reserves.
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Bills Proposed to Solidify Nutrient Trading Program
Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) and Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D-York) recently introduced legislation that seeks to strengthen Pennsylvania's existing nutrient credit trading policy.
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Committee Approves Transfer of Funds to Ease Budget Deficit, Six Other Bills
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved seven bills this week, including measures to transfer much needed revenue into the state’s General Fund budget, and resolve disputes over coal bed methane wells.
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Committee Approves White's Coal Bed Methane Dispute Bill
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) to establish a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.
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Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Approves Seven Bills, Extends Review of Marcellus Shale Permit Fee Increase
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), today approved seven bills, and an extended review of plans to hike Marcellus Shale natural gas permits from $100 to an average of $2,600.
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Erickson To Convene Work Group To Review Permitting Process
State Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) announced plans to convene a work group to review the permitting process of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The group will include officials from DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other experts involved in the permitting process for projects that require DEP approval.
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White Urges Action on Coal Bed Methane Well Dispute Act
Senator Don White (R-41) urged the House to expeditiously move his legislation establishing a special review board to arbitrate coal bed methane well disputes.
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Tomlinson's Alternative Fuels Bill Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels was signed into law today.
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Senate Again Passes Comprehensive Mine Safety Bill
A comprehensive mine safety bill that will provide for the first rewrite of Pennsylvania's mining laws in nearly half a century was approved by the state Senate today, according Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who co-sponsored the measure.
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Senate Passes Senator Robbins' Heat On Act
With fuel costs at record levels, the Senate approved legislation introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) that would provide essential reforms to Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP Program.
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Senate Passes Baker Bill to Aid In Clean-up of Waste Tire Piles
The state Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) to aid municipalities in cleaning up waste tire piles that are a danger to the environment and public safety. The measure would reauthorize an annual transfer of $3 million from the state's Recycling Fund to the Used Tire Pile Remediation Restricted Account.
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- Sen. Baker
- Sen. Mary Jo White

H2O PA Plan Passes Senate Unanimously
The state Senate has unanimously approved a plan to provide $800 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects and other infrastructure needs.
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H2O PA Plan Would Fund Critical Infrastructure Needs
Senator Jane Earll (R-49), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Sen. Mike Folmer (R-48) today announced H2O PA, a plan to provide $750 million in funding for critical water and sewer projects, storm water projects, flood control projects, and high-hazard dam repairs.
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Sen. Mary Jo White, Sen. Tomlinson Respond to Gov. Rendell on Energy Policy (PDF)

Rhoades Co-Chairs General Assembly Coal Conference
Realizing the need to shift focus back to Pennsylvania's most abundant natural resource, State Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) today joined Senate and House members in the formation of a General Assembly Coal Conference, a bipartisan committee emphasizing the continued importance of coal and coal-driven technologies in the Commonwealth.
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Measures to Resolve Disputes over Coal Bed Methane Wells, Encourage Brownfield Redevelopment Agreements Approved by Committee
Measures aimed at resolving disputes over coal bed methane wells, encouraging brownfield redevelopment and protecting property rights were unanimously approved by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21).
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Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Examines Deer Management Issues
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee held hearings Tuesday to examine deer management issues and receive the Pennsylvania Game Commission's annual report, according to Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks).
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Senate Policy Committee to Hold February 21st Hearing on Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy
The Senate Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 21st in Harrisburg, to hear testimony on the state's Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy and its impact on taxpayers across Pennsylvania, according to Committee Chairman Senator Jake Corman (R-Bellefonte).
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Senate Approves Comprehensive Mine Safety Bill
The state Senate today approved a sweeping mine safety bill that will provide for the first rewrite of Pennsylvania’s mining laws in nearly half a century, according Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who co-sponsored the measure.
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Senate Approves Sen. Browne "Anti-Idling" Legislation
The Senate unanimously approved legislation introduced by Senator Pat Browne intended to reduce the noise and noxious exhaust fumes of idling tractor trailers. Senate Bill 295 would bar commercial diesel vehicles from idling for more than five minutes during any 60-minute period.
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A Sensible Plan on Alternative Energy and Bio-Fuels
Last July, Senate Republicans agreed to take a close look at a variety of alternative energy and bio-fuels proposals, including those put forth by Governor Rendell. But we insisted that any proposals be evaluated on their own merits – not under threat of a government shutdown.
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White: Historic Mine Safety Legislation Approved by Committee - First Comprehensive Update of Mine Safety Law in Nearly 50 Years
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), approved the first comprehensive rewrite of Pennsylvania's mine safety laws in nearly 50 years.
"Mining has a long, proud tradition in Pennsylvania, producing jobs for communities and energy for the nation. Enactment of this legislation will represent the culmination of a strenuous effort to make this inherently dangerous job safer," said White.
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Summary of SB 949 (PDF)
- Hearing Video
- Senator M.J. White
- Senator Rhoades

Rhoades Introduces the Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebate Program for Senior Citizens
Encouraging his colleagues to address an issue that hits home for thousands of Pennsylvanians, Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) announced that he will introduce the Home Heating Rebate Program so that seniors citizens can receive additional state assistance to offset the skyrocketing costs of home heating fuel.
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Vance Proposes Third-Party Study of Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy Costs
Continuing her efforts to address the financial impact of implementing the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy (CBTS), Sen. Pat Vance (R-Cumberland/York) announced plans to introduce a Senate resolution that would require a third-party study of the costs for sewage treatment facilities to execute the strategy.
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Rhoades Introduces Freeze on Home Heating Fuel Cost
Acting to provide home heating fuel relief to all Pennsylvanians, Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) introduced legislation that would immediately freeze the rising costs of home heating fuels.
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Comprehensive Update of Mine Safety Laws Goes Before Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), will consider the first comprehensive rewrite of Pennsylvania’s mine safety laws in more than 45 years.
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Senators Madigan, White Praise EPA Decision to Deny California Vehicle Emissions Waiver
Senator Roger Madigan, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Senator Mary Jo White, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, issued the following statement regarding yesterday's decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deny California's vehicle emissions waiver request: "We applaud the decision by the EPA to deny California's waiver request. This is a first -- but very significant -- step in stopping a potentially costly and unnecessary vehicle standard from being imposed upon Pennsylvania motorists.
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Senate Approves "Biodiesel Study and Production Incentive Act"
Legislation that would increase the in-state production of biodiesel and study its impact on air quality was approved by the state Senate, according to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who sponsored the measure.
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Senate Passes White’s $650 Million Alternative Energy Investment Act
The state Senate passed with bipartisan support the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Act, a measure sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to boost renewable energy development and reduce energy consumption without imposing new taxes.
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Senator Pileggi's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Funding Legislation Sent to Governor
Legislation to provide funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Fund (HSCA), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Mary Jo White (R-21), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, passed the state House unanimously.
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Tomlinson’s Alternative Fuels Bill Approved by Senate During Special Session
During its Special Session on Energy, the Senate approved legislation sponsored by Senator Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) that would encourage the use of energy efficient alternative fuels.
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Senate Passes Measure to Update Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
The state Senate approved legislation that updates Pennsylvania's alternative energy law to include biomass and low-impact hydropower energy resources, according to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who chairs the Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies.
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Committee Moves Eight Special Session Energy Bills Forward
The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies approved eight bills, advancing several energy issues in the Senate.
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Sen. Erickson
Senate Special Session Committee Meeting

Senate Approves Erickson's "PA Climate Change Act"
The state Senate approved the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act, sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26).
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Pennsylvania Must Fund Hazardous Sites Cleanup
When the annual state budget was passed in mid-July, it did not include any funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund – one of the most important programs in state government.
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Hearing Held on Alternative Energy Investment Act
The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), held a public hearing on legislation that would invest $530 million over the next seven years in consumer energy programs, energy conservation, and the development of alternative and renewable energy.
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- Hearing Part 1 Part 2
- Hearing
- Sen. M.J. White

Pileggi-White Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Funding Legislation Passes Senate
Legislation to provide funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Fund (HSCA), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) and Senator Mary Jo White (R-21), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, passed the Senate unanimously.
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- Sen. Mary Jo White Floor Remarks
- Sen. Mary Jo White

Senate Committee Advances Alternative Energy Investment Act in Special Session
The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies advanced legislation to invest $530 million over the next seven years in consumer energy programs, energy conservation, and the development of alternative and renewable energy.
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- Sen. Tomlinson
- Sen. Mary Jo White
- Sen. Brubaker
- Sen. Erickson
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Folmer
- Sen. Wonderling
- Sen. Don White

New Website Tracks Special Session on Energy Information
Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), chair of the Committee on Energy Policies for Special Session No. 1, announced the creation of a website to track legislative information on the special session. (full story)

Senate Republicans Respond to Energy Address
Senate Republicans commented on Gov. Rendell’s address to lawmakers on his energy plan. The General Assembly began the Special Session on Energy on Monday, September 17.
Sen. Corman
Sen. Robbins
Sen. Tomlinson
Sen. Mary Jo White
Part 1 -Sen. Pileggi
Part 2 - Sen. Pileggi
Sen. Pileggi

Senator Wonderling Says Free Market Must Drive Energy Policy
Pennsylvania Senator Rob Wonderling (R-24th) applauded the efforts of the Administration and the General Assembly to address Pennsylvania’s long-term energy policy and urged the Special Session on Energy to consider measures that encourage free market entrepreneurship.
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Senators Pileggi, White Propose Funding for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Chester) and Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced that they are introducing legislation to provide funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Fund (HSCA).
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Senators Mary Jo White, Tomlinson to Introduce "Alternative Energy Investment Act"
State Senators Mary Jo White (R-21) and Robert M. Tomlinson (R-6) announced their intent to introduce the "Alternative Energy Investment Act" when the Special Session on Energy convenes next week.
Under the legislation, $60 million annually would be allocated out of existing revenues to provide grants and loans to projects geared at improving energy supply and efficiency, improved conservation and reduced demand for energy.
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Erickson Announces Legislation to Direct PA Response to Global Warming

State Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to announce legislation to direct Pennsylvania's response to global warming and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Senate Again Passes White Bill to Strengthen Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education
Legislation reintroduced by state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to strengthen a successful statewide environmental education program based at Slippery Rock University was approved today by the Senate.
The Senate approved similar legislation sponsored by White in the previous two legislative sessions, but the House of Representatives did not vote on the measures.
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