[Harrisburg, PA]—In celebration of Earth Day, a
bi-partisan group of state senators from across Pennsylvania came together today to discuss and
highlight legislative efforts to protect the Commonwealth’s environment
and promote a new, clean energy future.
“39 years ago America celebrated its first Earth Day and began
a movement that’s made incredible progress in cleaning our air and water,
removing the haze from cities and protecting some of the most pristine and
beautiful lands in Pennsylvania and across the country,” stated
PennEnvironment Director David Masur. “There is certainly reason to
celebrate, but there’s also more work to be done. And today we’re joined by legislators
who’ve shown time and again that they’re willing to act—cast
votes and introduce legislation—to protect our environment.”
PennEnvironment was joined by Democratic and Republican state senators
alike, including Democratic Senators Shirley Kitchen, Larry Farnese
and Mike Stack from Philadelphia; suburban Republican Senators John Rafferty,
Chuck McIlhinney, and Ted Erickson, suburban Democratic
Senators Andy Dinniman and Daylin
Leach; and Pittsburgh Democratic Senator Jay Costa.
The Earth Day event included an announcement by state Senator Ted
Erickson (Delaware County) introducing his e-waste recycling
legislation that will help stop computers, televisions and other electronic devices
from ending up in Pennsylvania’s landfills.
“I believe that used computer equipment and televisions have, and
will continue to place a heavy and costly burden on all parts of our waste disposal
system. These devices can be refurbished and reused and many contain valuable components
that can be recycled,” stated Sen. Erickson. “I am convinced
that now is the time for the Commonwealth to establish a comprehensive,
convenient, and environmentally sound program for the collection, recycling and
reuse of this equipment.”
Senator Erickson was not the only state senator using Earth Day 2009 as
an opportunity to introduce and push for stronger recycling legislation in the
Commonwealth. State Senator Jay Costa of Pittsburgh announced his intention to reauthorize funding
for Pennsylvania’s countywide recycling programs.
“The problems and the opportunities of recycling can vary wide in
a state such as Pennsylvania and the General Assembly should create a situation
in which people at the local level have the resources to create and implement
the program that best suits them,” stated Senator Costa. “Our state
has been a leader in recycling going back several
decades, and we should do whatever is in our power to continue that tradition.”
The senate Earth Day news conference also included state Senator
Shirley Kitchen (Philadelphia) highlighting her Green Jobs Creation
bill (SB21).
“We will need a strong work force if we want to boost our
alternative energy plan, as well as our economy,” Kitchen said.
“That’s why I’ve introduced legislation that would create the
Green Work Force Training Program. The legislation (Senate Bill 21) would
promote job training related to energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries.”
“We must look for ways to improve our economy
and foster job growth while improving our environment,” Kitchen said.
“The Green Work Force Training Program would contribute to Pennsylvania’s commitment to improve our
environment.”
PennEnvironment also used Earth Day 2009 to highlight many of the
important legislative victories that have taken place recently in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania’s environment, including the
recent passage of statewide energy efficiency standards, historic increases in
clean energy funding, and the ongoing work of the state’s Climate Change
Advisory Committee.
The group of senators was joined by Senators John Rafferty and Daylin Leach discussing their green buildings legislation.
"One of my top priorities throughout my legislative career has
been drafting legislation that will encourage Pennsylvanians to lead a
'greener' life. Some of my environmental legislation has been enacted
and some has not," Leach said. "By joining my colleagues here
today on Earth Day, we are sending the message that we will continue
to fight for smarter energy use legislation, so that one day we can live
in a cleaner, greener Pennsylvania."
“This green buildings legislation is a win-win for the
environment and reduces business energy costs,” added Republican state
Senator John Rafferty who represents Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties.
Senator Stack, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance
Committee gave homeowners and alternative energy supporters
good news on Earth Day, "I’m happy to announce that the Insurance
Department recently approved the first homeowner’s insurance
energy-efficient discounts. These
discounts will offer a 5 percent solar energy discount for homes generating electricity
for home use or heating… and a separate 5 percent discount for installing
a geothermal heat pump meeting “Energy Star” requirements"
said Stack.
"I am proud to join my colleagues and the residents of my
district in Chester and Montgomery Counties in celebrating Earth Day,”
remarked state Senator Andy Dinniman. “The
day is often spent on great activities such as cleaning up our rivers
and streams. It's also a time to reflect on what we can and should do
the other 364 days of the year to help the environment."
State Senator Charles McIlhinney of Bucks County also used Earth Day as an opportunity to
re-introduce his Safer Drinking Water Act proposal from the previous
legislative session.
“Clean drinking water is one of our most precious natural
resources, and it is essential to the health and safety of
Pennsylvanians,” McIlhinney said. “As we
observe Earth Day with clean-up events across the Commonwealth, I am hopeful
that we can also raise awareness for the need to protect our drinking water
sources from pollution.”
But across the board and from Democratic and Republican senators alike,
the message was the importance of working in a bi-partisan manner to protect Pennsylvania’s environment.
"The need to preserve our planet has never been greater. On this Earth Day we're reminded
how fragile a state it's in--from the quality of the air we breathe to the
water we drink,” noted state Senator Larry Farnese
of Philadelphia. “I’ve personally sought to
do my part by driving a hybrid vehicle and encourage everyone to do so as
well. I support and applaud
PennEnvironment for its continued commitment toward making sure there will be a
clean planet for generations to come."
“As the statement goes, ‘Make Earth Day
Everyday,’” stated Masur. “Today, these state senators are
showing their commitment to make this statement a reality. By working to
promote and gain passage for these and other critical environmental initiatives
in the state capitol, these environmental leaders will help protect the
state’s natural heritage and our health—for now, and for future
generations of Pennsylvanians.”
