Archive | Energy/Conservation

Amid questions about the impacts of the Marcellus Shale boom on area wetlands, EPA is considering a new rule that might extend Clean Water Act protections to streams and wetlands not previously protected under the Act. The rule could “redraw the map” for oil and gas activities in the Marcellus Shale region, but also could […]

A PA Consultant Ecologist, professionally involved in wetlands protection for the past 40+ years, wrote this week: The most encouraging court decision I have seen lately is Chief Justice Castile’s decision in Robinson Township v . PA, the oil and gas case in PA Supreme Court. PA Supreme Court also rejected the state’s motion to […]

1. The General Assembly would be violating the PA Constitution (Article 1, Section 27) if it enacts SB411 without first conducting an environmental impact assessment. As the PA Supreme Court recognized, the General Assembly must “consider in advance of proceeding the environmental effect of any proposed action on the constitutionally protected features.” The December 19 […]

Thirty five organizations representing members from throughout Pennsylvania filed a letter today opposing SB411 calling upon Senators to either table the bill or vote no on the measure.

This outcome should also serve as a stark reminder to policymakers of Pennsylvania’s business climate challenges. If we are to remain competitive and our focus is truly more job creation and economic prosperity, we must commit to working together toward common sense proposals that encourage –rather than discourage – investment into the Commonwealth.