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For Immediate
Release
6/30/11
Senator Pileggi: Local Communities to
Receive Fair Share of Air Pollution Fines
HARRISBURG – Calling the bill's passage "a significant victory for
communities across Pennsylvania," Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today announced
that his legislation to give local communities a share of air pollution fines to
be used for environmental projects has been sent to the Governor.
Senate Bill 151 would provide one-quarter of any fine under Pennsylvania's
Clean Air Act above $50,000 to the municipality in which the violation occurred
for local projects designed to reduce air pollution, to improve parks and
trails, or to create open space. Under current law, all fines levied under the
Clean Air Act go to the state.
"This bill represents a significant victory for communities across
Pennsylvania," Senator Pileggi said. "The impact of air pollution is felt
locally, and local residents should derive some benefit from the fines that are
imposed. Providing funding for local environmental projects is a great way to do
that."
The legislation was developed in response to several situations in the Ninth
Senatorial District. In Marcus Hook Borough, the site of an oil refinery, the
state has levied more than $7.4 million in fines since November 2000.
SB 151 would also require the Department of Environmental Protection to
notify the municipality in which a violation occurs within five business days.
It was amended by the House to allow counties to apply for funding if the
municipality chooses not to. The bill also contains provisions designed to
protect the ongoing viability of the Clean Air Fund.
Governor Tom Corbett is expected to sign SB 151 into law.
Additional information on state issues is available on Senator Pileggi's
web site (SenatorPileggi.com),
Facebook (facebook.com/SenatorPileggi)
and Twitter (twitter.com/SenatorPileggi).
Contact:
Erik Arneson
(717) 787-4712
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