FYI by PLS » House Env. Resources and Energy

House Environmental Resources Learns About Issues Facing DCNR

Kim — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:21:35 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting with DCNR Sec. Allen, who provided an overview of the department’s functions and issues. Members’ questions particularly focused on issues relating to natural gas drilling on state forest and park lands.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.

House Envi Moves Forward Seven Bills

Kim — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 15:31:37 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee met this morning to consider a handful of bills, all of which moved forward with broad support. Of the seven bills on the agenda, three were amended and three received a few dissenting votes.

Look for a complete overview of the discussion and votes in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.

House Envi Discusses Issues with DEP

Kim — Tue, 03 May 2011 15:06:28 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this morning met with DEP Secretary Krancer to discuss issues relating to the department. Sec. Krancer reviewed his role at DEP and answered questions from the members, which largely related to ensuring water quality when drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.

House Envi Explores Water Issues

Kim — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:11:08 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting this morning with DEP to discuss water issues facing the state, particularly relating to wastewater, the Chesapeake Bay strategy, and water resources planning. DEP Deputy Secretary Hines provided an overview of the issues, particularly noting challenges in implementing federal regulations.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

House Envi Learns About PA’s Timber Industry

Kim — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:50:13 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this morning heard two presentations about Pennsylvania’s forest industry. The first presentation focused on the economics of timbering and the benefits the industry provides to the state, and the second speaker address bio-mass opportunities.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

House Environmental Resources Committee Considers Several Energy Bills

lindsay — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 14:41:21 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee considered a number of bills this morning, dealing with several hot topics such as mineral rights and the creation of state offices for energy efficiency standards. The two most debated bills focused on the creation of an Energy Procurement and Development Agency and strengthened mandates on oil heating standards. While Chairman Camille George stressed the need to create job opportunities in the energy industry in state to ensure that they’re not moving out of state, several committee members argued that stronger regulations on the energy market is going to hurt the workers and consumers more than help them.

HB 1436, HB 2601, HB 1909, HB 2578 and HB 2591 were reported as committed, and HB 1450 was reported as amended. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story.

House Envi Moves Natural Gas Severance Tax Forward

Kim — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:10:23 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this afternoon adopted an amendment to HB 1489 that would levy a 35 cents per thousand cubic tax on the extraction of natural gas. Chairman George announced this bill will “play a key role” in the budget this year. The amendment provides for distribution of revenues to the General Fund, municipalities and counties, as well as other state agencies and to LIHEAP.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this afternoon.

House Environmental Resources and Energy Met to Discuss Waste Water Regs

Eric — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:13:15 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted to exercise their prerogative to review Independent Regulatory Review Committee (IRRC) final regulation #2783/Environmental Quality Board #7-440 for two weeks. The Chairman told members the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee had also voted to review the final form regulation prior to it going to IRRC for final disposition. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee reports out new Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act

Rebecca — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:41:45 +0000

This morning the House ERE Committee reported HB 2405 as amended by a vote of 17-9. All votes on amendments and the final reporting of the bill as amended were not unanimous. The bill is the “new HB 80″ and prime sponsor Eugene DePasquale (D-York) said there have been tweaks made to allow for flexibility. There have been other changes made to reflect members’ concerns, as well, he explained. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Environmental Resources and Energy Moves Bills

Jason — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:30:43 +0000

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee met this morning to consider three bills. HB 2234 and HB 2213 were reported as amended. HB 2214 was reported as committed. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.