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For Immediate Release
November 27, 2006
White: Senate Committee to Resume Review of
Controversial Mercury Regulation
Harrisburg – State Senator Mary Jo
White (R-21) today announced that the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee will resume its review of a
controversial plan crafted by the Rendell Administration to
reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
White serves as chairman of the Committee.
On October 18, 2006 the Committee voted
unanimously to extend its review of the regulations by an
additional 14 days. The 14-day period commenced on November
17, 2006. Since the Committee will be unable to conclude
its review prior to the final adjournment of the General
Assembly, it will resume its review in the next legislative
session. The Environmental Quality Board is prohibited from
publishing the rule as final until it gains the approval of
the Committee.
White said she was willing to give the
Rendell Administration one last opportunity to reach a
compromise on a mercury plan that protects both the health
and economic well-being of Pennsylvanians.
In June, the Senate voted 40-10 to
approve legislation authored by White and Senator Raphael J.
Musto, Democratic chairman of the Committee. Senate Bill
1201 would require coal-fired power plants to reduce mercury
emissions by 86% no later than 2018. The Committee also
held three public hearings earlier this year on how best to
reduce mercury emissions.
More information on this issue is
available online at
www.SenatorMJWhite.com/environmental.html.
Attachment:
Senator White Letter to Legislative Reference Bureau Re:
Publication of Final Mercury Regulation (PDF File)
Contact:
Patrick Henderson
(717) 787-9684
phenderson@pasen.gov
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