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For Immediate Release
October 9, 2009
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Sen. White Expresses Concerns with DEP Draft Climate Change Action Plan 

Harrisburg – State Senator Mary Jo White, chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, today issued the following statement in response to the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) release of a draft climate change action plan: 

"I commend the work of the members of the Climate Change Advisory Committee, and recognize that a significant amount of time and effort has gone into the draft action plan to date. 

However, it is important to note that today is the deadline for DEP to issue a final climate change action plan – not a draft.  The timeframe laid out in Act 70 of 2008 is a statutory obligation on DEP, not a mere suggestion from the legislature.  DEP was aware of their obligation, and I remain mystified why they have continually obstructed legislation (SB 829) that would have given DEP more time and the public more input into the action plan. 

I am also very concerned with reports that DEP is attempting to dissuade members of the Climate Change Advisory Committee from participating in or crafting a minority report.  When we drafted the language to create an Advisory Committee in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, we intended the committee to function independently of DEP.  The law mandates that the report consider all views relative to climate change, and specifically encourages any member to put forth a minority report should the committee fail to reach a consensus on what steps Pennsylvania needs to take to address climate change. 

Many of the recommendations put forth by DEP will require legislative approval.  It is imperative, therefore, that all views and comments be considered by DEP, and that such an important report receives the deliberation it deserves."

CONTACT:

Patrick Henderson
(717) 787-9684