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State Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango) As the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee chair, I have repeatedly condemned the misrepresentations by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in the ongoing debate over crafting a state-specific mercury reduction rule. Earlier this week, DEP issued a press release announcing the Environmental Quality Board's (EQB) approval of a state-specific mercury rule for public comment as a proposed rulemaking. DEP's press release states -- out of context -- the objections of the Pennsylvania Coal Association (PCA) and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) to the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule. DEP is silent on both organizations' repeated statements that they strongly oppose the proposed rulemaking approved today by the EQB, and instead prefer the federal approach to reducing mercury emissions. The statements by DEP serve a sole purpose: to intentionally misrepresent the position of PCA and the UMWA regarding the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule. DEP is implying that because PCA and UMWA expressed concern over a narrow portion of the federal rulemaking, these organizations must therefore be supportive of the DEP state-specific rule. This is simply dishonest on the part of DEP. I am the prime sponsor of SB1201, which has been drafted to address the reduction of mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. Similar bipartisan legislation (HB2610) has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana). Both bills would employ a cap-and-trade program to achieve compliance requirements in a cost-effective and proven manner. In an April 27, 2006 letter to the General Assembly, both PCA and UMWA expressed their strong support for SB1201 and HB2610, and their dismay at DEP's misrepresentation of their position on the federal mercury rule. The UMWA further called these statements by DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty "outrageous, misleading and offensive." DEP talks about public involvement being critical to decision-making. Sadly, they continue to utilize public deceit to arrive at their predetermined destination: a mercury rule which imposes huge costs on ratepayers, threatens our generating capacity and provides no commensurate environmental or health benefit over the reductions to be achieved under the federal mercury reduction rule. DEP is entitled to their position on what constitutes an appropriate mercury rule; they are not entitled to lie about the position of other organizations to advance their cause. The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a third public hearing on mercury emission reduction. The hearing will be held Tuesday, June 6th beginning at 9:15 a.m. in Room 8E-A in the Capitol East Wing. The purpose of the hearing will be to recall state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty for further questioning. Several committee members have serious concerns over statements made by Secretary McGinty at the committee's first hearing, which apparently misrepresented both the position of the mineworkers and the coal association on a mercury regulation, as well as the timing of when the secretary learned of these positions. The hearings are being held as part of the effort to craft a state program to reduce mercury emissions. Two public health experts have been asked to provide testimony: Gail Charnely, Ph.D. of HealthRisk Strategies; and Dr. David Turkewitz, Chief of Pediatrics at York Hospital, on behalf of the PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. Video, testimony and transcripts from prior hearings, can be accessed by visiting www.senatormjwhite.com and clicking on "Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee." CapNews Guest Speaker: Archives |
