BUCKS COUNTY – January 22, 2020 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced his appointment as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee (ERE), a standing committee of the Pennsylvania State Senate.
“I am honored to be able to further serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in this capacity. Protecting our environment has always been one of my top priorities as a legislator and I look forward to continuing that work as Minority Chair of the ERE,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “These issues affect everyone in Pennsylvania, and contribute to the quality of life we experience every day.”
The ERE considers proposed legislation concerning Pennsylvania’s environmental laws and energy industry, including matters related to natural gas, renewable energy, clean air and water, and soil conservation. The committee also considers legislation related to Pennsylvania’s 2.2 million acres of State Forests and 300,000 acres of State Park land. In addition, as Minority Chair of the ERE, Sen. Santarsiero serves on the Environmental Quality Board, which considers for approval all environmental regulations.
“Senator Santarsiero was the natural choice when we needed a new chair for the Energy and Environmental Resources Committee,” said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa. “In his short time in the Senate, he’s taken a lead on clean energy policy – building on the work he began as a member of the House. I’m looking forward to his stewardship of this committee on behalf of our caucus.”
In his first year as state Senator, Sen. Santarsiero introduced multiple pieces of legislation aimed at environmental protection. Sen. Santarsiero proposed Senate Bills 707, 708, and 709 to provide the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) concurrent jurisdiction in environmental crimes under the Solid Waste Management Act, Clean Streams Act, and Safe Drinking Water Act, respectively. The bi-partisan Senate Bill 600 aims to modernize Pennsylvania’s renewable energy standards, increasing the standard from 8 percent to 30 percent by 2030.
In 2017, prior to his election to the state Senate, Sen. Santarsiero was appointed by Attorney General Josh Shapiro to serve as the first Chief Deputy Attorney General for Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania. In this role, Sen. Santarsiero was responsible for the prosecution of environmental crimes, and fought against proposed rollbacks in vital environmental protections.
“In our state constitution, citizens are guaranteed the right to clean air, pure water, and the protection of our natural resources. It’s long overdue for these measures to be enforced, not just for us, but for the sake of our planet and future generations,” said Sen. Santarsiero.
Continuing his environmental advocacy, Sen. Santarsiero was appointed to chair the energy and environment review subcommittee as part of the transition team for the commissioners of Bucks County. In this volunteer position, Sen. Santarsiero works with other local leaders on these issues to offer a comprehensive set of recommendations for action to the commissioners, with the goal of preserving the environment while also promoting sustainable development.
Sen. Steve Santarsiero represents the 10th Senatorial District, which includes: Bedminster Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont, Doylestown, Doylestown Township, Dublin, East Rockhill Township, Falls Township, Haycock Township, Hilltown Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville, New Britain, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown, Newtown Township, Perkasie, Plumstead Township, Sellersville, Silverdale, Solebury Township, Telford, Tullytown, Upper Makefield Township, West Rockhill Township, and Yardley.
For more information on Senate Bills 707, 708, and 709, click here.
For more information on Senate Bill 600, click here.
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