Committee advances legislation streamlining government

The state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee recently advanced legislation to streamline government decisions and processes.

Senate Bill 717 amends the Environmental Hearing Board Act to further provide for definitions and jurisdictions, while Senate Bill 718 amends the same act to establish an Environmental Hearing Board.

The board would improve the process for appealing Department of Environmental Protection permit decisions and the quality of permits issued. Any party appealing a permit decision must prove the denial was arbitrary and capricious.

Board members would serve for five years. The governor could reappoint members after members’ terms have expired with the consent of a majority of the Senate.

The bills would take effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Both bills were sponsored by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene County).

Senate Resolution No. 139 would urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, using its power under the Clean Air Act, to revise the nationwide Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and to implement reforms that would allow for the blending of renewable fuels consistent with the original intention of the RFS program.

State Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Berks County) sponsored the resolution.

The bills and the resolution move to the full Senate for consideration.