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As the old saying goes: it’s hard to
teach an old dog new tricks. This seems
especially true each time we try and
pass comprehensive environmental
reforms at the state level.
You and I have known for a long time
that Pennsylvanians want a healthy
environment and strong public health
protections—and that we expect our
state’s decisionmakers to implement
policies that will achieve these goals.
It doesn’t matter if you are from eastern
or western Pennsylvania, a Democrat
or a Republican, or if you live in a rural
or urban setting—Pennsylvanians
want clean air and water and we want
to protect our open spaces and wild
places. We want to do this, not just for
our own good, but to ensure this legacy
for future generations.
Yet powerful special interests in the
state capitol continue to team up with
their allies in the Legislature and try
to stop commonsense environmental
protections from being passed. This
winter, they tried to put the breaks
on a reort to dramatically reduce air
pollution from cars and trucks. During
the spring there was an attempt to halt
a proposal to reduce toxic mercury pollution
from coal-fired power plants.
Luckily, public concern for the environment
has kept the wolves at
bay—so far.
When it came to reports to rollback
clean air protections, the state’s residents
responded by voicing overwhelming
support for stronger standards
during a statewide public comment
period. More than 95 percent
of the comments submitted requested
stronger standards for vehicles bought
and sold in the state.
When it came to mercury, over 10,000
concerned Pennsylvanians called for
tougher standards during this summer’s
public comment period.
We have a long way to go before this
public support can outweigh the access
and influence of special interest
lobbyists in Harrisburg. But with the
continued involvement of citizens like
you, we will be able to show politicians
that Pennsylvanians want strong environmental
policies, and that we expect
them to do the right thing on behalf of
constituents like you and me.
David Masur
PennEnvironment Director |
