January 17, 2021 – Issue 141

legislature and make it more transparent, including Senator Brewster Begins eliminating per diems, state vehicles, and a gift ban. Another Term in Pa Senate Brewster was first elected to the Senate in a n January 13, 2021, state Senator Jim special election in 2010. He was re-elected in 2012, Brewster (D) was sworn in for another term 2016, and 2020. O in the State Senate, serving constituents in portions of Allegheny and Brewster said there are great challenges ahead Westmoreland Counties. for lawmakers this session. A budget deficit and the continuing challenges from the pandemic, he said. "It is an honor and privilege to serve the citizens Even amid these substantive and difficult issues, he in the 38 communities that are a part of the 45th said that there was an opportunity to address issues District," Brewster said. "I will continue to pursue a involving local government. broad agenda that is focused on families. "As the former mayor of McKeesport, I know "My legislative proposals include measures to the difficulties that economically-stressed promote job creation, economic development, tax communities face," Brewster said. "Lawmakers in relief, education support and safety, and help for Harrisburg also need to focus on addressing the those who are in need." problems of small cities and struggling communities across Pennsylvania." The lawmaker has also proposed plans to help small businesses and families during the COVID-19 Source: PA Senate Democrats Press Release, pandemic, as well as to institute a responsible 1/13/2021 energy extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drillers and to use the revenue to fund education and environmental protection. He is also the prime sponsor of a package of bills to reform the  State Government - Senator David G. Argall Corman Announces Senate (R-29) * Standing Committee Chairs  Transportation - Senator Jr. (R-35) * for 2021-2022  Urban Affairs & Housing - Senator (R-41) n January 13, 2021, Senate President Pro  Veterans Affairs & Emergency Tempore (R-34) announced Preparedness - Senator Pat Stefano (R-32) * O the chairs for each of the 22 Senate Standing Committees for the 2021-22 Session. Note: Senate GOP Committee assignments have not been released, but will appear here soon: "I am proud to announce this session's standing https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/Standi committee chairs," Senator Corman said. "These ngCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=S members will continue to provide careful and considerate oversight as we delve into the issues Source: Senator Corman Press Release, 1/13/2021 before us in the 2021-22 legislative session."

Senate Standing Committee Chair PA Senate Democrats Assignments (* denotes new committee chairs): Announce Committee Chairs  Aging & Youth - Senator (R-30) & Membership for 2021-22  Agriculture & Rural Affairs - Senator , Jr. (R-47) Legislative Session  Appropriations - Senator (R-16)  Banking & Insurance - Senator John DiSanto n January 15, 2021, Senate Democratic (R-15) * Leader announced the slate of  Communications & Technology - Senator O Democratic chairs and members for the Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) Senate's standing committees in the 2021-22 legislative session.  Community, Economic & Recreational

Development - Senator (I-14) * "Our caucus is diverse in every way - from  Consumer Protection & Professional demographics to professional background, and the Licensure - Senator Robert Tomlinson (R-6) senators are uniquely qualified to tackle the breadth  Education - Senator Scott Martin (R-13) * of issues that come through our standing  Environmental Resources & Energy - Senator committees and onto the Senate floor," said Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) Costa. "I'm proud to announce this slate of chairs  Finance - Senator (R-21) and committee members, and look forward to their  Game & Fisheries - Senator (R- collective work in this session." 49)  Health & Human Services - Senator Michele The Democratic chairs will be (listed Brooks (R-50) alphabetically by committee), members listed below  Intergovernmental Operations - Senator Doug in italics: Mastriano (R-33)  Judiciary - Senator Lisa Baker (R-20)  Aging & Youth: (Chair)  Labor & Industry - Senator o , , (R-46)  Law & Justice - Senator (R-31) *  Agriculture & Rural Affairs: Judy Schwank  Local Government - Senator (R-25) (Chair) * o , ,  Rules & Executive Nominations - Senator Kim Ward (R-39) * 2  Appropriations: (Chair) o Judy Schwank, Jay Costa (ex officio),  Judiciary: (Chair) John Blake, Art Haywood, , o Amanda Cappelletti, Maria Collett, Art Steve Santarsiero, Nikil Saval, Sharif Haywood, John Sabatina Street  Labor & Industry:  Banking & Insurance: Sharif Street (Chair) (Chair) o , , Amanda o John Kane, Tim Kearney, Lindsey Cappelletti, Tina Tartaglione Williams

 Communications & Technology: John Kane  Law & Justice: James Brewster (Chair) (Chair) o Wayne Fontana, Tina Tartaglione, o John Sabatina, Nikil Saval, Anthony H. Anthony H. Williams Williams  Local Government: Tim Kearney (Chair)  Community, Economic & Recreational o Maria Collett, Nikil Saval, Sharif Street Development: Amanda Cappelletti (Chair) o Lisa Boscola, Marie Collett, Wayne  Rules & Executive Nominations: Jay Costa Fontana, John Sabatina (Chair) o Maria Collett, Wayne Fontana, Vincent  Consumer Protection & Professional Hughes, , Anthony H. Licensure: Lisa Boscola (Chair) Williams o Carolyn Comitta, John Kane, Steve Santarsiero, Tina Tartaglione  State Government: Sharif Street (Chair) o John Blake, Katie Muth, Anthony H.  Education: (Chair) Williams o John Blake, Jim Brewster, Tim Kearney  Transportation: John Sabatina, Jr. (Chair)  Environmental Resources & Energy: Carolyn o John Blake, Jim Brewster, John Kane, Comitta (Chair) Tim Kearney o Lisa Boscola, Katie Muth, Steve Santarsiero  Urban Affairs & Housing: Nikil Saval (Chair) o Lisa Boscola, Wayne Fontana, Lindsey  Finance: John Blake (Chair) Williams o Art Haywood, Vincent Hughes, Katie Muth  Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness: Katie Muth (Chair)  Game & Fisheries: James Brewster (Chair) o Carolyn Comitta, John Kane, Lindsey o Wayne Fontana, Judy Schwank, Lindsey Williams Williams For more information on all members of the  Health & Human Services: Art Haywood Senate Democratic Caucus and their work in the (Chair) legislature and home districts, please visit o Amanda Cappelletti, Carolyn Comitta, www.pasenate.com. Judy Schwank Source: Senate Democratic Caucus, 1/15/2021  Intergovernmental Operations: Anthony Williams (Chair) o Jay Costa, Art Haywood, Steve Sen. Carolyn Comitta Santarsiero Named Democratic Chair of 3

Senate Environmental Prior to being elected State Senator, Comitta Committee; Priorities: served as State Representative for the 156th Legislative District. Climate Change, Renewable There, she served as Secretary of the Energy Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and in leadership positions on the Pennsylvania n January 15, Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D- Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control Chester) and Conservation Committee and the Climate O https://www.pasenatorcomitta.com/ was Caucus. named Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, a In the Senate, she continues to support the work leadership position that brings new opportunities to of the Joint Conservation Committee and serves on continue and expand her long-standing record of the Climate Caucus. service as an environmental champion. “Protecting our environment and safeguarding In addition to being named minority chair of the our natural resources is a tremendous responsibility, Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, one that I deeply respect and continue to hold near Sen. Comitta was appointed to serve on the and dear to my heart,” Sen. Comitta said. “Every following committees: Agriculture and Rural day we are reminded that we only get one planet Affairs, Consumer Protection and Professional and that our environment has significant and long- Licensure, Health and Human Services, and standing impacts on our public health, safety, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. economy, and nearly every aspect of life in our communities. I am honored to be appointed Sen. Comitta said she continues to focus her minority chair of this committee and look forward efforts on combating the significant and extensive to working in a bipartisan manner for a cleaner, public health and economic impacts of the greener, and brighter future for all of coronavirus pandemic by supporting and launching Pennsylvania.” initiatives that will help Pennsylvania defeat the virus and emerge stronger, healthier, and more Sen. Comitta said her top environmental resilient. priorities include addressing the growing climate crisis by supporting Pennsylvania’s participation in “The vaccine is here, but we must redouble our the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and efforts to stop the spread while we work to make it updating the Commonwealth’s Alternative Energy available to everyone,” she said. “The more lives Portfolio Standards Act. we save through prevention now, the more lives we can protect through vaccination later.” She said that taking urgent action to reduce carbon emissions and invest in the clean energy In November, Sen. Comitta was elected to the economy would help drive Pennsylvania toward the 19th District, the seat vacated by the retirement of goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester). She is the first woman to hold the seat. “I’m confident that Senator Comitta will take her years of experience in the private sector and in the Sen. Comitta will serve with Democratic Pennsylvania House to immediately get to work as committee members Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), Democratic chair of the Environmental Resources Katie Muth (D-Montgomery) and Steve Santarsiero and Energy Committee. In her short time as a (D-Bucks). Senator already, she has proposed excellent initiatives in this field and I know she will guide Republican leadership has again named Sen. this committee expertly,” said Sen. Jay Costa (D- Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) Majority Chair of the Allegheny), the Senate Democratic Leader.

4 Committee, but have not yet named Republican The 59th Legislative District office at 2230 members of the Committee. Mount Pleasant Road, Mount Pleasant, can be reached by phone at 724-423-6503 and the district Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as office at Ligonier Town Hall, 120 E. Main St., Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Ligonier, can be reached at 724-238-2155. Committee and can be contacted by calling 717- 787-3280 or sending email to: Source: Speaker Cutler Press Release, 1/12/2021 [email protected]. Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D- Chester) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-5709 or sending email House Names Members of to: [email protected]. Standing Committees

Source: PA Environmental Digest, 1/17/2021 n January 11, the House named members of http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/de standing committees for the new 2021-22 fault.asp?NewsletterArticleID=52029&SubjectID= O legislative session. Follow these links for the names of environment and energy related House Speaker Announces Special committee members:

Election for the 59th District  Environmental Resources & Energy https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/in n January 12, 2021, Speaker of the House dex.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=H (R-Lancaster) ordered a O special election to coincide with  Agriculture & Rural Affairs Pennsylvania's primary election on Tuesday, May https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/in 18, to fill the vacant seat in the 59th Legislative dex.cfm?Code=2&CteeBody=H District in Westmoreland and Somerset counties.  Consumer Affairs The vacancy was created by the sudden passing https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/in of Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset). dex.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=H

"Rep. Reese set an example for every legislator  Game & Fisheries to follow, and he is greatly missed in the chamber https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/in by members and close friends on both sides of the dex.cfm?Code=18&CteeBody=H aisle," Cutler said. "His commitment to his family and his constituents could never be questioned, and  Local Government he leaves enormous shoes to fill on our House https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/in Republican leadership team." dex.cfm?Code=30&CteeBody=H

Candidates for the office will be selected by a Click here for all other House standing process designated by their respective political committees/members parties, and the winner of the special election will https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/Standi take office after the results are confirmed. ngCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=H.

The district office will remain open, under Source: PA Environmental Digest Blog, 1/11/2021 supervision of the House, to assist constituents with issues or problems and to continue constituent inquiries already in progress. The office will remain House Republicans open until a new representative takes office and decides how to manage the district. Prioritizing Economic

5 "We are obligated to repair the financial damage Recovery Policy in New caused by the ramifications of COVID-19," Thomas Session said. "We must help Pennsylvania's businesses rebound from this crisis and thrive, but we must ennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry also focus on attracting new businesses to our state Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) announced at through economic policies that remove the obstacles a January 12th press conference at the state to economic growth. In the end, the work of this P task force will create a roadmap for helping Capitol the formation of a caucus task force that will examine and develop economic recovery policy businesses flourish and stand strong in the face of for the current legislative session. any future crisis."

Joined by members of the Economic Recovery Source: Rep. Benninghoff Press Release, Task Force and other House Republicans, 1/12/2021 Benninghoff noted Pennsylvania must work to align its incredible home-grown assets with opportunities House State Government for economic growth. Committee Approves Slate of "As we began this session, I made it a priority to develop a working group of lawmakers from across Bills to Improve How State Pennsylvania, with varied backgrounds, to put their Government Operates heads together to help inform my office about what economic recovery legislation should look like," elieving state government should operate in Benninghoff said. the most efficient manner possible, the House State Government Committee "Their charge is simple: Examine how we got B approved a series of bills during its first meeting of here and develop and strategize legislative and the 2021-22 session, Chairman (R- policy ideas to kick-start the economy and make Dover) announced. Pennsylvania the 'envy of the East.'" "As we set about doing the people's work this Rep. (R-Luzerne) is coordinating session, it was important for me, as committee the efforts of the task force. chairman, to not only lead by example but for this committee to also set the tone for the hard work that "I am proud and eager to have the honor of lays before us," Grove said "The bills the committee leading the newly established Economic Recovery approved today are not only clear examples of Task Force," said Kaufer. "It is time to get undertaking difficult work, but also making sure Pennsylvania back on its feet and onto a path of government is also working efficiently and hard for economic recovery in a safe and effective manner. the taxpayers." My colleagues and I plan on looking into legislative solutions that can offer Pennsylvania businesses Among the bills approved by the committee owners the opportunity to again expand their were three bills to amend the Pennsylvania livelihood, hire additional staff and do what they Constitution, including Grove's House Bill 55. All love most - provide to their community. With proposals to amend the Constitution must be difficult challenges come great opportunities and we approved by the Legislature in two consecutive are faced with the opportunity to not only recover session before the amendment question is placed on but come back stronger." the ballot. This process provides voters with the final say on the matters, and if approved, enshrines Task force member (R-Bucks) the measures in the Constitution. The bills approved discussed how her background can help focus the were: group's efforts on attracting new businesses as part of growth and recovery plans.

6  House Bill 51 (O’Neal-R): Proposes and have a greater influence on emergency declarations amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution through the General Assembly, which would have related to Taxation and Finance, providing for to approve extending declaration beyond 21 days. restrictions on budgetary surpluses. https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill "Considering Pennsylvania residents are still Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= living under a COVID-19 state of emergency b&bn=51 declaration, and have been for about 10 months, it is important to move this question to voters quickly,"  House Bill 52 (Lewis-R): Amends Title 72 Grove said. "A declaration is meant to allow the (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs) to establish the governor to quickly address emergencies. It is not a State Council on Finance. vehicle for a single person to set policy that impacts https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill Pennsylvanians and the state's economy in Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= perpetuity." b&bn=52 Source: Rep. Seth Grove Press Release, 1/13/2021  House Bill 55 (Grove-R): Proposes separate and distinct amendments to the Pennsylvania Moul Named Chairman of Constitution relating to emergency disaster declarations, nondiscrimination protections and House Agriculture presentment to the governor. https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill Committee, Member of Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= Tourism Committee b&bn=55

ouse Republican leaders have announced  House Bill 71 (Warner-R): Amends the committee assignments for the 2021-22 Pennsylvania Constitution to establish Legislative Session, naming Rep. Dan limitations on the spending of Commonwealth H Moul (R-Adams) chairman of the House funds. Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Moul, https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill who this month began his eighth term in the House, Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= will also serve on the Tourism and Recreational b&bn=71 Development Committee, of which he has been a member since his election to the House.  House Bill 104 (Gaydos-R): Amends Title 71 (State Government) to add a new chapter "As someone who grew up on a farm in rural relating to the assessment and reduction of Adams County and in the shadow of the Civil War improper payments. battlefields of Gettysburg, I am particularly https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill gratified to serve on House committees that oversee Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= Pennsylvania's two leading industries - agriculture b&bn=104 and tourism," said Moul.

 House Bill 108 (Owlett-R): Allows "Agriculture and related businesses and the participation in the 'Do Not Pay' initiative for tourism and hospitality industry provide a agencies managing funds disbursed from the significant number of jobs here in Adams County United States Treasury. and across the Commonwealth and generate billions https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/bill annually for Pennsylvania's economy. Our Civil Info.cfm?sYear=2021&sInd=0&body=h&type= War battlefields and related attractions, outdoor b&bn=108 recreational areas and miles of trails for hiking and biking, make Adams County an ideal destination for A similar version of House Bill 55 was approved tourists and history buffs," Moul said. "I am happy last session. The measure would ensure residents to have the opportunity to focus on issues affecting

7 today's farmers and farm families here and Source: Rep. Robert Freeman Press Release, statewide, and to play a role in shaping the future of 1/14/2021 Pennsylvania's agriculture and tourism industries."

Source: Rep. Press Release, 1/12/2021 Struzzi Reappointed to PENNVEST Board Freeman reappointed t the request of Speaker of the House Bryan Democratic chairman to the Cutler, state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) A has accepted an appointment to the House Local Government Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Committee (PENNVEST) for the 2021-22 Legislative Session. Struzzi served in a similar capacity last term tate Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton, following the resignation of Rep. has been reappointed Democratic chairman of (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest), who vacated the seat S the House Local Government Committee for to become majority whip for the House Republican the 2021-22 legislative session. Caucus, and recommended him to fill the vacancy. "I am honored that Majority Whip Oberlander Freeman has served as the Democratic chairman endorsed me last term and Speaker Cutler felt my of the House Local Government Committee since work was worthy of reappointment," said Struzzi. 2007. He authored legislation that created the state's "It is an honor to serve in this capacity and play a Elm Street program, which assists older urban vital role in maintenance of Pennsylvania's residential areas in revitalizing their neighborhoods. infrastructure needs." He was also one of the leaders in the Municipalities Planning Code revisions enacted in 2000 that Created in 1988, PENNVEST provides service became Acts 67 and 68 of that year. to the communities and citizens of Pennsylvania by funding sewer, storm water and drinking water "I am extremely honored to be reappointed to projects throughout the Commonwealth. The serve as Democratic chairman of the House Local authority offers low-cost financial assistance to Government Committee," Freeman said. "Since ensure clean water and funds maintenance of water 2007, my work on this committee has been a quality in rivers and streams. reflection of many shared goals with local governments. This committee is one that is vital to "PENNVEST also plays a key economic role in implementing legislation to the benefit of all of the our state in dealing with businesses that are communities of Pennsylvania." considering relocation and/or expansion into Pennsylvania," Struzzi added. "Now maybe more Freeman is the longest-serving member in the than ever, creating and maintaining family- current Lehigh Valley delegation. He first served sustaining jobs is critical to our growth and return to from 1982 to 1994 and was re-elected in 1998 and vibrancy." has served since. Freeman will be second in seniority in the entire House of Representatives in Questions about this or any legislative issue the 2021-22 legislative session. should be directed to Struzzi's Indiana district office at 724-465-0220. The 136th Legislative District includes Easton, all of Williams and parts of Lower Saucon and Source: Rep. Jim Struzzi Press Release, 1/14/2021 Palmer townships, and the boroughs of Freemansburg, Glendon, West Easton, Wilson and EPA Data Shows Release of Hellertown. Toxic Chemicals Down by

8 year 2019 and therefore does not indicate any 11.4 Million Pounds in Mid- potential impacts of the COVID-19 public health Atlantic Region emergency that began in the United States in early 2020. Due to the significant analysis of reported he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency information, this summary and interpretation of the (EPA) has released its 2019 Toxics Release most recent TRI data is released approximately six Inventory (TRI) National Analysis, which months after the reporting deadline. T shows that EPA and companies that manage chemicals continue to make progress in preventing Follow EPA Region 3 on Twitter pollution The report shows that between 2018 and at https://twitter.com/eparegion3 and visit our 2019, total releases of TRI chemicals decreased by Facebook page, at 9 percent. http://www.facebook.com/EPAregion3/

For the first time in five years, industrial and Background federal facilities reported an increased number of new source reduction activities that aim to reduce or Thanks to the passage of the Emergency eliminate the amount of chemical-containing waste Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of facilities create. Facilities also avoided releasing 89 1986 which helped create EPA's Toxics Release percent of the chemical-containing waste they Inventory program, Americans now have greater created and managed during 2019 into the awareness of how chemicals are being managed in environment by using preferred practices such as their communities. Today, nearly 22,000 facilities recycling, treatment and energy recovery. report annually on the use and quantities of more than 760 chemicals they release to the environment Since 2018, releases of TRI chemicals in EPA's or otherwise manage as waste to the Toxics Release Mid-Atlantic Region decreased by 8 percent (11.4 Inventory (TRI) program. EPA, states, and tribes million pounds). Going back to 2007, releases have receive TRI data from facilities in industry sectors decreased by nearly 70 percent (270 million such as manufacturing, mining, electric utilities, and pounds) in the Region, compared to a 19 percent commercial hazardous waste management. The decrease nationally. This large decrease was driven Pollution Prevention Act also requires facilities to by declining air releases, although releases to water, submit information on pollution prevention and land and off-site disposal also decreased during this other waste management activities of TRI time. For 2019, 7 percent of facilities in the Mid- chemicals. Atlantic Region reported implementing new source reduction activities. Source reduction reporting rates To access the 2019 TRI National Analysis, in the region were among the highest in the including local data and analyses, plastics/rubber manufacturing sector, where 14 visit: www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis. percent of facilities reported source reduction activities. Source: EPA Press Release, 1/14/2021

"The Analysis of TRI data shows that facilities # # # # # # # located in the Mid-Atlantic Region have continued the trend of decreasing the release of toxic This newsletter provides general information, chemicals," said EPA Regional Administrator not legal advice as to any specific matter. It Cosmo Servidio. "This data is a tool that can should not be used as a substitute for appropriate provide important information to the public on legal advice. chemicals in their community as we work to reduce emissions."

The 2019 TRI National Analysis released today reflects TRI chemical waste management activities, including releases, that occurred during calendar 9