URGENT ACTION NEEDED IMMEDIATELY!!
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Here’s the situation. Scroll down for some background.
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THE BUDGET MUST BE VOTED ON BY SATURDAY NIGHT!! We need your action right now!
In the fallout of Sen. McIlhinney trying to explain why he voted for Act 13, he claimed he would get Senate President Scarnati to allow him to get Bucks County exempted from Act 13 requirements. Apparently, he’s gotten something snuck into the fiscal code bill that goes with the state budget. Basically it exempts Bucks County from the permit requirements in Act 13 (if you want to see language, its attached on page 12, Section 1607-E, (b) Well Permits). This is a blatant political move by McIlhinney to cover up his vote. Why should just Bucks County get exempted from a terrible bill that McIlhinney helped create?
Call and email Senator McIlhinney and Senate President Scarnati. Tell them that you would like them to insert language into the fiscal code bill that will exempt the county you live in from Act 13.
Senator McIlhinney: 717-787-7305, cmcilhinney@pasen.gov
Senate President Scarnati: 717-787-7084, jscarnati@pasen.gov
They have to vote the budget by Saturday night, so action is needed immediately! Please forward this message.
Thanks.
Myron
Myron Arnowitt
PA State Director
Clean Water Action
100 Fifth Ave., #1108
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-765-3053, x203
marnowitt@cleanwater.org
The day after Act 13 was enacted, Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) wrote the following in an op-ed:
“As we worked to craft a compromise, protecting the environment and preserving local zoning control were two of my primary concerns. The final legislation accomplished these goals, earning the support of Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, other local government organizations and the state’s Growing Greener Coalition. While not perfect, it is a balanced and thoughtful approach to protecting our environment and regulating an industry that is here to stay in Pennsylvania. It does not affect Bucks County’s townships, like Nockamixon Township. It would only pertain to non-conventional wells.”
He clearly didn’t understand the law he had just voted for. When he found out what the law actually said, he vowed to work to amend it.
As soon as Act 13 passed, talk of drilling in Bucks that had been successfully defeated last year resumed. Turns out, the industry is interested in drilling in Bucks. The story from the U.S. Geological Survey explains why. It seems that the South Newark Basin that covers most of Bucks County is believed to be rich in natural gas. All of a sudden, Bucks County is in the cross-hairs of the drillers and their pathetic senator helped put them there.
Senator McIlhinney knows EXACTLY how bad this law is, but only wants to protect his own county (and, surely, political future).
PLEASE CALL TO ASK THAT YOUR COUNTY GET THE SAME TREATMENT MCILHINNEY WANTS FOR BUCKS!!
Thanks!
Karen