We believe that environmental excellence and economic growth are mutually-compatible objectives, and that environmental and natural resources laws and programs should be framed and implemented to concurrently meet these twin objectives. We seek environmental laws, regulations and policies that: (1) are based on sound science and a careful assessment of environmental objectives, risks, alternatives, costs, and economic and other impacts; (2) set environmental protection goals, while allowing and encouraging flexibility and creativity in their achievement; (3) allow market-based incentives and mechanisms to seek attainment of environmental goals in the most cost-effective manner; (4) measure success based on environmental health and quality metrics rather than fines and penalties; (5) do not impose costs which are unjustified compared to actual benefits achieved; and (6) do not exceed federal requirements unless there is a clear, broadly accepted, scientifically-based need considering conditions particular to Pennsylvania. As part of a sustainable economic and environmental policy, we support natural resources management laws and programs that encourage the scientifically-sound conservation, stewardship and development of Pennsylvania’s natural resources, including water, timber, minerals, oil and gas, for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. Additionally, we support the voluntary pollution prevention and sustainability measures, and environmental management systems utilized by companies to efficiently and effectively meet environmental regulatory requirements and utilize resources to meet their financial and business objectives.

Air Issues: We seek air laws, regulations and policies based on sound principles that are reasonable, technologically feasible, and cost effective to protect and enhance public health and the environment without placing in-state businesses at a competitive disadvantage. With respect to issues particularly regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, we support efforts in Pennsylvania which (1) balance societal environmental, energy, and economic objectives, (2) fit rationally within any national or international strategy which may take shape, and (3) capitalizes on the availability of Pennsylvania’s diverse natural resources to facilitate economic development in the Commonwealth.

Waste Issues: We seek laws, regulations and policies for waste management that are based on sound principles and encourage conservation, waste reduction, recycling and beneficial reuse. We support policies that will provide proper treatment and disposal of waste materials and oppose policies that seek to increase the costs of waste handling, treatment and disposal without a commensurate benefit to human health or the environment.

Water Issues: We seek water laws, regulations and policies that treat both water quality and quantity issues in a balanced and fair manner. We believe that water quality management should address both point and non-point sources equitably and proportional to their contribution to water quality challenges. We support implementation of creative, well-structured and stable market-based approaches as part of a holistic water resources approach, including trading mechanisms that will result in an overall improvement in water quality while providing for innovation and flexibility among trading partners. We urge the improvement of Pennsylvania water use information and planning programs to provide an adequate basis for assessing current and potential future water resource challenges, and providing a sound basis for public and private decisions.

Land Use Planning: Effective regulation requires simple, expeditious and efficient procedures to obtain approvals required for land use. Clear delineations must be made between the role of local land use planning and regulation and the responsibility of state government with respect to the permitting and regulation of air quality, water resources and water quality, solid waste management, and critical mineral resources. Environmental laws and regulations should be established and enforced on a consistent statewide basis and should not be used as a method of controlling land use and development.

Natural Resources Management: Pennsylvania’s natural resources, including coal and non-coal minerals, oil, gas, water, and timber, are essential components of the Commonwealth’s economy and environment. We support management approaches that assure sustainable management methods for renewable natural resources (such as water and timber) and that promote reasonable and environmentally-sound development of non-renewable resources (such as coal and other minerals). We support the thoughtful, planned development of publicly-owned natural resources on state-owned lands (such as forests and game lands) consistent with multi-purpose management of those public lands, and oppose moratoriums or similar mechanisms which hinder such development.