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Monthly Archives: December 2013

Legislature Recesses for Winter Break, After House Votes to Shrink its Size

The legislature is considering getting a little lighter – in a few years. The House recessed until January this week, but not before taking up controversial legislation that would begin the lengthy process of amending the state Constitution by reducing the size of the General Assembly.

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Bipartisan Sponsors Introduce Marcellus Shale Tax Bill

Legislation providing for a severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas extraction was introduced this week by Representatives Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), Tom Murt (R-Montgomery), Pam DeLissio (D-Philadelphia), Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), and Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny).

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DEP Committee to Consider Final Draft Climate Change Action Plan Update Dec 20

The DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee will meet on December 20 where it is expected to endorse a draft update to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan along with a set of options for future actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth.

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House Votes to Extend Current Farm Bill through January 2014

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure that would extend the current farm bill through Jan. 31, 2014, but Senate Democrats don’t think a formal extension is necessary because Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack believes one isn’t needed if lawmakers agree to pass a new bill when they return from the holidays.

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Public Hearing on Climate Change

Pennsylvania Legislative Service
Kati Lawson

Public Hearing on Climate Change
House Democratic Policy Committee
12/16/13, 10:00 a.m., Room 416, Main Capitol

Testimony:
Click on a name to download testimony.

2013 Session Winding Down

The legislative calendar for the year is winding down quickly, with both House and Senate in Session next week, followed by a few scheduled days for the House the week of December 16. While there is some talk of working on pension reform legislation, the agenda appears to be less ambitious.

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Senate Committee Considers Nominations for DCNR, DEP Heads

The Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee met this week to consider the nominations of Ellen M. Ferretti as Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and E. Christopher Abruzzo as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Both were reported favorably to the full Senate for confirmation.

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House Committee Considers New Rules for Certain Electrical Generators

The House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee held a hearing to discuss legislation that would impose pollution controls on certain “demand response” generators. House Bill 1699 would require backup generators that participate in profitable demand response programs to register with the Department of Environmental Protection and certify compliance with emissions limits.

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