Protecting our environment and our families is a sacred responsibility, especially in the face of climate change, accelerated species extinctions and the rejection by many of basic science and the moral responsibly of being caretakers of our planet.
I am totally on board with legislation supported by leading environmental groups in the Commonwealth, but I have found some issues I believe need more attention.
Here are some of the gaps I am working to fill:
Real-Time Alerts for a Pipeline Emergency – HB843
Seconds matter in a pipeline emergency. Fiber-optic strands can detect pressure changes or vibrations indicating a leak or an impact to a pipeline and within seconds, transmit that threat to a remote monitoring station. I introduced legislation requiring the use of fiber optic technology to monitor risks to public safety and alert appropriate state and local agencies in the event of a potential pipeline emergency.
Electric Vehicle Charging in New Non-Residential Construction – HB481
Encouraging consumers to embrace clean, emission-free electric vehicles begins with supplying the infrastructure to support this technology. To that end, I proposed legislation requiring new non-residential buildings in the Commonwealth to be constructed with the necessary infrastructure to support EV charging stations, ensuring the availability to charge EVs in places consumers frequent most.
Repairability Index for Electronic Devices – HB1757
I have introduced a bill creating a repairability index, requiring original equipment manufacturers to rate and display the repairability and longevity of each item they sell. Displaying the difficulty of repairing products will make it easier for consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. By ensuring consumers have pertinent repairability information, my legislation will help curb electronic waste and force manufacturers to rethink their business models.
Protecting Pennsylvania’s Pollinators – HB1758 & HB1759
I have proposed two bills intended to safeguard the insects that pollinate our flora. The first bill will create a Pollinator License Plate, a program that will allow motorists to pay for a specialty license plate that will fund roadside pollinator programs. The second bill will create the Pennsylvania Pollinator Habitat Program. Appropriate state agencies will work together to develop a program to create native grass and perennial wildflower habitats along our state highways to support the migration of pollinators.
Bats protect our crops – HR124
Bats are flying marvels saving the agricultural industry billions of dollars annually through the consumption of harmful insects. However, in recent years, bat populations have experienced a significant decline, which has been attributed to a fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome. Bats provide an important financial and ecological benefit to Pennsylvania. To help protect them, I have introduced a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the current status and management of bat species in the Commonwealth.
Stop Habitat Loss – HB2128
Preventing the extinction of endangered species is critical. The deliberate killing of a protected animal carries a penalty; the destruction of a protected animal’s habitat does not. I find this legislative oversight unconscionable and have introduced a bill requiring, as part of the permitting process for the construction of residential and nonresidential buildings, information be submitted and reviewed to determine whether threatened or endangered species may be negatively impacted.
Keeping forever chemicals out of our food – HB1965
PFAS chemicals are a group of man-made formulas that have been manufactured and used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. PFAS chemicals accumulate over time and studies indicate, lead to adverse health effects in humans, such as increased cholesterol levels, thyroid problems, fetal development issues, weakened immune systems and more. Food is sometimes contaminated with PFAS through their unnecessary addition to packaging. I have introduced legislation prohibiting the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of any food packaging containing PFAS.
Holding polluters accountable
Additionally, I am introducing three bills which would give the Attorney General greater authority to prosecute a wide range of environmental crimes, and am presently working on an additional bill that would significantly increase the maximum penalties for violations of environmental regulations. The Attorney General has put polluters on notice that their conduct is unacceptable, and I intend to provide additional tools to ensure the AG’s office has the means to safeguard our air and water.
Thanks for reading,
Kristine