Environmental Infrastructure Legislative
Day May 11, 2004
PROP again co-hosted an Environmental Infrastructure Legislative
Day on May 11, 2004.
PROP was joined by the:
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
PA Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA)
PA Water Environment Association (PWEA)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
PA Septage Management Association (PSMA)
PA Association of Sewage Enforcement Officers (PASEO)
Keystone Chapter of the Solid Waste Association
of North America (SWANA)
Since many of the organizations are faced with similar and overlapping issues, it was hoped that a joint one day legislative outreach event would heighten our impact and raise awareness within the Legislature.
Environmental infrastructure funding for mandated environmental programs of all types has taken substantial cuts from the state budget. It is critical that all of us let our local legislators hear about the issues and concerns of recyclers.
Each organization gave a summary of their chief concerns and it was interesting to see the common ground in their comments.
Everyone seemed to agree that:
Professional training and education was extremely important to maintain long term excellence.
Consistent funding was crucial. Most importantly, dedicated funds should be established for state funded programs, rather than channeling money through the uncertainties of the General Fund.
State fees should be primarily directed to the industry or activity from where they originate, not to unrelated programs or the General Fund.
The legislature should carefully consider the repercussions of additional fees. The fees proposed earlier this year will impact, among others, communities that collect their own waste and producers of various sludges.
PROP members specifically hoped to:
Stress the importance of continued funding of environmental infrastructure.
Explain how major state funding cuts can bring unfunded mandates to local government.
Discuss and better understand the budget debate and its impact on environmental infrastructure.
Explain the negative financial impacts of additional waste tip fees on local collection programs.
Convey the value of comprehensive waste management in maximizing recycling and reducing littering, illegal dumping, and open burning.
Familiarize legislators with your local recycling program success stories.
Describe the positive financial and employment impacts of
the recycling industry in your area.
Explain the implications of Act 101, Section 902 recycling program grant funding shortfalls.
Describe your local program funding needs and what might happen if funding shortfalls continue.
Explain that new and expanding recycling programs remain in need of funding for recycling and composting.
Stress the value of funding the next level of recycling infrastructure to capture food wastes and other organics.
If you missed Legislative Day, do not fret.
Many of the resources from the event are available on-line and we are happy to mail other materials to you.
Call (814-742-7777) or e-mail us prop@proprecycles.org for copies of our Legislative Directory, Legislative Tool Kit, or the Common Cause Capitol Directory.
