Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	April 28, 2021 02:07 PM
From:	Senator Steven J. Santarsiero and Sen. Maria Collett
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Providing the Attorney General with Concurrent Jurisdiction in Environmental Crimes

Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air, pure water and the protection of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. Unfortunately, under current law, we’re unable to efficiently and effectively pursue bad actors who jeopardize our natural resources, contaminate our waterways and pollute our air.

When it comes to environmental crimes, the OAG cannot do anything unless it gets a referral from the local district attorney, the Department of Environmental Protection or another agency with jurisdiction. This process is not only cumbersome and time consuming, it prohibits the OAG from doing its job to protect the people of Pennsylvania and their constitutional right to clean air and pure water.

Therefore, we plan to introduce a package of legislation to provide the OAG with concurrent jurisdiction in environmental crimes under Pennsylvania’s:

Solid Waste Management Act;
Clean Streams Law; and
Safe Drinking Water Act.

It is time we take these issues seriously and put forth all available resources to ensure a healthy environment for all Pennsylvanians. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Document #1

Introduced as SB655

Description:	This bill will provide the OAG with concurrent jurisdiction in environmental crimes under the Solid Waste Management Act.

Document #2

Introduced as SB656

Description:	This bill will provide the OAG with concurrent jurisdiction in environmental crimes under the Clean Streams Law.

Document #3

Introduced as SB657

Description:	This bill will provide the OAG with concurrent jurisdiction in environmental crimes under the Safe Drinking Water Act.