FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Chairman, Majority Policy Committee www.pahouse.com/sturla

Majority Policy Committee examines environmental impact of buffers on waterways

HARRISBURG, March 8 – The House Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing at the Capitol today to look at the environmental impact of buffers on waterways, according to committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.

"Limiting the runoff of fertilizers, pesticides and automotive emissions into our waterways must be a priority for our Commonwealth to ensure the protection of local water quality for drinking and recreational use in communities across Pennsylvania," Sturla said. "Representative McIlvaine Smith has been on the forefront of ensuring that everyone's voices are heard in this dialogue in order to implement the best policy for our environment."

The hearing was requested by state Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester.

"Today's hearing was a critical step in helping lawmakers and advocates develop an effective strategy to protect our waterways," McIlvaine Smith said. "The Policy Committee presented a balanced panel of experts who discussed the issue from their points of view, and I thank them for their testimony. This information will go a long way in helping us draft common-sense legislation aimed at protecting our waterways."

Those testifying included Dr. Bernard Sweeney, director, Stroud Water Research Center; Grant Gulibon, regulatory specialist, Pennsylvania Builders Association; Marel Raub, Pennsylvania director, Chesapeake Bay Commission; and David Wise, Pennsylvania Watershed Restoration manager, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.