Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Environment:

We live in a region blessed with beautiful natural resources that enhance our quality of life. Tim is committed to preserving our open spaces, supporting our parks and recreation areas, and protecting our clean air and clean water. We need to implement smart growth strategies in our region that promote economic growth while planning for traffic improvements, enhanced public transit, storm water management and environmental stewardship.

The cost of natural gas and the way to offset it -Pennsylvania rests on one of the largest natural gas deposits in the world. In fact, Pennsylvania might hold enough recoverable gas to fuel the nation's needs for years. However, this opportunity comes at a cost--air pollution, road and transit damage, drinking water contamination, and billions of gallons of water taken from our streams. To protect our lands from the damages of gas drilling, Tim hasn't stopped advocating for stronger regulations and a severance tax.

Renewable energy -Tim will continue state support for renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. He supports the development of cellulosic ethanol from sustainable raw sources like wood chips and agricultural waste, as well as biodiesel, which is made from vegetable oil or animal fat. Tim knows we must reduce our reliance on non-renewable fuel sources that harm the environment. He supports implementation of a strong Green Building component designed to make our buildings more efficient.

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