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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2010
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Anti-Meth Bills headed to the Governor

Legislation combating the manufacturing of methamphetamines highlighted the Senate's action the week of April 12th, according to Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40).

House Bill 458 would amend the Crimes Code to provide penalties for operating a methamphetamine lab and the illegal dumping of methamphetamine waste.  In addition, Senate Bill 126, co-sponsored by Sen. Orie, would amend the Controlled Substances Act by requiring defendants convicted of operating illegal labs to pay for the environmental clean-up costs associated with the lab.  Both bills add additional substances to the list of those already used to manufacture methamphetamine.  The Attorney General, district attorneys and law enforcement officials requested the additional substances.  Since enactment of previous legislation to combat methamphetamine production, meth lab operators have been creative in applying new chemicals in the manufacturing process.

Both bills have been sent to the Governor for his approval.

Municipal manager bills approved by Senate

On Monday, the Senate approved a package of bills that outline how local governments can enter into employment agreements with their manager or administrator.  If a municipality decides to enter into an employment agreement, the agreement should spell out the agreed-upon benefits, evaluation procedures and severance conditions.  While municipalities can currently enter into such contracts, the aim of the legislation to provide stability and direction for both the community and professional manager.

The bills in the package include:  Senate Bill 1059 (First Class Townships); Senate Bill 1060 (Second Class Township); Senate Bill 1061 (Incorporated Towns); Senate Bill 1062 (Boroughs); and Senate Bill 1063 (Third Class Cities).

The bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Committee holds hearing on electric rates and markets

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a hearing on Tuesday regarding electric rates.  The Committee heard from representatives of the Public Utility Commission (PUC), Department of General Services, consumer advocates and manufacturers on how to proceed as the final electric rate caps expire.

Electricity rate caps have been removed for seven regional utility companies. Those companies account for approximately 40 percent of state electric customers – the largest being PPL, which removed rate caps at the beginning of 2010.   The remaining rate caps will expire January 1, 2011, which includes PECO, the state's largest supplier.

Testimony centered on whether customers would benefit if the Department of General Services gains membership to the PJM Interconnection, a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia.  Other topics included municipal aggregation and the creation of a statewide Power Authority.  Several testified that customers should be encouraged to reduce costs by choosing a competitive supplier and adopting energy efficiency and conservation measures.

Contact:

Nate Silcox (717) 787-6538