SENATOR BOB MENSCH’S RESPONSE TO SENATE BILL-898

CONCERNING ALL PENDING QUARRY APPLICATIONS

This letter was emailed to the Paradise Watchdogs and The Pottstown Mercury on May 25, 2011

I read with interest the Mercury's latest, accurate coverage and characterization of

Senate Bill 898 (SB 898), and its potential effects in New Hanover Township (Mercury, front page, May 25, 2011).

Like so many New Hanover residents and officials, I too was caught by surprise when SB

898 was launched in the Senate Environmental committee, and even more surprised that it

moved so quickly.  However, as soon as I learned of the bill and its legislative intent, I met with the maker of SB 898, Senator Tomlinson to discuss the bill, and explained to him the terrible effect this bill would have for pending quarry disputes like Gibraltar Quarry in New Hanover Township. 

I continued to explain how this bill would have had adverse effect on several other pending quarry situations in my district, and surely others throughout the Commonwealth.  I impressed on the Senator that the language in Bill 898 would create a loophole that would virtually eliminate local government oversight of all pending quarry applications.  Pennsylvania has a layered form of government, local, county and state, but SB 898 would have unnecessarily eliminated the essential oversight of Township governments in new quarry applications.  As a result of our meeting, Senator Tomlinson and I agreed on permanently tabling the bill. 

Subsequently, in a meeting with our leadership I received assurance the bill would not progress to a Senate vote.   As a consequence SB 898 has been re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, a Committee on which I sit, and I will ensure that the bill will remain there and will not move. (italics added)

A situation like the Gibraltar Quarry is, and must remain a local government issue.  The

State should have no business, whether directly or indirectly, interfering with the

conduct of their business matters.  I wish the residents and the Township government

continued success in their efforts.  Feel free to call me or write me with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

State Senator Bob Mensch

404 Main Street, Suite A

Pennsburg, PA 18073