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.
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, Sen. Robert 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. 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, Sen. 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.
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.
State Senator Bob Mensch
24th District
404 Main Street, Suite A
Pennsburg, PA 18073