Issues

Commonsense environmental regulation: protecting jobs, protecting the environment

We all want clean air to breath and clean water to drink, and we all play a role in protecting our environment. The best approach to environmental regulation is ensuring that laws, regulations and policies balance environmental protection with economic growth, while also recognizing the tremendous strides made voluntarily by business to reduce their carbon footprint and be good corporate citizens. If this balance is not in place – as often is the case – unfair environmental laws, especially those based on false information and alarmist claims, cost jobs while providing little benefit to human health and the environment.

Environmental protection and economic growth can coexist. Here's how:

• Pennsylvania's environmental laws should not exceed federal requirements unless there is a clear, scientifically based need
• Government's environmental protection goals should allow for and encourage flexibility and creativity
• Regulatory successes should be measured by a reduction in pollution rather than by fines and penalties
• Environmental regulation should be based on sound science and risk, not on scare tactics and alarmist claims
• Environmental regulations should not impose costs for no measurable benefits
• Incentives for voluntary pollution prevention measures should be encouraged over costly government mandates
• Environmental requirements should be technologically feasible and cost-effective in order to enhance the environment without placing Pennsylvania businesses at a competitive disadvantage