Tuesday, August 14

Pennsylvania's 'Permit Decision Guarantee' Puts Public 'At Risk,' Critics Charge

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Critics say a new order from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett will pressure state employees to more quickly approve environmental permits, including Marcellus Shale gas wells and projects that involve sensitive wetlands or ecosystems.

The order, signed July 24, is described as a "Permit Decision Guarantee" for the Department of Environmental Protection. Environmental advocates say the order directs the agency to "consider compliance with the review deadlines a factor in any job performance evaluations" of staff.

"It's going to put the public health and safety at risk," said George Jugovic Jr., a former top DEP employee who supervised a staff of more than 200 as the agency's Southwest regional director. "I think the message is clear. Issuing the permit has a higher priority than doing a fair and thorough job of insuring that the application complies with the law."

"This executive order does not recognize any of the complexities of what the agency is required to do," Jugovic added. It also won't affect operations "other than to further beat down an already demoralized staff." Jugovic is president of PennFuture, an environmental group with offices throughout the state.


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