Dear Friends,

As part of my promise to update you on environmental-related developments in state government, I am proud to report that the Commonwealth’s successful Recycling Performance Grant Program should soon be extended to 2020.

Since the passage of Act 101 in 1988, the program has placed a tipping fee of $2 per ton on the disposal of municipal waste – money that funds the Pennsylvania Environmental Stewardship Fund, which in turn supports and improves municipalities’ recycling programs.

As of this writing, House Bill 961 is on Governor Rendell’s desk, and I am hopeful he will sign it into law so that for another decade, this program can continue to incentivize communities to recycle.

House Bill 961 will also divert some of the tipping fees to the Used Tire Pile Remediation Program.

In 1988, Act 101 wisely spurred our municipalities to come up with ways throw away less and recycle more. We have come a long way in 22 years, and I look forward to even more advances in recycling over the next 10 years.

On a related note, I also wanted to let you know that Pennsylvania’s new Home Heating Equipment Rebate Program is now open. Under the program, rebates ranging from $100 to $500 are available for residents who purchase Energy Star-rated, non-electric residential hot water heaters, furnaces and boilers. Interested residents should apply now because funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Program details are available here.

Thank you, Andy Dinniman State Senator - 19th District