Times have changed. Peregrine falcons have returned to nest on Pittsburgh's Gulf Tower. We recycle cans and bottles without a second thought. Businesses cut costs by conserving energy and eliminating waste. Watershed groups take positive actions to improve water quality.
Local governments plan and cooperate to minimize environmental impacts.
Result driven, environmental protection programs must also include traditional enforcement actions that take quick, effective action against willful violators. Since coming to office in 1995, I challenged Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to become national leaders in protecting the environment. We were pleased last year when the American Legislative Exchange Council endorsed Pennsylvania's Land Recycling Program as a model for states to follow. We also understand the Council of State Governments is considering a similar action through its Suggested State Legislation Program. We created the Office of Pollution Prevention and Compliance Assistance to help build new partnerships with the private sector, provide training and other incentives to help achieve our goal of zero pollution.