Delays in processing permits, changed signals, hidden regulations, differences between central office policies and regional actions, and general bureaucratic unresponsiveness are all charges that have been made. Promoting legal theories has many times been more important to DER than solving real environmental problems. State Parks and Forests have lost out in the competition for financial and staff resources because they have no cabinet-level advocate. State Parks and Forests issues and requests for new staff are pushed aside within DER even before they get to the Governor's Office because there is competition within the agency for time and resources. For all of its growth and changes, DER has yet to really become an efficient, service-oriented entity.
Pollution prevention is far more cost effective than treating pollution after it occurs.
Many industries are voluntarily re- tooling and redesigning their operations to reduce air emissions, water pollution, solid waste and energy use. Growth issues are a great source of concern today to many Pennsylvania environmental leaders. These issues can only be dealt with through coordinated environmental and economic policies at the local and state level. Pennsylvania led the world in developing technology for the Industrial Revolution. As Governor, Tom Ridge plans to take the steps needed to restore effectiveness and balance to our Commonwealth's environmental programs.