Corbett Praises General Assembly for New Clean Streams Law

HARRISBURG - State Attorney General Tom Corbett praised members of the state Senate for their unanimous approval of a bill that enhances Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law, increasing penalties for polluters who compromise the quality of the Commonwealth's waterways.

Corbett said the legislation was passed unanimously by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in May 2006 and now moves to the Governor's desk for his approval.

"This enhancement to our Clean Streams Law sends a clear message to polluters that Pennsylvania is not a dumping ground for their waste," Corbett said.

Corbett said the legislation increases penalties for polluters and strengthens the ability of the Attorney General's Environmental Crimes Section to investigate and prosecute cases.

Corbett explained that current law treats most water pollution cases as third-degree misdemeanors -- the lowest level of misdemeanor offense under Pennsylvania law. The enhancements to the Clean Streams Law make intentional violations a felony and substantially increase the penalties, to a maximum of seven years imprisonment and a $50,000 fine.

Corbett said the legislation also increases the statute of limitations for violations of the Clean Streams Law from two years to five years, giving authorities additional time to investigate pollution, identify violators and prosecute cases.

Corbett added that the existing Clean Streams Law is inadequate to effectively deter pollution, and may actually make Pennsylvania an attractive dumping ground for polluters who face much tougher penalties in neighboring states such as New Jersey, New York and Maryland.

"Now, we have additional tools to investigate and prosecute environmental crimes and to ensure that the punishment for polluters fits their crime," Corbett said. "I urge the governor to quickly sign this measure into law."