Pennsylvania Senator Proposes to Get Tough on Landfills

Lynn Schenkman

Harrisburg, Pa. -- Pennsylvania Sen. John Rafferty says he plans to introduce legislation requiring stronger guidelines for landfill operators and more strict punishments for violations to assuage concerns expressed by Pennsylvania residents who live near landfills. Some of the adjustments the senator is proposing are doubling penalties for multiple violations; prohibiting landfill operators from applying for permits to operate new landfills or expand existing landfills if they have any current outstanding violations; and adopting a three-strikes-and-you’re-out rule, which could result in suspension or revocation of a license.