Corbett Speeds up Permit Process (Post-Gazette)

[Divernan]

But some say it is bid to bypass safeguards.

Saturday, March 12, 2011
By Laura Olson, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG -- A vague one-paragraph state government policy change intended to speed up permits for some businesses has sparked concerns that environmental and other safeguards could be bypassed in the process.

In a paragraph touting the need for a "friction-free" regulatory process for companies, Gov. Tom Corbett's budget proposal stated that he would authorize the Department of Community and Economic Development secretary to help smooth out permitting backlogs.

That Cabinet official, currently C. Alan Walker, who is awaiting Senate confirmation, "is empowered to expedite any permit or action pending in any agency where the creation of jobs may be impacted," according to the proposed budget.

"What not saying out loud is that they think regulations are burdensome and sometime inappropriate, therefore they need to be minimized or swept out of the way for progress to be made," said PennFuture CEO and President Jan Jarrett. "That's kind of where it seems to be going."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11071/1131530-454.stm#ixzz1GNt2BCHx


Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11071/1131530-454.stm#ixzz1GNss7id9

[Divernan]

1. "Czar" Walker, coal company executive, cited by DEP in past for environmental violations

The OP's link details that the individual given this sweeping power by the governor comes from a background as a coal company executive, who was cited by DEP for violations.

"He has not complied with environmental regulations in the past, and we're turning over state government to him on the assertion that something affects job creation?" asked Mr. Leach. "It looks like an attempt to overrule a whole series of laws."

[old mark]

2. Great idea, letting the GOPers win our state-we are rapidly going down the shit hole

and I believe this is only the beginning.

mark

[PA Democrat]

3. I feel like our entire state has been put up for a fire sale.

EVERYTHING must go! Corbett is selling off our natural resources, our schools, state stores, roads, our rights as citizens.

[wisteria]

5. It disgusting and he looks like a real patsy for larger interests in the state.

Of course, the despicable Tribune Review will praise everything he does and all the Western PA ignorant will believe what he tells them to.

[blue neen]

6. You hit the nail on the head.

Scaife is putting all of his propaganda in those daily papers circulated all over Western PA, and the people who read them believe it.

[Divernan]

7. The only patsys are the voters; Corbett is making out like a bandit.

All those quid pro quos from his donors/and big corporate interests.

[wisteria]

4. Corbett is all about letting business rein free without oversight or review.

And, we have a rubber-stamp legislature who will gladly oblige him on whatever he wants.
The only good thing I see in all of this is that Democrats have a chance at big gains in the future as it is almost certain our Republican leadership in PA are going to get cocky and over use their power and authority. They can no longer blame everything on Rendell. When things go wrong there is only one direction to point a finger. I just hope Democrats in the state are up to challenging all this Repub power.