Leader of Brownfields Initiative Retires From Senate

Sen. David J. “Chip” Brightbill (R-Lebanon) retired this week from the Senate after 24 years of public service. During his career, Sen. Brightbill served as chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and Majority Leader of the Senate where he was instrumental in passing legislation establishing Pennsylvania’s award-winning Land Recycling Program, adopting major changes to the state’s Air Pollution Control Act to comply with the federal Clean Air Act, creating the Small Water Systems Technical and Management Assistance Program and putting a $350 million water infrastructure bond issue on the ballot. He was also helped add Pine Creek, the Yellow Breeches and Tulpehocken Creeks to the state’s Scenic Rivers System, create the Environmental Education Program and Fund, establish DEP’s Agricultural Advisory Board, require compensation for structures and the replacement of water supplies affected by underground coal mining and expanded environmental cleanup coverage under the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act, among other environmental legislation. This video was aired on the floor of the Senate as a tribute to Sen. Brightbill’s service to the Commonwealth. It was produced by Senate Republican Communications. November 21, 2006