Laurel Highlands Today

Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette) issued a statement following the House passage of Senate Bill 831, which aims to establish a carbon capture industry in Pennsylvania.

"Here in southern Fayette County, we have fought against millions of gallons of toxic frack water being pumped underneath our farmland in Nicholson Township. We are fighting against industrial solar invading our residential communities in Georges Township. Now, we will be fighting a bill that would force experimental carbon capture upon us by government officials and rich corporations!" said Krupa.

Krupa criticized the timing and content of Senate Bill 831. "One thing that I’ve learned in Harrisburg is that the closer you get to the budget being passed, the more deplorable the bills that get pushed through. Senate Bill 831, which could allow multi-billion-dollar corporations to force opposed landowners to allow captured carbon to be stored in the sub-surface area of their property, was pushed through the same day the budget was passed."

She highlighted environmental concerns and constitutional issues with the bill. "This bill is fundamentally flawed both in its environmental approach and in its disregard for the constitutional rights of Pennsylvania’s landowners. Carbon capture is still in experimental stages, and no one knows for sure the consequences that it could have on the environment. There is potential for leakage, which could lead to the release of stored carbon back into the atmosphere, negating any short-term benefits. Such leaks could also contaminate groundwater or have extremely adverse effects on air quality, posing serious health risks to nearby communities."

Krupa further argued that Senate Bill 831 violates property rights protected under U.S. law. "Furthermore, this bill is a clear violation of the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. The government cannot simply override private property rights for the sake of expediency or economic gain."

She warned about future implications if such legislation becomes common practice. "This bill sets a dangerous precedent. If we allow the government to infringe upon subsurface rights today, what other property rights may be at risk tomorrow?"

Despite her opposition, Krupa noted that Senate Bill 831 has advanced past legislative hurdles and urged action from constituents. "Unfortunately, the bill passed the House and is now on the governor’s desk. I urge every property owner in the 51st District, and across Pennsylvania, to let your governor know that unconstitutional legislation that may jeopardize our health and safety has no place in our Commonwealth!"

Representative Charity Grimm Krupa

51st District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Contact: 724-438-6100

RepGrimmKrupa.com / Facebook.com/RepGrimmKrupa