Look for the republicans to shut down the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

[AlinPA]

Now that they run the legislature, state senate and governor's office, it is only a matter of time. The DEP is all we have to stop the complete destruction of PA's rivers and streams.

[wisteria]

1. Sad, now that they have all the power I want to see if they really believe their rhetoric or

common sense will prevail.

[Boxturtle]

2. I doubt that would happen.

The DEP is a huge employer in this state. It seems to me it would be political suicide to shut down that agency before the 2012 elections, since there are large numbers of people who work there that live in Republican districts. Heck, if they would do it I would consider running for office as a democrat even though my county (York) seems to go 70% in favor of Republicans (excluding York city). It would be the best chance to obtain a foothold in the Republican strongholds of the state.

[DebJ]

3. I'm surprised to find that there is such an agency from my

post here in South Central Pa. When I hear "Pa" and "environment" I think of phony environmental inspections for vehicles and the damage Pa does to the Chesapeake Bay (former Marylander here). I think of the water that often runs bright green out of my tap. I think of my Red neighbors.

[Lugnut]

4. Not only that.

There will be no taxation of the gas extraction companies now. I don't know if they can shut down DEP but I'm concerned about the regulation of these companies.