Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver) is seeking co-sponsors for legislation he will soon introduce aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s litter and waste laws.

“All one has to do is look around when riding in a vehicle in Pennsylvania,” Christiana said. “Our streets, fields and streams are strewn with litter and we must do all we can to put a stop to it. Litter is not only unsightly; it is a known hazard to our health and well-being.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), litter can cause accidents when drivers are forced to make unsafe maneuvers while trying to avoid roadway litter. PennDOT spends millions of dollars annually cleaning up roadside litter.

“In addition to the potential heath risks, littering costs hard-working Pennsylvanians more than $10 million each and every year,” Christiana added. “When people litter, they are throwing your hard-earned money out the window.”

Current laws and associated fines exist regarding littering in Pennsylvania; however Christiana believes these laws and penalties are not doing enough to curtail the growing problem.

“The current penalty for littering from a vehicle in Pennsylvania can be up to $300,” Christiana said. “My legislation would increase these fines to up to $1,000 for the first offense. In addition, it would increase the fines for littering from a vehicle in protected agricultural areas. By substantially increasing the penalty for littering, I am hopeful our roads and waterways will be spared from the continued onslaught of illegal trash from vehicles.”

More information, as it becomes available, will be posted on Christiana’s website at RepChristiana.com.

Rep. Jim Christiana

15th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 260-6144

(724) 728-7655

Contact:  Joseph Pistorio

jpistori@pahousegop.com

(717) 787-2932

House Republican Public Relations

Member Site:  RepChristiana.com

Twitter Site:  Twitter.com/repchristiana