SENATOR MUSTO RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR BESTOWED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WATER COMPANIES
Harrisburg, September 19, 2000.
Senator Raphael J. Musto was presented with the Annual James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence at the National Association of Water Companies-Pennsylvania Chapter (NAWC-PA) annual meeting in Hershey in September.
The award is presented each year to a resident of Pennsylvania who most exemplifies dedication to promoting the availability of safe drinking water at reasonable prices in the Commonwealth.
"It is indeed an honor for me to present Senator Musto with this prestigious award on behalf of the association," said NAWC-PA Chairman Robert Freeston, vice president and treasurer, Pennsylvania-American Water Company.
"Senator Musto has been a leader and facilitator in advancing the causes of clean water, water quality standards and regulations and was always ahead of the times when it came to protecting the Commonwealth's public water supplies."
Senator Musto was recognized for his legislative accomplishments, which included authoring some of Pennsylvania's landmark environmental legislation such as the state's amendments to the federal Clean Air Act; a statewide hazardous material safety program; and an environmental education program for school students.
In addition, he sponsored the amendment creating Pennsylvania's curbside recycling program, which is the largest in the country; the Plumbing System Lead Ban and Notification Act to ensure better protection of drinking water; and the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act, which provides for the restoration or replacement of water supplies materially affected by mining.
Among the Senator's other water-related accomplishments were his support and assistance in securing passage of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act; the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act; the Distribution System Improvement Charge; and the Growing Greener Initiative. Senator Musto also serves as vice chairman of the Joint Legislative Air, Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee; PENNVEST Authority Board; and the Environmental Quality Board.
"Senator Musto has left an indelible mark on the water industry landscape," said Freeston. "We are grateful for his work and are proud to honor him with this Annual Award for Excellence."
For more information contact Mike Cotter @717-654-1483 or mcotter@dem.pasen.gov