In the future I plan on introducing legislation that would eliminate the ability of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to exercise the power of eminent domain.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission continues to pursue expansion projects that lack common sense and responsible planning. One such proposal would involve cutting through the Allegheny Mountain— the continental divide— an unconscionable permanent destruction of our landscape. This project would require the taking of private property and would significantly disrupt the surrounding environment and climate.
The Turnpike Commission is relying on its power of eminent domain to advance this project. When that authority is used to justify unnecessary, destructive, and environmentally harmful expansion, it is appropriate for the General Assembly to step in and limit—or remove—that power. This bill is intended to do exactly that.
The proposed Allegheny Mountain Turnpike tunnel elimination project threatens to permanently damage a treasured natural resource, disrupt ecosystems, and undermine the quality of life for nearby communities. As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure that government authority—especially eminent domain—is not used to advance projects that cause irreversible environmental harm and disregard the rights of property owners.
This bill restores balance by limiting the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s ability to use eminent domain for projects that are environmentally destructive and not clearly in the public interest.