Updated: June 28, 2019 | 4:22 pm
Pennsylvania lawmakers seek to block any attempt at regulation of single-use plastics
The move comes as the city of Philadelphia seriously considers a ban on single-use plastic bags.
EXPLAINER | Gov. Tom Wolf
123 stories Gov. Tom Wolf
Tom Wolf is the 47th governor of Pennsylvania. The Democrat easily defeated unpopular Republican Tom Corbett in the November 2014 election and won re-election against challenger Scott Wagner in 2018.
Wolf had never held elected office before becoming governor. He ran his family’s York County kitchen cabinet business for years.
He is the first person to defeat a sitting governor since the state constitution was changed in 1968, allowing governors to serve two terms. The wealthy businessman donated $10 million to his own campaign, allowing him to launch a slew of folksy TV commercials early on, which resonated with voters.
Over the years he’s been a major contributor to the Democratic party. After giving more than $200,000 to former Governor Ed Rendell, he was appointed state revenue secretary in 2007.
A central part of Wolf’s gubernatorial campaign focused on criticizing the way his predecessor handled Marcellus Shale gas development. Wolf pledged to do away with the current Marcellus Shale impact fee and enact a five percent severance tax on the gas industry, but that hasn’t happened — and if the state does adopt such a tax, it likely will be different than what Wolf proposed.
In early 2016, Wolf came under criticism from environmental advocates for what they say is a lack of action on issues such as climate change. Wolf cites a package of stronger regulations for Marcellus Shale gas drillers and a ban on further leasing of state park and forest land for oil and gas development as evidence he is getting things done despite a Republican-controlled Legislature.
Latest stories
June 26, 2019 | 6:00 AM
Groups criticize state budget shifting $10 million from environmental fund
A coalition of sixteen environmental groups sent open letter to Governor Tom Wolf and legislators Tuesday decrying the transfer of approximately $10 million out of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Stewardship Fund.
June 18, 2019 | 4:14 PM
Climate focus intensifies in Harrisburg, as budget negotiations and citizen-led petition advance
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration is urging Republicans to authorize the state to join a regional consortium to limit greenhouse gases. At the same time, a citizen-led climate petition is under review at the state Department of Environmental Protection.
By
Marie Cusick 
May 30, 2019 | 6:26 AM
Wolf rejects Senate’s infrastructure proposal funded by forest drilling
May 17, 2019 | 2:49 PM
Pa., N.J., Delaware governors pledge to cooperate on Delaware River Basin environment
April 29, 2019 | 5:20 PM
Pennsylvania commits to Paris Agreement climate goals; state’s plan calls for 80 percent carbon cuts by 2050
Pennsylvania becomes the 24th state to join the U.S. Climate Alliance
By
Susan Phillips 
April 29, 2019 | 5:30 AM
Wolf aide won’t face charges following ethics investigation
Yesenia Bane, whose husband is a gas industry lobbyist, was involved in gas industry projects. But the Ethics Commission said it lacked evidence to find a violation.
March 22, 2019 | 9:10 AM
Gov. Wolf highlights Philly school conditions in severance tax push
January 31, 2019 | 5:16 PM
Wolf wants to fund infrastructure with shale tax; Republicans say nope
The governor’s plan — if passed — would route money toward things like broadband expansion, flood remediation, and urban blight reduction.
StateImpact Pennsylvania Team
