Group Wants Metcalfe Removed From Environmental Post

CRANBERRY, PA - A state environmental group has called on state House Speaker Mike Turzai to replace Rep. Daryl Metcalfe as chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The Better Path Coalition wants the controversial Cranberry Republican ousted for "his unbiased climate denial, obstructionism and unprofessional behavior."

The coalition has presented Turazi a petition signed by more than 5,500 people and a letter signed by 38 organizations citing numerous examples of what the group termed Metcalfe's "unacceptable behavior and statements on climate change that span more than a decade."

There was no immediate response from Turzai's office on Wednesday. Metcalfe responded online via a YouTube video.

“This unwarranted, personal attack from the deep pocketed climate alarmist lobby reinforces the fact that no other Pennsylvania legislator has ever been targeted more than me for removal or resignation without having been involved in any crime or scandal," he said. "Why? Because I make no apologies for advancing only winning Republican policies through my Republican Majority Committee, and I refuse to back down or be intimidated by any of these socialist mobs or their reprehensible, fake, fear generating tactics.”

Metcalfe was appointed to the committee chairmanship last year and since has shown disdain for those who believe in climate change. He sharply criticized Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale for a report asserting that climate change impacts are costing state taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

The coalition noted that in a debate during his 2018 reelection campaign, Turzai said he believes climate change exists and that there needs to be a way to reduce emissions.

"If Speaker Turzai is sincere in acknowledging the need to address climate change, then he has to see that Rep. Metcalfe is not the right person to control what climate bills move through the legislature,” coalition co-founder Karen Feridun said in a statement.