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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee | State Rep. Mike O'Brien D-Philadelphia Hearing Co-Chairman |
HDPC looks at impact of Growing Greener on Pa.
PHILADELPHIA, June 10 – The House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing at the Pennsylvania Convention Center today to study the role of Growing Greener in the Commonwealth, according to Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Rep. Mike O'Brien, D-Phila., served as the hearing’s co-chairman.
"Growing Greener has revitalized communities across the Commonwealth for nearly two decades," Sturla said. "Forcing the program to expire due to lack of funds will have a detrimental effect on Pennsylvania, especially when our open spaces, forests and waterways are under pressure by drilling in the Marcellus Shale."
O'Brien added, "It was the intent of Penn to create a 'green country towne' and Philadelphia has kept his legacy alive through Growing Greener, cutting it simply undercuts his wish.”
Those testifying at the hearing included Patricia Elkis, associate director, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission; Andrew Heath, executive director, Renew Growing Greener Coalition; Maura McCarthy, executive director, Friends of the Wissahickon; and Todd Baylson, associate director, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
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