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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Greg Vitali
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Vitali opposes proposed environmental cuts in state budget
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Greg Vitali said he opposes $132 million of fund transfers and suspensions to environmental programs that, according to media reports, Gov. Edward Rendell has put on the table during budget discussions.
"These funds help protect open space, clean our rivers and streams, maintain our parks and forest systems, remediate coal mines and damage due to Marcellus Shale drilling and provide for energy development," said Vitali, D-Delaware. "It's appalling these cuts are being considered when the state has refused to tap responsible revenue sources such as a severance tax on natural gas drilling."
The governor reportedly has proposed transferring money from or suspending the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Growing Greener II Fund and several other smaller funds.
The proposal would take $54.3 million from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, commonly called the Key ’93 Fund. It funds land conservation projects and other programs.
Vitali urged residents who are concerned with the proposal to contact their state legislators.
Vitali said he hopes a budget package would include an increase in the alternative energy standard portfolio as well as a moratorium on leasing additional state forestland for natural gas drilling.
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