Environmental proposals stalled in budget

Transit funding approved, but toxic clean-up delayed

While most eyes were on the government shut down and state workers being furloughed during this summer’s budget debate, a number of environmental initiatives were either put on the back burner or—worse yet—put on the chopping block.

The most shocking announcement was that legislative leaders had secretly agreed to raid the Keystone Fund—a critical funding source for open space conservation projects, and park and recreation programs—to pay for hazardous site cleanup in Pennsylvania.

“There’s no reason we should be choosing between protecting open spaces and cleaning up toxic pollution,” said David Masur, PennEnvironment director. “We shouldn’t have to rob Peter to pay Paul.”

Thankfully, a rapid response from PennEnvironment, other environmental groups and environmental champions in the Legislature staved off this attack. Yet, while legislators gave into the mounting public pressure and didn’t raid the Keystone Fund, they did not authorize a dedicated and sustainable funding source for Pennsylvania’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.

The General Assembly also passed legislation to promote the use of more solar power in the Commonwealth. Still, major pieces of energy legislation did not pass the Legislature, including measures requiring electric utilities to maximize energy efficiency efforts before constructing new dirty power plants and increasing funding for renewable energy projects in the state.

While many environmental initiatives were under attack, there was a silver lining—elected officials in Harrisburg agreed to dramatically increase funding for Pennsylvania’s cash-strapped public transportation systems. Although the funding level fell short of what a recent state report deemed necessary, the proposal represented a huge improvement over the status quo and prevented service cutbacks across the state. PennEnvironment advocated this initiative because vibrant public transportation systems are critical to Pennsylvania’s fight against air pollution and global warming.

PennEnvironment will continue monitoring these initiatives throughout the fall as the legislature returns from their summer recess.