Follow Us

A coalition of environmental, conservation, and outdoor recreation organizations in PA.

Environmental Funds & Investments

Celebrate 20 Years of ESF and Advocate!

This week, the Environmental Stewardship Fund—known as Growing Greener—celebrates 20 years of protecting clean water, reducing flooding, conserving and restoring land, and improving parks and trails.

On December 15, 1999, Governor Ridge signed the bipartisan legislation that established the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF) to support projects to improve water quality, reduce flooding, preserve open space and farmland, restore damaged land, and enhance outdoor recreation.

In the 20 years since, ESF grants have improved the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians while revitalizing communities and boosting our state’s economy. As we celebrate this landmark, we can’t lose sight of the fact that there’s much more work to do.There are still more than 19,000 miles of rivers and streams unsafe for drinking, swimming, fishing, and boating.

State parks and forests require nearly $1 billion in necessary repairs.

More than 200,000 acres of abandoned mine lands and thousands of brownfield sites pollute our water and threaten human health and safety.

And the list goes on.

Please contact your state senators and representatives this week in honor of the anniversary, and:

  1. Explain the importance of the ESF to your community. (Find specific ESF projects here.)
  2. Let them know that with the huge problems facing Pennsylvania, and local projects in need of funding, a strong ESF is needed more than ever.
  3. Ask them to increase state environmental investments for 2020–2021, including boosting ESF.
Thank you.

Support Restore PA’s Conservation Investments (and Oppose Cuts)

Please call your state senator and representative and urge them to greatly boost the state’s investments in protecting water, conserving land, and improving communities (find your legislator here):

  1. The Governor calls for substantial conservation investments in his Restore PA proposal (which addresses a variety of infrastructure projects). Ask your legislators to support Restore PA’s conservation investments. Also, post on social media by tagging your legislators and using the hashtag #RestorePA. Here is a set of social media graphics highlighting the need for boosted investments in protecting water, conserving land, and improving communities.
  2. In addition, ask your legislators to leave the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Stewardship Fund untouched in this year’s budget. Pennsylvania can’t afford to backslide in its community and conservation investments.

Read the Growing Greener Coalition’s letter to members of the General Assembly and Governor Wolf on this subject.

Learn more about threats to the Keystone Fund and Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Summary of Restore PA’s Conservation and Environmental Components

Governor Wolf’s Restore Pennsylvania proposal includes funding for:

  • Green stormwater infrastructure that reduces flooding and keeps dangerous pollutants out of waterways (e.g., rain gardens, street trees, and bioswales).
  • Stream and floodplain restoration projects that improve wildlife habitat while preventing erosion and downstream floods.
  • Infrastructure that protects communities from rising floodwaters (e.g., dams, levees, and flood walls).
  • Creative solutions to help municipalities move forward with pollution-reduction plans to meet stormwater mandates and protect homes and businesses from destructive flooding.
  • Remediation of abandoned mines that scar the landscape and pollute waterways.
  • Conservation of areas that supply drinking water for communities, reduce flooding by absorbing massive amounts of stormwater, and provide other benefits to communities.
  • Preservation of farmland that provides the food we eat and is the backbone of rural economies.
  • Crucial infrastructure in state parks and forests (e.g., roads, dams, and bridges), which host millions of visitors each year and support local economies.
  • Trails and parks that help communities thrive.
  • Cleanup of brownfields and blighted properties, which can transform from unused and dangerous spaces into hubs for community revitalization and economic growth.
  • Removal of lead and other toxic contaminants (e.g., found in paint on old homes or water pipes) that threaten public health.
  • Public transportation systems that increase mobility and access to opportunities while also reducing carbon emissions.

Click here for a more detailed summary of Restore PA and other resources.

Open Letter to Members of the General Assembly and Governor Wolf

The Growing Greener Coalition sent the following letter to Governor Wolf and members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly on March 19, 2019. View the PDF here.

Pennsylvanians want to reduce destructive flooding, restore waterways to productive life, and protect our drinking water. We need to do this to protect public safety and health. We need to do this as a moral imperative and constitutional responsibility. And we need to do this because the investments made to restore and protect our waters produce long-term cost savings and economic returns that more than pay for the initial investments.

The organizations and people of the Growing Greener Coalition urge the General Assembly and Governor Wolf to greatly boost the state’s investments in reducing flooding, restoring waterways, protecting drinking water, and providing other conservation benefits:

  • The Coalition reiterates that Pennsylvania can’t afford to backslide in its community and conservation investments. Every dollar flowing into the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Stewardship Fund needs to be invested in projects that protect and restore Pennsylvania’s environmental assets, not diverted to pay for government operations.
  • The Coalition applauds the Governor’s attention to conservation investment needs in his Restore Pennsylvania proposal and encourages legislators to work with the Administration to make these investments happen.

In building on past successes and boosting the state’s conservation investments, the General Assembly and Governor can achieve many lasting and diverse benefits for Pennsylvanians, including:

  • Major reductions in property damage and loss of human life caused by flooding
  • Progress for local governments in meeting MS4 requirements
  • State progress in meeting mandatory Chesapeake Bay requirements
  • Safer drinking water and lower water treatment costs
  • More miles of streams restored for recreation and economic use
  • Federal investments leveraged that otherwise would not come to Pennsylvania
  • Boosts to the agricultural and outdoor recreation industries
  • Restoring parks for communities across the Commonwealth
  • And much more

The public’s enthusiasm for these investments continues to be overwhelming. For example, 75% of Republican voters, 82% of Democrats, and 87% of independents actually support spending more on conservation, even if it would mean taxing themselves more to do it. (See survey results at https://conservationtools.org/conservation-benefits/205.)

Thank you for your attention. For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the people and organizations of the Coalition including:

 

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director

[email protected]

 

Conservation Voters of PA

Joshua McNeil, Executive Director

[email protected]

 

Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds

R. John Dawes, Executive Director

[email protected]

 

Lancaster Farmland Trust

Jeffrey Swinehart, Chief Operating Officer

[email protected]

 

Natural Lands

Oliver P. Bass, President

[email protected]

 

PennFuture (Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future)

Jacquelyn Bonomo, President & CEO

[email protected]

 

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

John Walliser, Senior Vice President

[email protected]

 

Pennsylvania Land Trust Association

Andrew M. Loza, Executive Director

[email protected]

Growing Greener Coalition Receives Bipartisan Support from Legislators

Several state senators and representatives held a press conference this morning alongside the Growing Greener Coalition to support a $50 million funding investment into the Growing Greener III program.

Rep. Alex Charlton (R–Delaware) began by issuing his support for Growing Greener III and urging Rep. John Maher (R–Allegheny), the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee chairman, to schedule a vote through his committee for SB 799, which was introduced by Sen. Rich Alloway (R–Franklin).

“Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and conservation of our natural resources,” said Rep. Charlton, who expressed that scheduling the SB 799 vote would secure those continued rights for future generations. Rep. Charlton noted that Growing Greener has helped Pennsylvania’s communities in addressing critical environmental priorities, which include conserving land and water resources, restoring damaged waterways and lands, and creating prosperous and sustainable communities. Rep. Charlton urged the General Assembly to commit $50 million annually to help support these priority initiatives and leverage federal matching dollars that Pennsylvania currently does not receive. Rep. Charlton made note of HB 2485, the companion bill to SB 799, which has 109 sponsors in the House, including himself.

Larry Williamson, chairman of the Growing Greener Coalition, expressed the efforts his group has been making for almost a decade to achieve a fully funded Growing Greener III program. A fully funded program would cost $300 million annually to address the conservation, recreation, and preservation projects and programs needed throughout Pennsylvania, said Williamson. While a fully funded program may not be currently possible within the budget, added Williamson, the $50 million down payment for this year would offer immediate support to the coalition’s programs. “With the down payment, the General Assembly will take an important step in improving the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians, especially future generations,” said Williamson.

Sen. Tom Killion (R–Delaware) recognized that the budget would not be able to include the full $300 million needed to fully fund the Growing Greener III program, but encouraged others to offer bipartisan support to fund the $50 million down payment investment along with his bill, SB 705. “There’s no argument, no argument at all about the success of Growing Greener I and Growing Greener II. The problem is they’re out of funds,” added Sen. Killion.

Rep. Rob Matzie (D–Beaver) opened, “safeguarding our land, our water, and natural resources is essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving economy.” Rep. Matzie noted that his focus is on three main areas of importance to western Pennsylvania, which includes abandoned mine restoration, brownfield reclamation, and historical preservation. “Growing Greener has proved that a smart, commonsense investment in our environment can yield economic benefits and spur job growth”, said Rep. Matzie.

Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R–Delaware) pushed that “Growing Greener is one of the greatest success stories to come out of this General Assembly,” while noting the bipartisan commitment involved in creating a better environment and economy because of this program. Sen. McGarrigle discussed how there has been a decline in Growing Greener funding, even though the need for clean water, parks, trails, and other recreational opportunities continues to increase.

Rep. Hal English (R–Allegheny) highlighted that his support for Growing Greener III stems from his family’s love and appreciation for Pennsylvania’s outdoors and precious resources that they developed when they first moved to the Commonwealth in 1991. “We just need to preserve it, and we need to protect it, and we need to work and start by getting some funding to continue Growing Greener III,” added Rep. English.

 

By Derek Snyder (Pennsylvania Legislative Services)

Growing Greener Coalition Receives Bipartisan Support from Legislators

By Derek Snyder (Pennsylvania Legislative Services)

Several state senators and representatives held a press conference this morning alongside the Growing Greener Coalition to support a $50 million funding investment into the Growing Greener III program.

Rep. Alex Charlton (R–Delaware) began by issuing his support for Growing Greener III and urging Rep. John Maher (R–Allegheny), the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee chairman, to schedule a vote through his committee for SB 799, which was introduced by Sen. Rich Alloway (R–Franklin).

“Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and conservation of our natural resources,” said Rep. Charlton, who expressed that scheduling the SB 799 vote would secure those continued rights for future generations. Rep. Charlton noted that Growing Greener has helped Pennsylvania’s communities in addressing critical environmental priorities, which include conserving land and water resources, restoring damaged waterways and lands, and creating prosperous and sustainable communities. Rep. Charlton urged the General Assembly to commit $50 million annually to help support these priority initiatives and leverage federal matching dollars that Pennsylvania currently does not receive. Rep. Charlton made note of HB 2485, the companion bill to SB 799, which has 109 sponsors in the House, including himself.

Larry Williamson, chairman of the Growing Greener Coalition, expressed the efforts his group has been making for almost a decade to achieve a fully funded Growing Greener III program. A fully funded program would cost $300 million annually to address the conservation, recreation, and preservation projects and programs needed throughout Pennsylvania, said Williamson. While a fully funded program may not be currently possible within the budget, added Williamson, the $50 million down payment for this year would offer immediate support to the coalition’s programs. “With the down payment, the General Assembly will take an important step in improving the quality of life of all Pennsylvanians, especially future generations,” said Williamson.

Sen. Tom Killion (R–Delaware) recognized that the budget would not be able to include the full $300 million needed to fully fund the Growing Greener III program, but encouraged others to offer bipartisan support to fund the $50 million down payment investment along with his bill, SB 705. “There’s no argument, no argument at all about the success of Growing Greener I and Growing Greener II. The problem is they’re out of funds,” added Sen. Killion.

Rep. Rob Matzie (D–Beaver) opened, “safeguarding our land, our water, and natural resources is essential to maintaining a healthy and thriving economy.” Rep. Matzie noted that his focus is on three main areas of importance to western Pennsylvania, which includes abandoned mine restoration, brownfield reclamation, and historical preservation. “Growing Greener has proved that a smart, commonsense investment in our environment can yield economic benefits and spur job growth”, said Rep. Matzie.

Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R–Delaware) pushed that “Growing Greener is one of the greatest success stories to come out of this General Assembly,” while noting the bipartisan commitment involved in creating a better environment and economy because of this program. Sen. McGarrigle discussed how there has been a decline in Growing Greener funding, even though the need for clean water, parks, trails, and other recreational opportunities continues to increase.

Rep. Hal English (R–Allegheny) highlighted that his support for Growing Greener III stems from his family’s love and appreciation for Pennsylvania’s outdoors and precious resources that they developed when they first moved to the Commonwealth in 1991. “We just need to preserve it, and we need to protect it, and we need to work and start by getting some funding to continue Growing Greener III,” added Rep. English.

Coalition Statement on DEP Growing Greener Grants

For Immediate Release:  December 7, 2017

COALITION STATEMENT ON ANNOUNCED GROWING GREENER GRANTS 

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to Governor Wolf’s announcement of 106 local water clean-up projects that will receive more than $20.7 million in Growing Greener funding.

“The Coalition applauds the Wolf administration and General Assembly for recognizing the need to improve water quality in Pennsylvania and for investing in projects to enhance our watersheds, mitigate acid mine drainage, and support programs to reduce pollution. 

“These investments through the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are critical to keeping our drinking water clean and ensuring that current and future generations are able to enjoy our rivers, lakes, streams and other waterways. 

“It is also important to note, however, that funding for Growing Greener program needs to be increased. Funding for Growing Greener has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to less than $60 million this year. This represents a nearly 75 percent reduction.”

“The Coalition urges lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to come together to advance a Growing Greener III initiative to continue investments to protect and preserve Pennsylvania’s water resources as well as our green open spaces, family farms, parks and trails, and historic sites.”

Of the 106 local water clean-up projects awarded through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Growing Greener program, fifty-one are in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Pennsylvania has a federal mandate to reduce nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment pollution in the watershed

The Governor’s press release, including a list of funded projects, can be found at:

https://www.governor.pa.gov/governor-wolf-approves-106-local-water-clean-projects-statewide/

According to the DEP, the Growing Greener grant program is the largest single investment of state funds to address Pennsylvania’s environmental challenges. Since 1999, DEP has provided more than $296 million towards environmental projects statewide.

Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

Coalition Applauds Conservation & Recreation Grants

For Immediate Release:  December 5, 2017

GROWING GREENER COALITION APPLAUDS CONSERVATION & RECREATION GRANTS, CAUTIONS THAT OVERALL FUNDING IS INSUFFICIENT

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today applauded the state for awarding $44 million in grants to support conservation and recreation projects across the Commonwealth.

However, the Coalition cautioned that overall funding for conservation and recreation remains at all-time lows. Because of this, the Coalition calls on the Governor and Legislature to take action by passing a fully funded Growing Greener III program.

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition applauds the state for investing in critical conservation projects across the Commonwealth,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “However, the Governor and Legislature must take action to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, green open spaces, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and nutritious, locally grown food.”

The grants were awarded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), which is largely supported with funds from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund and Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.

The Department received 442 applications requesting more than $87 million in project funding.

“The fact that the state must deny nearly 40 percent of grant requests received reveals how underfunded these programs are. The needs facing our Commonwealth are great, and they grow exponentially with each year we ignore them,” said Heath. “The Commonwealth must address these funding shortfalls.”

Funding for Growing Greener has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to less than $60 million this year. This represents a nearly 75 percent reduction.

In the fall of 2016, the Growing Greener Coalition unveiled its blueprint for a statewide Growing Greener III program, detailing the need for more than $315 million in annual investments to protect Pennsylvania’s water, land, communities and other natural resources.

Earlier this year, Senators Tom Killion (R-Delaware), Richard Alloway (R-Adams) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) introduced SB705 which serves as the framework for a Growing Greener III program. The legislation has 27 co-sponsors and has been reported to the Senate Environmental Recourses & Energy Committee.

Companion legislation is being introduced in the House by Representatives Hal English (R-Allegheny), Mike Carroll (D-Lackawanna), Alex Charlton (R-Delaware), Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) and Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) and currently has 110 co-sponsors.

The Growing Greener III plan proposed by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has been endorsed by more than 180 conservation, preservation and recreation organizations, as well as several businesses and local governments, representing hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. For a copy of the plan and full list of supporters visit www.growinggreener3.com.

Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

 

Keep PA Growing Greener Rally

 

For Immediate Release:  May 9, 2017

GROWING GREENER ADVOCATES RALLY FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR CLEAN WATER, PARKS, TRAILS, OPEN SPACE AND FAMILY FARMS

(HARRISBURG, PA) Advocates for Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program today rallied on the steps of the state Capitol to call for increased funding to protect water, preserve open space and family farms, and ensure current and future generations continue to have access to community parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.

“Funding for the Growing Greener program is at an all-time low,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, which organized the rally. “We are urging the Governor and General Assembly to act now to identify a bipartisan, sustainable funding source for Growing Greener so the state can continue to make critical investments to protect our natural resources and keep our economy and communities healthy.

“Further, while we recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state, the budget cannot be balanced at the expense of the environment, including our parks and forests,” Heath continued.

The Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the state, has identified more than $315 million in annual needs to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, locally grown food, and parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.

However, funding for the program has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent reduction.

“Now more than ever, we need to be doing more to protect our natural resources, not less,” said Jacqui Bonomo, executive vice president and COO of PennFuture. “Our state constitution guarantees Pennsylvanians an enforceable right to ensure their government acts in a manner that protects our right to a healthy environment, and it imposes an obligation on the government to manage our public resources in a manner that conserves them for current and future generations.”

Established in 1999, the Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.

The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

Numerous studies have shown that Pennsylvania’s parks, farms, waterways, and open space generate significant economic and health benefits locally and statewide, and are critical to the strength of two of Pennsylvania’s leading industries – tourism and agriculture.

“The Growing Greener program has a proven track record of success,” said Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware). “I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues in the legislature to ensure the program’s vitality long into the future and to keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener.”

Killion is planning to introduce Senate Bill 705 with Senators Richard Alloway (R-York) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) that would establish a framework for renewed and increased investment in Growing Greener.

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, forests, and farms.

“Pennsylvania families place great value on clean water, locally grown food and protecting our natural resources,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne/Carbon).  “Funding Growing Greener programs means sound investment in a better quality of life and a stronger economy that supports tens of thousands of jobs in tourism and agriculture.”

Despite the success of the Growing Greener program, there is much more work that needs to be done.

  • Nineteen thousand miles of streams and rivers are impaired: not safe for drinking or recreational use and/or cannot support aquatic life and cannot support agriculture and other industries.
  • Abandoned mines scar nearly 200,000 acres in 43 counties, causing of 5,500 miles of dead streams and rivers.
  • More than 1,800 family farms remain on the waiting list to be protected and preserved.
  • The majority of the state’s 6,000 local parks and more than 11,000 miles of trails need significant upgrades.

Also joining in the rally to Keep Pennsylvania Growing Greener were Sen. Richard Alloway (R-York); Rep. Alex Charlton (R-Delaware), Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne/Lackawanna) and Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) as well as John Arway, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, David Kinney, Mid-Atlantic Policy Director, Trout Unlimited, and George Matysik, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parks Alliance.

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth. The Coalition’s mission is to enhance the health and economic well-being of communities across the Commonwealth by advocating for funding to conserve, protect and restore land, water and wildlife; to preserve farms and historic places, and to provide well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state. Established in 2008, the Coalition comprises local, regional and statewide conservation, recreation and preservation groups.  For more information, visit www.PaGrowingGreener.org.

Coalition Applauds Growing Greener Grants

For Immediate Release:  December 15, 2016

GROWING GREENER COALITION APPLAUDS CONSERVATION & RECREATION GRANTS, CAUTIONS THAT FUNDING IS AT ALL-TIME LOW

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today applauded the state for awarding $45 million in grants to support conservation and recreation projects across the Commonwealth.

However, the Coalition cautioned that funding for these critical projects is at an all-time low and called on the Governor and Legislature to take action.

“The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition applauds the state for investing in grants that will be used to support critical conservation projects across the Commonwealth,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “However, the Governor and Legislature must take action to ensure that Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, green open spaces, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities, and nutritious, locally grown food.”

The grants were awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, which is largely supported with funds from the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Funding for Growing Greener has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent cut.

The Coalition recently unveiled its blueprint for a statewide Growing Greener III program, detailing the need for more than $315 million in annual investments to protect Pennsylvania’s water, land, communities and other natural resources.

“The Growing Greener I and II programs have a long history of success,” Heath said. “But there is still work to do. With Growing Greener funding at an all-time low, the state needs to be investing more, not less.”

Coalition members are calling on the Legislature and Governor to allocate funding for the establishment of a Growing Greener III program in the upcoming FY17 budget deliberations.

Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

The Growing Greener III plan proposed by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition has been endorsed by more than 170 conservation, preservation and recreation organizations, as well as several businesses and local governments, representing hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians. For a copy of the plan and full list of supporters visit www.growinggreener3.com.

Coalition Releases Growing Greener III Package

For Immediate Release:  Sept. 19, 2016 

PA GROWING GREENER COALITION UNVEILS BLUEPRINT FOR GROWING GREENER III PROGRAM
Plan Details Need for Protecting Pennsylvania’s Water, Land & Other Natural Resources

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today unveiled its blueprint for a statewide Growing Greener III program.

The proposed plan details the need for $315 million in annual investments to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, parks and trails, green open spaces, and locally grown food.

“Funding for the state’s Growing Greener program is at an all-time low,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition. “This plan establishes a framework for the Governor and the Legislature to renew the state’s investment and provide the funding necessary to keep our water clean, conserve our land, ensure access to public recreation and preserve our family farms.”

Funding for the state’s Growing Greener program, established in 1999, has decreased from an estimated average of $200 million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year – a 75 percent cut.  The program is currently funded through tipping fees on waste disposal, as well as contributions from the Marcellus Legacy Fund and the Oil and Gas Lease Fund.

“Pennsylvania has more miles of streams and rivers than any state other than Alaska,” said John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. “Our goal is to protect the best and restore the rest so there will be clean water for future generations.”

More than 26,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s waterways are classified as impaired, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. This means the state’s rivers and streams are so polluted they cannot sustain aquatic life; are not safe for drinking or recreational use; and cannot support agriculture and other industries. Failure to meet water quality standards could result in greater federal oversight and penalities.

“The viability of Pennsylvania’s two largest industries – agriculture and tourism – depends on clean water and the availability of open space, parks, trails, farmland, and wildlife habitat,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust. “Our natural treasures support our economy, create healthy communities, and provide recreational opportunities for families.”

Pennsylvania’s Constitution mandates that the Commonwealth conserve and maintain its natural resources. As article 1, section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution reads: “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all of the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”

The Coalition’s blueprint for a Growing Greener III program was developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders.

Since its inception, the state’s Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread, bipartisan support. The program has funded hundreds of local parks and trail projects, conserved more than 50,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.

A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural areas, wildlife habitats, parks, historic sites, forests, and farms.

Further, the Growing Greener program leverages tremendous private, local, and federal matching dollars. For each program dollar spent, more than double is generated from matching funds. In addition, the program also leverages significant volunteer in-kind investments that help to alleviate compliance and restoration costs for farmers, communities, and businesses.

“There is little question that Pennsylvanians value the opportunities and benefits associated with the state’s natural resources,” said Heath. “Growing Greener’s value to the residents of Pennsylvania – through tangible improvements to our communities, natural resources, and quality of life – is extraordinary. The Coalition is looking forward to working with the Governor and the General Assembly to advance a Growing Greener III program that makes meaningful investments in the health and future of our water, land and local communities.”

A full copy of the Coalition’s proposed Growing Greener III plan can be downloaded at www.GrowingGreener3.org.