State Budget

For Immediate Release:  June 6, 2012

Renew Growing Greener Coalition Praises House for Unanimous Vote to Restore Recreation and Conservation Funding

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, today praised House members for their unanimous vote on a budget amendment that restores funding for a key recreation and conservation program.

Andrew Heath, executive director of the Coalition, issued the following statement:

“The Coalition is extremely pleased with the House vote to restore funding for the Keystone 93 program, which is critical to sustaining our state’s parks, open space and outdoor recreational opportunities. …

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2012

Renew Growing Greener Coalition Announces Launch of Online Petition Drive to “Stop the Cuts” to Conservation and Recreation Funding 

More Than 5,000 Signatures Collected in Single Day

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, today announced the launch of an online petition drive aimed at stopping cuts to conservation and recreation funding.

More than 5,000 people signed the petition on the first day of its launch, urging the General Assembly to reject Governor Corbett’s proposed cuts to, and elimination of, essential conservation and recreation programs in the Commonwealth.

“Pennsylvanians are sending a message to Harrisburg that they want their legislators to protect the Commonwealth’s land, water, communities and future,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. “Our state is facing significant challenges that must be addressed. We have a $400 million backlog of major maintenance projects at our state parks, more than 2,000 family farms waiting to be preserved and more than 16,000 miles of polluted streams that are unfit form swimming or fishing.  Because of these and many additional threats, the Commonwealth should be increasing, not decreasing funding.” …

For Immediate Release:  February 21, 2012 

Renew Growing Greener Coalition to Legislature: Corbett Funding Cuts to Environmental Programs Undermine Shale Legislation 

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, today urged the Legislature to reject cuts to environmental, conservation and recreation programs in the Governor’s proposed 2012-2013 budget.

“With Pennsylvania’s land, water and air facing significant threats and impacts due to Marcellus Shale development, we should be increasing, not decreasing, funding for the programs that protect these vital resources,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.  “The funding contained in the Marcellus Shale legislation was meant to help address the environmental impacts of natural gas drilling, but there would actually be less funding available for these purposes if the Legislature approves the cuts to environmental, conservation and recreation programs proposed in the Governor’s budget.” …

For Immediate Release: August 12, 2011

Renew Growing Greener Coalition Calls on Governor to Restore Funding to Protect Natural Resources

(HARRISBURG, PA) As Governor Corbett wraps up his three-day kayak trip through Northeastern Pennsylvania today, the Renew Growing Greener Coalition is calling upon him to restore funding to protect the state’s natural resources.

“We know the Governor appreciates the benefits our natural resources bring to the state,” said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.  “However, we question why his administration has not voiced support or a plan to renew funding for their protection.  We hope that the Governor will work with the Legislature to restore Growing Greener funding so that those natural resources remain for future generations to enjoy.” …