Desktop Wild Flower Arrangment Courtesy Karen Hohman, PA Cleanways. Download the file to print or the photo and right click to save as your computer desktop at the bottom of this webpage.

The Senate and House this week gave final approval to a $625 million environmental bond issue question to be put to voters on May 17 (House Bill 2). Gov. Rendell signed the bill within an hour of its passing.

This is the largest single investment in the environment since Gov. Ridge proposed the original Growing Greener Program in 1999 -- $645 million-- and then Gov. Schweiker nearly doubled it to $1.2 billion in 2002. That program remains in place.

"If authorized by voters, this historic investment will be terrific not just for Pennsylvania's environment, but its economy and overall quality of life," Gov. Rendell said. "I applaud the legislature for putting this initiative before the voters of Pennsylvania, and urge citizens to have their voices heard on an important package that will dramatically improve the environment and quality of life in Pennsylvania in the spring Primary Election."

“This measure is the result of negotiation and compromise, and ensures that the question will be put to voters in time for the May 17 municipal primary election,” said Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “We stood up to the governor’s attempt to increase taxes while continuing to fund Growing Greener environmental initiatives launched by Republicans in 1999.”

“I am glad we were able to reach this compromise so that Pennsylvanians will have an opportunity to vote on the referendum question in May,” said Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “I appreciate the hard work that went into this effort on both sides of the aisle and with the Governor’s office. The money and the programs will improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians and encourage economic development in many areas of the state.”

"We set a deadline for ourselves to get a question on the ballot in time for the May primary and we have met that goal," said Rep. William Adolph (R-Delaware), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "The decision of whether or not the Commonwealth will use a $625 million bond to fund vital environmental initiatives throughout the state will now be in the hands of Pennsylvania voters. Most importantly, we have remained steadfast to the Republican commitment to fund these initiatives with no new taxes or fees."

"It's been a six-year learning experience for some legislators, but citizens of the Commonwealth will be able to have their say on whether Pennsylvania and its communities, jobs, environment and future are worth a $625 million investment," said Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "Approval of the bond initiative would make quality-of-life and economic improvements not only for today's generation, but for those who will follow in our footsteps."

The question for the ballot is straightforward –

“Do you favor the incurring of indebtedness by authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625,000,000 for the maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other environmental initiatives?”

House Bill 2 contains language that says that act does not authorize the imposition of new or additional fees or taxes to pay for the bond and leaves unresolved how the bond is to be paid for and specifically how the funds are to be spent. That legislation – House Bill 3 or another vehicle -- will have to be passed later, if voters approve the bond.

Gov. Rendell had proposed $153 million in new or increased fees on household and industrial waste originally in 2004 to fund his Growing Greener II initiative.

Gov. Rendell said at the signing ceremony for House Bill 2 he thought this bond issue might be paid for without raising fees.

Sen. White also said, “Senate Republicans remain committed that a significant portion of any increased spending authorized by voters must be allocated among counties to reflect county-established priorities. We believe those closest to the problems are best able to categorize their needs, and should be able to choose from a menu of permissible uses as outlined by law.”

An issue still lurking is how to provide monies for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund that will run out of money by July 1. New fees? Restoring the earmarked monies from the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax as proposed in a Senate-passed bill? Stay tuned for more.

NewsClips: Public to Vote on Environmental Spending

Editorial: Growing Greener Bond Vote Can Echo Forever

Voters to decide on environmental spending

Rendell Hails Green Bond Issue

White Comments on Green Bond Passage – (video)

Pennsylvania Poised for Historic Investment in the Environment

Session Schedule

The House will return to voting session May 2.

The Senate will be in session April 18, 19, 20, then returns May 2.

Budget Clock Ticking

The House did complete work this week on the main state budget – House Bill 815 – after considering more than 300 amendments, but it still has other major budget pieces to put in place, including more than a dozen non-preferred appropriations, the Capital Budget and related bills.

The Senate, meanwhile also moved budget related bills – Senate Bills 609-614 – into position for a final vote, including the Capital Budget.

This is all part of the delicate legislative dance to get vehicles in place in both Chambers to carry the final budget—whenever it happens.

· 20 voting days are scheduled through the June 30 budget deadline in the House

· 23 voting days in the Senate

Contents – On the Hill

· On the Senate and House Agenda for Action

· Legislative Action in the Senate and House This Week

· Joint Conservation Committee Hears Keep PA Beautiful Message

Other News

· Join Companies that Saved $1 Billion and the Environment – Earth Day 2005

· Green Makes Sense – Save Money, Be Green – A Special Digest Publication

· Solving Business Problems Using Less Polluting, Green Technology

· P2E2 Site Assessments – The Benefits to Business, By Stephen N. Zeller, Brinjac Engineering

· Executive Briefing - Energy Management Creates Shareholder Value

· How to Promote Innovation in Environmental Protection Programs

· Pennsylvania Colleges & Universities Increase Wind Energy Commitment

· PECO, Aqua America, GlaxoSmithKline Make Wind Power Commitments

· Penn State Student Leave Behinds Turn Into “Trash to Treasure” Sale

· Allegheny County Workshop to Help Reduce Diesel School Bus Emissions

· Grants to Educate Youth on Potential of Careers in the Environment

· EPA/DEP Set Final TMDL at Lake Wallenpaupack, Christiana Watersheds

· Conservation Plan for Yellow Breeches Complete

· WPC Project Seeks Help with Seasonal Pools Registry

· Call for Presenters – October PA Lake Management Society Conference

· State Forester Warns of Spring Wildfire Danger as Trout Season Opens

· Wild Resource Conservation Grant Workshop and Festival

· Penn State Creates New Environment and Natural Resources Institute

· Private Well Owners Invited to Workshop Program

· PRWA Cross Connection Control & Backflow Prevention Conference May 19-20

· DEP Seeks Firm to Conduct Tracer Studies,Assess Chlorine Contact Times

Taking Positive Action

· Game Commission Gives PPL Wildlife Award

· Pennsylvania Teacher Among Winners of IMCC Awards

Calendar of Events – Check out all the new items!

· Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

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Attachment 1: Wild Flower Desktop Photo (jpg)

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Attachment 2: Print a Copy of Wild Flower Arrangement - PDF

Attachment 3: Names of Wild Flowers in Photo - PDF

4/15/2005