Indian Head Passive Mine Drainage Treatment System in Frailey Twp., Schuylkill County.

Gov. Rendell this week signed into law the legislation to implement the $625 million environmental bond issue voters passed in May. The legislation also reallocates existing environmental spending from Growing Greener’s Environmental Stewardship Fund to other programs.

"Securing this investment today will keep Pennsylvania 'growing greener' well into the future," Gov. Rendell said. "We are entrusted as the stewards of our environment, and have a moral obligation to leave our soil, water and air in better condition than we found it for future generations. Growing Greener II embraces the priorities that all of us share in Pennsylvania.

"Voters made their support absolutely clear when they approved the bond referendum May 17, and the legislature acted quickly to put in place a plan that will achieve the highest standards of environmental protection while creating the jobs we critically need."

On hand for the bill signing in Montgomery County were a bipartisan group of legislators, state agencies, local officials and members of environmental groups.

“What was started by Gov. Tom Ridge has blossomed into a long-term strategy to improve and preserve Pennsylvania's environment," said Rep. Quigley (R-Montgomery) prime sponsor of the legislation. "Continuation of the Growing Greener program is vital to protect Pennsylvania's open spaces and improve our water, air, and land for our children and their children."

"We praise Gov. Rendell, as well as the General Assembly, for helping our agency address infrastructure problems that hinder operational efficiency and reduce or eliminate services to hunters and trappers, other wildlife conservationists and our state's wildlife resources,” said Vernon Ross, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. “Most of these problems stem from an inability to modernize facilities or repair damages caused by storms. In addition, this funding will help finance environmental improvements - such as wetlands development and stream-bank protection - that will further increase the appeal of State Game Lands and cooperating private landowner properties to wildlife.”

“By passing Growing Greener II and signing it into law, the Legislature and Governor Rendell are making a strong statement about the future of the Commonwealth. Our lawmakers and policy setters are showing they understand what anglers and boaters have long known: that the quality of life in Pennsylvania is directly linked to the health of its environment and natural resources,” said Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Dr. Douglas Austen.

A detailed summary of the legislation is available in last week’s Digest.

NewsClips: State Getting Greener

Growing Greener Grants Could Prevent Landslides

State Sets Growing Greener Distribution

Ready to Seed Green Initiatives

Rendell Signs Green Bill

Growing Greener Takes Root in Montco

Montgomery County Recognized for Role in Growing Greener

7/15/2005