PA Environment Digest

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PA Municipal Authorities Oppose Using Recycling Fund To Pay DEP Operating Costs

On June 14, the PA Municipal Authorities Association wrote to members of the Senate, House and Gov. Wolf opposing the use of the Recycling Fund to pay the every day operating expenses of the Department of Environmental Protection.

The text of the letter follows--

I am writing on behalf of the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA) which represents over 700 municipal authorities across the Commonwealth, including those which provide recycling services to hundreds of thousands of its citizens.

PMAA opposes the Recycling Fund transfer in Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed 2019/2020 budget to augment DEP operations.

The Recycling Fund is critical to the management of transforming millions of tons of recyclables each year for our communities. The loss of this funding would significantly impact solid waste authorities’ ability to achieve their missions thus impacting services that protect and enhance our environment, stimulate economic vitality and promote the general welfare of Pennsylvania residents.

This impact would be particularly devastating to smaller communities struggling to keep their programs afloat.

We understand the need to fund DEP operations; however, raiding the Recycling Fund is not the solution. On behalf of our members listed below, PMAA respectfully asks that you keep this dedicated funding source intact.

Thank you for your consideration.

Cambria County Solid Waste Authority

Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority

Chester County Solid Waste Authority

Clearfield County Solid Waste Authority

Clinton County Solid Waste Authority

Crawford County Solid Waste Authority

Cumberland County Recycling and Waste Authority

Delaware County Solid Waste Authority

Greater Lebanon Refuse Authority

Indiana County Solid Waste Authority

Jefferson County Solid Waste Authority