In his own electronic newsletter Friday, Gov. Rendell responded to the commitments made by the Senate and House Leadership in a July 4 letter to address funding for hazardous sites cleanup and expanded environmental funding by saying—

“I know you share my concern about the financial condition of the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, which provides financing for many of the state’s most critical brownfield cleanup projects. Pennsylvania has been a leader in this area, but we cannot hope to remain so if these programs are allowed to wither because this Fund is deprived of a dedicated source of revenue. Once again, the most appropriate funding source for cleaning up these sites is one that ties directly back to those who generate pollution or other waste products.

“Most of all, I appreciate the positive attitude you are bringing to this subject. Pennsylvania is facing serious environmental and quality of life challenges, and an expanded Growing Greener program will help us address these challenges with the urgency they require. I am confident we can work together in a spirit of cooperation to enact legislation this fall.”

7/16/2004