Authored By: The Circuit Trails | February 7, 2017

Early this week, PA Governor Tom Wolf presented his proposed 2017 budget. In particular, the proposed budget showed a decreased focus on funding for programs that work to protect Pennsylvania's environmental health. In response, the Growing Greener Coalition released a statement urging the state to invest more into environmental programs like the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund which protects clean waters, promotes public space and provides access to locally grown food. 

The Circuit Trails Coalition supports Pennsylvania Growing Greener’s response to Governor Wolf’s proposed budget and encourages trail users and advocates to let their representatives know that they want more investment in the state’s environment, not less. This investment provides necessary funding for trails throughout Pennsylvania, including regions that are home to the Circuit Trails. 

Read Growing Greener Coalition's full statement below. To make your voice heard in support of funding environmental programs and protecting natural resources, contact your legislator here.

For Immediate Release:  February 7, 2017

GROWING GREENER COALITION: WOLF BUDGET FALLS SHORT IN PROTECTING WATER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES

(HARRISBURG, PA) The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania, today issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to Governor Wolf’s proposed budget:

“Governor Wolf’s proposed budget falls short when it comes to protecting Pennsylvania’s water, land, forests, parks, trails and other natural resources, and the economic benefits and jobs they provide. 

“Any transfers from or reductions to the current Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund are unacceptable and do not advance Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean streams, public recreation and locally grown food.

“We need to invest more in the state’s environment, not less.

“Pennsylvania’s Growing Greener program needs at least $315 million annually to keep our water clean, preserve our open space and family farms, and ensure children and families continue to have access to parks, trails and other outdoor recreational opportunities, which are vital to our communities and quality of life here in Pennsylvania.

“Our elected leaders can no longer delay when it comes to investing in the Growing Greener program. The Coalition strongly urges the Governor and the Legislature to work together to identify a sustainable revenue source to Keep Pa Growing Greener now and for generations to come.”

About the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition

The Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation, and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth. The Coalition’s mission is to enhance the health and economic well-being of communities across the Commonwealth by advocating for funding to conserve, protect and restore land, water and wildlife; to preserve farms and historic places, and to provide well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state. Established in 2008, the Coalition comprises local, regional and statewide conservation, recreation and preservation groups.  For more information, visit www.PaGrowingGreener.org.

Contacts: Kim Maialetti, Wordplay, LLC, (267) 258-0076
Andrew Heath, Growing Greener Coalition, (717) 824-2281

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