Environmental Law

Update on HSCA Funding and PADEP ECP Program

By M. Joel Bolstein

I previously reported on the linkage between the lack of HSCA funding and the running of PADEP's brownfield program.  As noted, the HSCA fund only has enough money to continue through December 2007.  Last week, State Senators Pileggi and White introduced legislation that would allocate $15 million from existing legislative accounts to put in the HSCA fund.  Under the proposed legislation, $40 million in existing revenues from the Capitol Stock and Franchise Tax will be earmarked for HSCA beginning in FY 2008-2009.  In a news release dated September 17, 2007, a number of environmental groups came out in support of the proposed legislation because it would provide funding out of the existing budget surplus rather than out of the Growing Greener or the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund.   The proposal does not provide a permanent funding solution for HSCA, but it will allow staff in the ECP program, as well as those on the outside who rely on ECP program staff to review and approve Act 2 reports, to breathe easier.   I will continue to provide updates. 

Full post as published by PA Brownfields Environmental Law on September 19, 2007 (boomark / email).