WILLIAMS TO JOIN KEY STATE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION

 HARRISBURG, SEPT. 23 – State Sen. Connie Williams believes that for Pennsylvania to prosper state officials must address economic development and environmental stewardship. Because of her dedication to the environment and economic development, she was appointed to the state’s newly created Green Ribbon Commission to study environmental issues and to find the resources necessary to protect and enhance the environment, as well as to grow the economy.

 “Without a healthy environment Pennsylvania cannot have a strong economy,” Williams said. “As a member of the Green Ribbon Commission, I will work to find the resources needed to make our environment healthier.”

 The commission was established during budget deliberations this summer to look at Gov. Ed Rendell’s Growing Greener II initiative. The plan is aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship programs as a means to improve the state’s environment and its economic appeal.

 Commission members are charged with examining the state’s many environmental programs, including Growing Greener and the state’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund in an effort to find the best ways to fully fund the programs that address the environmental needs of the state.

 Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow, D-Lackawanna, appointed Williams to the commission.

 “I look forward to working with my colleagues to identify the programs that will ensure a healthy environment today and for the future,” Williams said.