ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION HOLDS FIRST MEETING

 HARRISBURG, OCT. 18 – During a meeting in Harrisburg last week, state Sen. Connie Williams rolled up her sleeves and began work on a new environmental commission that will take a fresh look at ways to improve state programs to address environmental problems, preserve open space, clean-up hazardous sites and protect Pennsylvania’s watersheds.

 Among the issues before the governor’s Green Ribbon Commission is how best to continue the state’s environmental program – Growing Greener, which didn’t have a dedicated funding source. The commission is taking a closer look at the environmental programs available today in Pennsylvania and how best to address the state’s environmental needs for the future.

 “If we are going to create strong, thriving communities in Pennsylvania, it is important that we take intelligent steps to ensure that the quality of life is even better than it is today,” Williams said. “That means not only looking at the environmental programs we have in place now and how they are funded, but also working to create new programs, if necessary.”

 According to Williams, the first task before the commission is prioritizing environmental issues.

 “I think it is important that as we move forward with a healthy environmental agenda for Pennsylvania, that we also develop new ways to fund programs, not through taxes, but through new revenue sources,” Williams said. “The fact that the governor has convened a commission shows his openness to new ideas, as well as his commitment to really having a positive impact on the environment.”

 Williams said she would welcome input from residents of the 17^th Senatorial District on what they believe to be the environmental priorities of the district and of the state and also suggestions on new ways to fund programs.