For Immediate Release
May 21, 2009
Contact: Todd Nyquist
(717) 787-7084
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Scarnati Challenges DCNR Statement on State Budget, Threat to Close Parks

Brockway – State Senator Joe Scarnati today questioned several assertions from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding the impact of the Senate-passed state budget plan for 2009-2010, and called on DCNR to tone down its rhetoric.

“Citizens have, sadly, come to expect some exaggeration from state agencies seeking additional tax dollars. But the claims made by DCNR are over the line,” said Senator Scarnati. “Citizens understand that the struggling economy and declining revenues mean the state has to spend less or raise taxes. The budget passed by the Senate chooses to spend less.”

Senator Scarnati questioned the following assertions made by DCNR regarding the 2009-2010 budget approved by the Senate (Senate Bill 850):

Funding DCNR

Senate Bill 850 appropriates approximately $19 million less for the DCNR budget than proposed by the Governor.  DCNR recently failed to successfully close two bids for Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling on state forest land that would have realized approximately $31 million for the budget. It could also consider leasing additional state forest lands for Marcellus Shale gas development -- or use $7 million set aside for a carbon sequestration project – to offset budget cuts.

Closing State Parks

Acting DCNR Secretary John Quigley recently announced that 35 state parks would be closed as a result of the reduced state spending in SB 850. How was that number arrived at? How many parks would close under the Governor’s proposed budget, which cuts state park funding by 4.5 percent? Senator Mary Jo White (21st District), who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, has requested this information from DCNR. Until it is released, the department should refrain from such threats.

Gypsy Moth Spraying

DCNR claims that SB 850 will expose 40,000 acres of forest to gypsy moths. But the bill allocates $4.387 million for spraying – the same amount authorized by the Governor for the current year. The department should provide the information supporting its threat, or withdraw it.

Seedlings for Sale

DCNR claims its program which sells tree seedlings to landowners would be eliminated under SB 850. Has the department considered pricing the seedlings to reflect the true cost of the program, rather than relying on a taxpayer subsidy? Has it considered utilizing money from the Environmental Stewardship Fund, the Key ’93 Fund, or other funds at the department’s discretion to augment this program?

“These are just a few of the gaping holes in DCNR’s claims, which unfortunately amount to raw, political scare tactics,” said Scarnati. “To be successful, the budget process must be conducted in good faith, especially when we’re trying to close a $3 billion deficit without increasing the burden on taxpayers. Scaring citizens is unproductive and plain wrong. I hope DCNR tones down the rhetoric and works with the Legislature to pass a responsible state budget.”