Conservation Districts Urge Legislators To Vote For Severance Tax

The PA Association of Conservation Districts recently encouraged state legislators to vote in favor of a severance tax in PA to help all conservation districts across the state maintain their environmental protection programs.
“A severance tax should be instituted in the Commonwealth to protect Pennsylvania’s communities and natural resources,” stated Susan Marquart, PACD Executive Director. PACD is seeking dedicated sources of funding to provide 50% cost share for basic staff positions.
Conservation districts lead local conservation efforts to sustain, protect and restore the natural resources for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For over 60 years the conservation districts have served as leaders, addressing local natural resource concerns.
With the onset of significantly increased gas drilling in Pennsylvania, conservation district technical assistance to landowners and industry is vital to maintaining a balance between natural resource extraction and environmental protection.
PACD firmly believes that a predictable percentage of any state mandated severance tax should be allocated to the Conservation District Fund to help all conservation districts across the state maintain their environmental protection programs.
“It is undisputed that conservation districts provide much needed services to Commonwealth citizens to help them identify and resolve critical natural resource concerns” concluded Marquart. “Our districts deliver essential services that protect our soil, water and air for a reasonable cost.”