Game Commission Works With Legislators, Stakeholders To Safeguard Federal Wildlife Funds; House Passes Budget Bill Without Game Fund Transfer

On October 5, the Game Commission posted a statement on its website saying it has worked with legislative leaders and stakeholders to safeguard federal wildlife funds coming to Pennsylvania under the Pittman-Robertson Act.

The Senate-passed version of the state Fiscal Code budget bill-- House Bill 1300-- had included a provision transferring $150 million from the Commission’s Game Fund to the Clean Streams Fund to support watershed restoration work.

The monies largely came from shale gas drilling on State Game Lands.  Read more here.

The transfer was opposed by the PA Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists, PA Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, the Growing Greener Coalition, the PA Environmental Council and other groups because it put federal wildlife conservation funding at risk.  Read more here.

The version of House Bill 1300 passed by the House October 4, includes no transfer [House Fiscal Note & Summary].

The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.  Senate Republican leadership haven’t said what they will do with any of the budget bills passed by the House this week.  Read more here.

The Senate and House are back in voting session on October 16.

“The Game Commission extends its gratitude to the members of the Senate and House and looks forward to continued engagement with the General Assembly and other stakeholders on the utilization of resources for the betterment of Pennsylvania’s wildlife and our hunting and trapping heritage, while ensuring the continued eligibility for critical federal funding.”

Game Commission spokesperson Lau Travis said, “Game Commission is looking at different options for programmatic investments, to be paid from the Game Fund, to complement work we’re already doing.”

            Click Here for the Game Commission statement.

Of course, the loss of $150 million in funding to support the Clean Streams Fund and watershed restoration leaves that question still unresolved.

Related Articles:

-- Game Commission Board OKs More Shale Gas Drilling In Lycoming County, Home To The Hellbender, And Sullivan County  [PaEN]

-- Governor's Advisory Council For Hunting, Fishing & Conservation Seeks Candidates For Game Commission Board  [PaEN]

[Posted: October 6, 2023]  PA Environment Digest