March 26, 2009

SB 490 was passed by the Senate this week by a 33-17 vote, but not before being amended to remove a $5 million distribution to the Department of Environmental Protection that was to be used for oil and gas site work and permit inspections.    Committee Chair Senator Mary Jo White (Venango) noted that she felt the funding was no longer required since the Department would receive funds as a result of the recent increase in drilling fees.  The bill distributes a total of $174 million dollars with $1 million to County Conservation Districts, $3.5 million for the nutrient credit trading program, $1 million for the Natural Heritage Progam and Natural Heritage Inventory, $500k to the Game Commission and $500k to the Fish Commission.

Read the bill

See the roll call vote