“Audubon Mid-Atlantic commends Governor Shapiro for his ongoing support of Pennsylvania’s natural resources. We are pleased to see the proposed budget increases of 13.2% for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), including $41 Million for upgrades to existing parks and additional funding for two new parks. Additionally, a 12% increase at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), including a $2.2 million increase for DEP’s work on the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and increases to programs that cap abandoned wells. These proposed investments in DEP and DCNR and the Governor’s significant proposed investment in the Clean Streams Fund will help protect birds and the places they need to thrive throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.
Audubon also applauds Governor Shapiro’s proposal to update Act 129’s incentives for energy conservation and to create a state-wide commission to streamline energy and electric generation siting processes. Getting renewable energy projects operational and connected to our electric grid faster will help all Pennsylvanians. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to birds and investing in renewable energy will keep Pennsylvania’s energy economy strong while slowing and mitigating climate change induced habitat loss.
Given the current absence of federal commitments to protect natural resources, preserve habitats, and invest in renewable energy solutions, Pennsylvania is now in a position to be a national leader on these issues. Harrisburg can demonstrate to Washington, D.C. that a competitive economy and planning for a climate-resilient future are mutually beneficial.
Audubon looks forward to working with the Governor and the legislature to implement these budget and policy proposals this year.”
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Audubon Mid-Atlantic is the regional office of National Audubon Society, representing over 65,000 Pennsylvanians who advocate for the protection of birds, bird habitat, and policies aiming to protect both birds and human communities in the face of increasing environmental challenges, habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
