PITTSBURGH TIMES-TRIBUNE Editorial: …Now the state government has embarked on a dangerous path, on several scores, in making operations of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources heavily dependent on proceeds from gas drilling.
According to the analysis by House Democrats, the DCNR this year will draw more operating revenue from oil and gas lease revenue on public lands, about $106 million, than from the taxpayer-supported General Fund, about $30 million…
Making the DCNR heavily dependent on revenue from such leases puts the conservation agency’s budget at odds with its mission. Pressure to allow further drilling will mount when it includes additional revenue to fund the agency. That’s the wrong way to fund an agency charged with defending the public’s interest in conservation rather than drilling… (more)
I agree. Give DCNR the 30 Million and preserve their independence.