Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 23, 2023 / Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection Rich Negrin, along with Jessica Shirley, Executive Deputy Secretary, Ian Harlow, Acting Deputy Sect of Administration, Ramez Ziadeh, Deputy Secretary for Field Operations, appeared before the House Appropriations Committee. Republican House members focused their questions on Governor Shapiro’s permitting reform proposal and how to ensure this process will produce results. Additionally, Republicans asked questions related to the Governor’s apparent change of policy on RGGI and its negative effects on Pennsylvania.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 23, 2023 / Acting Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Cindy Dunn, along with Michael Walsh, Deputy Secretary for Administration, John Norbeck, Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forestry, and Lauren Imgrund, Deputy Secretary for Conservation and Technical Services. House Republicans focused on the fiscal health of DCNR and how to make the department sustainable. Additionally, Republicans asked questions covering the expansion of ATV trails in state parks, what the department is doing to address and prioritize its $1.4 billion maintenance backlog, drilling on state lands, the state of the timber industry, and how DCNR is partnering with private industry.
Gaydos Named to America250PA Commission Mar. 23, 2023 / HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today announced she was recently appointed by former Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to be the House Republican Caucus designee for the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA). In addition, she was chosen to be a member of the Fundraising and Historical Preservation committees.
Department of Agriculture Budget Hearing Wrap Mar. 23, 2023 / Acting Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appeared before the House Appropriations Committee along with Greg Hostetter, Executive Deputy Secretary. House Republicans asked questions beginning with agriculture concerns in Western Pennsylvania relating to the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Other questions focused on proposed cuts to the department’s Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, fair market conditions for Pennsylvania dairy farmers, and support of the entire industry beyond organics.