Today the Pennsylvania Environmental Council sent a letter of support to the General Assembly for House Resolution 908, which would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an exploratory study on industrial and commercial water withdrawal fees. The resolution does not create or mandate any such fee.
Pennsylvania faces extensive watershed restoration challenges, resulting from both legacy and existing pollution sources. If the Commonwealth fails to address these issues, it will soon find itself subject to federal or judicial mandates.
Without question, finding the resources necessary to address this extraordinary problem is a significant challenge — one that requires thorough and thoughtful consideration. Regardless of outcome, H.R. 908 is a step in the right direction toward advancing that consideration.