White Bill Would Extend Options for Mining on State Land

Environmental Resources Committee approves Senate Bill 1159

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today (March 9) approved legislation introduced by Senator Don White (R-41) that would provide a new option for the leasing of state-owned real property for mining operations.

Senate Bill 1159 would give the Department of General Services (DGS) the option to make and execute contracts or leases for the mining or removal of any valuable mineral resources that may be found in state lands.

Currently, only a few state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are authorized by law to enter into leases for mineral resource development.

"This legislation provides an opportunity currently available only to state game lands, state parks and state forests to generate revenue," Senator White said. "My legislation does not require the state to lease or sell any mineral property rights. SB 1159 simply provides the option, one that in certain cases can provide the Commonwealth with much needed revenue while giving a boost to our state economy through the creation of new jobs. Equally important, any revenues generated from these leases will have to be used to boost Pennsylvania's environmental protection efforts."

Under Senator White's bill, which would be known as the "Indigenous Mineral Resources Incentives Development Act," any payments or royalties received by the DGS would be deposited in the Environmental Stewardship Fund.

The Environmental Stewardship Fund provides for farmland preservation projects, open space protection, abandoned mine reclamation, watershed protection and restoration, water and sewer infrastructure and the improvement and conservation of Commonwealth and community parks and recreational facilities.

Contact:

Joe Pittman
(717) 787-8724