HARRISBURG, March 25, 1999 - - State Sen. Raphael J. Musto will take on the role of chairman of the Wild Resource Conservation Fund. Musto is the Democratic chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for the 1999-2000 legislative session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

AI feel strongly that our environment is our most important resource,@ said Musto (D - Luzerne). AI am pleased to be involved in protecting Pennsylvania’s native plants and non-game animals.@

The Fund was created in 1982 to collect information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors and other biological and ecological data to classify plants and to determine necessary management measures. The management measures include promotion of a statewide system of private wild plant sanctuaries; removal, collection or transplanting of endangered or threatened plant species; and regulation of the digging, harvesting, sale and exploitation of designated species.

Musto said revenue is derived primarily from income tax rebate check-offs, license plate sales and voluntary contributions.

Musto has been a strong advocate for preserving and protecting Pennsylvania’s environment. The Senator sponsored the Environmental Education Act, which created and provided funding for a comprehensive environmental education program in Pennsylvania, providing new opportunities for Pennsylvanians to learn more about the natural world.

Musto also was prime sponsor of sweeping amendments to Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act which were designed to bring the Commonwealth into compliance with the federal Clean Air Act and to modernize the State's air quality protection program.

Currently, Musto serves as a member of the following boards and committees: Environmental Quality Board, Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee, Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board, and Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Board.

Back to Press Releases