The commission recommended the state acknowledge the problems some land use decisions can create, educate Pennsylvanians on land use issues and provide local governments with better tools to implement land use initiatives. Co-Chair James M. Seif said. We have also seen more than a million acres of crop and pastureland converted to other uses. It's time we recognize that land is a resource, and that the impacts from how we use land determine our environmental and economic future. We believe we can respect the land and also the right to private property.
Education is the key.
The Executive Order signed by Ridge today designates the Governor's Center for Local Government Services as the principal state entity responsible for land-use assistance and monitoring. It directs the center to identify best land management practices in the Commonwealth with the help of an open, public process and develop education and training programs to promote their use. It also requires the center to identify changes that could be made to laws, regulations, practices and policies, including new sources of funding, that will advance sound land use practices. The Governor's Green Government Council is directed to make sure state agencies are acting consistently with the land use objectives outlined in the order. They also are to be commended for their efforts to involve thousands of Pennsylvanians in the process through many public meetings and on the Internet.