Email excerpt from Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel dated 8/1/2026:

It’s certainly helpful to have the inherent unfairness brought to the attention of a broad statewide audience.

In terms of the Sierra Club’s response — yes, one could argue on constitutionality grounds.

However, the fundamental issue is that the legislature has put DCNR in a position where it has to draw revenue from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to make ends meet.

I believe the solution, as Representative Causer points out, is to have HB 2141 become law. That would put in place our county/local government carve-out and then the burden would be on the legislature to adequately fund DCNR.

That’s how things should work — like most other agencies, DCNR should make its case in the budget preparations and hearings, and the legislature should subsequently act as it deems appropriate.

I intend to continue communications with legislators on the coalition’s behalf, receiving counsel from our supporters and continuing to seek support from leadership.

Have a great weekend.

Paul Heimel

For the full report, read here for free:

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College | 

https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/07/rural-pennsylvania-state-legislation-forests-parks-tax-revenue-rural-issues/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Shapiro%20v%20Trump%2C%20blown%20deadline%20%26%20a%20rabbi%20retires&utm_campaign=Week%20in%20Review%207%2024%2026%20%28Copy%29