If there was ever a time for a veto, it is now, according to state Representative David Maloney (R-Berks), who called on Governor Josh Shapiro to reject House Bill 553. The bill includes an amendment that would transfer 391 acres of State Game Lands 141 to Glen Onoko State Park. This move, requested by Shapiro, aims to expand the park under the pretext of enhancing safety.
Maloney criticized the rationale behind the legislation: “We were lectured to debate about how many injuries and deaths occurred at the rock formations around the falls, about how much time and money and danger police and emergency crews expended due to these dangerous rocks.” He added, “Well, you could add 1,000 acres and the rocks will still be there, and people will continue to injure themselves or die.”
In contrast to Pennsylvania’s situation, U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) withdrew federal land legislation due to widespread opposition from constituents concerned about losing access for activities such as hunting and camping. Maloney remarked on this juxtaposition: “The U.S. Senate listened to their constituents, but Pennsylvania’s General Assembly and governor appear deaf to rights of sportsmen and the theft of their land.”
Maloney emphasized that these lands were likely acquired with funds from the Pittman-Robertson Act and are maintained with such funds. This financial backing makes them unsuitable for swaps or transfers.
Representative David Maloney130th DistrictPennsylvania House of Representatives
