THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE BILL

INTRODUCED BY COX, CREIGHTON, FLECK, HENNESSEY, JOSEPHS, MURT, ROHRER, SIPTROTH, SWANGER, J. TAYLOR AND YOUNGBLOOD, MARCH 10, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, MARCH 10, 2009  

AN ACT

Selecting, designating and adopting the Hazleton soil series as

the official soil of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, A growing number of states, having significant

concerns for valuable soil resources, have each chosen a unique

soil series as their official state soil; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has a significant concern for its own

soil resources and takes pride in its natural resources; and

WHEREAS, Soils serve as the foundation for Pennsylvania's

forests, agriculture, pasture lands, our unique wildlife

habitats, our beautiful landscapes and our homes and

communities; and

WHEREAS, The Hazleton soils are named for soils located near

the City of Hazleton, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, and account

for over one and a half million acres of soils throughout the

State; and

WHEREAS, The Hazleton soils occur in half the counties in

Pennsylvania and are used for woodlands, croplands and pasture

lands; and

WHEREAS, The Hazleton soils support a natural ecosystem,

which is home to the State bird, tree, animal and flower; and

WHEREAS, Designating the Hazleton soil series as the State

soil would recognize the importance of this soil to the natural

history and economy of Penn's Woods; therefore

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

hereby enacts as follows:

Section 1.  Official State soil.

The Hazleton soil series is hereby selected, designated and

adopted as the official soil of the Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania.

Section 2.  Effective date.

This act shall take effect immediately.