The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf banned new oil and gas leases in state parks and forests on Thursday, officially ending plans by the Legislature and the previous administration to raise millions of dollars for the budget this fiscal year through new drilling deals.”  

“In signing the executive order at a ceremony at Benjamin Rush State Park in Philadelphia, Mr. Wolf said natural gas development is a vital element of the state’s economy, but he made an economic case for preserving the state’s public natural resources as well.”  

“‘This is about striking the right balance,’ he said. ‘Our state parks and forests are unique assets that should be preserved, protected and utilized by our residents for recreational purposes.'”