Glossary
Off-Grid Electricity
- Electricity produced by small generating units that are not connected to high-voltage transmission lines. [Source: Organisation for Economic and Co-Operation Develoipment, Sustainable Development's Glossary: http://www.oecd.org]
Oil and Gas Lease Fund
- In 1955, the Pennsylvania General Assembly created the Oil and Gas Lease Fund. Money received from oil and gas leases on state lands (except for Game Lands) are directed to be placed in the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, to be used a broad range of conservation infrastructure, including land acquisition. Recently, money from this fund, which was significantly higher due to leasing of land for drilling in the Marcellus Shale, was transferred to the PA General Fund.
Open Space
- Undeveloped land or common areas that are reserved for parks, walking paths, or other natural uses. [Source: Glossary of Land Conservation Terms and Techniques, Triangle Land Conservancy: http://www.tlc-nc.org/landowner/glossary.shtml]
Open Space Plan
- Identifies the critical lands and resources within a community that are worthy of protection. These areas may be comprised of farmland, water resources, wildlife habitat, scenic areas and may include cultural or historic resources. [source: Pennsylvania Land Choices, An Educational Guide, Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Pennsylvania Land Trust Association]
Open Space Referendum
- Municipalities are authorized by PA Act 153 ("Open Space Lands, Acquisition and Preservation") to purchase land or easements for the purpose of conservation. Local governments may levy a tax on real estate or earned income above the existing limits of the Commonwealth's laws, but only if they first receive referendum approval from the voters. A plan to protect these resources is required prior to expenditures of open space tax revenue. [source: Pennsylvania Land Choices, An Educational Guide, Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources in partnership with Pennsylvania Land Trust Association]
