Stop tax on radon mitigation systems

Last year, the CDT published an article regarding the State College Community Land Trust and affordable home ownership for the community. It caught my attention because I often work in the State College area as a home inspector/radon contractor. I wanted to bring it to the community’s attention that the commonwealth is trying to impose a $50 tax on all homeowners who wish to install a radon mitigation system in their homes. That’s the equivalent of imposing a $50 tax to install a water heater or any other appliance. Myself and other radon contractors have opposed the tax, but it appears the commonwealth is moving forward with it regardless.

I’m hoping to raise awareness and encourage citizens to contact local elected officials and/or the state’s Department of Environmental Protection directly, and let them know that the tax serves no purpose other than as another unnoticed vehicle for the state to raise money.

Homeowners who are trying to protect their families from lung cancer shouldn’t be charged an additional tax. Otherwise, we should start taxing people to quit smoking. Contact Laura Edinger at the DEP at ledinger@pa.gov or 717-783-8727, and reference 25 PA Code Chapters 218 & 240.

This story was originally published September 20, 2017 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Stop tax on radon mitigation systems."