State soil proposal muddied in controversy

HARRISBURG, Pa. – State lawmakers are throwing mud over a proposal to name an official state soil.

The state House voted 177-22 two weeks ago to designate Hazleton soil as the official state soil. The soil, named for the city in Luzerne County, is found in 34 counties.

The Pennsylvania Association of Professional Soil Scientists has pressed for the designation, which awaits Senate action, but some lawmakers say the Legislature should be dealing with more important issues.

“Enough is enough,” said state Rep. Kelly Lewis, who previously cast votes against naming celestite the state mineral and polka the state dance.