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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
March 18, 2024 - #1,026
(3/18/2024)
* 120 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 120 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* Weekly List Of PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

PA Environment Digest Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

* In Memoriam: Joanne Denworth, Environmental Leader And Attorney

On March 1, 2024, Joanne Denworth, 85, died of Alzheimer's disease. She built a pioneering career as a land use and environmental lawyer and provided decades of leadership on environmental issues in Pennsylvania.

* Retired Environmental Hearing Board Chief Judge Thomas W. Renwand To Receive PA Bar Assn. Environmental & Energy Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award

Retired Environmental Hearing Board Chief Judge Thomas W. Renwand will receive the 2024 Pennsylvania Bar Association Environmental and Energy Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award during the Environmental Law Forum, April 10, at the Hilton Harrisburg.

* Gov. Shapiro Unveils Cap-And-Invest PA Climate Emissions Reduction Initiative To Reduce Carbon Pollution From Power Plants; Update Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards To Diversify Electric Generation, Improve Reliability

On March 13, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a cap-and-invest PA Climate Emissions Reduction Initiative in legislation to reduce carbon pollution from power plants to protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution.

* Gov. Shapiro Joins Industry, Labor, Environmental, Consumer Leaders To Highlight New Energy Plan To Create Jobs, Lower Costs For Pennsylvanians

On March 14, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined industry, labor, environmental, consumer leaders, and Rep. Patty Kim at Cordia Energy in Harrisburg to highlight his newly unveiled energy plan to protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution.  Read more here.

* Gov. Shapiro On Republican Reaction To His Energy Plan: They’ve Done Nothing And Power ‘Plants Have Closed On Their Watch;’ They’re ‘Used To Doing Nothing;’ ‘Doing Nothing Is Not Acceptable’

On March 14, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined industry, labor, environmental, consumer leaders, and Rep. Patty Kim at Cordia Energy in Harrisburg to highlight his newly unveiled energy plan to protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution.  Read more here.

* Senate Republicans Reject Gov. Shapiro’s Offer To Work On Legislation To Make The Electric Grid More Reliable, Diversify Our Energy Sources, Lower Energy Costs For Ratepayers, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

On March 13, Republican leaders in the Senate uniformly rejected Gov. Shapiro’s offer to work on legislation to make the electric grid more reliable, diversify Pennsylvania’s energy generation, lower energy costs for ratepayers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

* Pennsylvania’s Electric Grid Is Dependent On One Fuel To Generate 59% Of Our Electricity; Market Moving To Renewables + Storage

On March 7, the Independent Fiscal Office issued its latest Pennsylvania Electricity update that reports the electricity grid is dependent on one fuel for 59% of the state’s electricity generation--  natural gas-- followed by nuclear power-- 31.9%, coal-- 5.4% and 3.7% from other sources.

* US EIA Report Shows How Winter Storms Have Reduced US Natural Gas Production, But Disruptions Can Happen Any Time Of The Year

On March 13, 2024, the US Energy Information Administration posted an article describing how winter storms disrupt US natural gas production.

* EPA: Pennsylvania One Of 45 States, MSAs To Submit Priority Climate Action Plans As Part Of $5 Billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program

On March 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a record 45 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and dozens of Metropolitan Statistical Areas have now developed priority climate action plans through investments made possible by the federal Inflation Reduction Act’s Investing in America program.

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Changes To General Air Quality Permit Authorizing Coal Mine Methane Flares

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 16 PA Bulletin inviting comments on proposed changes to the General Air Quality Permit authorizing coal mine methane flares.

* Shapiro Marks Plugging 200th Abandoned Conventional Oil & Gas Well: These Companies Will Do Anything To Avoid Paying For Plugging; It’s Not Okay Some In The Legislature Are Shielding Them; Text Well Locations

On March 12, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Department of Environmental Protection Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, and local legislative and environmental leaders joined the Penn Mechanical Group crew in Butler County to plug the 200th orphaned or abandoned well under the Shapiro Administration.

* DEP Cites Conventional Oil & Gas Well Operators For Abandoning, Not Plugging 140 More Wells Last Week; Total Now 380 Wells This Year

The Department of Environmental Protection issued violations to conventional oil and gas well operators for abandoning and not plugging 140 of their wells last week. 

* PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - March 9 to 15 - Home Explosion; 140 More Abandoned Conventional Wells; Methane In Water Supply; Porcupine Causes Wastewater Spill

From March 9 to 15, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 610 inspection entries.

* DEP Issues Violation To Blackhill Energy, LLC Shale Gas Driller For Contaminating Groundwater, 3 Water Supplies With Methane In Springfield Twp., Bradford County

On February 8, 2024, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a notice of violation to Blackhill Energy, LLC for failing to prevent the migration of shale gas into groundwater that contaminated three private water supplies with methane in Springfield Township, Bradford County in June of 2022.

* The Derrick: Public Utility Commission Starts Investigation Into Possible Order For Another Utility To Permanently Acquire Venango Water Company Impacted By Conventional Oil Well Spill

On March 12, 2024, The Derrick reported the state Public Utility Commission has started a formal investigation into whether it should order another public utility to acquire the Venango Water Company as part of its recovery from the oil well spill that contaminated the Bellows Spring water supply last July, which led to a “do not consume” advisory in Reno that lasted six weeks.

* DEP Issues Violation To CNX Gas Company For Withdrawing Over 1.8 Million Gallons Of Water For Fracking For 22 Days Without Permission

On March 8, 2024, DEP issued a notice of violation to CNX Gas Company LLC for withdrawing over 1.8 million gallons of water for shale gas fracking without approval from sources in Washington and Greene counties.

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - March 16

The following DEP notices were published in the March 16 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Approves 30 Shale Gas Well Pad Water Use General Permits In Bradford, Clearfield, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming Counties

In January, the Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave his approval to 30 water use permits for individual shale gas well drilling pads in Bradford, Clearfield, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wyoming counties.  (formal notice)

* Advocates For Clean Water In Delaware River Watershed Visit Capitol Hill In Washington To Urge Support Of Conservation Measures

On March 13, nearly 60 members of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed met with their members of Congress to urge support for the protection, restoration, and conservation of the Delaware River Watershed.

* Interstate Commission On Potomac River Basin Publishes A New Plan For A Fresh Path Forward For The Potomac River

On March 13, the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin has published an update to a comprehensive planning document that it hopes will be used as a tool to protect water supplies, drinking water sources, water quality, and aquatic life.

* Stroud Water Research Center UpStream: Student Stewardship; Stream Restoration Investments; World Environmental Ed Congress; Starting A Watershed Organization; World Water Day March 22; More!

The latest issue of the UpStream newsletter from the Chester County-based Stroud Water Research Center is chock full of great stuff--

* PennVEST To Hold Local, In-Person, Online Educational Events To Share Information On Unprecedented Water Infrastructure Funding Opportunities, Starting March 21

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority will kick off a series of local, in-person and online educational events around the state to share information and answer questions about drinking water, wastewater, nutrient pollution reduction, stormwater management and other water infrastructure funding opportunities.

* Volunteers Needed For 24-Hour Tree Planting Relay April 5-6 Organized By The Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is seeking volunteers for its second annual 24-Hour Tree Planting Relay on April 5-6.

* Penn State Extension, Partners Host Volunteer Tree Plantings April 13 - Lebanon County, April 16 - Lancaster County

 Penn State Extension and the Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center's Greening the Lower Susquehanna Program will host two volunteer tree plantings/workshops on April 13 in Lebanon County and April 16 in Lancaster County.

* March 20 Penn State Extension Webinar On Defining Nature's Worth From A Health And Economic Perspective

Penn State Extension will host a March 20 webinar exploring nature's worth from a health and economic perspective starting at Noon.

* Federal Office Of Mine Reclamation Opens New Round Of Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program Grants

The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement is now accepting applications for the Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program Grants.  The deadline to apply is May 1.

* Mountain Watershed Assn. Will Install Warning Signs Around Wastewater Outfall Of MAX Environmental Technologies Yukon Facility In Sewickley Creek, Westmoreland County

On March 11, Mountain Watershed Association and Yukon community members announced they will install two informational warning signs on the banks of Sewickley Creek in Westmoreland County near the permitted discharge point of MAX Environmental Technologies Landfill #6 on March 16 at 11:00 a.m. (Google Maps location).

* DEP Sets April 17 Hearing On Alternatives For Dealing With PFAS 'Forever Chemical' Contamination At The Newberry Twp. PFC Site In York County

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled an April 17 hearing and extended comment period on the proposed Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act response plan for the Newberry Township PFAS ‘forever chemical’ contamination site in Newberry and Fairview Townships, York County.  (PA Bulletin, Page 1408)

* Penn State: Inaugural PA Partners For Climate Smart Ag Commodities Summit Held In State College

At the inaugural Pennsylvania Partners for Climate Smart Commodities Summit held in February on Penn State’s University Park campus, a diverse group of stakeholders came together to discuss how climate-smart agriculture offers innovative solutions to help farmers adapt and safeguard their livelihoods.

* Penn State Extension: April 8 Webinar On Private Water Supply Education And Water Testing

 Penn State Extension will host an April 8 webinar on Private Water Supply Education And Water Testing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Free drinking water testing will be offered as part of the program.

* Huntingdon Daily News: Coalition To Save Old Crow Wetlands Appeals DEP Permit For New Rutters Store In Smithfield Twp.

On March 9, 2024, the Huntingdon Daily News reported the Coalition to Save Old Crow Wetland has appealed DEP's Chapter 105 permit for a new Rutters convenience store in Smithfield Township to the Environmental Hearing Board.  [Docket No. 2024061]

* WeConservePA: Environmental Advisory Council Conference Smashes Attendance Records; Fall EAC Gathering Being Planned

The 2024 Environmental Advisory Council Virtual Conference was attended by a record 186 people who wanted to learn more about how people in other communities are tackling today's environmental issues.

* DEP Environmental Justice Update Highlights Governor’s New STEM Fellowship; Grant Deadlines; May 14 Environmental Justice Advisory Board Meeting

The latest Environmental Justice Update from DEP features articles on the Governor’s STEM Fellowship, coming grant application deadlines and the next Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting.

* EPA Recognizes Bimbo Bakeries USA In Reading As One Of Most Energy-Efficient Manufacturing Plants Of 2023

On March 14,  the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized 103 U.S. manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, a designation reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25% of energy efficiency in their sector.

* Penn State Extension Energy Essentials: Federal, State Energy Efficiency Programs For Farms And Businesses; Balancing Carbon, Forest Health Other Goals

The latest issue of Penn State Extension Energy Essentials highlights a March 21 webinar on Federal and State Energy Efficiency Programs For Farms And Businesses and a March 18 webinar on Having It All: Balancing Carbon, Forest Health and Other Goals

* PA Solar Center Hosts March 22 Webinar Unpacking Solar Energy Interconnection With Electric Grid In PA

Join the Pennsylvania Solar Center and expert speakers for a March 22 webinar to learn about the importance of the interconnection process and how it brings more renewable energy electrons onto the grid starting at Noon.

* EPA Awards Funding To Student Teams For Innovative Solutions To Environmental, Public Health Challenges; Widener University Receives Funding

On March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced nearly $1.2 million in funding to 16 college student teams to research and develop innovative solutions that address environmental and public health challenges as part of the Agency’s People, Prosperity, and the Planet (P3) Program.

* PA Resources Council Western PA Schedule Of Household Chemical, Hard-To-Recycle, Electronics Waste Collection Events

Mark your 2024 calendar now for dates to drop off a wide variety of materials – ranging from computers and tires to household chemicals and smoke detectors – at upcoming collection events in western Pennsylvania sponsored by Pennsylvania Resources Council and its partners.

* Calling All Volunteers! Participate In Perkiomen Stream Cleanup On April 13 In Montgomery County

On March 12, the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy announced it will host the 20th Annual Watershed-wide Stream Cleanup on Saturday, April 13 starting at 9:00 a.m.

* DCNR, State Fire Commissioner Warn Of Increasing Risk Of Seasonal Wildfires; 1,900 Wildfires Burned 9,186 Acres, Caused 3 Deaths In 2023

On March 14, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook urged Pennsylvanians to be mindful of high woodland fire danger as seasonal wildfire risk increases.

* Biorenewables Symposium To Be Held April 18-19 In State College On Biobased, Energy, Products, Materials

Professionals and researchers spanning biorenewables-related industries and research programs are invited to join Penn State’s 2024 Biorenewables Symposium, which is designed to help them gain insights into cutting-edge research, cultivate partnerships and explore pathways within the field of biobased energy, products and materials.

* Penn State Extension Community Trees Update: 59th Annual Shade Tree Symposium March 25-26 In Lebanon

The latest Penn State Extension Community Trees Update highlights the upcoming 59th Annual Shade Tree Symposium being held March 25-26 at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center in Lebanon.

* Penn State Master Gardeners Of Cambria County Host Dr. Doug Tallamy April 11 - Nature's Best Hope, A New Approach To Conservation That Starts In Your Yard

Join the Penn State Master Gardeners of Cambria County for a lecture and book signing by Dr. Doug Tallamy on April 11 at the Forest Hills High School Auditorium in Sidman, Cambria County from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension, Partners Host April 16 Online Mini-Workshop - Choosing Native Plants

On April 16, Penn State Extension and its partners will host a mini-workshop on Choosing Native Plants from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

* Fish & Boat Commission Announces First Round Of Boating Facility Grants

On March 11, the Fish and Boat Commission announced the first round of grants awarded in 2024 through the Boating Facility Grant Program.

* Cameron County Chamber: Sinnemahone Paddle Race Set For April 13 - First Event In The 2024 Sinnemahone Triple Crown

On March 12, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce announced the Sinnemahone Paddle Race will take place on Saturday, April 13 on the Driftwood Branch of The Sinnemahoning Creek.

* Earth Conservancy, Industrial Archives & Library Announce Landmark Agreement To Preserve, Provide Access To Key Piece Of America’s Anthracite Coal History - Glen Alden Coal’s Records

In a significant joint effort to conserve and preserve the historic records of the former Glen Alden Corporation for research purposes, on March 13 the Earth Conservancy of Ashley, Pennsylvania, and the Industrial Archives & Library of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, announced they had reached an Agreement between the two organizations in which IAL will assume ownership of the coal companies’ records for the purpose of preparing them and making them accessible for research by historians, scholars and the public.

* Clean Air Council Names Alex Bomstein, Esq. New Executive Director

On March 13, Philadelphia-based Clean Air Council announced the promotion of Legal Director and long-time environmental advocate Alex Bomstein Esq., to the position of Executive Director.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* DCNR State Parks March Environmental Education Newsletter Puts Spring In Your Educational Steps!

Let the March issue of DCNR State Parks Environmental Education newsletter put some Spring in your education steps this month with features like this--

* Clean Air Council, Moms Clean Air Force, Earthworks Host March 20 Webinar On Federal Waste Oil & Gas Emission Charges

On March 20, the Clean Air Council, Moms Clean Air Force and Earthworks will host a webinar on federal waste emission charges to be assessed on the oil and gas industry from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* EPA Issues Final Rule On Reducing Emissions Of Harmful Ethylene Oxide Found At 5 Facilities In PA

On March 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a final rule that will reduce lifetime cancer risks for people living near commercial sterilization facilities across the country.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* PA Bulletin Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the March 16 PA Bulletin-- 

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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