After vetoing the main budget bill Tuesday night, almost immediately after it was passed by Republicans, Gov. Wolf met with Senate and House leaders of both parties Wednesday and came away from the meeting optimistic, but recognized he and the GOP leadership had fundamental differences on even the most basic parts of the budget, liquor privatization and pension reform.

Senate and House Republicans sent a Fiscal Code bill-- Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh)-- to the Governor that invalidates the regulations DEP proposed to ensure conventional oil and gas wells protect the environment and makes DEP start the process over.

The PA Environmental Council Monday wrote to all members of the Senate Monday urging them to remove a section of the Fiscal Code bill-- Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh)-- that invalidates the regulations DEP proposed to ensure conventional oil and gas wells protect the environment and makes DEP start the process over.

The PA Growing Greener Coalition Thursday issued the following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath in response to recent discussions concerning the enactment of a severance tax on natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania:

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold the first meeting of the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force on July 22 at DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg starting at 1:00, according to a notice published in the July 4 PA Bulletin.

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA.  Let us join your Circle.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-- 

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action--

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday reported out these bills to the full House--

Rep Kathy Rapp (R-Forest) announced Saturday the House has passed House Resolution 412 honoring the Conewango Creek Watershed Association for its efforts in preserving, enhancing and promoting the Conewango Creek in northwestern Pennsylvania, which was named Pennsylvania’s 2015 River of the Year, has passed the House unanimously.

The June issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring articles on--

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Thursday released its third report on water quality conditions in select watersheds in the Marcellus shale region of the Susquehanna River Basin.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay partnered with LandStudies Inc. to host a tour of innovative green infrastructure sites throughout Lancaster County, PA on June 30th.

By Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Dog owners in Fishtown and Washington Square West have just days to make their canines contenders for the title of Philly Water’s Best Friend. Philadelphia Water’s casting call for “spokesdogs” ends July 15; top prize: $200 in gifts from local pet stores.

The July edition of the Chesapeake Bay Currents newsletter is now available from the U.S. EPA Chesapeake Bay Program feature articles on--

Rain gardens, stream bank fencing, and stabilized roadways are some of the natural resources protection projects, known as best management practices, that are featured in Westmoreland Conservation District’s new online Best Management Practices Portfolio.

The PA Chapter of the American Water Works Association will host the 2015 Water System Optimization Conference October 28-30 In Hershey.  Click Here for more information on the Conference agenda and registration information.

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane Wednesday announced the filing of criminal charges against a man accused of improperly storing hazardous waste at his York County business.

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday issued the following update on the cleanup efforts and environmental impacts of the June 8 fire at Miller Chemical, a fertilizer plant in Adams County.

C.O.G.E.N.T. (Connection For Oil, Gas And Environment In The Northern Tier) announced Thursday it has completed Pipeline Emergency training in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga and Wyoming counties.

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday said it has completed a first round of air quality monitoring near the Jeansville mine fire in Banks Township, Carbon County.

The Public Utility Commission Monday released a new Consumer Complaint Procedures Guide, designed to educate consumers about the Commission’s complaint process. An additional quick reference sheet, “Know the PUC Complaint Process and Your Options,” also offers handy instructions about how to file a complaint with the PUC.

Pennsylvania’s new five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan to connect citizens to healthy outdoor recreation shows maintenance of existing park and recreation areas continues to be a top concern and priority for citizens and providers, and that park and recreation services are a central asset in combating societal health care issues like obesity and mental health.

The PA Environmental Council Monday announced it has received a $1.5 million grant from the William Penn Foundation for support of development of the Circuit trail network in Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wednesday announced it will be initiating several changes at the park in an effort to preserve the “dark sky” experience while improving visitors’ satisfaction and safety at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County.

For the month of July, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its creation with a digital education campaign to inform citizens about its mission and encourage more people to visit Pennsylvania's public lands.

The July 1 edition of the Resource newsletter from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now available featuring articles on--

It was a scene that warmed many hearts.  A bald eagle incubating two eggs in a falling snow, unwilling to budge as the nest turned white. As the flakes piled high, the bird was blanketed. Only its head could been seen, periscoping above the snow.

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more--

No new regulations were published this week.  Pennsylvania Bulletin - July 4, 2015

CLICK HERE to Print The Entire 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:  DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.