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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
Crisci Associates, March 21, 2016 Issue #612
(3/21/2016)
* 4th Senate, House Republican Budget Sent To Governor In The Face Of Veto Threat

Senate and House Republicans, in overwhelmingly party-line votes, took final action to send House Bill 1801 (Irvin-R-Centre) containing $6.05 billion in supplemental appropriations for FY 2015-16 (Senate- 31 to 18, House- 128 to 63), the Fiscal Code bill-- House Bill 1327 (Peifer-R-Pike) (Senate- 30 to 19, House- 120 to 71) and the bills funding state-related universities to the Governor for his action.

* PEC Opposes Killing Conventional Drilling Regs, Clean Power Plan Delay In Fiscal Code

The PA Environmental Council Wednesday sent a letter to all members of the Senate expressing its opposition to provisions House Bill 1327 (Peifer-R-Pike) amends the Fiscal Code to among other things, kill DEP Chapter 78 conventional drilling regulations and make DEP start over, reduce Growing Greener watershed restoration funding by $15 million this fiscal year and to slow consideration of any state plan to comply with the EPA Clean Power Climate Plan.

* 2nd Senate Budget Hearing: DEP: 12 Special Funds Will Have Funding Shortfalls By 2018

DEP Secretary John Quigley Monday told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Environment and Government Operations DEP will have 12 special funds running in the red by 2018 and at least two of those funds will require legislative action to fix.

* Growing Greener Coalition Calls For Boost In Funding For Environmental Agencies

The PA Growing Greener Coalition Monday called on the Wolf Administration and state lawmakers to boost funding for the Department of Environmental Protection, citing concerns that inadequate technology and bare bones staffing levels are putting Pennsylvania's environment at risk.

* Presque Isle State Park Beaches Named Best Freshwater Beach By USA Today

The beaches at Presque Isle State Park in Erie were named the best freshwater beaches in the United States by the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Contest Friday.

* Reservations Now Being Accepted For April 19 Governor’s Environmental Awards Dinner

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting reservations for the April 19 dinner to honor the 2016 winners of the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award to be held at the Harrisburg Hilton.

* PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

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

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

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

* Bills On Governor's Desk

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

* Senate/House Bills Moving

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

* House Environmental Committee To Review Final DEP Drilling Regulations

Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced Wednesday the Committee will be reviewing the final DEP Chapter 78 and 78a oil and gas drilling regulations at its next meeting.

* House Committee Held Information Meeting On Natural Gas Royalty Legislation

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday conducted an informational meeting on House Bill 1391 (Everett-R-Lycoming) that would protect natural gas royalty owners from unjustified post-production cost deductions.

* Joint Conservation Committee: Heritage Areas Generate $2 Billion For PA’s Economy

Jane Sheffield, President of Heritage PA, told the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee Monday Pennsylvania’s 12 Heritage Areas generate $2 billion to the state’s economy, according to a recent study by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

* Senate Committee To Consider Recycling Fee, Septic System, Other Bills March 22

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet March 22 on legislation authorizing a local recycling fee, further allowing the use of alternative septic systems in sewage planning, establishing a private dam financial assurance program and a limited oil and gas permit fee exemption.  The bills include--

* House Environmental Committee Meets March 23, Possibly To Discuss Drilling Regs

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on March 23, however no agenda has yet been posted.

* Written Testimony Available For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E-Waste Recycling

The Joint House-Senate Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing March 21 on the collapse of Pennsylvania’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program created by the Covered Device Recycling Act.

* PA Environmental Council Opens New Bill Tracker Webpage On Legislation, Regulations

The PA Environmental Council opened a new Bill Tracker feature on its website to provide quick, easy-to-understand information on the status of legislation, House and Senate Committee meetings related to environmental issues and DEP and other advisory committee meetings having an impact on the development of environmental regulations.

* ARIPPA Now Accepting Apps For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants+SENSE Act

The Anthracite Region Independent Power Producers are now accepting applications for the 2016 Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grant Program.  Proposals are due July 8.

* Green Infrastructure Expanding In Stroudsburg Area, Monroe County

What do rain gardens and “Don’t Feed the Ducks” signs have to do with clean water? Plenty, says the Brodhead Watershed Association working in Monroe County.

* Landowner Open House March 29 In Westmoreland On Conservation Funding

The Westmoreland County Conservation District will hold an open house March 29 in Greensburg to answer questions about funding available to landowners to create or maintain wildlife habitat and forested stream buffers on their lands. 

* March 14 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension

The March 14 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension is now available featuring stories on--

* March 14 Chesapeake Bay Journal News Now Available

The March 14 Chesapeake Bay Journal News is now available featuring stories on—

* Winter 2016 Newsletter From Partnership For Delaware Estuary Now Available

The Winter 2016 edition of Estuary News from the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is now available featuring articles on--

* Academy Of Natural Sciences Update On Delaware Watershed Initiative Now Available

The March 17 edition of Stream Samples, an update on the Delaware Watershed Initiative at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is now available featuring stories on--

* DEP Samples Show Crystal Spring Water At Acceptable Lead Levels In Berks County

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday released its own results from a water sample taken March 8 at Crystal Spring Water, a company that sells well water through vending machines in Adamstown, Berks County.

* Insurance Commissioner Hails Congressional Action On Private Flood Insurance

Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller Monday hailed a recent vote by the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Committee approving the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act (H.R. 2901).

* Delaware River Basin Commission Flood Info. Portal Lets Users Sign Up For Alerts

The Delaware River Basin Commission opened a Flood Resources Portal to provide residents of the watershed with a one-stop-shop for flood hazard information, flood forecasts, flood preparedness, flooding alerts and much more.  Click Here to visit the Portal.

* DEP Installs Air Sampling Monitors Near Keystone Landfill, Lackawanna County

As part of its ongoing monitoring of the Keystone Landfill in Dunmore, Lackawanna County, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Tuesday it has installed air sampling monitors at three locations near the landfill.

* 12 Schools In PA Recognized In National Recycle Bowl Competition

The results are in from the elementary, middle and high schools competing in Keep America Beautiful’s 2015 Recycle Bowl Competition which took place in the four weeks prior to America Recycles Day on November 15.

* Keep PA Beautiful: Clean Earth Supports 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced Clean Earth as their newest sponsor of the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA, their annual signature event.

* Volunteers Needed For Little Paint Creek Cleanup March 26 In Cambria County

The Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association and the Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team are inviting volunteers to help with the Little Paint Creek Cleanup on March 26 in Cambria County.

* PEC, Conservation District Hold Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup April 9 In Potter County

The PA Environmental Council and the Potter County Conservation District have organized a community illegal dumpsite cleanup April 9 in Galeton, West Branch Township in Potter County from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

* Annual French Creek Cleanup Day April 23 In Montgomery County

Join Green Valleys Watershed Association and community volunteers as we remove litter from the French Creek in Phoenixville on April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to noon!  Help to protect the French Creek and beautify an important community resource!

* Volunteers Needed For Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup April 16

Clean and Green Harrisburg and Keep Harrisburg/Dauphin County Beautiful are holding the 4th Annual Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup on April 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* PA Resources Council Schedules Hard-To-Recycled Collection Events In Western PA

Mark your 2016 calendar now for dates to drop off a wide variety of materials – ranging from computers and household chemicals to usable building materials and unwanted medications – at upcoming collections sponsored by the PA Resources Council and its partners.

* DEP Conducts Mine Rescue Safety Training Drill In Scranton

Staff from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Deep Mine Safety Program conducted a mine rescue drill for local mining rescue teams on March 16 at the Lackawanna Coal Mine in Scranton.

* Agriculture Extends 1-Pound Waiver To Avoid Gasoline Supply Disruption

The Department of Agriculture published notice in the March 19 Pennsylvania Bulletin extending by technical guidance the one-pound Reid Vapor Pressure waiver now in state law, but due to expire on May 1, 2016.

* DEP Issues Water Permit For Jessup Gas-Fired Power Plant In Lackawanna County

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has issued a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit to Lackawanna Energy Center, LLC of Chicago to discharge treated wastewater from a proposed 1500-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant to be constructed on Industrial Drive in Jessup, Lackawanna County.

* Briefing: Abandoned, Orphan Oil & Gas Wells Means They’re Abandoned And Orphans

A question came up in the House hearing on the Department of Environmental Protection’s budget on how many times DEP inspects abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells “it owns” in Pennsylvania.

* Briefing: DCNR Leasing Of Stream, River Bottoms For Natural Gas Development

A question came up at the House and Senate budget hearings for DCNR and DEP on how much leasing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources did of river and stream bottoms-- submerged lands-- in spite of the fact Gov. Wolf signed an Executive Order on January 29, 2015 putting in place a moratorium on leasing more State Park and Forest land for natural gas development.

* 2 New Members Joint PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance

Two Pittsburgh-area economic development and trade organizations have joined the PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance-- the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

* March 30 Deadline For Comments On DEP Climate Change Action Plan Update

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting public comments on the update to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan through March 30. (January 30 formal notice)

* $65.8M In Federal Coal-Impacted Communities Economic Development Funding Available

Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the availability of $65.8 million in federal funding through the Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative to develop new strategies for economic growth and worker advancement for communities that have historically relied on the coal economy for economic stability.

* PUC Orders PaG&E To Refund $6.8 Million, Pay Penalties For Deceptive Marketing

The Public Utility Commission Friday confirmed the finalization of sanctions against Pennsylvania Gas & Electric Company (PaG&E) for alleged deceptive actions during and after the “Polar Vortex” in the winter of 2013-14.

* PUC Approves PPL, PECO Act 129 Energy Efficiency Plans

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved Phase III Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation plans submitted by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation and PECO Energy Company.

* Electric Car Charging Station To Open At Harrisburg International Airport

Travelers who park at Harrisburg International Airport will soon be able to charge their electric vehicles.

* DEP Sets Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar In Norristown April 7

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation invite fleet managers, municipalities, school districts, incorporated nonprofit entities, and businesses to an April 7 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant seminar in Norristown, Montgomery County.

* March 17 DEP News Now Available

The March 17 edition of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental Protection featuring articles on--

* EPA Accepting Applications For 2016 Toxics Release Inventory University Challenge

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for its 2016 Toxics Release Inventory University Challenge.  Applications are due March 27.

* Millbrook Marsh Nature Center, Centre County, DCNR Green Park Award Winner

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Tuesday announced Millbrook Marsh Nature Center in Centre County is the Green Park Award winner for its demonstrated commitment to environmental education, diverse park uses and restoration of a natural environment.

* Philadelphia Chosen For 2021 City Parks Alliance Greater & Greener Conference

Phillymag.com reported Friday the city of Philadelphia was picked by the City Parks Alliance to host its 2021 Greater & Greener Conference, a gathering of park professionals and political leaders from around the world devoted specifically to urban parks.

* Growing Greener Coalition Thanks House For Passing Heritage Areas Bill

The PA Growing Greener Coalition Wednesday thanked House members for unanimously passing House Bill 1605 (James-R-Venango) that formally establishes a PA Heritage Area Program to identify, protect, enhance and promote the historic, recreational, natural, cultural and scenic resources of the Commonwealth.

* PEC: Pocono Forest & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grant Apps Due April 25

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grant Program.  Applications are due April 25.

* DCNR Urges Caution To Prevent Wildfires With Spring Approaching

With the approach of spring, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Friday noted drying spring winds and warming temperatures quickly can combine to increase fire dangers across Pennsylvania’s forests and brushlands.

* March 18 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available

The March 18 edition of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

* Friends Of Wissahickon Host Valley Talks April 5, May 19 In Montgomery County

The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County are hosting two Valley Talks this spring that explore various aspects of conservation and benefits of public parks.  The programs will be held at the Valley Green Inn located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park.

* Penn State Extension Community Forestry Short Course In-Person, Online March 29-31

Penn State Extension will hold a Community Forestry Short Course In-Person and Webinar March 29, 30 and 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. each day.

* Spring Penn’s Stewards Newsletter Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The Spring edition of the Penn’s Stewards newsletter from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Northeast Lancaster County River Trail Visitor’s Center Now Open In Columbia

Ad Crable, LancasterOnline.com, reported Wednesday a new Northeast Lancaster County River Trail section and Columbia Crossing River Trails Center now open in Columbia Borough.

* April 1 Deadline Coming Up To Register For June PEC Environment Ride

The PA Environmental Council Environment Ride will be here before you know it, and so will the April 1 early registration deadline!

* Day-By-Day Schedule For June 18-25 Delaware River Sojourn Now Available

An overview of the 2016 Delaware River Sojourn running from June 18 to 25 was made available on Tuesday.  Click Here for all the details.

* Lacawac Sanctuary Marks 50th Anniversary With Brick Campaign In Wayne County

Lacawac Sanctuary and Biological Field Station in Wayne County is celebrating its 50th anniversary and friends and supporters are invited to leave their personal imprint on its history and future through participation in our Commemorative Brick Campaign

* DCNR’s Cosmo’s World Series Teaches Students Important Environmental Concepts

Join the Emmy-Award winning Cosmo the Flying Squirrel, Terra the River Otter and their friends on new journeys of environmental discovery. 

* Wildlife Leadership Academy Summer Outdoor Field Schools For Students 14-17

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its four, 5-day residential field schools in PA.  Each field school focuses on one particular species:  White-tailed Deer, Brook Trout, Ruffed Grouse or Black Bear.  The deadline for applications is April 1.

* Registration Open For April 5 Peregrine Falcon Educator’s Workshop

The Department of Environmental Protection Monday invited teachers, non-formal educators, homeschoolers and youth group and scout leaders to attend a free Peregrine Falcon Educator’s Workshop, WILD in the City, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. April 5 in the second floor auditorium of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, Harrisburg.

* Hawk Mountain To Hold Annual Spring Equinox Celebration March 19

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County invites visitors of all ages to welcome the spring season at its annual Spring Equinox Celebration on March 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Trail fees apply for non-members but indoor events are free.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Launches Spring Hawk Watch April 1

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County invites visitors to watch for returning raptors and other migrants during its annual Spring Hawk Watch, held daily April 1 through May 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sanctuary’s famous North Lookout.

* Fish & Boat Commission Celebrates 150th Anniversary March 30

The Fish and Boat Commission will commemorate and celebrate the 150th Anniversary of its founding as one of the nation’s oldest conservation agencies during this month’s quarterly business meeting and at a special public event at the State Museum in Harrisburg.

* Game Commission: 315,813 Deer Harvested In 2015-16 Hunting Season

The Game Commission Monday reported hunters harvested an estimated 315,813 deer – an increase of about 4 percent compared to the 2014-15 harvest of 303,973.

* State Museum, Game Commission Working Together For Wildlife Exhibit Coming April 8

The PA Historical and Museum Commission and the Game Commission will host the opening of a special exhibit, “Working Together for Wildlife: Three Decades of Pennsylvania’s Nature in Art” at 10:00 a.m. on April 8  at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg

* Manada Conservancy Annual Spring Native Plant Sale May 7 In Dauphin County

The Manada Conservancy will hold its annual Spring Native Plant Sale on May 7 in Hummelstown, Dauphin County.  Pre-orders are now being accepted through April 15.  For more information, visit Manada Conservancy’s Spring Native Plant Sale webpage.  Questions?  Call 717-566-4122.

* DEP’s Michael Korb Recognized By Interstate Mining Compact Commission

The Interstate Mining Compact Commission recently announced Michael Korb, P.E., Environmental Program Manager for DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation in Wilkes-Barre, is the winner of the IMCC’s 2016 Public Outreach Award.  The text of the award description follows—

* DEP Northwest Regional Employees Receive Legal Aid Excellence Award

Six employees from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest Regional Safe Drinking Water Program and Office of Chief Counsel were part of a team honored with the Legal Aid Excellence Award for their work to help residents of Hardwood Estates Mobile Home Park located outside of Conneaut Lake in Crawford County.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

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

* Grants & Awards

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

* Environmental NewsClips - All Topics

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

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety published notice of proposed regulations in the March 19 PA Bulletin relating to proximity detection systems.  Comments are due April 18.

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CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.

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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.

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