On November 19, Senate and House Republicans and a Democratic member announced the introduction of legislation to protect coal-fired power plants by requiring the approval of the General Assembly to join the interstate Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative or similar programs.

On November 19, DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council heard a presentation providing an overview of DEP’s process for developing a carbon dioxide cap-and-trade program covering power plants that is compatible with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to address climate change.

By Rama Zakaria & Mandy Warner, Environmental Defense Foundation

On November 20, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has invested $1,891,000 in 12 clean energy vehicle projects through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants Program.

On November 19, the Senate voted 43 to 6 to pass Senate Bill 596 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) encouraging the development of clean transportation infrastructure to support electric, natural gas and hydrogen vehicles.

The Nature Conservancy-PA released a new video this week profiling the steps taken by Pennsylvania’s Natural Guard to increase energy efficiency and implement clean energy technologies at its Fort Indiantown Gap training facility in Lebanon County.

On December 6th, as world leaders gather at the United Nation’s annual climate conference, young people across America will join a national #ClimateStrike to take the momentum from September Climate Strike to the doorsteps of elected officials.

PennFuture is now accepting nominations for its 6th Annual Women In Conservation Awards, this year focused on Southwest Pennsylvania.  Nominations are due February 28.

By Bill Chain, Senior Agriculture Program Manager, CBF-PA

On November 18, the Environmental Defense Fund, K-Coe Isom and TeamAg, Inc. released a new study that shows farm conservation provides real financial benefits to Pennsylvania's dairy farmers who have been experiencing significant economic pressures.

On November 20, Chesapeake Bay Foundation announced a new position has been created that combines science and advocacy and has tapped a familiar face to be its first director.

On November 19, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the investment of $14.3 million in 41 land acquisition projects that will protect 10,051 acres of open space and natural areas through the Community Conservation Partnership Grants Program.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the  Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps young adult work and conservation learning program.  Applications are due January 1.

By Amy Duke, Penn State News

On November 18, the Senate voted 38 to 11 to send Senate Bill 147 (Laughlin-R-Erie) allowing hunting on 3 Sundays a year to the Governor for his action. 

It’s that time of year again for hunters to make their list and check it twice in anticipation of the opening day of rifle deer season.

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

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

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

On November 19, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out legislation on stream cleaning, household hazardous waste and notifying municipalities of waste violations.

On November 20, representatives from the PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. met with the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee during an informational meeting to discuss the operations, activities and challenges of the county conservation districts.

On November 19, Sen. John Yudichak (I-Luzerne) announced he will become a registered Independent and "work to change the political conversation from one of divisiveness to one that empowers the voice of every citizen who wants government to work for people, all people."

On November 19, the Senate confirmed Kristen Schnepp-Giger of Warren County as a member of the Game Commission’s Board of Commissioners after being nominated by Gov. Tom Wolf.

On November 21, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA), and Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) have written to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue urging him to use his authority to transfer unspent funds to conservation programs that will help agricultural producers and landowners voluntarily improve their farms and private forests by reducing runoff pollution.

On November 22, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation joined a coalition of NGOs filing suit in Federal Circuit Court in Washington, D.C. to overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to withdraw the Clean Air Act waiver previously granted to California’s Clean Cars program.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is now accepting applications for its 2020 Coldwater Conservation Grants Program.  The deadline to apply is January 17.

Interested in volunteering to become a Master Watershed Steward?  Learn more by attending one of the upcoming information meetings in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon or York counties.

The Water Environment Federation Stormwater Institute will host a December 10 Workshop On Strategies For Overcoming Risk From Extreme Weather Through Green Infrastructure In Community Redevelopment at the Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road in Lancaster from 8:30 to Noon.

On November 20, PA Emergency Management Agency officials from the National Weather Service recognized Pennsylvania as one of only six states in the nation to have all counties achieve StormReady® status.

The PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture is now accepting registrations for its February 5-8 PA Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Lancaster.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the November 23 PA Bulletin the per acre Reclamation Fee for 2020 will be $100 per acre to cover costs incurred by the Reclamation Fee O&M Trust Account (PA Bulletin, page 7033). 

On November 22, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority released a 2019 summary recap of milestones and achievements. The 2019 update builds on the report released last year by the Authority, Pittsburgh’s Water Future: PGH2O 2030 and Beyond.

By: Virginia Cain, Community Relations Coordinator, DEP Southeast Regional Office

On November 19, the Environmental Quality Board voted to approve four agenda items--

By Erin Cassidy Hendrick, Penn State News

By Francisco Tutella, Penn State News

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the November 22 PA Bulletin Chapter 102 (Erosion & Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction & Encroachment) permit revisions have been submitted for the Mariner East 2 Pipeline in Chester and Delaware counties (PA Bulletin, starting on page 7032).

On November 21, the Thornton law firm announced it has filed a lawsuit on behalf of shareholders of Energy Transfer LP [Sunoco] alleging the company and certain executives violated the federal securities laws by misleading its investors about its business, operational and compliance policies.

On November 21, the Public Utility Commission urged consumers to evaluate energy options with competitive suppliers as most electric utilities will adjust electric generation prices on December 1 for non-shopping, or default service customers.

Starting December 1, the Philadelphia-based Energy Co-op will begin offering its members comprehensive energy efficiency audits performed by certified technicians trained by the Energy Coordinating Agency, another Philadelphia nonprofit that shares with it a focus on advancing sustainable energy practices.

On November 21, the Building Energy Performance Policy (bill number 190600), passed out of Philadelphia City Council with a vote of 15 - 0.  It now goes to the Mayor for his action.

December 6 is National Miners Day, a day designated by Congress to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the miners who have helped make America strong.

The Appalachian Regional Commission will host a December 11 workshop for those communities and agencies interested in applying for POWER Grants to help diversify the economies of areas in Appalachia impacted by the downturn in the coal mining industry.

A December 12 symposium on the future of solar energy will feature experts from Penn State as well as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California Merced, and Princeton University.

The Penn State Master Gardener program has produced its second statewide calendar. The 2020 wall calendar features stunning photography and, new this year, IPM (integrated pest management) tips.

On November 22, the WalkWorks Program, a collaboration between the Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, has selected 10 communities and agencies to receive grants that will assist with the development of active transportation plans and policies.

The Annual Power of the Partnership Celebration is the South Mountain Partnership’s yearly event to celebrate what makes the South Mountain region so special.

On November 18, the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art announced it has received an $80,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to conduct outreach and technical assistance within the Brandywine Creek Greenway; and coordinate and fund the 2020 Brandywine Creek Greenway mini-grant program.

Brighten up any wall in your office or home with a 2020 State Parks Calendar from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

The Lehigh Valley-based Wildlands Conservancy recently highlighted its educational programs and activities coming up in December--

The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation tom ridge wetlands recently  received a $250,000 Recreation and Conservation grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the continued development of the education elements of the Tom Ridge Wetlands & Wildlife Center in Huston Township, Centre County.

The Wildlife For Everyone Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for students enrolled in a 2-year, 4-year or graduate program with an interest or academic major in wildlife resources or who actively participates in natural resource conservation activities.

The Wildlife For Everyone Foundation will hold the 2020 Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala on April 3 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College, Centre County.

The November 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

Leaders from the U.S. Forest Service's Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers staff are visiting the Allegheny National Forest this week for a team retreat. They came from as far away as Washington, D.C.; West Virginia; Missoula, Montana; and the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in Minnesota.

The Fall newsletter from the PA Council of Trout Unlimited is now available featuring articles on--

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

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 highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

CLICK HERE to View or Print the 108 page 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.

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Keystone Coldwater Conference February 28-29 in State College.  Click Here if you are interested in being a sponsor too.  Registration opening soon.

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