Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
April 25, 2022 Issue #927
(4/25/2022)
* 53 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 53 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.

* This Week’s Examples Of Going The WRONG WAY On Environmental, Energy Issues

While PA Environment Digest’s priority is to highlight positive examples of environmental and energy leadership, 2022 is an election year which demands accountability to voters.

* All Articles & NewsClips In This Week’s Digest By Topic

PA Environment Digest Is Putting The Best Links To Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips Here.   Is Your Story Being Told?

* Game Commission Recognizes John C. Oliver With Lifetime Achievement Award, Renames The Award After Oliver

Look back on conservation history and you’ll find giants, people who positively impacted wildlife, hunting and outdoor recreation in ways far above and beyond the norm.

* Attorney General’s Office Reported To Be Investigating Conventional Oil & Gas Operators For Illegally Road Dumping Drilling Wastewater

On April 21, a consultant for conventional oil and gas operators on DCED’s PA Grade Crude [Oil] Development Advisory Council reported the state Office of Attorney General is investigating the illegal disposal of conventional drilling wastewater through road dumping under DEP’s Residual Waste Regulations.

* Conventional Oil & Gas Operators Continued To Illegally Road Dump Over 580,000 Gallons Of Drilling Wastewater In 2021

Conventional oil and gas operators just filed annual reports with DEP documenting their disposal of over 580,000 gallons of drilling wastewater by dumping it on dirt and gravel roads during 2021, according to DEP’s Oil & Gas Waste Reporting Database.

* DEP To Host Online Information Event On Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Conventional Oil & Gas Well Plugging Program April 28

The Department of Environmental Protection will host an online information session on the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Conventional Oil and Gas Well Plugging Program April 28 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m..

* DEP Formally Publishes Notice Of Sunoco’s Mariner East Pipeline Marsh Creek State Park Lake Restoration Plan Approval

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 23 PA Bulletin that it has approved Sunoco Pipeline LP’s request for a major permit amendment for restoration activities after a spill of drilling fluid near Marsh Creek State Park in Chester County.  (PA Bulletin page 2425)

* DEP Update On United Refining Company Naphtha Storage Tank Roof Failure In Warren

On April l9, the Department of Environmental Protection provided the following update on its response to the February 18 collapse of the roof on a storage tank causing a release of petroleum naphtha into the community near the United Refining Company facility in Warren, PA--

* Guest Essay: Seize The Rare Opportunity To Resolve Toxic Mine Drainage

By Robert Hughes, Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

* EPA: State Plan To Clean Up PA's Part Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Lacks Funding To Meet Water Pollution Reduction Goals

On April 18, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its evaluation of Pennsylvania’s updated plan to address pollution reduction goals in its portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed found the plan falls short of meeting those goals largely due to the lack of resources provided by the state.

* PennVEST Invests $199 Million In 13 Water Infrastructure Projects In 11 Counties

On April 20, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the investment of $199 million for 13 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source projects across 11 counties through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

* NRCS-PA: Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law To Fund 2 Watershed Flood Prevention, Restoration Projects In Underserved PA Communities

On April 22, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $420 million in 132 infrastructure projects in 31 states, including a $3.85 million investment in two projects in Pennsylvania. including rehabilitating dams, flood prevention, and watershed restoration projects.

* PA American Water Announces $75,000 In Grants To Support Local Environmental Projects

On April 22, Pennsylvania American Water announced 13 local watershed-related projects across the Commonwealth will receive financial support through the company’s annual Environmental Grant Program.

* DEP Invites Comments On Total Maximum Daily Load Watershed Plans In Adams, Centre Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting public comments on proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Water Quality Plans in these counties--

* Delaware Currents: For Every 10 Miles Of Streams In PA’s Part Of The Delaware River Watershed, 4 Don’t Meet Water Quality Standards

By Chris Mele, Delaware Currents

* Sustainable Business Network Recognizes Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects In Philadelphia Region

On April 21, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia hosted the 6th Annual Excellence in GSI Awards at FringeArts and La Peg – its first in-person awards ceremony in over two years.

* Insurance Dept. Warns Pennsylvanians Of Spring Flooding, Urging Homeowners To Consider Buying Flood Insurance

On April 21, Pennsylvania Acting Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys urged property owners to consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes, businesses, and possessions.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Holds May 5 Hearing On Water Withdrawal Requests; June 16 Business Meeting

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is scheduled to hold an in-person/virtual hearing May 5 on proposed water withdrawal requests.  (formal notice & agenda)

* May 25 Susquehanna River Basin Commission Workshop On Alternative Hydrogeological Evaluation Process For Consultants & Geologists

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is scheduled to hold a May 25  Workshop On Alternative Hydrogeological Evaluation Process For Consultants & Geologists at the SRBC Building, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg from 8:30 a.m. to Noon.

* DEP Announces $30.5 Million Recycling Implementation Grants To 157 Municipalities

On April 23, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of $30.5 million in local recycling implementation grants to 157 municipalities across the state under section 902 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (Act 101).

* Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful: Communities Celebrate Earth Day By Joining Pick Up Pennsylvania

In celebration of Earth Day, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, whose vision is a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania, encourages residents to join the 2022 Pick Up Pennsylvania initiative.

* PA Resources Council Hosts Household Chemical Collection Events In Allegheny, Cambria Counties During May

The Pennsylvania Resources Council will host two household chemical collection events in western Pennsylvania during May to enable area residents to conveniently dispose of materials such as cleaners, paints, stains and varnishes, batteries, motor oil and pesticides.

* PA Resources Council Announces 4 Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Locations In Allegheny, Mercer Counties During May

The PA Resources Council, partners host four Traveling Glass Recycling Bin locations in Allegheny and Mercer counties during May.

* Keep PA Beautiful’s Fayette County Affiliate Transitions From All Volunteer Led To County Recycling Office

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Fayette County affiliate formed in 1995 by a group of local volunteers, with support from the Fayette County Recycling Office.

* EQB Final Rule Published In PA Bulletin Reducing Carbon Pollution From Power Plants [RGGI]

On April 23, the final regulation establishing a program to reduce carbon pollution from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was published in the PA Bulletin after a two-and-a-half year development process.

* DEP Showcases City Of Reading’s Local Climate Action For Earth Day; Apply Now For Local Climate Assistance Program

On April 21, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell joined city officials and volunteers to showcase Reading’s local climate action.

* Allegheny Conference Report: Decarbonization, Energy Transition Are Critical To The Future Competitiveness Of Pittsburgh Region

On April 22, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development released a new report-- Our Region's Energy Future: A Strategy For Accelerating Decarbonization, Investment And Inclusive Growth In The Pittsburgh Region.

* PA Wilds Kicked Off 2022 PACE Program With 9 Entrepreneurs Interested In Growing Their Businesses

Nine small business owners in the Pennsylvania Wilds region are working their way through a course meant to inspire and grow their businesses.

* PA Environmental Council Now Accepting Applications For 2022 Water Trail Mini Grants

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for 2022 Water Trail Mini Grants.  The deadline for applications is May 27.

* DCNR Assists With Tree Plantings At Flight 93 Memorial In Somerset County

On April 22, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn  announced that DCNR will be assisting with a large tree planting effort on April 22-23 at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County.

* April 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation; 2,929 Volunteers Worked 41,987 Hours In 2021

The April 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* Harrisburg Area YMCA's Camp Curtin Branch Urban Garden Adds Native Plants To Help Vegetables Grow

The Harrisburg Area YMCA’s Camp Curtin Branch has partnered with the Harrisburg Garden Partners Group to show that planting native plants can help your vegetables grow.

* Harrisburg Capitol Complex Will Participate In Lights Out Harrisburg To Assist Migrating Birds

Up to one billion birds die each year across the United States when they collide with buildings and windows, after being attracted and confused by bright artificial lights at night and glass.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary's Benefit For Birds In-Person Gala, Online Auction May 12

The Berks County-based Hawk Mountain Sanctuary will hold its annual Benefit for Birds Spring Campaign and Online Auction starting May 12 and bidding will continue through June 30.

* Wild Excellence Films Releases New Documentary: Golden Eagles: Witnesses To A Changing West

On April 20, Pittsburgh-based Wild Excellence Films announced they released their newest documentary “Golden Eagles: Witnesses to a Changing West,” an hour-long film to be broadcast on PBS stations in several states this spring, including New Mexico, California, Colorado, Wyoming, and Florida, and have other airings throughout the year.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* U.S. Dept. Of Education Recognizes Spring-Ford School District, Shippensburg University As Green Ribbon Schools

On April 22, the Wolf Administration announced that Spring-Ford Area School District in Montgomery County and Shippensburg University in Cumberland County have been named Green Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of their environmental sustainability efforts.

* DEP Announces Award Of $632,897 In Environmental Education Grants To Support 63 Projects Across The State

The Department of Environmental Protection last week announced a total of $632,897 in Environmental Education Grants have been awarded to 63 projects, 50 of which engage youth and adults living and/or working within environmental justice areas.

* Westmoreland Conservation District: Hands-On Envirothon Returns For High School Students April 28

Next week, nearly 100 area high school students will be out of the classroom and at Twin Lakes Park in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County competing in the Envirothon natural-resource challenge in-person for the first time in two years.

* Stroud Water Research Center: Calling Lancaster County Teachers - Join Outdoor Leadership Network Initiative

Are you a Lancaster County teacher? Do you want to learn about outdoor leadership skills and how to bring your students into nature while becoming better stewards of our local watersheds?

* PA Resources Council Offers Ideas To Go Green On Earth Day And Every Day!

In celebration of Earth Day 2022, the PA Resources Council offers three suggestions for going “green” on April 22 — and every day of the year!

* 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--

* House Environmental Committee Meets April 26 To Consider Solar/Wind Energy Bonding, Windmill Interference Bills

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting April 26 to consider legislation on decommissioning solar and wind energy facilities and protecting military facilities from windmill interference.

* House Environmental Committee To Hold April 25 Info. Meeting On Republican Package Of Bills Attempting To Address Local Flooding

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold an April 25 informational meeting on a package of eight bills that attempt to address localized flooding problems by digging out stream channels and not through natural stream restoration techniques designed to prevent flooding and debris build up.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Appalachian Voices: Appalachian Groups Urge Biden, Congress To Ensure Climate Action Helps Energy Transition Communities

On April 18, dozens of Appalachian organizations and national partners submitted a letter to President Joe Biden, U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urging them to make sure that a budget reconciliation package under negotiation in Congress targets climate action spending in ways that help communities in coal-impacted Appalachia and elsewhere benefit from the transition to a clean-energy economy.

* U.S. Dept. Of Energy Soliciting Proposals For $84 Million Program To Demonstrate Enhanced Geothermal Energy Systems; PA Opportunity With Mine Water

On April 19, the U.S. Department of Energy issued a request for information (RFI) to support $84 million in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) pilot demonstration projects included in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

* EPA Releases White Paper For Comment On Reducing Climate Pollution From New Natural Gas-Fired Electric Generation

On April 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued for public input a draft white paper on control techniques and measures that could reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new stationary combustion turbines.

* 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

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the latest 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.

* PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 22-23

The PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference will be held in-person and virtually June 22-23 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in State College.  This year's theme-- New Opportunities On The Horizon!  Registration Open!    Read more here.

* 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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