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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
September 26, 2022 Issue #949
(9/26/2022)
* 78 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 78 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.   Are You Telling Your Story?

* Education, DEP, DCNR Honor Green Ribbon Schools For Environmental Sustainability Efforts In PA; Nominations Open

On September 20, the departments of Education, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources honored U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools across Pennsylvania in recognition of their environmental sustainability efforts.

* Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Announces 2022 Milestones Watershed Heroes

On September 20, the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership announced their 11th Annual Millstone Watershed Heroes to recognize their exemplary work on behalf of clean water in the watershed in Philadelphia and Montgomery counties.

* DEP Tells Citizens Advisory Council Road Dumping Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater Still Does Not Meet Residual Waste Regulations; Remains Illegal

On September 20, Ali Tarquino Morris, Director Of DEP’s Bureau of Waste Management, told the Citizen Advisory Council conventional oil and gas operator plans to dispose of their wastewater by dumping it on dirt and gravel roads as a dust suppressant continue to fail to meet the state’s Residual Waste Regulations.

* Penn State Research Links Groundwater Contamination To Areas Of Unconventional Shale Gas And Conventional Oil And Gas Drilling

By Dave Blehi, Penn State News

* Study: Industry Data Shows Hazardous Air Pollutants Are ‘Ubiquitous’ In The Natural Gas Transmission System; More Justification For Robust Leak Prevention Programs

In the first peer-reviewed study of EPA-designated Hazardous Air Pollutants in the natural gas transmission system, researchers from the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the University of California reviewed industry data and found HAPs were “ubiquitous throughout the gas transmission system, including pipelines, LNG facilities and storage facilities.”

* DEP Finalizing First Bid Packages To Plug 249 Conventional Oil & Gas Wells Under New Federal Taxpayer Funded Well Plugging Program

On September 19, staff from the Department of Environmental Protection said they plan to finalize the first bid packages by the end of this week to plug 79 abandoned conventional oil and gas wells under the new taxpayer-funded well plugging program authorized under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

* U.S. Dept. Of Interior Notified DEP A Republican Bill Allowed To Become Law In July May Block Funding For New Federal Conventional Oil & Gas Well Plugging Program

On September 19, the U.S. Department of the Interior notified the Department of Environmental Protection state legislation that became law in July may “preclude state compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act or the Build America, Buy American Act” under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law conventional Oil and Gas Well Plugging Program.

* House Committee Fails To Address $70 Million In Penalties On Natural Gas Pipelines Or Real Concerns Of People Living Near Gas Production & Distribution Facilities

On September 20, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a two-hour hearing on natural gas production and pipeline distribution system without once discussing the legitimate concerns people living in and around these facilities have about their health, safety and environmental and water supply impacts or the record $70 million penalties assessed on pipelines for violating environmental laws.

* DEP Public Notices -- Oil & Gas Industry Facilities

The following DEP notices were published in the September 24 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* Global Clean Energy Action Forum In Pittsburgh: News Coverage, Recorded Sessions

Energy leaders from around the world gathered in Pittsburgh for the Global Clean Energy Action Forum September 21-23 to talk about effective ways to accelerate the transition to clean energy and fight climate change.

* Gov. Wolf Touts PA's Leadership In Clean Energy Transition At Global Clean Energy Action Forum In Pittsburgh

On September 22, Gov. Tom Wolf told the first-ever Global Clean Energy Action Forum in Pittsburgh about Pennsylvania’s significant progress in the transition to clean energy and vowed that the Commonwealth will continue to be a leader in energy innovation.

* Team Pennsylvania, Co-Chaired By Gov. Wolf, Issues Road Map On Hydrogen Development, Carbon Management In PA

On September 23, the Team Pennsylvania Foundation, co-chaired by Gov. Wolf, announced the publication of a new report, Successful Deployment of Carbon Management and Hydrogen Economies in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

* PA Environmental Council: Clean Hydrogen & Carbon Capture Can Be Part Of A Comprehensive Decarbonization Strategy: Responsibly Deployed With Environmental Integrity, Accountability And Equity

On September 19, the PA Environmental Council submitted comments to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for its September 19 information meeting on carbon capture and the proposed hydrogen hub in Western Pennsylvania.

* Landowners Urge Lawmakers To Pass Real Community Solar Energy Bills To Give $1.8 Billion Boost To PA Economy, Help Farmers As Senate Committee Meets

With solar energy policy on the agenda of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee on September 20, dozens of landowners from across Pennsylvania sent letters in support of bills Senate Bill 472 (Scavello-R-Monroe) [which is in the Committee] and House Bill 1555 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne).

* DCNR Announces All Electricity Used By Agency Will Come From Renewable Sources By 2030

On September 21, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced DCNR will produce or purchase 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

* EPA's GreenChill Smart Supermarket Refrigeration Partnership Celebrates 15 Years; Recognizes 4 Supermarket Companies Serving PA

On September 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s issued a report celebrating the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership’s 15th Anniversary that highlights Partner achievements in supermarket refrigerant management.

* DEP Interviews EJ Champion James Rebarchak In Latest Environmental Justice Newsletter

The latest Environmental Justice newsletter from the Department of Environmental Protection includes an interview with EJ Champion James D. Rebarchak--

* Celebrate Riparian Buffer Month In October With Penn State Extension, Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, Local Groups

By Kristen Koch, Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center

* Fall Is For Planting: Rain Garden Resources From Penn State Extension

By: Andy Yencha, Extension Educator & Jodi Sulpizio, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator York County

* Master Watershed Stewards Program Expands Across Pennsylvania Wilds

By Travis Wingard, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator Cameron, Elk, Potter, McKean Counties

* CFA Announces Investment Of $18.2 Million In 130 Recreation, Flood Protection, Environmental Restoration Projects Funded By Act 13 Impact Fee

On September 20, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced the approval of $18.2 million in funding for 130 projects in 40 counties to improve water infrastructure, recreation, protect and restore the environment.

* ClearWater Conservancy Awarded State Grant For Streamside Forest Restoration Projects In 3 Watersheds In Centre, Huntingdon Counties

On September 6, ClearWater Conservancy was awarded a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to install new riparian buffers, also known as streamside forests, along streams on seven properties in the Spring Creek, Spruce Creek, and Penns Creek watersheds.

* EXTENDED: Federal Office Of Surface Mining Accepting Applications For Watershed Cooperative Agreement Mine Drainage Cleanup Grants

Applicants now have until October 31 to apply for $1.3 million in FY 2022 Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program Grants from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement.

* Federal Office Of Surface Mining Awards Grants To 8 Projects To Extract Critical Minerals From Mine Waste, Including To The University Of Pittsburgh & Partners

On September 20, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement announced eight projects will share $1.6 million in grants through its Applied Science Program, including four projects that will study methods to improve the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from coal mining waste.

* DEP Inviting Stakeholders To Participate In PAG-13 NPDES General Permit For Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) Workgroup

The Department of Environmental Protection has issued an invitation to stakeholders to participate in a workgroup considering changes to the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)  - PAG-13

* Rodale Institute Announces Retirement Of CEO Jeff Moyer After 46 Year Career

On September 19, the Board of Directors of Rodale Institute announced the upcoming retirement of Jeff Moyer from the position of Chief Executive Officer.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Revises Enforcement, Penalty Policies

On September 20, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it has finalized the Policy and Guidance Statement for the Settlement of Civil Penalties/Enforcement Actions and the SRBC Civil Penalty Matrix.

* PA Municipal Authorities Recognize Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, Chester Water Authority With Communication Awards

On September 15, the PA Municipal Authorities Association announced the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority and the Chester Water Authority with Communications Awards.

* Oct. 15 PA Resources Council Pittsburgh Reuse Fest Provides Opportunity To Donate Items To Nonprofits For Reuse

Clean out the garage…the basement…the overflowing closets throughout the house because the region’s annual large-scale collection of materials to be reused by local nonprofits will take place on Saturday, October 15, in Allegheny County.

* Register Now For 2022 Pennsylvania Litter Summit Nov. 1-2 In Lancaster

Keep PA Beautiful, in partnership with DEP and PennDOT, will hold a statewide Litter Summit November 1-2 at the Holiday Inn in the City of Lancaster.

* DEP Finalizes Hazardous Site Cleanup Plan For Bishop Tube Site In Chester County

On September 21, the Department of Environmental Protection finalized a remediation plan to address contamination in soil, groundwater, and surface water, and provide for a public water connection to a private homeowner at the Bishop Tube Hazardous Site Cleanup Act site in East Whiteland Township, Chester County.

* DCNR Fall Foliage Reports Begin Sept. 29; Start Planning Your Trip To Experience PA's Colorful Autumn Now

Highlighting some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse fall foliage, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources again is making its experts available to serve as regional advisers, offering tips and resources to help residents and visitors experience a colorful autumn in a variety of ways across the Commonwealth.

* DCNR Blog: Be Part Of A Citizen Science Project To Help Track Bird Migration During The Fall Migration Round-Up In State Parks

Would you like to learn more about the birds you see throughout the seasons? Are you interested in birds and their migratory patterns? Would you like to participate in a large community science project across several state parks?

* DCNR Conservation & Natural Resources Council Meets Sept. 28 To Hear Updates On 3 New State Parks, Utility-Scale Solar Facility Guidance, Trails Program

DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Council is scheduled to meet September 28 to hear updates on three new state parks and new utility-scale solar facility guidance.

* WeConservePA: DCNR Posts 3 Videos To Help Applicants Apply For Conservation Grants, Including Special Fall Grant Round, Watershed Forestry Grants

DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation recently published three tutorial videos that will help Pennsylvanians apply for and manage DCNR grants, including the special Fall Grant Round.

* PA Water Trails Program Announces Newest Trail: The Perkiomen Creek Water Trail, Montgomery County

The Executive Partners of the Pennsylvania Water Trail Program-- the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, the National Park Service, and the PA Environmental Council-- are pleased to announce the Perkiomen Creek is now an officially-designated Water Trail.

* Keystone Trails Association Holds Fall Hiking Weekend Oct. 14-16 In Lewisburg, Union County Featuring Mega Trail Hiker Heather Anderson

The Keystone Trails Association’s Fall Hiking Weekend is an annual tradition, bringing together a constituency of outdoor enthusiasts for two and a half days of inspiring hikes, informative programs, and engagement with fellow explorers and trail organizations.

* Sept. 23 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The September 23 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation--

* Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin Tours PA Wilds Conservation Shop In Kinzua Bridge, Sees ARC Investments In Action

On September 14 - 15, Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin joined partners this week in touring projects in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

* Western PA Conservancy Protects 348 Acres Of Forest, Wetland Communities In French Creek Watershed, Erie County

On September 19, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced the permanent protection of 348 acres of forest and wetlands in Union Township, Erie County, through a conservation easement.

* North Branch Land Trust Receives DCNR Grant To Protect 220 Acres In Huntsville Reservoir Watershed, Luzerne County

Earlier in September, Gov. Tom Wolf announced an ​historic investment of $90 million for more than 330 projects across Pennsylvania that will create new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources, and help revitalize local communities.  Read more here.

* 5th Bike The Brandywine Event Welcomes Nearly 400 Riders For A Sunny, Scenic Day Thru Chester County

The Brandywine Conservancy’s “Bike the Brandywine” event returned for its fifth year on Saturday, September 17 with nearly 400 cyclists enjoying a sunny day along the Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding Chester County countryside.

* Foundation For Sustainable Forests Invites Volunteers To 1st Annual Jim Finley Stewardship Day In Moxie Woods, Mercer County, Oct. 1

To honor the memory of distinguished forest educator and visionary conservationist James C. Finley, the Crawford County-based  Foundation for Sustainable Forests is introducing a new annual event, the Jim Finley Stewardship Day.

* 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 Back To School Environmental Education Newsletter

DCNR's Bureau of State Parks distributed a Back To School edition of its Environmental Education newsletter featuring education activities to jump start the school year!

* WeConservePA Call For Presentation Proposals For 2023 PA Land Conservation Conference April 26-28, Reading

WeConservePA has issued a call for presentation proposals for the 2023 PA Land Conservation Conference set for April 26-28 in Reading.  Proposals due October 21.

* PA Environmental Educators Issue Call For Presentation Proposals For 2023 Annual Conference; PAEE & MWEE Award Nominations Now Open

The PA Association of Environmental Educators has issued a call for presentation proposals for their 2023 Annual Conference to be held March 13-14 at Camp Hebron in Halifax, Dauphin County.

* PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers Hosts Oct. 18 Lunch & Learn Webinar On How To Make Instagram Work For You

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers will host another in its series of Lunch & Learn Webinars on October 18 on How To Make Instagram Work for You starting at Noon.

* Penn State’s Sept. 26 EarthTalk Webinar Features Update On Solar Energy In Pennsylvania

By Dave Blehi, Penn State News 

* PennTAP Hosts Nov. 3 Webinar On Local Climate Action Planning With Penn State & Partners

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program will host a November 3 webinar on Local Climate Action Planning from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy Hosts Oct. 11 Eagles And Their Habitat Program At The Van Scott Nature Reserve In Wayne County

The Upper Delaware River region is home to one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the northeast.

* PA Natural Heritage Program Summer Wild Heritage News: New Interest In Old Forests; Mapping Climate Refugia In PA; Join Tree-Of-Heaven Citizen Science Project

The Summer 2022 newsletter from the PA Natural Heritage Program is now available featuring articles on--

* 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-- 

* Senate, House Climate Caucus Calls On General Assembly To Act On Meaningful Climate Legislation, Protect Public Health

On September 20, State Reps. Rick Krajewski (D-Philadelphia), and Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester), and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) and Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, led a Senate-House Climate Caucus news conference celebrating Climate Action Week in Harrisburg.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania-- 

* Pennsylvania Receives $240 Million In Water Infrastructure Funding Under Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

On September 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the award of $240 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to Pennsylvania for water infrastructure improvements.

* Rodale Institute CEO Urges U.S. House Agriculture Committee To Give Farmers More Choice In Farming Methods Like Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Rodale Institute CEO Jeff Moyer was well-received by Republican and Democratic lawmakers at a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on September 14 as he provided expert testimony on soil health practices that support regenerative organic agriculture, America’s farming families, and U.S. food independence.

* 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 September 24 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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