Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 3, 2022 Issue #950
(10/3/2022)
* 71 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 71 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?

* Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announce Award Recipients, Recognition Dinner Nov. 3

On September 26, the Northeast PA Environmental Partners announced the winners of their annual environmental partnership awards and their recognition dinner on November 3 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains, Luzerne County.

* Sand County Foundation Announces PA Finalists For Leopold Farm Conservation Award

On September 26, the Sand County Foundation announced the three finalists for the 2022 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

* Scranton Times: State Honors Visionary Maurice Goddard With Three New State Parks

The following editorial first appeared in the Scranton Times October 1, 2022--

* Stroud Water Research Center Honors Dr. Michael E. Mann, Climate Scientist & Author, At The Water's Edge Gala On Nov. 3

The Stroud Water Research Center announced Dr. Michael E. Mann, climate change scientist, author and Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science at Penn State, and Director of the Earth System Science Center, is the 2022 recipient of the Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence.

* DEP Issues 2 NOVs Against PA General Energy For Water Pollution Discharges Into The Loyalsock Creek From Gas Pipeline/Water Withdraw Construction In Lycoming County

On September 27, the Department of Environmental Protection reported it has so far issued two formal notices of violations for water pollution discharges occurring at the Pennsylvania General Energy Loyalsock/Shawnee natural gas pipeline and water withdrawal construction site on the Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County.

* Pitt School Of Public Health, PA Dept Of Health Abruptly Pull Out Of Oct. 5 Public Meeting They Helped Convene On Studies Looking At Links Between Natural Gas Development And Childhood Cancer Rates

On September 30, the Center for Coalfield Justice, Environmental Health Project, Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, and FracTracker Alliance announced the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the state Department of Health said they would not participate in an October 5 public meeting they helped convene on studies looking at links between natural gas development and childhood cancer.

* DEP/Susquehanna River Basin Commission Public Notices -- Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities

The following DEP and Susquehanna River Basin Commission notices were published in the October 1 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industrial facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* DEP Posts First Invitation For Bids For Plugging 79 Conventional Natural Gas Wells In Allegheny, Butler, McKean, Potter Counties Under Federally-Funded Program

On September 30, the Department of Environmental Protection posted the first five contracts for plugging 79 orphan conventional natural gas wells funded by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on the BidExpress.com website.

* Final Reg. Reducing Methane From Conventional Oil & Gas Facilities NOT On Environmental Quality Board Agenda For Oct. 12; Will Consider Final PFOS/PFOA MCL Rule

Part II of the final regulation reducing methane/volatile organic compound emissions from conventional oil and gas facilities is not on the agenda for the Environmental Quality Board meeting on October 12.

* DEP Now Accepting Applications For Cooking In Healthy Electrified Commercial Kitchens Rebate Program; 3 Cooking In Energy Efficient Kitchens Webinars

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for the Cooking In Healthy Electrified Commercial Kitchens Rebates Program.  The deadline for applications is June 30.  (formal notice)

* FracTracker Alliance Accepting Nominations For 2022 Community Sentinel Awards

The FracTracker Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship to those who address the root causes of environmental injustice in the United States, with a strong focus on racial justice in the face of oil, gas, and petrochemical activity.

* DEP Blog: Is Your Clean Fill Really Clean? Be Aware Of ‘Dirty Dirt’

By: Colleen Connolly, Community Relations Coordinator, DEP Northeast Regional Office

* WeConservePA & Northcentral PA Conservancy Host Stream Restoration Project Site Visit In Northumberland County

In collaboration with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, WeConservePA hosted a site visit of a stream restoration project in the Little Shamokin Creek Watershed.

* NRCS-PA Reminds Landowners Of Conservation Funding Opportunities In FY 2023

On September 29, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service- PA reminded landowners of conservation funding opportunities in FY 2023.

* Dept. Of Human Services: Deadline For Federal Water, Sewer Bill Assistance Applications Is Oct. 28

On September 28, Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead urged Pennsylvanians who may need financial assistance with water bills or wastewater service costs to apply before the federal program ends on Friday, October 28, 2022.  

* Insurance Dept. Encourages Pennsylvanians To Prepare For Emergencies, Consider Flood Insurance

On September 28, the Insurance Department joined Sen. Maria Collett (D-Bucks) to urge property owners to take steps to prepare for weather-related emergencies and consider purchasing flood insurance to protect their homes, businesses, and possessions.

* Pennsylvania Catches Up In National Rankings For Solar Energy Adoption By Schools; G.E.T. Solar Energy Help Now; Avoid Natural Gas Price Spikes

According to a new national report on schools’ adoption of solar published last week by nonprofit Generation180, Pennsylvania ranked 11th in the nation for the amount of solar installed by its K-12 schools, climbing up from 13th place two years ago.

* Forbes: U.S. Natural Gas Production Set New Record, But Don’t Expect Relief On Your Heating Bills [LNG Exports Link U.S. To High Prices]

By Robert Rapier, Senior Contributor

* Guest Essay: Embrace The Renewable Energy Future Now Before It's Too Late

By Ralph Kisberg, Responsible Decarbonization Alliance

* DEP Awards 4 Grants Totaling $2.9 Million To Replace Old Diesel With Clean-Energy Vehicles

On September 30, the Department of Environmental Protection announced $2.9 million in grant funding to replace old diesel trucks and school buses with zero- and low-emission vehicles.

* PA Resources Council October Schedule Of Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Locations In Western PA; Seeking Partners For 2023

The Pennsylvania Resources Council Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program provides a free recycling service that rotates through a variety of locations in western Pennsylvania. 

* Agriculture: Controlled Plant & Noxious Weed Committee Meets Oct. 20

The Department of Agriculture Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting on October 20 starting at 1:00 p.m. to consider the addition of these plants to the noxious weed list--

* PA Wilds Invites Communities To Become A Host Community For Remote Workers

Do you have a genuine enthusiasm for your community, wanting others to be able to experience life in your town? Do you think that if people were to have a chance to test out living in your community they might choose to relocate there long-term?

* Gov. Wolf Celebrates Creation Of 3 New State Parks In Chester, Wyoming And York Counties

On September 27, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the locations for three new parks in Chester, Wyoming and York counties to be developed with $45 million provided by the General Assembly in the current state budget.

* DCNR: Additional State Forest Roads Opening Across The State For Hunting Seasons, Other Outdoor Activities; Use Caution Near Oil & Natural Gas Drilling Areas

On September 26, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced hunters and outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania’s state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts.

* Health, DCNR, DEP: Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes, Ticks While Outdoors During Fall Months

As people spend time outdoors during the fall months, the Wolf Administration is reminding residents to protect themselves against the dangers of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses.

* DCNR Issues First Weekly Fall Foliage Report - 4 Counties Approaching Best Color

On September 29, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its first Weekly Fall Foliage Report showing four counties are already approaching best color-- McKean, Potter, Susquehanna and Wayne counties.

* DCNR Accepting Letters Of Interest For Openings On 2023 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee

On September 26, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department is accepting letters of interest and resumes for two voluntary positions that will be opening on the 2023 Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee.

* Sept. 30 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The September 30 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation--

* Allegheny Land Trust Awarded $300,000 DCNR Grant For Acquisition Of 46.2 Acre Shale Land Conservation Project

On September 28, the Allegheny Land Trust announced the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources awarded a $300,000 grant to the Trust for the acquisition of the 46.2 acre Reserve/Shaler Land Conservation Project.

* Pocono Heritage Land Trust: It's About Keeping Promises, Harry Texler's Legacy Under Threat In Monroe County

By Carol Hillestad for Pocono Heritage Land Trust

* Cameron County Chamber Of Commerce Sinnemahone Triple Crown Gravel Race Results; Oct. 15 Sinnemahone Trail Run

On September 24, the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce hosted the Sinnemahone Gravel Race, the second competition in the Sinnemahone Triple Crown

* Western PA Conservancy Begins Accepting Applications For Western PA Canoe Access Development Grants Oct. 17

The Western PA Conservancy will begin accepting applications for Canoe Access Development Grants for Western Pennsylvania on October 17.  Deadline for applications November 21.

* Help Wanted: DCNR Chesapeake Bay Community Tree Specialist

DCNR’s Urban and Community Forestry Program-- TreeVitalize-- is seeking applicants for a new position-- a Chesapeake Bay Community Tree Specialist.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* WeConservePA Oct. 11 Webinar On Securing Grants From The State Capital Budget Redevelopment Assistance Program

WeConservePA will host an October 11 webinar on Securing Grants from the State Capital Budget Redevelopment Assistance (RCAP) Program from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

* Penn State Extension: 5-Part Woodland Stewardship - Guided Engagement With Your Land Starting Oct. 12

Penn State Extension will host a five-part Woodland Stewardship - A Guided Engagement With Your Land education course where participants learn about forest ecosystems, management, and stewardship practices.

* PA Resources Council To Host 3 Composting & Recycling Webinars And A Workshop In Western PA During October

In October, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will conduct environmental education webinars to teach southwestern PA residents principles of backyard composting and options for recycling a wide variety of materials. 

* Pike Conservation District: How To Prepare For Snow Melt; Participate In Winter Salt Watch Program To Monitor Waterways

By Rachael Marques, Watershed Specialist

* Pennsylvania Holds First-Ever Online Sustainability Summit Oct. 3-7

On September 28, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the PA GreenGov Council will host the Commonwealth’s first-ever Sustainability Summit.

* Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Oct. 4 Exploring Local & Regional Opportunities For Hydrogen In Appalachia

The Washington & Jefferson College Center for Energy Policy and Management is hosting another in its series on Harnessing Hydrogen on October 4 - Exploring Local and Regional Opportunities In Appalachia.

* PA Solar Center Oct. 14 Webinar - FERC Rule To Increase Electric Competition With Rooftop Solar Energy; PA SolarCorps; Lehigh Valley Awards Program Oct. 27

The PA Solar Center will host another of its Watts & Learn Webinar programs October 14 on FERC Rule 222 To Increase Electric Competition With Rooftop Solar Energy from Noon to 1:15 p.m.

* PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Oct. 19 Webinar - Climate Disinformation And How We Can Counter It

The PA Interfaith Power & Light and the Jewish Earth Alliance will host an October 19 webinar on Climate Disinformation And How We Can Counter It starting at 7:00 p.m.

* Delaware Highlands Conservancy 2022 Photo Contest Winners

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is pleased to announce the winners of its fifth annual juried photo contest for the Upper Delaware River region, that was open to professional and amateur photographers.

* Clean Water Is Up To You: Being A Master Watershed Steward: Do YOU Have What It Takes?

By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County

* Nature At Risk: Why You Should Care About Bats

By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County

* 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-- 

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* 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 - Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the October 1 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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