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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
January 16, 2023 - Issue #965
(1/16/2023)
* 68 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 68 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.

* Weekly List Of PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

PA Environment Digest Put Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic.

* Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm In York County Winner Of 2022 Leopold Conservation Award

On January 11, the Sand County Foundation announced Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm in Hellam, York County is the 2022 recipient of the Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.

* Gov.-Elect Shapiro To Nominate Rich Negrin For DEP, Retain Cindy Dunn At DCNR and Russell Redding At Agriculture

On January 10, Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro announced he will nominate Rich Negrin to be Secretary of DEP and retain Cindy Dunn as DCNR Secretary and Russell Redding as Agriculture Secretary.

* DEP Announces Award Of More Than $19 Million In Growing Greener Plus Grants To Support 82 Local Watershed Restoration Projects

On January 12, the Department of Environment Protection announced the award of more than $19 million in Growing Greener Plus to support 82 local watershed restoration, abandoned mine reclamation, conventional oil and gas well plugging projects.

* DCNR Announces $11.8 Million Investment To Plant Trees, Buffers, Meadows To Improve Water Quality, Climate Resiliency; New Grant Rounds Opening Jan. 17

On January 12, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced an investment of $11.8 million for streamside forest buffers, converting lawns to meadows and trees, and planting trees in urban communities to help improve water quality and to make the Commonwealth more resilient to climate change.

* PennVEST Announces Investment Of $236 Million In 25 Water Infrastructure Projects In 17 Counties

On January 12, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the investment of $236 million for 25 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects across 17 counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

* Environmental Quality Board Publishes Final Reg. Setting PFOA/PFOS Drinking Water Standard And The First MCL Developed By DEP

On January 14, the Environmental Quality Board published final regulations to protect Pennsylvanians’ drinking water from PFAS chemicals by setting new limits on two forms of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the first drinking water maximum contaminant level developed by the DEP.

* DEP Ongoing Explosion/Fire Investigation: Energy Transfer Reported An Uncontrolled Release Of Ethane For 9.5 Hours From Its Revolution Natural Gas Processing Plant In Washington County

A January 3 DEP inspection report shows Energy Transfer reported a nine and a half hour uncontrolled release of ethane and other vapors from its Revolution Cryogenic Natural Gas Processing Plant in Smith Township, Washington County during a Christmas Day explosion and fire at the plant.

* Fish & Boat Commission Investigation Of Pollution From PA General Energy Natural Gas Development Construction Site On Exceptional Value Loyalsock Creek Results In Settlement Agreement

The Fish and Boat Commission investigation of pollution caused by the failure of erosion controls to protect water quality at the Pennsylvania General Energy Loyalsock/Shawnee natural gas pipeline and surface water withdrawal construction site on the Loyalsock Creek in Gamble and Plunketts Creek townships, Lycoming County has resulted in an out-of-court settlement agreement.

* DEP Releases 2 More Bid Solicitations To Plug 38 Abandoned Conventional Gas Wells In Venango County At Taxpayer Expense; Average Cost To Plug $95,000

On January 12, DEP released bid packages to plug 38 more abandoned conventional natural gas wells in Venango County at taxpayer expense under the new federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law well plugging program.

* Ohio River Valley Institute Report Shows Diversified Energy, Owner Of Over 22,500 Conventional Oil & Gas Wells In PA, May Be Financially Insolvent

On January 12, the Ohio River Valley Institute issued a new report showing the total financial liabilities of Diversified Energy, the nation’s largest owner of oil and gas wells, exceeded company assets by more than $300 million in June 2022.

* Pennsylvania Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - Jan. 7 to 13

From January 7 through 13, DEP’s Compliance Reporting Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 551 inspection reports that resulted in reporting 51 violations of environmental regulations-- 31 violations by the conventional oil and gas industry and 20 violations by the unconventional shale natural gas industry.

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices/Opportunities To Comment - Jan. 14

The following DEP notices were published in the January 14 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* PJM’s Preliminary Review Of Christmas Storm Electric Generation Failures Shows Natural Gas Units Failed To Provide Power At Over Triple The Rate Of Other Generation

On January 11, members of the PJM Interconnection, the regional electric grid operator that includes Pennsylvania, reported in a preliminary review of the impact of  Winter Storm Elliott, that natural gas-fired power plants failed to provide power at over triple the rate of other technologies and fossil fuel power plants generally failed at an "unacceptable" level, according to PJM.

* American Petroleum Institute Unveils Plan To Prioritize U.S. Natural Gas And Oil; Target Northeast U.S. For Pipeline Development

On January 11, the American Petroleum Institute (API) President and CEO Mike Sommers released a new report and outlined the policies needed to make, move and improve American energy and prioritize U.S. natural gas and oil as a long-term strategic asset during API’s annual State of American Energy event.

* EQT, Chesapeake, Equitrans Shale Gas Companies Announce Methane Reduction Initiatives

On January 4, Pittsburgh-based EQT Corporation, the largest producer of natural gas in the United States, announced the completion of a $28 million company-wide initiative to eliminate 100% of its natural gas-powered pneumatic devices from its production operations.

* Better Path Coalition Outlines Needed Environmental, Climate Policy Changes For Incoming Shapiro Administration

On January 10, the Better Path Coalition submitted a list of needed environmental and climate policy changes to Governor-Elect Shapiro and members of his environmental transition team.

* EPA Invites Comments On Draft Oil & Gas Waste Injection Well Permit In Young Twp., Jefferson County; Feb. 13 Virtual Hearing Tentatively Set

On January 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Mid-Atlantic Region, announced the issuance of a draft permit to G2 STEM of Fairfax, VA which authorizes the construction and operation of a UIC Class IID disposal injection well, David A Weaver well, located near Walston, Young Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. 

* DEP: 47 Coal Mine Reclamation Projects Covering 977 Acres At A Cost Of $123 Million Now In Active Construction

On January 12, Patrick Webb, Acting Director of DEP’s Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, told the Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board DEP has 47 mine reclamation projects covering 977 acres in active construction at a cost of $123 million.

* Senate Republicans Pass Proposed Constitutional Amendment Giving General Assembly Unilateral Power To Veto Regulations, With No Oversight

On January 11, Senate Republicans gave final approval to Senate Bill 1 (Laughlin-R-Erie) that proposes to amend the state constitution to give the General Assembly unilateral power to veto any state regulation by simply passing a resolution, without any oversight, and bypassing the Governor entirely.

* Keep PA Beautiful Announces Recipients Of 2022 Volunteer & Community Partner Awards

On January 12, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced the recipients of their recognition program for individuals, government, organizations and businesses whose efforts support and strengthen the mission of a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania.

* Sustainable Pittsburgh Announces First Ever Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces

On January 11, Sustainable Pittsburgh announced the first ever organizations to earn formal designation as Sustainable Pittsburgh Workplaces:

* PA Audubon Council Releases Guidelines For Municipalities On Bird-Friendly, Environmentally Responsible Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities

On January 11, the PA Audubon Council announced the release of Guidelines For Municipalities On Bird-Friendly, Environmentally Responsible Utility Scale Solar Energy Facilities.

* PA Solar Center Hosts Jan. 20 Webinar On Federal Solar Energy Tax Credits And Resources For PA's Solar Industry

The Pennsylvania Solar Center is hosting a January 20 webinar on Federal Solar Energy Tax Credits and Resources for PA's Solar Industry from Noon to 1:15 p.m.

* DEP, Health Joined By Lung Cancer Survivor To Encourage Home Radon Testing; Winners Of Student Radon Poster Contest Announced

On January 9, the departments of Environmental Protection and Health were joined by a lung cancer survivor to encourage Pennsylvanians to do a simple test for radon in their homes as part of National Radon Action Month.

* Guest Essay: Sustained Funding For Clean Water, More Trees, Fewer Cows In Streams On Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Wish List For PA In 2023

By Harry Campbell,  Science Policy & Advocacy Director

* Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Files Citizen Suit Against York County Landfill For Federal Clean Water Act Violations, Including PFAS Contamination

On January 11, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper filed a citizen suit against Republic Services of Pennsylvania LLC and its York County, Pennsylvania, Modern Landfill in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

* Chesapeake Stormwater Network Accepting Nominations For Best Urban BMP In The Chesapeake Bay Award

The Chesapeake Stormwater Network is now accepting nominations for 2023 Best Urban BMP in the Chesapeake Bay Award.  The deadline for nominations is February 23.

* DRBC: New Study Estimates Groundwater Availability For The Delaware River Basin, With Focus On Southeastern PA Groundwater Protected Area

On January 10, the Delaware River Basin Commission released an assessment of current and projected groundwater availability for the Delaware River Basin. The results are summarized in a new report, Estimated Groundwater Availability in the Delaware River Basin 2020–2060.

* DCNR Outlines Accomplishments During Wolf Administration

On January 11, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released an online feature outlining the accomplishments of the agency during the eight years of the Wolf Administration--

* DCNR Announces $19.4 Million In Grants To Underserved/Distressed Communities, Partnerships To Improve Recreation, Community Revitalization Efforts Across PA; New Grant Rounds Opening Jan. 17

On January 12, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced an investment of $19.4 million in 68 projects to help underserved and small communities and partnerships across the Commonwealth with recreation and conservation efforts.

* DCNR Announces $3.2 Million Investment For Trail Gaps, ATV/Snowmobile Projects; New Grant Rounds Opening Jan. 17

On January 11, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced an investment of $3.2 million to help address priority trail gaps and support ATV/Snowmobile projects in the Commonwealth.

* DCNR Honors Passerby Who Saved Man From Drowning At Codorus State Park In York County

On January 11, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources honored a York County man for saving a person from drowning in Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park last year.

* Jan. 13 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The January 13 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation--

* Brandywine Conservancy Served As Lead Consultant On Malvern Borough's Comprehensive Plan Update In Chester County

The Brandywine Conservancy recently acted as the lead planning consultant to update Malvern Borough’s Comprehensive Plan.

* Game Commission Now Accepting Orders From Landowners For Tree & Shrub Seedlings To Improve Habitat

While it might be winter, landowners can begin making plans to help wildlife this spring – and beyond – by planting tree and shrub seedlings offered by the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery.

* Harrisburg University Professor Discovers 5 Million-Year-Old Turtle Species ‘Entirely New To Science’

A Harrisburg University of Science and Technology professor has identified an extinct species of painted turtle, one that is entirely new to science.

* 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 Issues First Environmental Education Update Of 2023

DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks New Year’s edition of its Environmental Education newsletter is now available and includes articles on--

* Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Level 1 Certification Classes Set, Including In PA

The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals are hosting Level 1 Certification classes in Bay states starting January 24-25.

* FracTracker Alliance Hosts Jan. 17 Webinar On Exploring Oil & Gas Industrialization Impacts On Watersheds

The FracTracker Alliance and the Halt the Harm Network will host a January 17 webinar on Exploring Oil and Gas Impacts on Watersheds from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.

* Groups Host Jan. 17 Webinar On Climate & Health Impacts Of Methane Gas From Oil & Gas Operations

The Evangelical Environmental Network, Moms Clean Air Force, PennEnvironment, Clean Air Council and the Environmental Defense Fund are hosting a January 17 webinar on the Climate and Health Impacts of Methane Gas from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. 

* Penn State Extension 5-Part Land Use Webinar Series Starts Jan. 18 - Management Of Vegetation On Utility Transmission Lines

Managing vegetation on transmission lines to promote the reliable, safe operation of electric utility transmission and distribution systems will be the focus of the first Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series program scheduled for noon on Jan. 18.

* 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 January 14 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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