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Yes, We’re All Still Here in Harrisburg Dealing With the Budget
Yep, everyone is still here talking about the budget and on the verge of a state government shutdown on July 9. Here's a quick budget update.
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What Happens If “Non-Essential” State Employees Are Furloughed July 9?
If there is no budget settlement by Monday, July 9, Gov. Rendell has promised to close down state government by furloughing 25,000 “non-essential” state employees. But, what does that really mean to the average taxpayer?
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On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The Senate and House are scheduled to be in voting session July 7 and 8 and most of next week because of unresolved budget issues, so Calendars and Committee schedules are in a state of “flux.” Here’s what we know at the moment…
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On the Governor’s Desk
The following bills reached the Governor’s Desk so far this week…
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Senate/House Bills Moving
Here’s a summary of Senate and House bills moving this week as of the close of business July 6. Some of the descriptions show just how fast legislation moves in and out of committee this time of year…
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House Passes Tangretti Historic Preservation Grants Proposal
The House this week passed House Bill 221, sponsored by Rep. Tangretti (D-Westmoreland) that would create a state grant program for the restoration and commercial or residential use of historic properties.
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Legislation Seeks to Increase Deer Herd in Pennsylvania
Rep. Tim Mahoney (D-Fayette) has introduced House Bill 1667 aimed at increasing the deer population in Pennsylvania.
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Ohio River Watershed Celebration Features 8 Watershed Grants for Participants
Eight lucky watershed groups who participate in the 6th Annual Ohio River Watershed Celebration on September 20 will receive one of four $500 or four $250 grants to support local watershed restoration efforts.
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Volunteers Needed for Spring Creek Habitat Improvement Project
Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Fish and Boat Commission, Penn State, Centre County Conservation District, and ClearWater Conservancy are partnering with Penn State University to restore the reach of Spring Creek that flows through the Penn State sheep farm in August.
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Schuylkill River Festival Set for October 13 in Pottstown
Mark your calendars for this year’s Schuylkill River Festival on October 13 adjacent to the campus of the Montgomery County Committee College in Pottstown.
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5th Annual York County Watershed Weekend September 29-30
The Watershed Alliance of York is sponsoring its 5th Annual Watershed Weekend in York County on September 29 and 30.
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Applications Due for National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grants September 1
The mission of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats through its Keystone Initiatives Grants Program.
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Three Roundtable Discussions on Nutrient Trading Program Set for July
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a series of meetings in July on the benefits of Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Trading Program.
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PENNVEST, DEP Set Public Meetings on Clean Water Revolving Fund
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have scheduled four public meetings between now and April for the purpose of advising the public on changes to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund intended use plan and priority list.
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Great Green America Fest Kicks Off July 13-15 in Lancaster County
The Great Green American Fest will be held July 13-15 on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, and is designed to highlight current green practices in all manner of life, and to give participants strategies to help keep green.
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A Handbook for Changing Development Rules in Your Community Now Available
The Center for Watershed Protection is making its Better Site Design Handbook available as a free download in an effort to ensure that every community is equipped with the tools it needs to facilitate environmentally-friendly growth.
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Westmoreland County “Weed” Workshop Scheduled for July 18
Weeds. They’re the bane of every backyard gardener’s existence. But when they invade farmland, stream buffers, and wildlife habitats, these unwanted culprits can be more than an annoyance.
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Zebra Mussels Discovered in Susquehanna River Basin for First Time
Zebra mussels, an invasive species that entered Pennsylvania through Lake Erie, has now been found in Cowanesque Lake, Tioga County, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program and the Fish and Boat Commission.
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Legendary Higbee Waterways Map Updated for Canoeists, Kayakers
Two years after it was first published, the Paddler's Edition of the Stream and Lake Map of Pennsylvania now is being made available for purchase.
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Middle Creek Hosts 22nd Annual Wildlife Art Show August 3-5
The Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center will feature hundreds of original paintings and fine art prints from the best-known wildlife artists in the state during its annual Wildlife Art Show from August 3-5.
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PA Center for Environmental Ed July EE Connections Newsletter Now Online
The July issue of the EE Connections newsletter from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is now available online. The highlights from this month’s issue include--
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EPA's New Go Green! Newsletter Helps Consumers Make a Difference
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a new electronic newsletter-- Go Green! -- to provide "what you can do" information on activities and events that everyone can use to make a difference just about anywhere - in homes, workplaces, schools and communities.
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PUC Urges Withdrawal of DOE Electric Transmission Corridor Designations
Calling the plan overly broad and unreasonable, the Public Utility Commission this week called on the U.S. Department of Energy to withdraw its proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor for the Mid -Atlantic region (NIETC).
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Chester County Seeking Companies That Are In the Business of Recycling
The Chester County Solid Waste Authority is seeking to add to its lists of companies that provide recycling services for its recycling directory.
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In the Spotlight - Former Gov. Mark Schweiker to Speak at 5th Anniversary of Quecreek Mine Rescue
Former Gov. Mark Schweiker will be the keynote speaker at the 5th anniversary celebration of the 2002 rescue of nine miners trapped in the Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
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Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
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Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
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Regulations
The Delaware River Basin Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed Flexible Flow Management Program for New York City Reservoirs on August 14. The State Board for the Certification of Sewage Enforcement Offices published revised exam dates. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission issued comments on a proposed rule to streamline air quality permitting.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published draft guidance documents on mine drainage treatment trusts and for the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program. Details below.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
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Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@CrisciAssociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .
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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.
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04/15/24 - 66 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/msuwtctm
