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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
September 10, 2007
(9/7/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 9/10/07
* Video Blog Feature – DCNR to Release Draft Carbon Management Plan
At the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s annual member meeting this week, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis announced his agency would be releasing a draft Carbon Management Plan designed to identify opportunities within DCNR to combat global climate change.
* On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The House has scheduled the following Committee meetings and hearings for the coming week and the House Calendar was published for September 10 (a non-voting session week)—
* Governor’s Address to Open Special Session on Energy to be Set for September 24
The Special Session on Energy called by Gov. Rendell will open on September 17, and the Governor’s address to formally open the session will be on September 24 when both the Senate and House are back in session.
* House Committee Hears Comments on Electric Rate Cap Expiration
The House Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing this week on electricity procurement, rate caps and electric price mitigating strategies.
* Exelon Joins U.S. Climate Action Partnership
The Exelon Corporation has joined the United States Climate Action Partnership, the landmark business-NGO alliance which has called on Congress to quickly enact national economy-wide legislation to address climate change, now comprises 33 organizations, including 27 of the world's largest corporations and 6 highly respected non-governmental organizations.
* Coca-Cola to Recycle/Reuse 100% of Its Bottles, RecycleBank Partnership Expanded
Coca-Cola has announced it has set a comprehensive goal to recycle or reuse 100 percent of the company’s PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles in the U.S. In addition, the company announced it will expand its relationship with Philadelphia-based RecycleBank in an effort to boost consumer recycling rates.
* 26 Counties Removed From Drought Watch, But Remains for 32
The Department of Environmental Protection this week removed 26 counties from the drought watch declared August 6. The state’s drought task force also recommended that 32 counties remain in drought watch status as concern lingers over groundwater levels in some areas of the Commonwealth.
* DEP Accepting Coastal Zone Management Grant Applications
The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice that it is now accepting applications for Federal Fiscal Year 2008 Coastal Zone grants.
* Gov. Rendell Proclaims September National Preparedness Month
Gov. Rendell this week encouraged all Pennsylvanians to recognize National Preparedness Month in September in three simple ways: be prepared, be aware and volunteer.
* Game Commission Offers Advice on Avoiding Bear Conflicts
With autumn fast approaching, many Pennsylvanians will be spending increasing amounts of time outdoors. This also is when black bears become more active, setting the stage for an increase in bear sightings and possibly encounters.
* Youth Hunting Seasons Just Around the Corner
As hunters take time to prepare for upcoming seasons, Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe is encouraging adults to promote the state's hunting and trapping heritage by introducing youngsters to the great outdoors during the variety of youth hunting seasons.
* Pymatuning Waterfowl Expo Scheduled for September 15-16
The Game Commission's Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center is gearing up for the 2007 Pymatuning Ducks Unlimited Waterfowl Expo on September 15-16, in and around Linesville, Crawford County.
* Middle Creek to Host Wildfowl Show September 15-16
The Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area will host its 21st Annual Middle Creek Wildfowl Show on September 15-16.
* DCNR, ClearWater Conservancy Permanently Protect 423 Acres
The deed for 423 acres of prime watershed, agricultural and forestland in Centre County is being transferred from the ClearWater Conservancy to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The land will be added to Rothrock State Forest.
* Game Commission to Hold State Game Land Tours for Public
As part of the Game Commission's efforts to highlight its ongoing habitat improvement initiatives, the public is invited to take part in upcoming tours of several State Game Lands between September 22 and October 21. All tours are free.
* PA Center for Environmental Ed September EE Connections Newsletter Now Online
The September 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--
* Environmental Literacy: A Critical Part of Every Child's Education
An opinion piece by Kathleen Paul, Director of the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education, and Ruth Roperti, President of the Pennsylvania Association for Environmental Educators, that appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on August 26 discussed the need for teachers who can enlighten students about the natural world.
* Opportunities Abound to Support 2008 Environmental Education Conference
LEEAP IN! – A Conference Linking Environmental Education and Play in Nature” will be the theme of the 2008 PA Association of Environmental Educators Conference that will be held from February 29 to March 2 at the Antiochian Village Camp and Conference Center, located in Bolivar, Pa, near Ligonier.
* Southcentral PA Commuter Services Expands Free Emergency Ride Home
Commuter Services of South Central Pennsylvania this week announced it has expanded its free Emergency Ride Home Program to cover all enrolled commuters.
* Forestry Workshop Set in Westmoreland for September 29
Landowners, woodlot owners, and others interested in learning more about forestry are invited to attend an introductory workshop, led by Westmoreland Conservation District Forester Tony Quadro, on September 29, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
* DCNR Names Daniel Devlin New State Forester
Daniel A. Devlin, a veteran of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Bureau of Forestry, has been appointed state forester and will serve as director of the bureau.
* Spotlight - Recovering Attorneys’ Fees in Environmental Litigation
By Terry R. Bossert, Post & Schell
* Opinion - Pennsylvania’s Energy Bill
By Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery)
* Feature - Mining Operations’ Legacy a Mother Lode of Acid Drainage
By Lara Lutz, Chesapeake Bay Journal
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations
The Delaware River Basin Commission published proposed regulations making changes to the operation of New York City Delaware Basin Reservoirs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the ozone redesignation of Berks, Blair and Cambria counties.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice it is extending the NPDES General Permit #13 covering Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s) and the NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction.
* 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
* 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 .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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