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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 26, 2007
(11/23/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 11/26/07
* Senate Passes Climate Change Action Plan Legislation
Senate passage of climate-change legislation offers cause for thanksgiving, Brian Hill, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, said this week.
* On the Senate/House Agenda
The Senate has the following committee meetings scheduled next week—
* Senate/House Bills Moving/Bills Introduced
The following bills and resolutions moved in the Senate and House this week--
* House Environmental Committee Reported Out 3 Energy Session Bills
House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out three Special Energy Session bills on renewable transportation fuels, weatherization and home energy efficiency. They include:
* Senate Committee Hearing on Transition to Market-Based Electricity Rates
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a hearing this week on Senate Bill 1134 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) providing for a transition to market rates in the electric utility industry, providing for energy efficiency and demand-response initiatives.
* Eight Bills On Agenda for Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies
The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies will meet next week and is expected to consider eight bills addressing a variety of energy issues. The Committee is expected to consider:
* Environmental Synopsis Focuses on Innovative Mine Reclamation Project
The November issue of Environmental Synopsis recaps a tour of an innovative mine reclamation site in Schuylkill County that combines reclamation, biomass cultivation and the use of poultry manure.
* Butler Conservation District Honors Margaret Dunn as Conservation Educator
The Butler County Conservation District recently honored Margaret H. Dunn with the Conservation Educator of the Year Award at the Butler Farm-City Banquet sponsored by the Butler Rotary and the Agricultural Community.
* DCNR Adds Pennypack, Redbank Watersheds to PA Rivers Conservation Registry
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week approved the addition of the Redbank and Pennypack watersheds to the Pennsylvania Rivers Conservation Registry.
* Save the Date: 2008 Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference, Shad Symposium
The Wildlands Conservancy, Lehigh County Conservation District, Fish and Boat Commission and other partners will hold the 2008 Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference and Shad Symposium on March 28 at the Holiday Inn in Fogelsville.
* Goodwill Recycles 1 Million Pounds of Computers/Monitors in Pittsburgh
Michael Smith, President/CEO of Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh, presented an overview of their computer recycling program as part of the Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee’s Environmental Issues Forum this week.
* PA CleanWays Hosts Dumpsite Tour in Bedford County December 5
PA CleanWays,the Trash Free Potomac Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection will hold a tour of illegal dumpsites in Bedford County on December 5.
* $1.25 Million from Sustainable Energy Fund Helps Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Last year Sustainable Energy Fund provided over $1.1 million in financing – and another $150,000 in grants – for 20 projects that reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 6,900 tons. That’s like removing 1,260 cars from our roads.
* Villanova University Unveils New Solar Electric System
The Villanova University College of Engineering unveiled a new Solar Electric System comprised of 24 180-watt crystalline silicon solar panels atop its Center for Engineering Education and Research last week.
* Penn State Leads DOE Consortium on Hydrogen Energy Research
Hydrogen energy research at Penn State expands with leadership of a newly established U.S. Department of Energy consortium funded for three years by the DOE's Nuclear Energy Research Initiative.
* Gas Costs Top Regional Concern in Commuter Services Poll
When asked to name the single most important problem facing them daily, regional commuters cite rising gasoline prices over healthcare or taxes. Gas costs are a factor not only in household budgets, but in job choices, although few regional employers help workers with the problem.
* Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve Open House December 1
The Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College will host a Christmas Open House with the theme, “Where the Holidays Meet Nature,” on December 1 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
* John James Audubon Mill Grove Home Holiday Open House December 2
John James Audubon’s Mill Grove home in Montgomery County will hold a open house on December 2 to celebrate the holiday season and nature.
* Game Commission Offers Wild Gift Ideas for the Holidays
Is the thought of struggling through holiday shopping crowds unbearable? Dozens of wildlife-related gifts are just a click away at the Game Commission’s "The Outdoor Shop."
* Dr. Arthur Socolow, Former State Geologist, Receives 2007 Ian Campbell Medal
Dr. Arthur A. Socolow, former Pennsylvania state geologist, has been named the recipient of the "2007 Medal" in honor of Ian Campbell. Socolow was presented the award at the Geological Society of America Presidential Address Ceremony in Denver, Col.
* Opinion - Pennsylvania Must Fund Hazardous Sites Cleanup
By Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi
* Opinion - Promoting Environmental Literacy in School Settings
By Dr. Alec Bodzin, Lehigh University Environmental Initiative
* Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs. NEW means from last week—
* 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
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin – November 24, 2007
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new policy statements were published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. 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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