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Happy Holidays From Crisci Associates! Holiday Schedule
Have a wonderful holiday season from everyone here at Crisci Associates-- Tony Crisci, John Kulik, David Hess, Lauren Barr and Donna Gilder!
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Watershed, Environmental Groups Need Your Help, Here Are Some Examples
The Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team, a program of the non-profit Conemaugh Valley Conservancy Inc., and Natural Biodiversity are seeking help this holiday season like many non-profit environmental groups.
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Session Schedule
The Senate and House will return to Harrisburg to open the 2008 session briefly on January 1 and return to voting session January 14.
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On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The Senate and House floor Calendars for January—
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On the Governor’s Desk
Gov. Rendell took action on these bills this week—
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Gov. Rendell Restores Gov. Casey’s Funding Source for Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Gov. Rendell this week signed Senate Bill 1100 into law, restoring the Capital Stock and Franchise business tax as the dedicated source of funding for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program as originally proposed by Gov. Casey in 1988.
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New Law Promotes Brownfields Cleanup, Reuse in Pennsylvania
Gov. Rendell this week signed House Bill 43 (Rubley-R-Chester), establishing uniform environmental covenants for brownfield sites, into law as Act 68.
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New Federal Energy Bill Includes Mandate for Biofuels, Energy Efficiency Standards
The federal energy bill signed into law this week requires a six-fold increase in the use of ethanol in gasoline, increases fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, sets energy efficiency standards for appliances, offers tax incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles, phases out the use of incandescent light bulbs in favor of fluorescent and encourages green building construction.
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Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Synopsis Now Online
The December issue of the Environmental Synopsis published by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee highlights the economic contributions of Pennsylvania’s Christmas tree growers to the state.
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USDA Invites Sign-Up for $20 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants
Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster this week invited project sponsors to reply to the request for proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants in 2008.
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Center for Watershed Protection Releases 2 More Restoration Manuals
In an effort to ensure that every community is equipped with the tools it needs to get started in watershed restoration, the Center for Watershed Protection is making its first two manuals of the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series available for free download.
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Kettle Run Farm Biodiversity Area Protected in Centre County
ClearWater Conservancy this week signed a conservation easement donated by landowner, Katherine L. Alden, protecting 112 acres of her environmentally important property in Penn Township, Centre County.
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Pennsylvania Wild Resources Symposium February 28
The Western PA Nature Center Roundtable is sponsoring the Pennsylvania Wild Resources Symposium on February 28 at the Powdermill Nature Reserve in Allegheny County.
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2008 International Urban Parks Conference in Pittsburgh September 21-23
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is proud to be the local host for the 2008 International Urban Parks Conference, Body and Soul: Parks and the Health of Great Cities, coming to Pittsburgh September 21 - 23.
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Dept. of Agriculture Announces New Invasive Species Council Website
Producers and consumers can learn how Pennsylvania is protecting against invasive plants, animals and insects by logging on to the new Invasive Species Council website, the Department of Agriculture announced.
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DCNR Releases Forest Pest, Disease Conditions Report for 2007
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released its annual Pest Condition Report for 2007 detailing which areas of Pennsylvania are affected by pests like the Hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer and gypsy moths.
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Game Commission Proposes Rule to Create New Permit to Prevent Deer Damage
The Game Commission this week published a proposed regulation creating the Agricultural Depredation Permit Program to help limit deer browsing damage in agricultural areas.
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PUC Reports Fewer Households Without Utility Service This Winter
Just as the state recovers from a weekend winter storm, the Public Utility Commission this week released the results of its annual Cold Weather Survey, which showed that about 13,762 households will enter the winter season without heat-related utility service compared to 16,051 this time last year.
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First Shipment of 1.5 Million Gallons of Biodiesel Made By Lake Erie Biofuels
Lake Erie Biofuels has achieved a milestone in its development by completing the loading of the Clipper Tobago with its first major shipment of biodiesel for export out of the Port of Erie.
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PPG Sets Aggressive Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Goals
As part of its continued commitment to sustainable practices, PPG Industries has announced it has set a goal to reduce its total energy intensity by 25 percent from 2006 to 2016 and its total global greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent from 2006 to 2011.
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EPA Denies Waiver for California Vehicle Standards, PA Joins Lawsuit
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week denied a petition from California to approve vehicle emission standards that reduce greenhouse gas emissions prompting the Rendell Administration to join other states in a lawsuit to overturn the decision.
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Bayer Brings International Environment and Art Competition to Pittsburgh
In an effort to help prepare today's students to become tomorrow's environmental stewards, Bayer Corporation and the United Nations Environment Programme's North American Regional Office this week announced a new World Environment Day partnership and launched the International Children's Painting Competition in Pittsburgh area schools.
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DEP Awards $20 Million in Recycling Program Development Grants
The Department of Environmental Protection this week awarded $20 million in recycling development grants to 134 communities across the state.
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EPA Updates Regional Electronics Recycling Webpage
Region 3, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has updated its eCycling webpage to provide comprehensive information regarding the end-of-life management of electronic products.
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Rendell Proclaims Coal Miners' Day, Comments on Mine Safety Legislation
Gov. Rendell recognized the contributions and sacrifices the state's coal miners have made to Pennsylvania during a ceremony this week marking December 19 as Coal Miner's Day and used the opportunity to comment on proposed deep mine safety legislation.
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DEP Publishes Schedule of Board and Advisory Committee Meetings for 2008
The Department of Environmental Protection this week published a schedule of meetings by its boards and advisory committees for 2008.
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Apply Now for 2008 Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council Membership
The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council is accepting applications for team membership for 2008.
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Help Wanted: Fish & Boat Commission, PA Environmental Council
The Fish & Boat Commission is seeking candidates to fill the position of Director of Policy, Planning and Communications and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is looking for a Director of Conservation and Community Planning. Details below….
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Spotlight - Water Quality Monitoring, A Vital Link to Restoration
By Paul O. Swartz, Executive Director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission
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Feature - Persistence and Dedication Equal Success – REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program
By Kelly Donaldson, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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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—
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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 - EQB Approves Clean Air Interstate Rule, Increased Radiological Health Fees
The Environmental Quality Board this week approved the Clean Air Interstate Rule that will reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and proposed increases in radon and radiological health fees. Details below…
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Game Commission provided notice it was adding the northern flying squirrel to the endangered species list. The State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers published its 2008 Precertification Academy and examination schedule.
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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
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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
