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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 25, 2004
(10/22/2004)
PDF Version PA Environment Digest 10/25/04
* Focus on November 2 Election
The House adjourned this week joining the Senate in concentrating on the election. Half the Senate and all of the House is up for reelection.
* House Passes Chesapeake Bay Education Bill, Expands Main Street Program
The House this week unanimously passed House Bill 2775 (Zug-R-Lebanon) creating a special grant program within the Department of Education for schools interested in teaching indoor and outdoor watershed education programs. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
* House Environmental Committee Acts on Oil & Gas, Infrastructure Security Bills
The House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee this week reported out two of the bills on its agenda, but took no action on House Bill 1077 (Scrimenti-D-Erie) establishing a low-interest loan program for coastal erosion.
* Joint Conservation Committee Hearing PA Hardwoods Council Report
The Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee chaired by Rep. Hutchinson (R-Venango) heard a status report on the activities of the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council at its meeting this week.
* Quick Updates & Bills Introduced
Here's a quick update on some other environmental bills moving through the General Assembly--
* America Recycles Day – November 15 – It All Comes Back to You!
November 15 is America Recycles Day, a great time to not only celebrate the success of recycling in Pennsylvania, but to look around your home, office, business or farm to see what else you could be recycling.
* Fitzpatrick Wins James McGirr Kelly Award from Water Companies
Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, former Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, was given the James McGirr Kelly Award by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies this week for his work promoting safe drinking water in Pennsylvania. The Kelly Award is the highest honor given out by the Pennsylvania Chapter.
* Dam Removal, Stream Restoration on Wyomissing Creek, Grant Apps Due
Federal officials, local leaders and community partners in Reading this week celebrated a successful effort to restore more than a quarter mile of Wyomissing Creek and surrounding habitat.
* Fighting Pollution from Stormwater
$6.8 million Grant to Pennsylvania to Fight Pollution from Stormwater Runoff
* TMDL for Wyomissing Creek, Berks County Open for Comment
The Department of Environmental Protection will accept comments on the proposed sediment TMDL developed for a Wyomissing Creek watershed in southcentral Berks County. Current use impairments are due to siltation from urban and residential runoff and storm sewers. Comments are due November 22.
* Urban Forest Project Grant Opportunity
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council has announced a request for pre-proposals for its 2005 Challenge Cost-share Grant Program. The program, funded by USDA Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program, supports urban and community forestry projects that have national or widespread significance in their impact or application. Approximately $1 million in grant funds will be awarded through the 2005 program. All grants must be matched at least equally with non-federal source funds. Pre-proposals must be received by November 2 and will be reviewed by January 14.
* Deconstructed Buildings
Demolished Buildings No Longer End Up in Landfill
* EPA Recognizes Sylvin Technologies for Reducing Waste
EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh recognized Sylvin Technologies, Inc. for being the first business located in Lancaster County to enroll in the Voluntary National Partnership for Environmental Priorities Program.
* Arccadia University Joins Energy Star Program
Arcadia University, of Glenside, Pa. has committed to join the ENERGY STAR Program to protect and improve its 665,661 square foot facilities, which includes 28 buildings.
* Energy Technology Grants
DOE Offers Small Business Energy Technology Development Grants
* $660,000 to Research Grants Announced for Sustainable Development
EPA this week awarded $660,000 to 66 student teams for the 2004-2005 academic year to research and develop sustainable designs through the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) competition. The winners in Pennsylvania include:
* Small Businesses - Save Energy, Cut Costs
Small Business Energy Efficiency Workshops in Lehigh Valley
* State's Northern Flying Squirrels Facing Hard Times
The northern flying squirrel is facing pressure on its habitat and is being considered for listing as an endangered or threatened species by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
* Northeast Environmental Partners Announce 2004 Award Recipients
The Northeast Environmental Partners and over 400 guests recognized nine individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to protecting and enhancing the environment of Northeast Pennsylvania at their annual awards dinner this week in Wilkes-Barre.
* Watershed NewsClips
Here's a sampling of watershed issues in the news.
* Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board will met this week and approved all items as recommended by DEP: Deer Creek Stream Redesignation Petition (York County), Little Falls Creek Stream Redesignation Petition (York County), Final Hazardous Waste Facilities Plan, Proposed changes to Hazardous Waste Regulations, a petition to require power plants to reduce mercury emissions and a DOD airfield and municipal waste transfer station petition. Copies of agenda items are available on the EQB webpage under the October 19 meeting date.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
DEP published one proposed policy document for comment this week:
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other calendars-
* Contributions Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com .

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