Sen. John T. Yudichak (D-Luzerne) this week announced legislation-- Senate Bill 905-- that would implement a severance tax on the extraction of natural gas in Pennsylvania saying it is time for a fair and responsible severance tax on natural gas.

The Post-Gazette and other news outlets this week reported the Department of Environmental Protection has centralized the issuance of any Marcellus Shale-related enforcement and permit approvals, including notices of violations, with senior DEP management.

Watch for an announcement on April 4 from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation related to requesting the federal government to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the cumulative impacts of Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania and other Marcellus states.

Nature Abounds and the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps have set some dates for water quality monitoring for current and new volunteers.

The Brandywine Christina Clean Water Partnership recognized several award winners, including Whitford Country Club and Stephen R. DePaoli Mushrooms at its Legislative Ceremony recently at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square, Pa.

The Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team initiative by the Conemaugh Valley Conservancy published its 2010 annual report this week outlining its accomplishments for the year.

LandStudies, a company based in Lititz, Pa., recently has been named to the provider network for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Technical Assistance Program.

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation and other partners are sponsoring a student symposium on April 12 entitled, "Getting Something Done…The Invisible Leadership of Maurice Goddard" at the Grace Pollock Performing Arts Center, Camp Hill, Pa.

The Clinton County CleanScapes Program is sponsoring a cleanup along Fishing Creek in the Borough of Mill Hall starting at 9:30.  Click here for a schedule of 2011 cleanup events.

The 2009-10 Annual Report of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful covering the merger of KPB and PA CleanWays and detailing the accomplishments of local county chapters and thousands of volunteers all across the state.

The PA Resources Council is celebrating Earth Day 2011 with a Green Lifestyles Expo in Pittsburgh, having the Litterbug join the Philadelphia Earth Day parade, sponsoring cleanup events around the state and partnering with Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield drug take back day.

Looking to plant a tree this Spring? The DCNR TreeVitalize Program in Central PA has available coupons good for $15 off the purchase of a tree you can plant at participating nurseries in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry and York counties.  Click Here for details and to find a participating nursery.

Paddle a Pennsylvania River on a Sojourn. Revel in the great outdoors, learn about the local environment, view wildlife, make new friends, and become a better steward of the natural world.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices on the opportunity to bid on flood protection projects in Clearfield and Luzerne counties and mine reclamation projects in Butler  County (PA Bulletin page 1840) and Clarion counties.

By Rona Kobell, Chesapeake Bay Journal

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.