Clean Water Advocates Call DEP Rollback of Protections From Marcellus Shale Drilling Illegal, Irresponsible

Members of the Pennsylvania Campaign for Clean Water, a coalition of organizations dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources, issued the following statements today after DEP recently stripped County Conservation Districts of their duties to review erosion, sediment, and stormwater control plans for natural gas well drilling sites in the Marcellus Shale formation. DEP additionally instituted an expedited stormwater permitting process that does not allow for public participation or meaningful agency review of permit applications.
36 member organizations of the Campaign for Clean Water co-signed a letter sent today to DEP Acting Secretary John Hanger condemning DEP’s actions. (click here for the full announcement and a copy of the letter)

Tuesday NewsClips

Editorial: Tugging At Region's Natural Gas Bounty Starts
Catalyst Sues Over Allegheny Forest Drilling Rights
Time's Running Out For Late Payers To Avoid Utility Shutoffs
PPL Favors Easing Pain Of Rate Hikes
CBF: Save The Bay, Businesses And Farmers
Bill Seeks To Quash Disposal Bag Use
Carbon County Recycling Bins Open In Penn Forest
Microbes Turn Electricity Directly To Methane

Green Project Reserve Meeting April 1

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection will hold the first in a series of outreach meetings April 1 at 9:30 on the federal stimulus Green Project Reserve Program to fund green infrastructure projects.
The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg and will provide an opportunity to answer initial questions about the new program.
Deadline for applications for green infrastructure projects is May 18.
For more information on this event and others being planned, contact either Lee Murphy at 717-772-4055, send email to: c-lemurphy@state.pa.us or Ann Smith at 717-787-4726, send email to: annsmith@state.pa.us.

Monday NewsClips

Sparks Could Fly At Hearing For DEP Secretary
Editorial: Severance Tax On Gas Drilling Fair For Whole State
DEP Crowds Out Conservation Districts
Drought, Not Flooding, The Delaware Valley Spring Worry
Lanford's $2.9 Million Sewer Separation Project
Lehigh Region Volunteers Sought For Pick It Up PA Days
Central Mountain High School Student Project Begins CleanScapes' 9th Year
Penn State Extension Composting Clinics Becoming Popular
Cumberland County Electronics Recycling Event
Lycoming Commissioners Submit Recycling Report To DEP
Recycling In Pike County Is Facing Serious Problems
Bethlehem, Northampton County Get Stimulus Money For Energy-Efficient Projects
Luzerne To Get $2.5 Million For Energy Projects From Stimulus
Stimulus Money To Help Scranton Save Energy
Hydropower Has Negative Spillover Effects
Capitol Matters: Shocking Facts About Electricity Caps
Editorial: Electric Rate Caps Are About To Be Lifted

Sunday NewsClips

Competing Plans For PA Gas Revenue Under Scrutiny
State Seeks More Say On Shale Pipelines
Op-Ed: Sustainable Trends Offer Reason For Hope In PA And Nation
Nature-Based Faiths Celebrate Arrival Of Spring
Taylor Project Aimed At Easing Flooding
Rosenberry's Farm For Maximum Profit, Conservation
Lancaster Conservation District Honors 2009 Award Recipients
Erie Coke Plant Has Clear Goal
Lawmakers Debate Future Of Electricity Rate Caps
State Forest Audit Gets High Marks, Raises Suspicion
Birds Vanishing In Lehigh Valley
Wildlife Abundant On Three Mile Island - Video
TMI Anniversary Articles
TMI Accident Led To Positive Changes
Westinghouse Certain Of Safety, Efficiency Of Nuclear Power
Editorial: Three Mile Island

Saturday NewsClips

Green Business Can Be Good, Profitable
Firm Plans Homes, Water Park On Old Mine
Op-Ed: Reducing My Carbon Footprint
Dark Side Of Mining
Three Mile Island: 3- Years Later
TMI Papers Show Thornburgh As Hero

March 30 PA Environment Digest Now Available

March 30 PA Environment Digest now available online.

Click Here to print this Digest.

Selected Headlines--

Environmental Educators Recognize Outstanding Contributors - Video
House Republicans Unveil State Forest Marcellus Shale Leasing Proposal - Video
Senate OKs Transfter of $174 Million Gas Leasing Revenue To General Fund
DCNR Committee Asks For Temporary Hold On Leasing State Land For Drilling
Senate Committee Sets Hearing On John Hanger As Secretary Of DEP
DEP Celebrates Completion Of State Water Plan - Video
PennVEST Sets May 18 Deadline For Green Infrastructure Projects
PA American Water Accepting Environmental Grant Applications
PA Environmental Council Urges Prompt Action On Watershed Bill
Westmoreland County Invites Residents On Stormwater Trail Walk
PA Environmental Council Launches Green Business Program
Rachel Carson Building Earns Energy Star Rating
EPA Accepts Applications For Pollution Prevention Assistance Grants
EPA Launches Video/Photo Project for Earth Day
Coalition Promotes Green Jobs Campaign
Opinion- Three Mile Island, What Hs It Taught Us?

Photo: Ruth Roperti, President PA Association of Environmental Educators

May 18 Deadline For Green Infrastructure Projects

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority yesterday told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Impact and Infrastructure it has set a May 18 deadline for applications for water infrastructure and green infrastructure projects funded using federal stimulus dollars.
Paul Marchetti, PennVEST, said Pennsylvania will receive about $220 million for water infrastructure project, $65 million for drinking water and $155 million for wastewater. Half of the funds must be allocated in grants and at least 20 percent must be for "green infrastructure."
The formal language included in the stimulus package under the Clean Water Revolving Fund section says: "not less than 20 percent of the funds appropriated herein for the Revolving Funds shall be for projects to address green infrastructure, water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative activities."
These practices, EPA guidance says, includes restoration of natural landscape features, such as forests, floodplains and wetlands, bioretention, green roofs, porous pavements and cisterns.
In addition, EPA says, green infrastructure technologies can simultaneously provide other benefits like helping to filter air pollutants, reducing energy demands, mitigating urban heat island and sequestering carbon.
PennVEST will be publishing a formal soliction for green projects in the near future.

Friday NewsClips

New Plan Outlines Statewide, Regional Water Priorities
Williamsport Greenway Path Encourages River Use
Editorial: Concession Will Get Riverfront Project Moving
Politicians: Lease Money Should Stay In Towns
Marcellus Shale Brings Opportunities To State
Grants To Boost Green Energy
Erie, Millcreek Could Receive $1.5 Million In Energy Grants
Tamaqua School District Looks To Partner With PPL On Energy Savings
High Tech Light Firm May Brighten Local Economy
PennDOT Invites Volunteers For Great PA Cleanup
Army Of Volunteers To Attack Litter
Buried Acid Rock Needs Venting
How Will Valley Benefit From Natural Gas?
Burning Trash Leads To 30 Acres Scorched
Editorial: Harrisburg Authority Needs To Regain Trust

Thursday NewsClips

Editorial: GOP Lawmakers Should Not Supplant Severance Tax
Editorial: Drilling Tax Good Policy, New Alternative Gets It Backwards
Editorial: Gas Drilling Permit Hike Deserves A Fair Tradeoff
Expert Says Marcellus Shale's Potential Beyond Imagination
Energize PA Initiative Revealed To Tap State Gas Deposits
Republicans Call To Open More Forest Land For Gas Exploration
Gas Activity Shuts Some Folks Down
Blossburg Supports Mine Reclamation
State Funding Cut Will Slow Sewage Enforcement
Springfield Polling Residents About Septic Systems
Wilkes-Barre Needs Volunteers For Annual Cleanup
Students Recognized For Phone Book Recycling Program
Conservation District Recognize Rep. McCall With Legislator Award
EPA Giving Closer Look To Mining Proposal
Harrisburg City Council Hopefuls Critical Of Incinerator Debt
Billboards Get A Response, An Angry One In Delaware County
PA Tops Backyard Bird Counters

New Plan Outlines Statewide, Regional Water Priorities

As demand grows for Pennsylvania’s water resources, the Commonwealth is offering comprehensive recommendations to help policymakers balance the demands of competing interests while protecting the quality and supply of water for residents and businesses, Environmental Protection Acting Secretary John Hanger said today.
The plan was approved and adopted by Acting Secretary Hanger at the recommendation of the Statewide Water Resources Committee. Representatives of the regional and statewide committees that created the plan following five years of public meetings throughout the state were are the ceremony in Harrisburg.
“The state water plan represents years of exhaustive and difficult work, and provides Pennsylvanians with a vision, goals and recommendations for meeting the challenges of sustainable water use over the next 15 years,” Hanger said. “Each region came to the table with its own priorities–protecting drinking water supplies, creating jobs, avoiding devastating floods, reducing mine drainage, and ensuring well thought out plans for how to use the land—but the statewide committee was able to craft a document that takes into account these many conflicting priorities and demands.”(click here for full announcement)

Wednesday NewsClips

Dry Spring Raises Threat Of Wildfires
House GOP Bill Would Lease State Forests For Drilling
House GOP Wants New Gas Drilling On State Land
Lawmakers Pitch Leasing More State Land For Drilling
Armstrong Plant Obama Talking Point For 2nd Day
Editorial; Room For Compromise On Electric Rate Hikes
More Utility Shutoffs Expected
Contractor Uses Home As Proving Ground For Generating Renewable Energy
Gas Driller Files Lawsuit Against Township
Factory Rennovation Projects Honored
Erie Tires To Energy Plant Gets Board OK
Op-Ed: Green Jobs, Good Jobs
Op-Ed: Give Earth A Break, Earth Hour
Op-Ed: An Alternative Energy Source That's Well Within Reach - Natural Gas
Clearfield School Districts Considers Geothermal Heating
Coal Royalties Increased In Northumberland County
Taylor To Pull Biofuels Zoning Change
West Chester Seeking To Boost Recycling
Teacher Recalls High Tension, Panic During TMI Accident

PEC Launches Green Business Program

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the launch of the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, a new initiative aimed at committing area businesses to reducing the impacts of their office practices on the environment.
The program was created by a committee of business leaders and is being promoted in partnership with the PenJerDel Council.
Thirty-three companies and firms from across the region have signed-on to participate in the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program as charter members, prior to its public launch. These companies and firms include Rohm and Haas, Liberty Property Trust, Drinker Biddle & Reath, Duane Morris, CIGNA and Vanguard Group, among others. (click here for the full announcement)

House Republicans Unveil Marcellus Shale Gas Lease Proposal

The House Republican Energy Task Force today unveiled at a Capitol news conference the "Energize PA" plan to expand natural gas drilling on 390,000 additional acres of state forest land during the next three years. The proposal would provide an additional $260 million per year for state and local governments and conservation districts while promoting the creation of 7,000 new private-sector jobs in Pennsylvania's emerging Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry.
"My bill is about promoting job creation at a time when our state's workers are suffering the consequences of a national economic downturn," said Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana), prime sponsor of the legislation - House Bill 1050 - and one of two co-chairs of the House Republican Energy Task Force. (click here for full announcement)

Tuesday NewsClips

Less Ice On Great Lakes During Winter
No Cause For Drought Alarm In Area, Yet
Council Chief Sears Harrisburg Incinerator Plan
Central Dauphin District Upgrades Aim To Save Energy
Lights Out For Climate Change
Minersville Area School District Looks To Save Energy
Economy Drives Road Tax Revenue And Driving Down
Stimulus Funds Have Rendell Seeing Green
Getting Philadelphia Companies To Go Green
No Limit To Learning In This Classroom Thanks To Trout Unlimited

Coalition Unveils Campaign On Green Jobs

A coalition of environmental, conservation, preservation, housing and research groups, along with elected officials, held a press conference today in Harrisburg to outline their proposals to build jobs and promote great and green communiities and government accountability.
The campaign, Pennsylvania Works!, will work to create public policy that puts Pennsylvanins to work and builds a resilent, robust and green economy for all.
The founding partners include Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, the PA Chapter of the American Planning Alliance, the Housing Alliance of PA, Keystone Research Center, Local Initiatives Support Coportation, PennEnvironment, PA Environmental Council, Preservation PA and Regional Housing Legal Services. (click here for more information)

PA American Water Accepting Environmental Grant Applications

Pennsylvania American Water announced today that the application process is now open for its 2009 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies.
The company will award grants of up to $10,000. The program is designed to support diverse types of activities, such as watershed cleanups, reforestation efforts, underground tank inspection programs, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, wellhead protection initiatives and hazardous waste collection efforts. (click here for full announcement)

Middle, Lower Susquehanna Named River of the Year

The middle and lower Susquehanna River, a watershed that has shaped countless community lifestyles in central Pennsylvania and is emerging as a recreational treasure of the future, was recognized today as Pennsylvania's River of the Year for 2009.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said the designation is the latest accolade for this section of the Susquehanna River.
"A lifeblood of the Chesapeake Bay, and already designated as a National Recreation Water Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior, this 103-mile stretch of the Susquehanna draws our annual salute for so many reasons," said DiBerardinis.
"Pivotal in the natural and cultural heritage of central Pennsylvania, this section of the river has defined settlement patterns, the development of industry, transportation, agricultural, and a way of life for generations of Pennsylvanians," DiBerardinis said. "With its Native American legacies, early canal-boat transportation, and a wealth of architectural and industrial history, the Susquehanna River is a living museum of the natural and cultural treasures this region has to offer." (click here for full announcement)

Monday NewsClips

Oversight Of Chemicals Used In Gas Drilling Unclear
Chemicals At Susquehanna County Drill Site Raise Questions
Delaware River Basin Commission Drilling Role Sparks Debate
PA Says Natural Gas Drilling Risks Inevitable
Gas Drilling Firm To Address Environmental Allegations
Editorial: Find Funding For River Gauges
Senate Panel OKs Shale Fund Revenue To Erase Budget Deficit
Rendell: Nuclear Power Factors In To Nation's Energy Future
PSU Professor Featured On TV Special Global Warming
North Schuylkill School District To Apply For Geothermal Funds
West Chester Joins Lights-Out Event
Deer Blamed For Hazmat Crash In Wind Gap
Budget Cuts Threaten Delaware River Flood Monitoring
Lawmakers' Views On End To Power Rate Caps Mixed
Electricity Rate Cap Protection In Place
Electric Rates
Business Owners Learn About Energy Pools
World May Be On Verge Of Wood Breakthrough
Youths Driven To Fight Pollution, Accidents
Electric Car Sparking Back To Life
Erie: 2008 Bird-Banders Proved Invaluable
TMI: His Community Lampooned, Resentful Activist Fought Back

Sunday NewsClips

Rendell's Drivers Haven't Hit The Brakes
Tree Planting Parties Create Habitat, Slow Erosion
Erie Bluffs State Park 5 Years Old
Lawmaker Wants Study Of Consolidating DEP, DCNR
5,000 Flee Chemical After Truck Overturns
TMI 30 Years Later
TMI: 30 Years Of What If
Nuclear Energy Returns To American Landscape

Saturday NewsClips

Heritage Corridors May Hit Dead End
Federal Stimulus Is Creating More Than One Kind Of Green
Natural Gas, Suddenly Abundant, Is Cheaper
Hummelstown Prepares To Borrow For Sewer Plant Upgrades
Chloramine Fight Goes To State Supreme Court
Methane Gas Payments To Go To Hopewell Residents
Editorial: EPA Performance Track Program
Editorial: Global Warming? More Doubts

March 23 PA Environment Digest Now Available

www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com
click here to print this Digest
Selected Headlines--
87% Support Marcellus Shale Gas Tax For Environment
Conservation Districts Honor Speaker McCall, Sen. Wonderling
Watershed Engineering Assistance Program Report Available
DEP Takes Over Marcellus Shale Gas Well Permit Review From Conservation Districts
Contractor Registration Now Open For Solar Installers
Great PA Cleanup! - Check Out Events, Register Your Cleanup
2009 Waste Watcher Award Nominations Now Due
PROP Sponsors Recycling, Composting Certification Classes
PA Resources Council sponsors Backyard, Worm Composting Classes
State Envirothon May 19, PA Hosts 2012 International Envirothon
10,000 Friends Calls For Commonwealth Award Nominations
PA Industries Reduce Waste Disposal By 71 Million Pounds
Game Commission Figures Show Deer Harvest Increased 4%
Pittsburgh, Harrisburg Falcon Cams Now Online
Cathy Myers Named Special Asst., Aunkst Named Acting Deputy
Farm Bureau Looks for Natural Resources Director
Feature- Wildlife Housing Market In Slump Too

DEP Consolidates Marcellus Shale Permit Reviews

The Department of Environmental Protection took action this week to consolidate the review of Chapter 102 and 105 erosion and sedimentation and stormwater permits for Marcellus Shale gas drilling permits under DEP's Regional Oil and Gas Program staff, rather than have county conservation districts do those reviews.
Specifically, all Chapter 102 and 105 permits for the exploration, production, processing, treatment or transmission facilities will be reviewed by DEP under the ESCGP-1 permit. New permit forms will be developed by the agency to be used starting April 1.
In addition, any complaints related to Marcellus Shale drilling operations received by conservation districts are to be referred to the appropriate DEP Regional Office Oil and Gas Program.
Conservation districts will still be authorized to handle ESCGP-1 permit reviewed for intrastate and interstate pipelines. (click here for a copy of the transfer memo)

Dana Aunkst Named Acting DEP Water Deputy

Dana Aunkst has been named Acting Deputy Secretary for Water Management at DEP. Dana is the Director of the Bureau of Water Standards and Facility Regulation.

PA Solar Installer Registration

The Department of Environmental Protection today encouraged contractors installing solar photovoltaic and solar thermal (hot water) equipment to register with the department to be eligible to do work under the Commonwealth's new $100 million grant program to promote solar energy.
Applications and instructions are available online.
For questions or more information abou the PA Sunshine Program, contact Rebecca Campbell, DEP Office of Energy and Technology Depolyment at 717-772-8911 or send email to: pasunshine@state.pa.us.

Thursday NewsClips

Editorial: DEP's Leader Says Agency Can Perform Balancing Act
Clinton County Planners Take First Look At Drilling Regs
PA Supreme Court Rules Zoning Can Regulate Where Of Gas Drilling
Marcellus Shale Breakfast Talk Draws Large, Curious Audience
Centre Sewer, Water Systems Approved For Funding Upgrades
Dirty Air Blowing In From Mon Valley
Pittston Eyes River Greenway
Land Trust Aims To Preserve Cranberry Bog In Industrial Park
Bucks Preserves 86-Acre Farm
Businesses To Pool Resources To Buy Electricity
East Vincent Leads In Promoting Clean Energy Technology
Op-Ed: Clock Ticks Away On Global Warming
Bill Resurrecting State Energy Office Wins Support

Wednesday NewsClips

Editorial: Tax The Source Of The Natural Gas Mess
Senate Panel OKs Use Of Gas Drilling Funds
Bellefonte Sewer Plant Upgrades Should Be Complete By Fall
Northern Tier Watershed Receives State Grant
Wilkes-Barre Banking On River Life
Hearing Set On Planned Wilkes-Barre Levee Fee
Pittsburgh Puts Energy Into Going Green
Lehigh Cement Plant To Reduce Nitrogen Oxide
Pittsburgh To Ban Couches On Porches
Harvey's Lake Cleanup On May 9
Pittsburgh Port Authority Outlines Plans For Stimulus Money
Lackawanna County Plans To Buy Hybrid Buses With Stimulus
Amish Farmer Jailed Over Illegal Outhouses In Cambria County
Maneuvering To Minimize Manure Smells
Siemens Fuel Cell Energy Plant To Lay Off 75
Op-Ed: Green Pennsylvania, Jack Wagner
Op-Ed: Invest In Energy Efficiency On A Grand Scale
Saving Energy Could Aid Appalachian Economy
Natural Lands Trust Announces 197-Acre Expansion To ChesLen Preserve
Excitement Soars Over Eagles' Nest On Presque Isle
DEP To Host Free Seminar On Waste Regulations

2009 Waste Watcher Award Nominations Due

Nominations for the 2009 Waste Watcher Awards to recognize municipalities, counties, businesses, schools, non-profit groups or individuals who have made a significant contribution to recycling, composting and waste reduction and reuse are now being accepted. The deadline for nominations is May 15.
The Waste Watcher Awards are sponsored by the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania, SWANA Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter and the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association. (click here for nomination form)

Cathy Myers Named To New Post At DEP

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger announced this week Cathy Myers has been named Special Assistant to the Secretary for Pennsylvania's Recovery. Myers had been Deputy Secretary for Water Management.
"We must manage the people's money with accountability, transparency and expediency and to use this money as it was intended -- to put Pennsylvanian's back to work and jump-start our struggling economy. In these times, we cannot do business as usual. Implementing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is vital and requires real teamwork at the Department," said Acting Secretary Hanger.

Tuesday NewsClips

Environmentalists Pitch PA Natural Gas Severance Tax
New Tax Sought For Natural Gas Drilling
Environmental Groups, Drillers Debate Severance Tax On Natural Gas
Natural Gas Tax Ideas Debated
Environmental Activist Call On Pittsburgh Schools to Retrofit Buses
Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting Gets Boost From Washington
Newtown Dives Into Stream Initiatives
USDA Will Restore, Protect Flood-Prone Lands With Federal Stimulus Money
They Know Trash
Clarion University To Host Environmental Congress
Wilkes-Barre Career And Technical Center OKs $3.8 Million For Energy
EPA To Stop EPA Performance Track Program
New Abington Orthodontics Office Designed Green
Butler Township Eyes Windmill Project
Video Of Pittsburgh Nesting Falcons Available Online
Return Of Harrisburg Falcons

Monday NewsClips

Editorial: A Right To Clean Water
Consequences Of Gas Drilling Still Unknown
Drilling Stalled In National Forest
Sen. Yaw Talks Gas Drilling
Watchful Eyes Will Help Protect Area Streams During Gas Drilling
Editorial: With Marcellus Shale Bounty Comes Questions
Inventor Offers Idea On Acid Mine Drainage
Wayne Weatherization Program Growing
DEP Boss: Agency Is Not Hostile To Business Climate
Novey Recycling Marks New Facility With Grant Opening
LCCC Goes Green With Free Offering
Hazleton, Tamaqua Schools Looking To Reduce Energy Costs
Grant Will Help Lackawanna River Sewer Basin Authority Go Green
Fry's Run Watershed To Benefit From State Grant
A Sweet Time To Be Making Maple Syrup
State Grant Will Help Lackawanna River Sewer Basin Authority Go Green

87% Support Natural Gas Tax For Environment

A coalition of environmental, conservation, and sporting groups; municipal officials and state legislators today launched a campaign in support of a severance tax on natural gas drilling. The groups advocate that a portion of tax revenues should be dedicated to conservation, local governments dealing with environmental damage, and the Fish and Boat Commission and the Game Commission.
As part of the campaign, the group unveiled a recent statewide poll which showed that the majority of Pennsylvanians support taxing natural gas drilling, and nearly 9 out of 10 want a portion of the tax revenue used to protect Pennsylvania’s land, water, and wildlife. (click here for full announcement)

Sunday NewsClips

Teens Take up Cause Of Polar Bears
Burning The Forest To Save The Trees
Penn State: Seeking Energy Locked In Wood
Next Round Of REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Coming In August
Vilsack Announces First Wave Of USDA Stimulus Funding
Electric Rate Caps Are Coming Off, Are You Ready?
Editorial: Seed Planted For Better Farm Odor Management
Farmers Urged To Take A Second Look At Biosolids
Fish And Boat To Focus On Habitat
Voice Of America Visits Middle Creek
Bald Eagle Population Soars
Youth Mentors Teaching Outdoors Skills To The Next Generation
Editorial: Green Charade

March 16 PA Environment Digest Available

March 16 PA Environment Digest
Click to Print This Digest

Selected Headlines--
Record 218 Attend The 2009 Schuylkill Watershed Congress
USDA Will Restore, Protect Flood-Prone Lands With Stimulus Funds
PennVEST Holds Meeting On Indended Use Of Stimulus Funding
Changes May Be Needed To Energy Act To Accept Stimulus Funding
Videos Available Of Nutrient, Carbon Credit Workshops
House Committee Hears Comments On Energy, Carbon Sequestration Bills
Senate, House Environmental Committees To Meet
Call For Posters, Land, Water & Communities Conference May 7-9
DRBC OKs New Water Conservation Program
DEP Flood Protection Grants, Flood Protection Workshop
Western PA Environmental Awards May 27 In Pittsburgh
PECO Settlement Helps End Price Uncertainty
Sustainable Landscapes Conference To Be Held April 1
Heritage - PEC Rachel Carson Program
Feature - Trout In The Classroom, A New Season
Feature - LBJs-- Little Brown Jobs-- A Delight To Birders
Photo: No-Till Farming

Friday NewsClips

Allegheny Power Wants To Stock Up On Electricity
Energy Agency Cuts Forecast For Global Oil Demand
Federal Stimulus Package Contains Energy Aid For PA
Lehigh Valley Agency Is Long On Weatherization Aid, But Short On Help
$4.5 Million Federal Earmark Spurs Flood Project In Scranton
SRBC Requires Drilling Companies To Post Signs At Drill Sites
State Action May Affect Gas Drilling
U.S. Energy Future Hits Snag In Rural Pennsylvania
Windmills In Pottsville: A Lot To Think About
Legislators Discuss Carbon Capture Technology
DRBC Approves Water Loss Control Program
Hawks Nest On Franklin Institute's Ledge

Western PA Environmental Awards May 27

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards sponsored by Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will be presented in Pittsburgh on May 27.
This special awards program, now in its 15th year, honors outstanding individuals, companies, organizations and programs that have made a major contribution to restoring or protecting the environment in 29 western counties.
The awards program will be held at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh.
A program will feature the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Linda McKenna Boxx and a photo exhibit by Paul G. Weigman on the Great Allegheny Passage.
For tickets and more information, contact PEC at 412-481-9400 or send email to: WPEA@pecpa.org.

NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide up to $145 million to eligible landowners nationwide through the floodplain easement component of its Emergency Watershed Protection Program.
The funds will be used to restore an estimated 60,000 acres of frequently flooded land to its natural state and create jobs.
The deadline for applications is March 27
"We will be working with landowners who voluntarily agree to restore the floodplains to their natural condition by placing their land into easements," said Gary Smith, Pennsylvania Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistant State Conservationist. "Eligible landowners throughout Pennsylvania can sign up for these easements now through March 27 at their local NRCS field office."
Eligible lands are those in all watersheds that meet the following criteria:
-- Lands must have been damaged by flooding at least twice in the previous ten years, or at least once in the last 12 months, or lands that would be inundated or adversely impacted as a result of a dam breach.
-- Lands must be privately owned, or owned by state or local units of government. Federally owned lands are not eligible for enrollment.
Landowners who are interested in having mill dams removed, or who are in the emergency action plan area for land and buildings downstream of any dam, may be eligible to apply. Land does not have to have buildings or structures on it to be eligible.
For more information contact your local NRCS Service Center.

Thursday NewsClips

Temporary Road Closures During Amphibian Migration
Can There Ever Be Clean Coal?
Millions Are Being Poured Into Polar Opposite Clean Coal Campaigns
U.S. Senate Approves $5,47 Million For Flight 93 Memorial
$5.5 Million For Tri-County Cancer Study Approved By Congress
Pittsburgh Plans War On Front Porch Couches
Funding On Way For Locks And Dams
Three Mile Island 30 Years Later
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Plants Necessary For Future
Editorial: The Yucca Nuclear Waste Decision Is Disappointing
Taylor Planner Quits In Flap Over Plan For Biofuels Plant
Gas Rush Getting Serious In Bradford County
Chesapeake Drilling To Pump $90 Million Into Drilling By Year's End
Allegheny National Forest Seeks Input On Oil, Gas Issues
Op-Ed: Make Room For Geology, Science And Technology In Marcellus Shale Debate
Camp Hill Sewer Bills Could Rise $100 A Month
Editorial: Help Set The Scene For A Clean Spring
Kingston Twp. Upgrading Signals With LED Bulbs

Wednesday NewsClips

Editorial: Alternative Energy Often Comes With A Price
Clinton County Spent $1 Million As Part of Growing Greener II Program
Drilling Taints Susquehanna County Wells
Editorial: DiBerardinis, New Parks And Recreation Appointment
Meadville Market House Adds Its Own Label
Bay Needs Watershed Help
Water-Based Paint Makes Valley Body Shop Environmentally Friendly
Western Wayne Looks To Go Green In New School
Editorial: Coal Ash Rules Long Overdue

Tuesday NewsClips

Legislature Moves To Tax PA Natural Gas
Bill Would Tax Gas Drilling To Plug Budget Hole
DeWeese: Assess Value Of Natural Gas Production
Royalty Checks Sent To PA Residents
PA Finds Gas Drilling Firm In Violation
State College Gets Greenhouse Gas Grant
Editorial: Global Warming? Think Again Folks
Climate Fight Could Create Jobs
PPG Ordered To Cleanup Glass Dump Near Ford City
Network To Keep Tabs On Health Hazards
Sugar Creek Watershed Assn. To Receive Grant
Water Financial Crisis Possible With Pittsburgh Water Authority
Premiere Set For Documentary About Oil Region
Knox Submits Final Sewage Management Plan To DEP
Caught In A Forest Of Green Initiatives
Taking Stock In The Planet

Monday NewsClips

Climate Change Concerns Hit Home At Watershed Congress
Susquehanna River Cleanup Project Pollution Hurts Downstream
Susquehanna River Cleanup Efforts Focus On Worst Areas
Susquehanna River: History Unkind To Waterway
Centre County Working To Curb Pollution Effects
Editorial: How To Help Clean Up The Susquehanna
West Rockhill Set To Preserve 54 Acres Of Watershed
Natural Gas Still An Uncertain Factor
Editorial: More Forest Land To Be Offered For Gas Drilling
DEP Reviewing Palo Alto Drainage Draft
Students Trek To To Ridge Environmental Center
Flooding Reported In Northwestern PA
A Flood Of Information About Drinking Water
Robot Pitches Recycling
Parkside Weighs Cost Of Recycling Program
Nutter Kills Philadelphia Trash-Fee Proposal
Editorial: PA Must Help Consumers When Electric Rate Caps Expire
PECO Seeks OK To Add Solar Credits
Chester Townships Move Toward Renewable Energy
Converve Energy Is Spring-Ford School District's New Mantra
Warren To Get Green Award
More Land Preserved In Pike County
Saving Money Is One Goal Of Central Carbon Comprehensive Plan Group
Development Plan For 32-Mile Allegheny River Trail Under Way

Sunday NewsClips

Swimming Holes Give Way To Wildlife Protection
Centre County Conservation District Working To Curb Pollution Effects
Column: Susquehanna River Cleanup Deadline Nearing
Panel Calculates Impact Of Protecting Mussels In Allegheny River
Quecreek Miners Settle Lawsuit
Local Energy Experts Pick Apart T. Boone Pickens' Plan
Incentives Create Golden Chance For Going Green
Pedal Co-Op Hauls Recyclables By Bicycle
Centre County Residents Question Controlled Burn Plans
Former DCNR Engineer Charged In Kinzua Bridge Repair Case
Farm Odor Regulations Sow Criticism
Editorial: Township Should Consider Ways To Minimize Effects Of Sprawl
Op-Ed: Why Sustainability Matters To America

March 9 PA Environment Digest

March 9 PA Environment Digest Now Available
Click here to print this Digest

Selected Headlines--
DCNR Secretary DiBerardinis Leaving For Philadelphia Parks Post
Gov. Rendell Outlines Process for Spending Federal Stimulus Funds
$17 Million Keystone HELP Energy Conservation, Rebate Program
Coldwater Heritage Partnership Announces Grant Awards
DEP Restores 960 Acres of Abandoned Mine Lands In 2008
DEP Completes Plugging 173 Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells In 2008
Nature Conservancy, Partners Issue Report On Land Conservation Fund
March PA Center For Environmental Education Newsletter Now Online
Registered Now For The Great American Cleanup of PA
DEP Awards Grants For Local Plans to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
PA Environmental Council To Honor Governor's Award Winners
Time To Watch Peregrine Falcons In Love, Educators Workshop
Why Just Plant Flowers When You Can Plant Natives!
Opinion- Building A Greener Workforce, Sen. Kitchen

Friday NewsClips

DiBerardinis Named To Oversee Parks, Recreation
Editorial: A New Day For Parks In Philadelphia
Pottstown Recycling Numbers Up, Landfill Costs Down
Editorial: A Welcome Green Addition At Penn
Chesapeake Gas Drilling Meeting Draws Sizable Crowd
Can Rural Drinking Water Be Protected From Gas Drilling?
Yellow Breeches Dam Removal Remains Priority
Die-Off Of Bats Near Carbondale Worsening
Paying For Trash Removal No Big Hit In Philadelphia
Bill Would Advance Delaware Waterfront Plan
Moore Township Environmental Advisory Committee Needs Volunteers
Cumberland County Reports $43,000 Savings As Part Of Energy Consortium

Thursday NewsClips

DCNR's Michael DiBerardinis Leaves For Philadelphia Parks Job
PA State Parks Chief Leaving for Philly Job
Water Results Surprise RiverWatchers In Woodland Hills
State Grant To Help Clean Up Brush Creek
Gas Drilling Slows Amid Price Drop, Less Demand
State Parks May Slip Back To Nature, None To Close
Peduto Wants Landmarks To Be Dark For Earth Hour
Bethlehem, Nazareth Schools Build In Ecology Secrets For Study
Editorial: Carbon Cop-Out
Water Release Planned Into Tohickon Creek
New Philly Trash Fee Pay By Bag

DCNR's DiBerardinis Leaving April 3

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis will be leaving his post on April 3 to become the new Philadelphia City Parks Commissioner. (click here for article, click here for Governor's announcement)

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Announces $35,000 In Grant Awards

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership recently announced that over $35,000 in grants have been awarded to local organizations to protect and conserve Pennsylvania’s coldwater stream habitats.
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership is a cooperative initiative amongst Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited,the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds .
"These grants targeted to Pennsylvania's precious coldwater streams help guide the protection of these unique resources, and also engage the community in their protection and enjoyment," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. (click here for a list of grants awarded.)

Wednesday NewsClips

4 Luzerne County Mine Sites Reclaimed
Clearfield County Firm To Reclaim Abandoned Mine
PA Lake Plans Kayakers Water Release March 21-22
Op-Ed: Building A Greener Workforce, Sen. Kitchen
Bird Life Can Reflect Quality Of Human Life
Editorial: Where Are Our State Reps On Natural Gas?
Regulators About To Get Busier On Gas Well Drilling
Marcellus Shale Training
NE Regional Awards To Be Bestowed In Conjunction With Symposium
Editorial: Stimulus Projects Spark Enthusiasm
Charges Reduced In Schuylkill County Coal Mine Death Case

Tuesday NewsClips

State Gives Homeowners Help To Cut Energy Use
State Promotes Home Energy Improvement Loans
Hazleton To Use Stimulus For Home Energy Efficiency Projects
Permitting Agencies Not Flooded With Gas Well Requests
Luzerne Seeks Bids For Gas Drilling
Editorial: Concern For Natural Gas Mining?
Gas Company Once Again Seeks Drilling Permit
Marcellus Water Resources Agency May See Cut From Budget
Rotary Gets Update On Nutrient Credits
Ridley Pushes Recycling Effort
Leaders Weigh Sale Of City Incinerator
Potomac Watershed Cleanup Day - April 4
Lycoming Audubon Program Explores Breeding Bird Abundance
Waverly Brine Water Recycling Proposal
Incentives Create Golden Moment For Buying Green
Clarion County Sewage Assn. Faces Uncertainty As State Funding Dries Up

Monday NewsClips

Protecting Allegheny Mussels Creates Stew
Funding Secured For Upper Delaware Flood Studies, Warning System
New DEP Oil-Gas Office Opens
Clearfield Takes Action To Help Water, Sewer Projects
Truck Traffic From Gas Drilling Sparks Concern
Editorial: Quarry Project Deserves Grant, But Technology Still Unproven
Harrisburg Council Wants Your Garbage
Volunteers Find Screech Owls Using TMI Wood Duck Boxes
Makeover To Begin On Delaware Waterfront
Glass-Bottomed Overlook Planned At Kinzua Bridge
Bill Would Allow Transfer Of Anterless Licenses

$17 Million KeystoneHELP Energy Program Announced

Pennsylvania is stepping up its efforts to help more families cut their energy bills, said Governor Edward G. Rendell today as he announced an expanded effort to make energy conservation and efficiency measures more affordable for households.
The Governor said the new, $17 million Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program will make it easier for families to insulate their homes, seal off drafts, or install things like high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps, and ENERGY STAR-qualified windows and doors.
Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger and Treasurer Robert McCord unveiled the new Keystone HELP Residential Energy Efficiency Loan and Rebate Program today at the home of David and Jennifer Schlegel in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County. (click here for more details)

Sunday NewsClips

Editorial: Get Involved In Environmental Cleanup
Projects Aim To Improve Susquehanna Basin By 2010
Pollution Pinches Chesapeake Crabs
Prime Habitats Protected Under New Land Deals
Fewer Trout To Be Stocked In PA Waters
Quarry Project In Slate Belt Would Break New Ground
Regulators Moving Closer To Oil, Natural Gas Action
Philadelphia Mayor Proceeds With Waterfront Plan
Exploring Abandoned Industrial Hulks
Emerald Ash Borer Found In Central PA
Hunting Tradition Strong In Western PA
Analysis: Obama's Greenhosue Gas Gamble
$1 Million Grant To Help Build Green Jobs School In Philadelphia