The June 16 PA Environment Digest is now available. Click Here to print entire Digest.
Gov. Corbett, Challenger Tom Wolf Discuss Environmental Issues At PEC Dinner
Gov. Tom Corbett and Democratic candidate for Governor Tom Wolf Wednesday discussed environmental issues in remarks before the annual dinner of the PA Environmental Council in Philadelphia. It was the first time the two candidates appeared at the same time in any forum.
Marcellus Industry Coalition Poll Shows 55% In PA Support Adding Severance Tax, But
A new poll released Tuesday by the Marcellus Shale Coalition found 55 percent of those following the debate about a new severance tax would favor its adoption and 34 percent would oppose. If, however, the new tax would result in the loss of jobs, 58 percent opposed a new severance tax and 33 percent favor.
Commonwealth Court Delays Decision On Use Of DCNR Oil & Gas Fund Monies
Commonwealth Court Judge Kevin Brobson issued an order Monday dated June 5 delaying a decision in a lawsuit brought by the PA Environmental Defense Fund over the use of DCNR Oil and Gas Fund monies until after the FY 2014-15 saying if the Court issued a ruling before the budget was finalized it would “run afoul of the principle of separation of powers.”
Report: PA Exceeds Chesapeake Bay Phosphorus Reduction Goal, Misses On Nitrogen
An analysis of selected Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Choose Clean Water Coalition found pollution is being reduced, however many jurisdictions fell short in implementing practices that reduce pollution from agricultural sources and urban and suburban polluted runoff.
Pennsylvania’s part of the report said the Commonwealth exceeded its phosphorus goal and fell short in reaching its overall nitrogen pollution reduction goal.
Corbett: Tackle State Pension Problems, Then We’ll Talk About The Budget
Gov. Corbett this week issued a clear challenge to the House and Senate Republicans-- seriously tackle the state’s rising state and school employee pension costs and then he’ll talk about ways to plug the expected $1.6 billion budget gap.
Corbett also said privately he doesn’t expect an on-time budget this year, one of the hallmarks of his Administration, because he wants the Senate and House to make some tough budget decisions.