The PA Environmental Council just published its In Case You Missed It for August, featuring stories on--
-- EPA Announcements Of Methane Emission Limits and Final Clean Power Plan
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Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Appalachian Trail Conservancy Prepares For Influx Of Hikers Inspired By Movie
The film will be released on September 2, and is an adaptation of Bill Bryson's famous memoir about hiking the Appalachian Trail and stars celebrated actors Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson.
The film follows the success of the acclaimed film Wild starring Reese Witherspoon, which chronicles a recently divorced woman seeking peace of mind in a hike along the Pacific Crest Trail.
"When the novel 'A Walk in the Woods' was released in 1998 we saw an increase of over 60% for thru-hikers starting on the Appalachian Trail," said Ron Tipton, executive director/CEO of the ATC. "When 'Wild' came out we saw a spike in the number of Appalachian Trail hikers and also a large increase in the sales of guidebooks and maps. This is indicative of the kind of impact we expect from the movie and is the reason we have prepared and are implementing an action plan in cooperation with our A.T. management partners to assure a high quality hiking experience on the Trail."
In response to the expected increase in both long distance hikes and day hikes on the Trail, the ATC anticipates an additional $1.4 million will be required to operate new or expand existing ATC programs to protect the A.T. environment and experience.
Donations for this work are urgently needed.
"The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is very excited about the new volunteers and supporters the film will bring to the Appalachian Trail," said Tipton. "Although there has been some recent buzz about disrespectful hikers on the A.T., the vast majority of hikers respect the trail and its amazing natural beauty. It's the feeling of closeness to nature and life changing experiences that we strive to preserve through teaching 'Leave No Trace' and maintaining the Trail for future generations."
The activities undertaken by the ATC include awareness about proper Trail etiquette, preparation, and ethics consistent with Leave No Trace principles, support for the ridgerunners and caretakers, and vital Trail maintenance.
Ridgerunners and caretakers are seasonal, on-Trail employees assigned to help hikers learn more about the A.T. including ways to reduce their impact. The ATC and their partners bring onboard approximately 30 ridgerunners and caretakers every year, and will be increasing their capacity during the busy 2016 hiking season.
The organization also coordinates efforts with 6,000 volunteers in the 31 Appalachian Trail maintaining clubs responsible for day-to-day trail management.
In Pennsylvania these clubs include: Wilmington Trail Club, Batona Hiking Club, AMC-Delaware Valley Chapter, Philadelphia Trail Club, Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club, Allentown Hiking Club, Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club, York Hiking Club, Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club, Mountain Club of Maryland and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
"We of course welcome hikers to enjoy the wonders of the A.T., and expect a large bump in traffic on the Trail in 2016 due to "A Walk in the Woods," said Tipton. "Because of the growing popularity of the A.T., we will need additional funds to support all of these efforts. With the necessary resources we can ensure hikers are well informed and have a positive hiking experience on this important national treasure."
For more information on programs and activities, visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy website. Also take time to visit the Appalachian Trail Museum located in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Adams County.NewsClip: Appalachian Trail: A Walk In The Woods Movie
Op-Ed: How A Principled Severance Tax Can Break Budget Stalemate
By Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and Steve Stroman
As the budget stalemate in Harrisburg drags into its 10th week, it is clear to most observers that a reasonable natural gas severance tax will be a key element of the final compromise.
As the budget stalemate in Harrisburg drags into its 10th week, it is clear to most observers that a reasonable natural gas severance tax will be a key element of the final compromise.
Such a severance tax is smart public policy, fair to the industry, makes substantial investments in our citizens and natural resources, and can attract the support of Gov. Tom Wolf, Republican legislative leaders, and both Democratic and Republican members of the General Assembly.
Our perspective is informed in very general terms by our work on House Bill 1363. We developed this bi-partisan severance tax legislation in conjunction with Republican Tom Murt of Montgomery County, and Democrats Harry Readshaw of Pittsburgh and Pam DeLissio of Philadelphia.
A reasonable tax rate:
Pennsylvania remains the only major natural gas producing state without a severance tax. The Commonwealth now assesses a decidedly modest impact fee based on the number of wells drilled.
Taxing gas at a fair rate based on the economic value of the gas produced, following the model of 27 other states, would generate hundreds of millions in additional state revenues.
We propose a 3.2 percent tax on top of the existing impact fee, which would translate into an effective tax rate of approximately 5 percent, essentially the rate of neighboring West Virginia. The industry is thriving in West Virginia, and it will continue to thrive in Pennsylvania if we enact a similar tax.
The non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office concluded that the impact fee translates into the lowest effective natural gas tax rate in the United States. For 2014, the effective rate was 2.1 percent. A tax akin to West Virginia's would bring in two to four times as much revenue as our impact fee, according to various studies.
A reasonable tax structure:
Wolf proposes taxing the gas industry starting at a minimum price of natural gas, specifically $2.97 per thousand cubic feet, regardless of the actual price of gas. Last week's Henry Hub spot price for natural gas averaged $2.65, over 10 percent lower than the proposed Wolf tax floor.
While we appreciate the desire to establish a floor for state revenues, this element of the Wolf proposal is contrary to basic microeconomics and creates additional vulnerability for an industry already under stress from low gas prices.
We understand that Wolf has shown a willingness to move away from the tax floor. He will need to make such a move to earn the support of Republican leadership.
Protect Act 13 impact fee distributions:
Pennsylvania's impact fee revenues, while modest overall, provide important funding to local governments dealing with the impacts of gas drilling on their communities.
The impact fee also provides funding for affordable housing and environmental initiatives such as Growing Greener, water infrastructure, hazardous sites cleanup, conservation districts, parks and trails.
Wolf proposes to place a ceiling on these impact fee revenues and their beneficiaries. While these programs do better under Wolf's proposal under certain scenarios of gas prices, we advise the governor to remove the impact fee cap.
Taking such a step would help reassure some of the principal Republican architects of Act 13 who are also negotiating the budget.
Direct the lion's share of funding to education:
A centerpiece of Wolf's 2014 campaign was enacting a severance tax and directing the bulk of the funding to basic education. Republican legislative leaders have moved the governor's way on increasing education funding, and almost all have been careful not to rule out a severance tax.
It is clear that this will, or should, be a central element of the final budget compromise.
We propose that, once impact fee programs are fully funded, that at least 75 percent of additional revenues be directed to education, with the remainder going to environmental and human services programs.
Funding for conservation, clean energy and environmental protection:
Wolf is on the mark for proposing to earmark a portion of severance tax revenue to bolster clean energy initiatives and to provide the Department of Environmental Protection with additional staff to enforce drilling laws.
It is appropriate that a portion of an extraction tax be invested in solar, wind, energy efficiency and other technologies to help build a low-carbon future.
We also recommend that a portion of the tax revenue be directed into the popular Growing Greener conservation and environmental program, and to local clean water programs that will help Pennsylvania comply with its Chesapeake Bay obligations.
Funding human services programs:
We propose that some of the tax revenue be directed to human services programs so that we can better strengthen the stitching of our social safety net for individuals and families in need.
Some of these valuable programs include drug and alcohol programs, intellectual disability programs, behavioral health services, the Human Services Development Fund, the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, rape and domestic violence programs, and the operation and maintenance of veterans' homes.
[Editor’s Note: Rep. DiGirolamo has introduced his natural gas severance tax proposal as House Bill 1363.]
Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) is Majority Chair of the House Human Services Committee and Steve Stroman is the director of Penn's Woods Conservation Advocates.
NewsClip: Op-Ed: How A Principled Severance Tax Could Break Budget Stalemate
Updated DEP Schedule For Mosquito Spraying
The Department of Environmental Protection and West Nile Programs across the state announced mosquito spray dates in the coming week. They include--
-- September 2: Lancaster County (parts of Manheim Borough and Penn Township); Philadelphia County (parts of Philadelphia City).
-- September 3: Lackawanna County* (in Moosic Borough and Taylor Borough); Lancaster County* (parts of Lititz Borough, Manheim Township, and Warwick Township); Montgomery County* (portions of Whitpain Township);
Click Here for a list of spray dates. For more information, visit the West Nile Virus website.
*New
Wednesday PA Environmental NewsClips
Harrisburg Takes Loan To Launch LED Streetlight Program
First Strike Against Ethanol Moving Thru General Assembly
First Strike Against Ethanol Moving Thru General Assembly
Think Stock Market Is Crazy? Look At Oil Prices
Ice Lake’s Water Level Receding In Luzerne
Mosquito Control Operation Scheduled In Lackawanna
Appalachian Trail: A Walk In The Woods Movie
Click Here for PA Capitol Digest NewsClips
Ice Lake’s Water Level Receding In Luzerne
Mosquito Control Operation Scheduled In Lackawanna
Appalachian Trail: A Walk In The Woods Movie
PA TU Coldwater Conservation Corps Training Sept. 12 In Emporium
PA Trout Unlimited and the Aquatic Resource Monitoring of Dickinson College are offering Coldwater Conservation Corps training September 12 in Emporium, Forest County.
Participants will learn how to use water monitoring equipment, select monitoring locations, who to call if a pollution incident is observed and how to use TU’s online data portal and mapping application.
The program is being hosted by the Bucktail Watershed Association at the Aroma Cafe, 51 E 4th Street in Emporium from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
To register send Jake Lemon an email at: jlemon@tu.org or call 814-779-3965 by September 11. Click Here to download a flyer on the training program.
National Trout Unlimited and the PA Trout Unlimited Council teamed up to develop the Coldwater Conservation Corps Program to monitor water resources, conduct visual assessments, and report violations of state environmental laws to appropriate state agencies.
CCC volunteers provide an extra set of eyes and ears on the ground, ensuring that special watersheds and coldwater resources are protected from the threats of environmental degradation.
The complete CCC Field Manual and training videos can be found on the PA TU Documents webpage.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
House Consumer Affairs Committee Hears Update On Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program
The House Consumer Affairs Committee Tuesday held a hearing on the Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program requiring electric utilities to decrease their peak and overall electric demand.
Gladys Brown, Chair of the Public Utility Commission, said the success of the programs under Act 129 has lowered Pennsylvania’s overall carbon footprint. After providing an overview of the act and it is implementation, she offered the following five modifications to further elevate the program and benefit its participants:
— The PUC requests the authority to increase program budgets where necessary to obtain additional, incremental peak demand and energy consumption reductions. This increase would track with changes to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Electric Price Index for the region, and could be implemented once every five years.
— The Act requires a minimum $1,000,000 penalty for non-compliance, even if an EDC misses compliance by only one MWh.
The Commission believes language mandating only an upper limit would be beneficial.
— The Total Resource Cost (TRC) only allows for the accounting of 15 years of costs and benefits. Many resources, such as solar arrays or combined heat and power facilities, last longer than 15 years. As such, the Commission recommends allowing for the entire effective life of a measure.
— The Act gives the Commission 120 days to review the EDCs' propose plans. Increasing this timeline to 180 days would be prudent to give all stakeholders and the Commission more time to thoroughly review proposed plans.
— The Act requires the Commission to file annual reports to the legislature. The Commission believes a requirement of one report per phase or for a report every five years would be a prudent amendment. This allows more data to be compiled in the report, thereby making it more valuable.
Terrance Fitzpatrick, President & CEO, Energy Association of Pennsylvania, provided an overview of Act 129 and reported that electric distribution companies (EDCs), with the exception of one which was penalized, have met the mandates of the law.
He added that the EDCs are on track to meet additional consumption reduction targets ordered by the Public Utility Commission in Phase II.
Fitzpatrick reviewed the cost recovery allowed to EDCs and said EDCs spent nearly $250 million last year on Act 129 programs, which he noted is ultimately borne by ratepayers.
He noted the PUC did not order additional peak demand reduction requirements in Phase II, but has proposed additional requirements for Phase III based upon a finding that additional peak demand reductions can be designed to be cost effective.
Kevin Sunday, Manager of Government Affairs for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, reported that Pennsylvania has the 15th highest average residential retail electricity price in the nation but commercial and industrial rates are, on a per-kilowatt hour basis, much more competitive compared to that of other states.
He said the private sector has been forced to expend considerable amounts of capital to comply with alternative energy and energy efficiency mandates over the past decade.
He cited PUC data that Act 129 cost more than $1.7 billion in 2009-2013 and said it can be “reasonably projected that over the next three years, utilities will spend roughly an additional $735 million to comply with the new targets - all of which will be borne by ratepayers.”
Greg Geller, Director of Regulatory & Government Affairs, EnerNOC, a provider of energy intelligence software. He explained energy is often one of the largest cost drivers for businesses, governments, and institutions, yet it is rarely managed as closely as other expenses.
Robert Altenburg, Director, PennFuture Energy Center for Enterprise and the Environment, argued Phase I of Act 129 was a success, noting that all of the participating EDCs exceeded their final targets for both energy efficiency and demand reduction, “and they did so while remaining significantly under budget.”
He cited the findings of the PUC’s statewide evaluator, which reported the program returned more than $2.40 in savings for every dollar spent. Additionally, carbon pollution was reduced by more than 3.4 million tons.
Altenburg said Phase II is exceeding its goals and he expects the programs in Phase III will once again more than pay for themselves.
Despite these successes, Altenburg offered a number of improvements to the law. He argued that the two percent spending cap means Pennsylvania can only achieve a fraction of what is cost effective and, due to the effects of inflation this cap is effectively declining.
Despite these successes, Altenburg offered a number of improvements to the law. He argued that the two percent spending cap means Pennsylvania can only achieve a fraction of what is cost effective and, due to the effects of inflation this cap is effectively declining.
He suggested the Legislature consider removing the spending cap, protect existing gains, build on the success by expanding to the gas utilities, and rethink rate designs to encourage energy efficiency.
Michael Messer, Manager of Energy and Regulatory Affairs for Linde, LLC, on behalf of the Industrial Energy Consumers of PA, reported large consumers are ahead of Act 129 and are seeking voluntary opt-out from the act, as is authorized in 15 other states.
He explained Act 129 does not assist large consumers’ efforts and represents an unrecoverable cost increase and further noted that major and traditional efficiency projects are not supported by Act 129.
Messer argued that Act 129 cannot be fixed to address major projects, projects already in-service or incompatible with Act 129 funding and said the act imposes “significant” unrecoverable costs.
Speaking to the proposed opt-out, Messer argued it would be limited to large consumers, who are highly motivated to energy efficiency regardless of Act 129. He said the opt-out would not impact jobs and utility programs would be “right sized” to provide funding for consumers seeing benefit.
Rich Selverian, President of McGrann Associates and President of the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, offered his thoughts on how to make Pennsylvania’s economy stronger through pro-business policies on energy.
He pointed out that programs initiated by Act 129 have generated nearly $2 billion of benefits to Pennsylvania electric customers and demonstrated a significant positive return on investment for each $1 spent.
He offered seven points about how energy efficiency is vitally linked to Pennsylvania’s economy: in Pennsylvania, energy efficiency companies have seen job creation largely due to smart policy; the economic benefits of energy efficiency have been widespread; there is significantly more energy efficiency to gain in Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania is just starting to see the potential of the utility programs; utility energy efficiency programs work when they engage all customer classes; changing the program to support opt-outs would only help the few at the expense of the many; and the PUC has responsibly managed these programs.
Rep. Bob Godshall (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Peter Daley (D-Washington) serves as Minority Chair.
Lehigh County Farmer Recognized For Commitment To Water Quality In Delaware
(Photo: Joel and Brenda Loch.)
Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission Executive Director Karl Brown and Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner presented him with the award.
They then toured the operation, viewing the best management practices firsthand.
“Improvements to Pennsylvania’s water quality start at the farm level with forward-thinking producers like Joel,” said Brown. “This is the ideal success story – Joel approached his county conservation district to voluntarily implement cost-effective and simple best management practices to the creek on his property that will improve water quality downstream.”
Loch operates a 65-cow dairy and 300-bird poultry farm with nearly 138 acres of cropland and nearly 20 acres of pasture in the Delaware River Watershed. The farm is also in Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program.
Mill Creek, a trout-stocked and migratory fishery, passes through Loch’s farm. The waterway is a tributary in the Maiden Creek watershed, which supplies water to the City of Reading.
With the assistance of the Lehigh County Conservation District, most of the farm’s improvements were developed to minimize soil erosion and runoff and animal access to the stream.
Best management practices include a water control structure with a stormwater basin, concrete drop box and underground outlets on the pasture; an animal walkway; stabilized stream crossings and stream bank fencing; a grassed waterway; and an animal heavy use area.
The improvements have reduced sedimentation into the stream, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus – two nutrients that can promote the growth of algae that can use up the oxygen in a waterway, killing fish and upsetting its ecosystem.
The improvements to the creek include cooler water temperatures and higher visibility that improve habitat for fish and other wildlife.
“Mr. Loch is doing more than just improving his farm – he’s improving local water quality, both now and for future generations,” said Heffner. “Safeguarding the health of our land and waterways takes coordination from everyone, from landowners to nonprofits and governments to citizens. We thank Joel for his commitment to his farm, his family and our state.”
The departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection have restarted the state’s commitment to meeting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan agreement, which would reduce the total maximum daily load of nutrients into the Chesapeake Bay.
The agreement calls for agriculture to contribute three-quarters of the reductions largely through near-stream practices such as those implemented on the Loch farm.
While the Loch farm is in the Delaware River watershed, improvements to all of Pennsylvania’s waterways are essential for the health of the state’s ecosystem.
Click Here to see the two other 2015 Clean Water Farm Award winners.
For more information, visit Agriculture’s State Conservation Commission webpage.
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