PA Environment Digest Blog

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Physicians For Social Responsibility PA Host May 8 Online Southeast PA Environmental Movement Committee Meeting On A.I. Data Centers, Chester Incinerator, LNG Gas Terminal Proposals

The Physicians for Social Responsibility PA will host a May 8 online Southeast PA Environmental Movement Committee meeting from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Topics for discussion include A.I. data centers, the waste incinerator in Chester, Delaware County and LNG natural gas export terminal proposal in the Philadelphia Area.

Environmental Movement Community meetings are organized around the PA DEP Regional Office districts, but this gathering will bring us together across regions to strengthen collaboration and amplify our shared voice.

We want to hear directly from you about your community’s concerns and priorities — your ideas and advocacy drive this movement.

This virtual gathering will be an open space for advocates like you to:

-- Share environmental and public health concerns from your community

-- Build connections with advocates across Pennsylvania

-- Help shape a shared vision for statewide environmental action

-- Learn about ways to get involved with the growing EMC network

Click Here to register and for more information.

Visit the PSR PA Upcoming Events webpage for other educational opportunities.

For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the Physicians for Social Responsibility PA website.

[Posted: April 23, 2026] PA Environment Digest

RegenAll Funds 130-Tree Silvopasture Project On Lancaster County Farm

On April 23, RegenAll announced it supported a Lancaster County farmer in installing a silvopasture project that will improve the health of the farm’s dairy cows, land, and future prosperity.

Thanks to a $7,000 grant from RegenAll’s Community Climate Fund, Benuel E. Beiler was able to plant 130 trees across seven acres of his organic dairy farm.

The trees will provide a wide range of benefits. Fruit and nut trees, including persimmons, mulberries, hickories, and chestnuts, will offer tree crops for retail sale and home use.

Honey locust trees drop edible pods for the cattle during the winter months.

Fast-growing trees, such as black locusts, will provide shade over the pasture, which improves the cows’ physical well-being and ultimately leads to higher milk output.

With increased milk production, the farm can also expect to see an increase in revenue.

Silvopasture, the practice of integrating trees, livestock, and foraging on the same land, is a natural climate solution.

The trees help sequester carbon and offset the emissions associated with livestock farming, and they improve soil and water quality by reducing erosion and enhancing water infiltration.

These benefits are why RegenAll has dedicated a portion of its Community Climate Fund (CCF) to local silvopasture projects.

The CCF supports resilience-building initiatives that address the intersectional wellbeing of human communities, ecosystems, and the climate.

On April 8th, our partners at Trees for Graziers, a Lancaster-based agroforestry organization, planted acres of saplings across the Beiler farm, rooting the CCF into our local families and land.

“This tree planting is a really important project because it has so many benefits – for carbon sequestration and water quality, for the health of livestock, and for the financial sustainability of small, local farms,” said Andrew Pauls-Thomas, RegenAll’s Director of Energy Solutions. “In an uncertain federal funding landscape, local dollars from the Community Climate Fund catalyze projects that build a resilient future for Lancaster County.”

RegenAll is a Lancaster-based nonprofit committed to identifying and implementing local climate solutions for a thriving, regenerative future.

RegenAll’s vision is to create scalable models for meaningful climate action across rural and urban communities that regenerate ecosystems and create economic opportunities for all.

Foundation For PA Watersheds Accepting Letters Of Inquiry In Funding For Community-Based Environmental Projects In Raccoon Creek Watershed, Allegheny, Beaver, Washington Counties

On April 23, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds announced it is now accepting letters of inquiry in funding for community-led efforts to restore, preserve, and protect water quality in the Raccoon Creek Watershed in portions of Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties.

The deadline for LOIs is September 18. There is currently $475,000 available for projects.

This funding opportunity is a result of a $2.6 million consent decree penalty settlement following a complaint filed by the Department of Environmental Protection, PennEnvironment, and Three Rivers Waterkeeper against the now closed BVPV Styrenics, LLC and Styropek USA, Inc. regarding the discharge of polystyrene pellets (nurdles) into Raccoon Creek. [Read more here.]

The Raccoon Creek Benefit Fund will fund projects in the watershed that protect and restore water and environmental resources.

Nonprofit organizations, local watershed and friends groups, conservation districts, municipal or government entities, higher educational institutions, and more can now apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the type and scale of the project.

“As the steward of these funds, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds will ensure that the dollars from this settlement are strategically invested directly back into the communities of the Raccoon Creek watershed,” said Deborah Nardone, FPW’s executive director. “These investments are not made in isolation, but instead reinforce decades of conservation work already underway and in collaboration with the numerous organizations and agencies doing excellent work to protect and improve our streams and rivers.”

Funding priorities include projects that:

-- Improve water quality and aquatic habitat in Raccoon Creek and its tributaries.

-- Address pollution sources, including legacy and ongoing impacts.

-- Advance AMD/AML remediation, stream restoration, riparian buffers, and green infrastructure.

-- Support monitoring, data collection, and evaluation tied to restoration outcomes.

-- Strengthen local organizational capacity to deliver and sustain restoration work.

-- Protect land for conservation or public access purposes through acquisitions or easements.

-- Engage stakeholders through outreach, education, and communications that will help protect or improve the Raccoon Creek watershed.

Applications for the Raccoon Creek Benefit Fund will follow the two-step process of FPW’s conservation grants program, with a letter of inquiry (LOI) followed by a full proposal.

LOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis; full proposals will follow spring and fall deadlines.

LOIs are open now and will be accepted for consideration in the fall round of grant funding until Sept. 18, 2026.

All applications must be submitted using the FPW Grant Portal.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential projects with FPW staff before applying.

To learn more and review the full grant guidelines, visit the FPW Grant Guidelines webpage or contact FPW’s Executive Director Deborah Nardone at dnardone@thefpw.org or 814-669-4244.

Click Here for the Raccoon Creek announcement.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is a grantmaking foundation and nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s water resources.

Founded in 1994, FPW invests in projects that protect the best and restore the rest of Pennsylvania's streams and watersheds.

FPW works closely with local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations to identify and address the most pressing issues facing PA's watersheds.

PA American Water Awards 12 Organizations $243,349 In Water And Environment Grants

On April 23, the American Water Charitable Foundation and PA American Water announced 12 organizations supporting communities throughout Pennsylvania were awarded 2026 Water and Environment Grants totaling $243,349 in its service areas.

"The American Water Charitable Foundation has been a valued community partner to Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, supporting our efforts to steward and restore the Letort Spring Garden Preserve's spring-fed wetlands and stream corridor," said Anna Yelk, the president of the board of directors for the organization.

"Once a working watercress farm, this unique landscape is now protected as a nature preserve—providing critical habitat for wildlife while offering meaningful access to the outdoors for the regional community and visitors alike."

The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities.

"As a provider of safe, clean water and wastewater service for customers across Pennsylvania, a commitment to the well-being of the environment and our watersheds is at the heart of all we do. We understand that as a company, we play an important role in protecting, restoring and enhancing these shared resources, but we also know we can't do it alone," said Pennsylvania American President Justin Ladner.

"We – along with the American Water Charitable Foundation – are thankful for the many dedicated community partners we're able to collaborate with and support as they work to address environmental concerns, offer educational resources and help ensure the health and vitality of our state for generations to come."

The list of grantees include--

-- Central Pennsylvania Conservancy – Restore natural streamflow in Letort Spring Run by reducing watercress overgrowth to support healthy trout habitat ($15,000)

-- Friends of the Pittsburgh Urban Forest (Tree Pittsburgh) – Distribute 150 trees and expanding watershed education to youth and adults in South Hills communities ($9,950)

-- Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation – Offer hands-on environmental education program strengthening community capacity for lake and watershed protection ($8,000)

-- Lackawanna Valley Trout Unlimited – Plant native species along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and Lackawanna River ($5,000)

-- North Branch Land Trust – Provide water resource-based conservation in northeastern Pennsylvania and habitat restoration and stewardship at Hanover Crossings Marsh Sanctuary ($50,000)

-- Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers – Offer workshops for watershed leaders to explore current water issues and strengthen collaboration across eastern Pennsylvania ($8,108)

-- Pennsylvania Resources Council – Provide free rain barrels to residents of Butler, Mon Valley, Coatesville, Exeter and Scranton, Pennsylvania ($38,550)

-- Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy – Provide environmentally-centered learning opportunities for Norristown School District students through the Floating Classroom STEM Education Program ($20,000)

-- Shiremanstown Historical Society – Install rain gardens to manage storm water and enhance municipal park beauty ($15,000)

-- Stream Restoration Incorporated – Monitor water quality and system effectiveness for abandoned mine drainage treatment systems in the Mill Creek watershed ($23,741)

-- The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy – Advance watershed assessment, adaptive management and ecological restoration in Hays Woods Park ($35,000)

-- Three Rivers Waterkeeper – Expand river monitoring, education and stewardship to protect drinking water sources in southwestern Pennsylvania ($15,000)

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to support eligible nonprofit organizations making a meaningful impact across Pennsylvania," said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "Funding for Water and Environment grants supports projects focused on clean water, conservation, environmental education, climate variability and water-based recreation."

Visit American Water Charitable Foundation Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program webpage to learn about funding opportunities.

Click Here for the PA American Water announcement.

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Physicians For Social Responsibility PA Host May 8 Online Southeast PA Environmental Movement Committee Meeting On A.I. Data Centers, Chester Incinerator, LNG Gas Terminal Proposals

RegenAll Funds 130-Tree Silvopasture Project On Lancaster County Farm

Foundation For PA Watersheds Accepting Letters Of Inquiry In Funding For Community-Based Environmental Projects In Raccoon Creek Watershed, Allegheny, Beaver, Washington Counties

PA American Water Awards 12 Organizations $243,349 In Water And Environment Grants

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