Tuesday, January 31, 2012

DCNR Invites Students To Apply For Summer Environmental Careers Camp

Young Pennsylvanians interested in pursuing environmental careers are invited to apply by April 1 for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ summer residential camp, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said Tuesday.
            “Now entering its tenth year, the Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories,” said Allan. “We’ve successfully worked with scores of young people to hone their awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”
            The six-day camp will begin Sunday, July 8, at Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel, Glen Summit, Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles south of Wilkes-Barre.
            “Many DCNR staffers have supported this camp effort,” Allan said. “Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement.”
            The camp will introduce 20 to 25 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. From wildlife conservation projects and stream sampling of aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities will offer students a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.
            Participants are exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They will also meet conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.
            Offered free of charge, the instruction and daily activities will be overseen by specialists and officials of DCNR’s bureaus of State Parks, Forestry, and Topographic and Geologic Survey. After the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, mentoring and job-shadowing positions, and can potentially return as future camp leaders.
            For more details and applications, visit the DCNR Eco Camp webpage or send email to: ECO_Camp@pa.gov; write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Outdoor Programming Services Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; or call 724-865-7857.

Ridge Global Names James Seif To Lead New Energy Consulting Services Practice

Ridge Global, an international provider of security and risk management services, announced Tuesday the appointment of James Seif, former Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as principal of the company's new Energy Consulting Services practice. 
            "Ridge Global's Energy Consulting Services practice launched out of our clients' need and desire to harness, transmit and use natural resources from across the energy spectrum," said Tom Ridge, president and CEO of Ridge Global. "Jim Seif has tremendous expertise in the development and implementation of energy and environmental initiatives at both the state and national levels. His contributions will be a valuable asset to this practice and to our clients' success."
            Seif started his career in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh, Pa, prosecuting some of the earliest environmental cases of the modern era.  After that, he served as chief of the Legal Branch at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Philadelphia, and then rejoined the U.S. Justice Department in the Criminal Division.
            Mr. Seif later served as administrative assistant to Gov. Dick Thornburgh and then regional administrator of the EPA's six-state office in Philadelphia. Following that work, he joined the environmental practice at the law firm of Dechert Price and Rhoads. 
            In 1995, then-Gov. Tom Ridge appointed Mr. Seif as secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. In 2000, Seif received a Lifetime Award for Public Service from the National Academy of Public Administration for his 30-year career in state and federal government. Mr. Seif later became vice president for Corporate Relations at PPL, Inc., a Fortune 500 energy and utility company in Allentown, Pa.
            He currently serves on the boards of BioChem Technology and Laser Pipeline, and as an advisory committee member of the Dick Thornburgh Legacy Project at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a political science degree from Yale University and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
            "Ridge Global understands the full and positive potential that shale gas formations and broader energy portfolios can have on our nation's national security, economy and environment," said Seif. "I'm delighted to join this forward thinking team and look forward to pursuing innovative new environmental and energy solutions with our clients."

Tuesday NewsClips

Scarnati: Drilling Fee Legislation Near
With Timer Ticking, Shale Talks Continue
Editorial: Keep Local Say On Drilling
Landowners Fight Eminent Domain In PA Gas Field
DEP Puts More Drilling Information Online
DEP Calls For Marcellus Air Data
Hanger Slams CBS For Dimock Story
Did Muppets Push Anti-Oil Agenda?  Kermit Says No
Rep. Miller To Chair Chesapeake Bay Commission Delegation
Harrisburg Cuts Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Cost In Half
Farm Bureau Seeks Summary Judgment In Chesapeake Bay Suit
Officials: Threat Of Radon High In State
Pittsburgh Terminal Building Has New Green Life
Click Here for PA Capitol Digest

Monday, January 30, 2012

AP- Sen. Scarnati Hopes For Marcellus Bill In A Week

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's highest-ranking state senator says he thinks an agreement on a sweeping bill to impose a fee on the booming natural gas drilling industry can be finished in a week, right before Gov. Tom Corbett unveils his budget plan.  Click Here for full story.

Audubon/Toyota TogetherGreen Accepting Applications For Fellowship, Innovation Grants

TogetherGreen, a conservation alliance between the National Audubon Society and Toyota, is now accepting applications for its 2012 class of Fellows and Innovation Grantees. Applications are due March 5.
            The goals of the initiative are to foster conservation leadership, achieve conservation results, forge partnerships in communities, and engage millions of Americans in conservation action.
            Do you have a conservation idea that uses innovative approaches and technologies?
            Have you conceived of a unique way to conserve or restore habitat and protect species? Improve water quality or quantity? Reduce the threat of global warming?
            Are you interested in engaging a new and diverse audience in conservation action.
            If so, consider applying to these two programs to support your people-powered conservation solutions:            
-- TogetherGreen Conservation Fellowships invest in individuals who are committed to empowering others and to creating positive environmental change in their communities and organizations. Fellows receive a $10,000 grant to conduct a 12-month conservation action project in their community, as well as specialized training and support to help shape and implement their projects. They also become part of a dynamic alumni network of conservation professionals from across the country.
-- TogetherGreen Innovation Grants annually provide essential funding that enables Audubon groups and others toinspire, equip, and support activities that engage new and diverse audiences in conservation action and create healthier communities. A minimum of 40 projects will receive funding, totaling more than $1 million dollars of support—with grants ranging from $5,000-$80,000. Grants will be reviewed by an expert advisory panel, and the average grant awarded will be around $25,000.
Since 2008, TogetherGreen-funded projects have engaged more than 200,000 individuals in conservation in all 50 states. The first three classes of Fellows and Grantees have accomplished inspiring results, recruiting thousands of volunteers to help make environmental improvements in their communities, such as planting over 110,000 native plants and trees, engaging more than 100,000 individuals in environmental education, and improving nearly 10,000 acres through conservation action.
            “TogetherGreen offers people a chance to change lives and communities. How cool is that?” said David Yarnold, National Audubon Society President. “If you have an idea that will engage a community to protect the environment, we want to hear it. When communities, and individuals, are touched by TogetherGreen – they become better places to live.”
            Candidates for the TogetherGreen Fellows program must have at least six years experience in some aspect of the environment, a passion for conservation, the desire to learn and grow, and an interest and ability to reach diverse and previously underrepresented audiences.
            An advisory committee composed of conservation professionals and experts in environmental education, communications, outreach, and conservation planning assist with the awards selection.
            If you or someone you know has a creative environmental project and would like to apply, visit the TogetherGreen Fellowship or Innovation Grant webpages.   The webpages feature application guidelines, selection criteria, eligibility, benefits, and online applications for both programs.

Coca-Cola, Keep America Beautiful Accepting Recycling Bin Grant Applications

The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful, Inc. Monday announced a call for entries for the newly expanded 2012 Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program, a program designed to expand and support recycling in communities across America. 
            Applications are due March 2.
            The Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program is funded through grants from The Coca-Cola Foundation.
            For 2012, Coca-Cola has significantly expanded its investment in the Bin Grant Program to include both a specific college and university focused grant and the traditional public space recycling bin grant. 
            “Through the Coca-Cola Bin Grant Program, we’ve provided more than 20,000 recycling bins to help communities across the United States increase recycling.  We hope that by expanding this program to include additional funding dedicated to colleges and universities, we can further improve recycling and have a positive impact on the next generation of leaders,” said Lori George Billingsley, community relations vice president for Coca-Cola Refreshments.
            “Providing recycling opportunities in public spaces is an important national initiative for our organization as we aim to increase our nation’s recycling rates,” said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “Through public-private partnerships such as this one with Coca-Cola, we can provide recycling infrastructure to local organizations that might not otherwise be able to afford it. We are truly grateful to The Coca-Cola Company for its continued support.”
            Eligible grant recipients for the public space grant include government agencies, civic organizations, schools and nonprofit groups. Colleges and universities will complete a different application for the newly established grant dedicated to them.
            Successful applicants will be notified by Keep America Beautiful on or before April 22 to offer guidance, confirm their needs and solidify bin selection. Suppliers will deliver bins directly to the recipients throughout the summer.
            For more information visit the Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program website.

Help Wanted: Western PA Conservancy VP For Watershed Conservation

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has an exciting opening for an experienced conservation leader to manage its Watershed Conservation program.  This position is a key member of the Conservancy’s leadership team and reports directly to WPC’s President and Chief Executive Officer. 
            The deadline for applications is March 1. 
            Under the direction of the President and C.E.O. and in partnership with executive management and the Board of Directors, the Associate Vice President is responsible for developing and leading Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s overall strategic direction for watershed conservation, which includes implementing and managing watershed assistance program projects, securing program funding and resources, and building and maintaining partnerships with like-minded organizations, and local, state, regional and federal agencies.
            The position is based primarily in Indiana, PA, with some time in the Pittsburgh, PA office.  
            The successful candidate will demonstrate broad-based thinking about conservation, particularly watershed conservation and restoration, conservation science and energy impacts on watersheds.  The Conservancy is seeking a collaborative, dynamic, proven leader who is able to build on a very successful program and take it to the next level.  The position may also entail leadership over the Conservancy’s Conservation Services program.
            WPC is looking for the following experience, education and competencies:
-- Masters degree or equivalent in watershed science, stream ecology, wetlands ecology or bio-hydrology, or other equivalent and relevant degrees such as conservation, policy, etc.;
-- 5 plus years in a watershed project management experience including managing projects to remediate watershed problems caused by non-point source pollution from mine or agriculture impacts, or equivalent and relevant experience in other conservation related fields;
-- 5 years management experience; some senior-level management experience strongly preferred;
-- Outstanding interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others to achieve goals;
-- A proven track record with partnership-building and successful fund raising;
-- Strong strategic planning and management skills; skill in financial and budget management;
-- Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies;
-- Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions; ability to think creatively and proactively; and 
-- Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills; employee development and performance management skills.
            To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and professional references to: wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list AVP in the subject line of the email.

Executive Deputy John Hines Leaving DEP

John Hines, Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs at the Department of Environmental Protection will leaving his position on February 17 to pursue an opportunity in the private sector.
            John has worked for DEP since 1993 and was appointed Executive Deputy in January 2011 by Gov. Tom Corbett.  He has served for more than a decade in various other senior management and executive positions within DEP, including as Deputy Secretary for Water Management.
            Prior to his appointment as Deputy for Water Management, John served as Executive Director of DEP’s Water Planning Office and as the Acting Director of Watershed Management. In this capacity he oversaw activities related to nonpoint source pollution management, stormwater management, water allocation and planning, conservation districts, interstate river basin commissions, estuary programs, national organizations, state water planning efforts, coastal resource management and overall water management budgeting and internal program development. 
            John served as the lead negotiator for DEP in the final stage of the passage of the Water Resources Planning Act (Act 220 of 2002). He was also critical to the drafting of Annex 2001 that was signed by the eight Great Lakes States and the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. 
            He also took a leadership role in the development of Pennsylvania’s strategy to revive the Chesapeake Bay.  Most recently, he helped to draft and implement the reorganization of the department. 
            In an email announcing John's resignation, DEP Secretary Michael Krancer said, "John's insight, sound judgment and rapport with coworkers, the regulated community and all the stakeholders we serve, is well recognized.   I have worked with John for only a year and I have seen it.  Many others have too over the years.  John has won numerous awards and accolades from the constituents he serves.  Join me in wishing him well and much success in his new endeavors."
            A Presidential Scholar, John holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences and a Masters Degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the California University of Pennsylvania.
            A native of Greene County, he currently resides in Palmyra, Lebanon County, with his wife, Amy, and his children, Alexis and Matthew. 

PA American Water Opens Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest

PA American Water Monday announced entries are now being accepted for its 10th Annual “Protect Our Watersheds” Student Art Contest.  The deadline for submissions is March 30.
            All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by PA American Water are eligible, as well as individual students who live in the company’s service area.
            The contest encourages students to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s watersheds and water resources. 
            This month, PA American Water is mailing contest applications to teachers in nearly 500 schools in its service territory. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding.
            As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection.   
            “In celebrating the art contest’s 10th year, we are proud of how it taps into children’s imagination and creativity to instill the importance of environmental stewardship,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. “We’ve seen participation grow year after year as more teachers, parents and students use the contest as a learning opportunity to understand how humans can positively and negatively impact our watershed and drinking water sources.” 
            In 2011, the company received more than 700 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Brynn May Lilley of Hutchinson Elementary School in Uniontown, Fayette County. 
In total, six students will be recognized, with a first-, second- and third-place winner selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania.
            First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Two second- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively. 
            In addition, the overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on “Bloomer” cards distributed by PA American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled packets that, when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers.  All entrants will receive a Watershed Champion certificate. 
            Awards will be presented in May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities.
            Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online.

Monday NewsClips

Counties Scramble To Find Shale Employees Homes
Column: Natural Gas Filling Station Fuels Questions
Midstaters Switch From Oil To Gas In Flood Repairs
Utilities Extend Gas Lines If It Makes Economic Sense
Lower Swatara Twp Applies For Flood Buyout Money
Joshua Whetzel, Scientist, Conservationist, Passes
Export-Based Company's Camera Follows Black Bear
Click Here for PA Capitol Digest

Friday, January 27, 2012

Jan. 30 PA Environment Digest Now Available

Jan. 30 PA Environment Digest now available.  Click Here to print this entire Digest.

Berks County Joins 350 Groups Supporting Renewal Of Growing Greener Program

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition Thursday announced 35 counties – more than half the state – have passed resolutions calling for the renewal of the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, Pennsylvania’s primary source of funding to help local communities protect water quality, preserve open space and farmland, and enhance parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.
            Now more than 150 government entities, including 109 municipalities, representing more than seven million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.
            This week Berks County adopted a resolution in support of the Growing Greener initiative, marking a significant milestone in the efforts to save the critical program. In addition, BedfordCounty adopted a resolution this week.
            “The Growing Greener program has made a tremendous impact in counties throughout the Commonwealth,” said Chairman of the Berks County Board of Commissioners Christian Leinbach. “In Berks County, the program has helped us enhance our heritage areas, conserve our open space and protect our water quality.  We could not achieve this without Growing Greener.”
            In Bedford County, Growing Greener has contributed to improvements at the Saxton Borough and East Providence wastewater treatment plants and helped mitigate acid mine drainage in Broad Top Township.
            “Bedford County has effectively leveraged Growing Greener funds to achieve tangible, lasting results for our residents,” said Kirt Morris, Chairman of the Bedford County Board of Commissioners.  “We cannot let this program die.”

Registration Now Open For 2012 Great American Cleanup Of PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced Friday registration is now open for the 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA.  Event coordinators can visit the Great American Cleanup of PA webpage to register their event.
            This annual event is held in conjunction with the Great American Cleanup of Keep America Beautiful and in partnership with support from the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association.
            Additional partnering businesses include the American Chemistry Council, Keystone Sanitary Landfill, Pennsylvania Beverage Association, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute, and Waste Management.
            The 2012 Great American Cleanup of PA will begin on March 1st and end on May 31st.  During this period, registered events can get free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT district offices.
            Events consist of litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special collections, and educational events.  Events must be registered through the Great American Cleanup of PA website to get these free cleanup supplies.
            Pick It Up PA Days
            As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday.
            During the Pick It Up PA Days, registered event coordinators will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to participating landfills for free disposal.  The Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday event will begin on April 21st and end on May 7th.  The focus day will be April 21st.
            All 67 counties in Pennsylvania were represented in the 2011 Great American Cleanup of PA. There were 4,222 events with 159,922 volunteers. Volunteers collected 354,267 bags of trash or 7,085,340 pounds. They cleaned 13,140 miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 5,887 acres of parks and/or wetlands.
            Additionally, volunteers planted 3,321 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.
            Since the inception of this event in 2004, over 61 million pounds of litter and waste have been removed from Pennsylvania’s landscape, and tens of thousands of trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted.
            To register your event, find an event near you, or to find additional resources, visit the Great American Cleanup of PA website.  Any additional questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Rep. Bud George, Democratic Chair Of House Environmental Committee, To Retire

Long-time Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) announced Friday he will retire at the end of 2012.
            Rep. George was appointed Democratic Chair of the then House Conservation Committee in 1983.  As Chairman, he has sponsored and authored dozens of environmental initiatives in the area of environmental protection and natural resource conservation.
            As the ranking House member of a joint House-Senate Conference Committee, Rep. George was instrumental in the passage of Act 101, one of the first comprehensive solid waste management and recycling programs in the country. It was Rep. George's amendment that established the Recycling Fund, which provides monetary assistance to local governments to establish curbside recycling programs.
            Other George legislative achievements include:
-- A law giving the state the authority to confiscate trucks used in the illegal transportation of toxic substances;
-- A law prohibiting "backhauling," the practice of cross-hauling foodstuffs and solid wastes in the same truck;
-- Changes in Pennsylvania Surface Coal Mining law, providing for the replacement of public/private water supplies damaged by mining, as well as a program to encourage the reclamation of abandoned mine sites;
-- Change of sewage treatment laws to allow individuals and families to build homes with proper sewage disposal systems, while at the same time protecting surface and groundwater supplies;
-- Passage of legislation assisting owners of property with underground storage tanks to clean contaminated soil and remove old tanks, as well as protect against future discharges that could do significant damage to soil and groundwater supplies; and
-- Passage of a law creating the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST).
            Rep. George has also proposed legislation that would: protect citizens against frivolous (SLAPP) lawsuits filed by large corporations; initiate a bond issue to clean over 2,400 miles of contaminated streams and reclaim 280,000 acres of abandoned mines; provide a greater amount of consumer protection and information under the new Electric Deregulation Act, among many others.
            In addition to his Committee Chairmanship, Rep. George also serves as a member of the Environmental Quality Board, PennVEST, the Wild Resource Conservation Board, the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control Committee, the House Democratic Policy Committee and the powerful House Rules Committee.
             "In one capacity or another I've worked with him since 1983 on almost every major piece of environmental legislation going through the General Assembly,"  said David E. Hess, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection.  "Whether you agreed with him or not, he was a force of nature to be reckoned with and he represented his constituents and the interests in his district as few legislators do.  I wish him well in retirement and the best to his family."
            Rep. George began his service in the House in 1974.
NewsClip: Rep. Camille "Bud" George To Retire At End Of Year

Center For Rural PA Still Accepting Comments On Stream Cleaning To Prevent Flooding

As a follow up to a listening session on stream cleaning to prevent flooding on January 19, the Center for Rural Pennsylvania will continue to accept comments on the issue, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Tioga).
            Center staff was be joined by state and local elected officials from Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties, members of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, local businesses and residents, many of whom have been affected and offered testimony regarding issues surrounding stream cleaning in the wake of recent flooding across Pennsylvania.
            "We need to look into the regulatory issues to address some of these problems," Sen. Yaw said. "As the presenters testified, a method to maintain stream channels that are sensitive to local conditions is essential. And we need to let regulators know that landowners and citizens are not the enemy but rather partners."
            As a result of this listening session, Sen. Yaw's office will be working directly with Secretary Michael Krancer of the state Department of Environmental Protection, as well as other state and local agencies, to address the current regulatory and permitting process. In addition, he and his staff will be working directly with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and its membership to tackle this issue head on.
            “The Center for Rural Pennsylvania continually works to gather input from rural residents on how state government can partner with them to address local challenges and opportunities,” said Barry Denk, Executive Director for the Center.  “The listening session in Sullivan County, called by our Chairman Senator Yaw, clearly shows this commitment to serving Pennsylvania's rural citizens and their communities.”
            Testimony from the hearing and a video are available online.  Comments can be submitted through Sen. Yaw's website.

DEP Inviting Comments On Noncoal Mining, Dam Safety, Waterways Permit Fees

Proposals to increase fees for Dam Safety and Waterway Management Permits and permits related to noncoal mining were the subject of PA Bulletin notices on January 28.
            The Environmental Quality Board published proposed increases in Dam Safety and Waterway Management Permit fees for public comment.  The proposal would increase fees nearly $8 million--  dam safety ($933,495 increase) and waterway management ($7,052,390 increase).
            The Department of Environmental Protection published notice it is soliciting additional public comments on a proposed rulemaking published in August, 2010 increasing noncoal mining-related permit fees.  The proposal would increase fees $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2,500,000 annually).
            DEP in December took action to withdraw proposed Drinking Water permit fee increases adopted by the Environmental Quality Board which would have generated $8.1 million (from $250,000 to $8,385,000 annually).
            Other pending permit fee increases include:
-- Coal Surface Mining Permits: $350,000 (from $50,000 to $400,000 annually); and
-- Air Quality Permits: $7.8 million (from $19,570,000 to $27,408,000 annually).

PUC Invites Comments On Order Implementing New Gas Pipeline Regulatory Program

The Public Utility Commission published notice of its tentative implementation order for the new Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act for comment.  Comments are due February 1.
            The new law expands the Commission’s authority to enforce federal pipeline safety laws as they relate to gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and facilities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
            The Pipeline Act requires the Commission to develop and maintain a registry of pipeline operators within Pennsylvania.
            The Commission will recover the costs of this program by assessments on pipeline operators based on the total intrastate regulated transmission, regulated distribution and regulated onshore gathering pipeline miles in operation for the transportation of gas and hazardous liquids in Pennsylvania during the prior calendar year.
            For more information, visit the PUC's Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines Act webpage.

Friday NewsClips

Corman: Drilling Impact Fee Close
Cabot: EPA Investigation Of Dimock A Waste
Op-Ed: Lehigh Chamber President Weighs In On Marcellus Shale
Op-Ed: Pennsylvania's Saudi Arabia-- Marcellus Shale
Consol Energy Scales Back Its Drilling Plans
Consol To Cut Investment, Number Of Marcellus Wells
Declining Gas Prices Slow Shale Drillers
Consol Profit Rises 87 Percent On Coal Prices, Gas Sales
No Energy Industry Backing For The Word Fracking
What Makes Wet Natural Gas?
FirstEnergy Closing 6 Coal-Fired Power Plants, 1 In PA
Consol: No Miners Ill After Man's Death
Editorial: Lawmakers Must Work On Infrastructure
Montour Run Watershed Assn Plans To Curb Stream Erosion
State Gives $13 Million To Huge Somerset Wind Farm
TMI Finds Unexpected Flaws In New Steam Generators
Bethlehem Water Agency Considers Controlled Burns
Veteran Pursued Passion For Conservation, Outdoors
Sustainability Schools Teaching Non-Farmers How To Produce Food
Click Here for PA Capitol Digest

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

PennTAP Seeking Industrial Clients To Participate In DOE's Save Energy Now Program

The PA Technical Assistance Program is searching for industrial clients willing to participate in the Department of Energy’s Save Energy Now pilot program.
            This program is aimed at implementing and achieving certification under the American National Standards Institute-accredited Superior Energy Performance program. A central element of Superior Energy Performance includes implementation of the recently published international energy management standard, ISO 50001.
            Successful management teams will have a strong commitment to reducing the energy intensity of their business, prior experience in implementing ISO 9001 and/or 14001 standards, manufacturing energy costs that justify program implementation costs, and the resources to complete certification under the ISO 50001 energy management standard.
            Participation in the pilot will result in personalized coaching and staff training, reduced energy costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and national recognition as being one of the first organizations to certify under the standard.
            The Superior Energy Performance program is a product of a partnership between DOE, the U. S. Council for Energy Efficient Manufacturing, PennTAP, and the DEP Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance.
            Through the Superior Energy Performance program industrial facilities have a roadmap for achieving, documenting and certifying ongoing energy efficiency improvements.         
            Additional program elements include American Society of Mechanical Engineers standards for assessing plant energy systems, an industrial measurement and verification protocol, and certified professionals to provide assistance completing all program elements.
            In Pennsylvania, the Save Energy Now program – now renamed Better Buildings, Better Plants - offers multiple benefits for industry.  PennTAP staffers provide multi-level plant energy assessment services, technical assistance, support for emerging energy-related businesses and technologies, DOE “Best Practices” workshop energy system training via the Penn State Extension, and referrals to other Commonwealth service provider resources.
            More about PennTAP’s services are available online.  More information about DOE’s Better Buildings, Better Plants program can be found online and the Superior Energy Performance Program website.
            Interested businesses should contact Ralene Molina-Kreiser, PennTAP Senior Technical Specialist, at 814-574-0813 or send email to: rxm174@psu.edu, for an application and additional information about participating in the program.

Wednesday NewsClips

Drilling Resumes In Allegheny National Forest
Oil, Gas Industry Wants Allegheny National Forest Plan Tossed
DEP Weighs Using Mine Water For Fracking
Range Resources Could Acquire South Fayette School Lease
Environmental Groups, McKeesport Settle Shale Lawsuit
NY Takes Action Against PA Driller Over Pollution
Feds: Lower Marcellus Shale Reserve, But More Production
Natural Gas Price On The Rise
Chesapeake Energy Describes Response To Low Natural Gas Prices
WV Stays Aggressive In Bid For Shell Gas Plant
Flood-Damaged Middletown Neighborhood Awaits Word On Aid
History Channel Features PSU On Farm Conservation Research
HBG Whitaker Center Starts $2 Million Energy Efficiency Project
Click Here for PA Capitol Digest

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2012 Western PA Environmental Awards

Nominations for the 2012 Western PA Environmental Awards will be accepted by the PA Environmental Council through March 5.
            Sponsored by Dominion, this regionally acclaimed awards program recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, schools and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout Western Pennsylvania, and pays tribute to those that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership, and accomplishment in their respective fields.
            The Awards are open to any group, individual, program, company, school or organization located and working in one of the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland.
            Each Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award winner will receive $5,000 cash award designated to the nonprofit organization of their choice and recognition and a full description of the winning project in the Awards Dinner program set for June 28.
            The nomination form and additional information are available on PEC's Western PA Environmental Awards webpage.
(Reprinted from the January 2012 issue of PEC's Catalyst for Collaboration online newsletter.)

PA American Water Accepting 2012 Environmental Grant Applications

PA American Water Company announced Tuesday applications are now being accepted for the company’s 2012 Environmental Grant Program.  Applications must be postmarked by March 10.
            The grant awards will be available in American Water service areas in ten states as follows: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia. 
            Established in 2005, American Water’s Environmental Grant Program offers funds for innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships. 
            “American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment, as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs,” said Debra Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. “We are all environmental stewards in protecting our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this important effort.” 
            To qualify, proposed projects must: 
-- Address a source water or watershed protection need in the community;
-- Be completed between May 1 and November 30, 2012;
-- Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to an existing program;
-- Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations;
-- Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the American Water grant monies are utilized); and
-- Be located within one of American Water's service areas in the following states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and West Virginia 
            In 2011, a total of 35 projects throughout American Water’s service areas in eight states were awarded grants totaling more than $155,600.
            Grant award recipients will be notified by April 9. 
            For more information, visit the Environmental Grant Program webpage.

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