General Assembly
Senate returns to session September 20, 21, 22
House returns to session September 27, 28, 29
Tools:
Environment & Energy Calendar Of Events
Note: EQB will hold a virtual meeting July 13 on final regulation creating a carbon pollution reduction program covering power plants. Read more here. Read DEP Advisory.
Senate/House ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-- PA Environmental Council: Legislature Is Out For The Summer, Status Of Key Policy Items, Missed Opportunities [PaEN]
-- SpotlightPA: PA Lawmakers Are On Summer Break, Here Are 5 Issues They’ll Face This Fall
-- Republican Chair House Environmental Committee Urges DEP To Delay July 13 Meeting On RGGI Regulation
-- Guest Essay: Why We Left $10 Billion Unspent In The State Treasury - Sen. Browne
-- AP: End Of Term In Sight, Wolf Sets Sights On School Funding
-- PA Cap-Star: PA Republicans Are Weaponizing The State Constitution, No One Wins There
-- PA Cap-Star Guest Essay: Note To PA Republicans: Just Because You Can Amend The State Constitution, It Doesn’t Mean You Should
Budget-Related Bills Cut Environmental Stewardship Funding For Local Projects $20 Million; Give Oil & Gas Industry Free Pass On Permits For Storing, Processing Liquid Drilling Wastes
Provisions added at the last minute to the Fiscal Code and Administrative Code bills accompanying the FY 2021-22 budget have a big impact on environmental restoration and protection programs again this year.
Local Restoration Funding Cut
A provision in the FY 2021-22 budget-related Fiscal Code bill again cuts funding to support community-based environmental restoration projects from the Environmental Stewardship Fund by $20 million.
Another provision authorizes payment of $12,289,000 of Personal Income Tax revenue to the Environmental Stewardship Fund to pay Growing Greener II debt service.
New Drilling Waste General Permit
A provision in the Administrative Code bill gives a free pass to the oil and gas industry for transferring, storing and processing liquid drilling wastewater through a new General Permit that eliminates basic environmental protections contained in 25 PA Code Section 287.641(D) for temporary facilities in operation for no more than 180 days at one time.
The provision specifically prohibits DEP from requiring any individuals or municipalities using the General Permit from obtaining an individual determination of applicability if they are involved in land application or using the material for antiskid uses and other protections under 25 PA Code Section 287.641(D).
A controversy erupted in February over the use of the existing General Permit WMGR123 covering dozens of drilling wastewater storage and resume permits that eliminated public review of their individual uses. Read more here.
In a settlement, DEP agreed to subject the individual uses of the General Permit to public review.
There are also questions about how this new provision may be applied to or encourage the road dumping of drilling wastewater. Read more here.
House Republicans passed legislation in May to legalize the practice of road dumping wastewater from conventional oil and gas drilling operations. Read more here.
Summary Of Provisions
Here’s a brief summary of the special provisions related to the environment in each of the budget-related bills--
-- Fiscal Code: House Bill 1348 (Saylor-R-Lancaster) amendments to Fiscal Code related to FY 2021-22 budget (House Fiscal Note & Summary, Senate Fiscal Note & Summary). Special provisions--
-- No Transfer To Environmental Stewardship Fund. No transfer of $20 million-- again-- from the Oil & Gas Lease Fund to the Marcellus Legacy Fund to the Environmental Stewardship Fund for local project funding. (page 51).
-- Transfer to Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund: directs the transfer of $15 million from the Oil & Gas Lease Fund to the Marcellus Legacy Fund to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. (page 51)
-- Payment Of Growing Greener II Bond Debt: Authorizes payment of $12,289,000 of Personal Income Tax revenue to the Environmental Stewardship Fund to pay Growing Greener II debt service. (page 106)
-- Funds Returned To PennVEST: $45 million was returned to PennVEST for drinking water and wastewater funding that was used in 2020 to help respond to the COVID pandemic. Read more here. (page 113)
-- Reducing Arrearages of Low-Income Customers: Using $36,763,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to provide funds to owners or operators of public water systems or treatment works to reduce arrearages of and rates charged to low-income households in program administered by the Department of Human Services in consultation with DEP and PennVEST. (page 42)
-- Low Speed Scooter Pilot Program: Establishing a low-speed scooter pilot program. (page 55)
-- Administrative Code: House Bill 336 (R.Mackenzie-R-Lehigh) amendments to Administrative Code related to FY 2021-22 budget (House Fiscal Note & Summary, Senate Fiscal Note & Summary). Special provisions--
-- Oil & Gas Drilling Liquid Waste General Permit Without Environmental Protections: Directing DEP to prepare and submit for publication a new General Permit for the transfer, storage or processing of oil and gas liquid waste at temporary facilities which will be in operation for no more than 180 days at one time. The provision specifically prohibits DEP from requiring any individuals or municipalities using the General Permit from obtaining an individual determination of applicability if they are involved in land application or using a material for antiskid uses and other protections under 25 PA Code Section 287.641(D) (page 40).
-- Floodplain Program: includes provisions of House Bill 1598 (Boback-R-Luzerne) designating the PA Emergency Management Agency as the lead floodplain management agency for National Flood Insurance Program, expressing concerns with enhanced flood hazard mitigation plan (page 26).
-- Water/Wastewater Authority Audits: Authorizing the Auditor General to perform audits of water or wastewater rates proposed by a municipality in a county of the third class in a municipality of less than 370,000 people. (page 36).
-- General Fund Budget: Senate Bill 255 (Browne-R-Lehigh) General Fund FY 2021-22 Budget bill. -- General Fund Appropriations by line-item/Agency.
-- Transfers from Oil & Gas Lease Fund: $47.790 million was transferred from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to support DCNR State Parks, Forests and General Operations.
Related Budget Articles:
-- PA Environmental Council: Legislature Is Out For The Summer, Status Of Key Policy Items, Missed Opportunities [PaEN]
-- Farm&Dairy: Farm Bureau - PA Budget Maintains Ag Funding, But Lacking On Broadband, Chesapeake Bay Support
-- CourierT: PA Budget Earmarks $1.6 Million For PFAS Cancer Study
Key Legislation - New & Seeing Action -----------------------------------------
Senate
-- Growing Greener III: Senate Bill 525 (Gordner-R-Columbia) investing $500 million in the American Rescue Plan funding in a Growing Greener III initiative. Read more here.
-- Changing Definition of Water Pollution: Senate Bill 545 ( Yaw-R-Lycoming) changes the definition of what constitutes reportable water pollution under the state Clean Streams Law. Read more here.
-- Stop State Investments In Solar Energy: Senate Bill 792 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) stop state investments in solar energy facilities unless they have domestic components and are made in the U.S.. Read more here.
-- Natural Gas Royalty Transparency: Senate Bill 806 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) further providing for transparency in natural gas royalty payments.
-- Repeal Any Regulation By Resolution: Senate Bill 809 (Dush-R-Jefferson) authorizing the General Assembly to repeal any regulation by concurrent resolution, rather than by law.
-- Setbacks For Drilling Operations: Senate Bill 650 (Santarsiero-D-Bucks) increase setbacks for unconventional oil and gas drilling operations.
-- Landslide Insurance: Senate Bill 743 (Costa-D-Allegheny) providing for landslide insurance and assistance.
-- Single Bag Use Ban: Senate Bill 752 (Sabatina-D-Philadelphia) providing for a statewide single-use plastic bag ban, county opt-in for paper bag fee.
-- Exempting Vehicles From Emissions Tests: Senate Bill 777 (Langerholc-R-Bedford) providing an exemption for emissions testing for five newest model years for vehicles.
-- Blending Renewable Fuels: Senate Resolution 139 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) urging EPA to allow for the blanding of renewable fuels and updated volume mandates to provide relief for east coast refiners- Adopted.
-- Study Of Enhanced Recycling: Senate Resolution 143 (Schwank-D-Berks) Direct Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to report on feasibility of creating targeted recycling economic development zone program.
House
-- Expand Reviews By Agricultural Lands Condemnation Board: House Bill 1720 and House Bill 1721 (Stambaugh-R-Perry) expanding the projects reviewed by the Agricultural Lands Condemnation Approval Board.
--Wind Energy On Farmland: House Bill 1568 (Sonney-R-Erie) allowing wind energy facilities on preserved farmland.
Articles & NewsClips By Topic From Last Week ----------------------------------
Air
-- WESA/Allegheny Front: Environmental Groups Seek Pre-Trial Ruling Against U.S. Steel Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
-- PG: Allegheny County Air Quality Poor At Parkway East, Liberty Monitors
-- DEP: Code Orange Air Quality Action Day Wednesday, July 7 Southeastern PA
Alternative Fuels
-- PG: As Road Travel Resumes, Vacations Peak, Gasoline Prices Spike To 2014
-- TribLive: Electric Scooter Fleet Launches Move PGH Program To Broaden City Mobility
-- PG: Pittsburgh Launches Move PGH With Promise Of More Accessible And Equitable Mobility
-- Billy Penn: Scooter Share Legalized For Pittsburgh, Still Banned In Philadelphia
Awards & Recognition
-- Keep PA Beautiful: Senior Girl Scout Troop Wins 2021 Pick Up PA Video Contest [PaEN]
-- Recipients Announced For Delaware Highlights Conservancy Student Scholarships [PaEN]
-- PA American Water: Delaware County Wastewater Treatment Plan Recognized With Award
-- ReadingE: Fmr Berks Extension Agency Is First Woman Named To National Hall Of Fame
-- Penn State: Prof. Elizabeth Boyer Receives Recognition For Excellence In Water Resources Research
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
-- Allegheny Front: Researchers Are Trying To Figure Out What’s Causing Mysterious Bird Deaths
-- Mary Ann Thomas: National Expert Visits Kiski River, Other Waterways To Install, Study Baby Mussels
-- WESA/Allegheny Front: Experimental Treatment Shows Promise In Treating Bats With White-Nose Syndrome
-- Patch: What 30 Years Of Spotted Lanternfly Spread In PA Could Look Like
-- Penn State College Of Agricultural Sciences: July 21 - Spotted Lanternfly - Where We Are And Why It Matters Webinar
-- Frank Kummer: Where Did All The Spotted Langernflies In Philly Area Go?
-- WESA: See A Spotted Lanternfly? Squash It!
-- LancasterOnline: Poison Hemlock Spreading Thru PA: How You Can Spot It And Remove It Safely
-- Agriculture: July 15 Controlled Plant & Noxious Weed Committee Meeting
-- Natural Lands: Annual Butterfly Census
Budget
-- PA Environmental Council: Legislature Is Out For The Summer, Status Of Key Policy Items, Missed Opportunities [PaEN]
-- CourierT: PA Budget Earmarks $1.6 Million For PFAS Cancer Study
-- Farm&Dairy: Farm Bureau - PA Budget Maintains Ag Funding, But Lacking On Broadband, Chesapeake Bay Support
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Cheers Robust FY 22 Chesapeake Bay Funding For Priority Programs In U.S. House Committee Bill
Budget - American Rescue Plan Funding
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Guidance On How Local Governments Can Spend Federal American Rescue Funds On Recreation, Parks, Open Space
Chesapeake Bay
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Lauds U.S. Senators Cardin, Casey For Championing PA Conservation Projects
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Cheers Robust FY 22 Chesapeake Bay Funding For Priority Programs In U.S. House Committee Bill
-- Help Wanted: Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay - 3 Positions [PaEN]
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Citizen Action
-- Environmental Health Project: Health/Oil & Gas Drilling Spotlight: Siri Lawson, Warren County, PA- Part One
-- WESA/Allegheny Front: Environmental Groups Seek Pre-Trial Ruling Against U.S. Steel Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
-- New Website Helps Landowners Lease Farms Wisely To Promote Soil Health, Water Quality [PaEN]
-- LancasterOnline: Neighbors Of Prospective Prison Worried New Facility Will Interrupt ‘Peaceful’ Life Along The River
-- Penn Water Center: Latest Updates On Southwestern PA Water Management, Ohio River Basin Initiatives
-- MeadvilleT: Creek Connections Keeps Flowing With 2 Grants Totaling $93,000
-- July 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
-- Help Wanted: PA Council of Trout Unlimited Outreach Coordinator [PaEN]
Climate
-- Rachel McDevitt: Report Offers Case Studies For How PA Could Help Areas Affected By RGGI
-- IndianaG: Report Suggests RGGI Could Support Economic Development
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Options & Opportunities For Coal Plant Communities: PA And the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
-- Republican Chair House Environmental Committee Urges DEP To Delay July 13 Meeting On RGGI Regulation
-- Erie T Guest Essay: PA State Senators Fail To See Urgency Of Climate Crisis
-- PennLive Guest Essay: Latest Climate Change Report Projects Dangerous Temperature Increases, Here’s What You Can Do About It - Clean Air Council
-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Manufacturing Decline, Climate Change Both Threaten Philadelphia
-- CentreDT: Climate Watch: How Agriculture And Climate Change Are Connected And Why It Matters
-- PA League Of Conservation Voters Launches Climate Action Organizing Effort In Western PA
-- Sustainable Pittsburgh; CEOs For Sustainability, Falk School Of Sustainability & Environment Chatham University: Aug. 12 - Advancing Your Organization’s Carbon-Reduction Goals Webinar. 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
-- TribLive/AP: Northwest U.S. Heat Wave Impossible Without Climate Change
-- Allegheny Front: Experts Answer Your Questions About Biden’s Climate Plan
Coal Mining
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Options & Opportunities For Coal Plant Communities: PA And the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
-- Rachel McDevitt: Report Offers Case Studies For How PA Could Help Areas Affected By RGGI
Compliance Action
-- WESA/Allegheny Front: Environmental Groups Seek Pre-Trial Ruling Against U.S. Steel Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
-- DEP: 632 Permit Actions - 93% On Time; 1,152 Inspections; Responded To 4 Emergencies In Last Week
DCNR
-- First Lady, DCNR Secretary: Highlight Outdoor Opportunities For All During Pittsburgh Visit
-- WPSU: Pennsylvania Wilds Optimistic For Economic Rebound As Tourists Travel Closer To Home
-- DCNR Blog: How Close Are We To Recreation For All?
-- PennLive: DCNR Sends First 20 Person Crew To Help Fight Wildfires In Western U.S.. This Time To Idaho
-- DCNR Blog: Backpacking A Great Way To Explore Pennsylvania
-- July 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
-- PennLive: 24-Year-Old Drowns At Codorus State Park In York County
-- DCNR Proposed Property Exchange In Juniata, Mifflin Counties
-- ErieT: Black Ranger At Presque Isle State Park Sues Claiming Discrimination
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Guidance On How Local Governments Can Spend Federal American Rescue Funds On Recreation, Parks, Open Space
DEP
-- Environmental Quality Board: Published Final Regulations Class A Stream Redesignations
-- DEP: Draft Revised Water Quality Assessment Methodology Available For Public Comment
-- DEP: Final Technical Guidance On Containment Structures For Aboveground Storage Tanks
-- DEP: 632 Permit Actions - 93% On Time; 1,152 Inspections; Responded To 4 Emergencies In Last Week
-- DEP: Bid On Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project In Fayette County
-- Frank Kummer: DEP Rules Out Faulty Tanks In Gasoline Spill That Closed Delaware County School
Delaware River
-- WHYY: Delaware River Dead Zones Have Improved, But More Work Remains
-- Delaware RiverKeeper July 9 RiverWatch Video Report
-- Recipients Announced For Delaware Highlights Conservancy Student Scholarships [PaEN]
-- PA Cap-Star: Will Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area Become National Park? Supporters Of Proposal Say It’s Possible And Long Overdue
DRBC
-- WHYY: Falling Short For Years, NJ Now Pays Delaware River Basin Commission Full Share
Drinking Water
-- WESA: Pittsburgh Water Authority Says It’s Replaced Half Of Lead Service Lines, On Track For 2026 Goal
-- TribLive: Pittsburgh Water Authority Issues Boil Water Advisory After Water Main Break
-- ScrantonT: PA American Water To Clean Up Tiny Plastic Beads Spilled Into Scranton Ski Resort Reservoir
-- CitizensV: Mountain Top Residents Dealing With Dirty Water From PA American Water
-- CitizensV: Mountain Top Water Woes Clearing Up
-- AltoonaM Letter: Altoona Water Authority To Be Commended For Protecting 1,450 Acres Above horseshoe Curve
Economic Development
-- MIT Technology Review Guest Essay: The Fracking Boom Is Over, Where Did All The Jobs Go?
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Options & Opportunities For Coal Plant Communities: PA And the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
-- PG: Land Recycling: RIDC To Erect Third Building At Hazelwood Green’s Mill 19
-- WPSU: Pennsylvania Wilds Optimistic For Economic Rebound As Tourists Travel Closer To Home
-- DEP: Bid On Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project In Fayette County
Education
-- BCTV: Bold New Vision And Future For Berks Nature As Beneficiary Of $28.5 Million Gift
-- ReadingE Guest Essay: Why A $28.5 Million Donation To Benefit Berks Nature Is A Big Deal
-- Recipients Announced For Delaware Highlights Conservancy Student Scholarships [PaEN]
-- Penn State: Prof. Elizabeth Boyer Receives Recognition For Excellence In Water Resources Research
-- Penn State Technical Assistance Program: July 15 - Funding And Incentives To Finance Facility Energy Efficiency Improvements Webinar
-- Sustainable Pittsburgh; CEOs For Sustainability, Falk School Of Sustainability & Environment Chatham University: Aug. 12 - Advancing Your Organization’s Carbon-Reduction Goals Webinar. 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
-- Penn State Extension: July 21 - COVID Impacts On PA’s MS4 Stormwater Communities
-- WeConservePA: Sept. 10-11 - Planning And Management For Multi-Use Trails. Pottstown, Montgomery County. In-Person
-- WeConservePA: July 12 - Building Relationships With Communities Of Color
-- Penn State College Of Agricultural Sciences: July 21 - Spotted Lanternfly - Where We Are And Why It Matters Webinar
-- Wildlands Conservancy: Outside The Inbox Natural Connection To Wildlands Newsletter
-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Upcoming Summer Events
-- Help Wanted: PA Envirothon Executive Director [PaEN]
Emergency Response
-- Frank Kummer: DEP Rules Out Faulty Tanks In Gasoline Spill That Closed Delaware County School
-- TribLive: Thousands Without Power In Western PA After Storms Blow Through
Energy
-- Rachel McDevitt: Report Offers Case Studies For How PA Could Help Areas Affected By RGGI
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Options & Opportunities For Coal Plant Communities: PA And the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
-- Sean Sauro: Burning Garbage Fuels Electricity Generation At 30-Year-Old Lancaster County Waste Facility
-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Pittsburgh Offers A Better Path On Energy
-- PennLive Guest Essay: Latest Climate Change Report Projects Dangerous Temperature Increases, Here’s What You Can Do About It - Clean Air Council
-- PUC: Urges Consumers To Monitor Utility Bills, Supplier Contracts And Energy Usage As Summer Heats Up
-- PJM Interconnection: Approves Proposal To Address Capacity Market Reform
-- Utility Dive: PJM Board Approves New Plan In Effort To Placate State, FERC
Energy Conservation
-- Penn State Technical Assistance Program: July 15 - Funding And Incentives To Finance Facility Energy Efficiency Improvements Webinar
-- Gov. Wolf: Announces Over $15 Million In Energy Efficiency Traffic Light Grants
Environmental Health
-- Environmental Health Project: Health/Oil & Gas Drilling Spotlight: Siri Lawson, Warren County, PA- Part One
-- WESA: Pittsburgh Water Authority Says It’s Replaced Half Of Lead Service Lines, On Track For 2026 Goal
-- Slate: Where’s My Lyme Disease Vaccine?
Environmental Justice
-- WeConservePA: July 12 - Building Relationships With Communities Of Color
Farming
-- Reading Eagle: 5 Berks County Farms Permanently Protected From Development
-- Farm&Dairy: Farm Bureau - PA Budget Maintains Ag Funding, But Lacking On Broadband, Chesapeake Bay Support
-- New Website Helps Landowners Lease Farms Wisely To Promote Soil Health, Water Quality [PaEN]
-- Patch: What 30 Years Of Spotted Lanternfly Spread In PA Could Look Like
-- CourierT: Pocono Organics First In World To Achieve Regenerative Organic Hemp Certification
-- Lancaster County Chiques Creek Organic Hemp Tea Is Revolutionary
-- Rodale Institute: July 23 In-Person Organic Field Day; 2021 Virtual Field Day Brings The Farm To You -- Register Now.
-- Rodale Institute, Davines Group Launch Italian Regenerative Organic Agriculture Center
Fish & Boat Commission
-- WilliamsportS: Fish & Boat Commission Officers Keep Waterways Safe
Flooding - Hurricanes
-- PUC: Offers Safety Tips As Tropical Storm Elsa Approaches
-- MCall: Lehigh Valley Under Flash Flood Watch As Tropical Storm Elsa Crawls Up Coast
-- AP: Tropical Storm Kills 1 In Florida, Hurts 10 At Georgia Base
-- MCall: Tropical Storm Elsa Targeting Leigh Valley, But She’s No Isais, Here’s Why
-- PG: Tropical Storm Elsa Not Likely To Impact Pittsburgh, Western PA
-- AP: Tropical Storm Elsa Gaining Strength, Lashing Florida Keys
-- TribLive/AP: Cuba Evacuates 180,000 As Tropical Storm Elsa Approaches
-- TribLive/AP: Governor: Heat Death Toll At Least 95 In Oregon Alone
Forests
-- PennLive: DCNR Sends First 20 Person Crew To Help Fight Wildfires In Western U.S.. This Time To Idaho
-- Patch: What 30 Years Of Spotted Lanternfly Spread In PA Could Look Like
-- Penn State College Of Agricultural Sciences: July 21 - Spotted Lanternfly - Where We Are And Why It Matters Webinar
-- Frank Kummer: Where Did All The Spotted Langernflies In Philly Area Go?
-- WESA: See A Spotted Lanternfly? Squash It!
-- LancasterOnline: Poison Hemlock Spreading Thru PA: How You Can Spot It And Remove It Safely
-- Slate: Where’s My Lyme Disease Vaccine?
-- July 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Forests - Wildfires
-- PennLive: DCNR Sends First 20 Person Crew To Help Fight Wildfires In Western U.S.. This Time To Idaho
Game Commission
-- Marcus Schneck: Doe Hunting License Applications Accepted Beginning July 12
-- TribLive: Game Commission Seeking Help To Find Turkey Poacher In Allegheny County
Grants/Funding
-- Penn State Technical Assistance Program: July 15 - Funding And Incentives To Finance Facility Energy Efficiency Improvements Webinar
Green Infrastructure
-- Growing Greener Coalition: Edible & Effective Streamside Forest Restoration Work Continues With Local Families And ClearWater Conservancy
-- Help Wanted: Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay - 3 Positions [PaEN]
Hazardous Substances
-- Environmental Health Project: Health/Oil & Gas Drilling Spotlight: Siri Lawson, Warren County, PA- Part One
-- WESA: Pittsburgh Water Authority Says It’s Replaced Half Of Lead Service Lines, On Track For 2026 Goal
Land Conservation
-- BCTV: Bold New Vision And Future For Berks Nature As Beneficiary Of $28.5 Million Gift
-- ReadingE Guest Essay: Why A $28.5 Million Donation To Benefit Berks Nature Is A Big Deal
-- Reading Eagle: 5 Berks County Farms Permanently Protected From Development
-- New Website Helps Landowners Lease Farms Wisely To Promote Soil Health, Water Quality [PaEN]
-- Growing Greener Coalition: Edible & Effective Streamside Forest Restoration Work Continues With Local Families And ClearWater Conservancy
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Guidance On How Local Governments Can Spend Federal American Rescue Funds On Recreation, Parks, Open Space
-- Lebanon Valley Conservancy: Names Courtney Reimann New Executive Director
-- Wildlands Conservancy: Outside The Inbox Natural Connection To Wildlands Newsletter
Land Recycling
--PG: Land Recycling: RIDC To Erect Third Building At Hazelwood Green’s Mill 19
Land Use Planning
-- LancasterOnline: Neighbors Of Prospective Prison Worried New Facility Will Interrupt ‘Peaceful’ Life Along The River
Lake Erie
-- ErieT: Erie Property Owners, Officials Debate Proposed Stormwater Fee
-- WESA: NOAA Forecasts Mild Algal Blooms In Lake Erie For 2nd Consecutive Year
Littering/Illegal Dumping
-- Keep PA Beautiful: Senior Girl Scout Troop Wins 2021 Pick Up PA Video Contest [PaEN]
Mine Reclamation
-- Appalachian Voices New Report: The Costs Of Delaying Mine Reclamation As A New Wave Of Abandoned Coal Mines Threatens [PaEN]
-- WESA: PA Could Face New Wave Of Abandoned And Hazardous Coal Mines
-- PG Guest Essay: Federal Abandoned Mines Program Should Be Reauthorized
-- PG Guest Essay: Repairing The Damage In Appalachia
-- DEP: Bid On Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project In Fayette County
Ohio River
-- Ohio River Valley Institute: Options & Opportunities For Coal Plant Communities: PA And the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
-- Penn Water Center: Latest Updates On Southwestern PA Water Management, Ohio River Basin Initiatives
Oil & Gas
-- Environmental Health Project: Health/Oil & Gas Drilling Spotlight: Siri Lawson, Warren County, PA- Part One
-- PA Cap Star: Report: PA Sees Record Natural Gas Production, More Compliance Violations In 2020
-- S&P Global: PA Shale Gas Permits Increase In June As Gas Prices Strengthen
MIT Technology Review Guest Essay: The Fracking Boom Is Over, Where Did All The Jobs Go?
-- BeaverT: Shell Ethane Plant 80% Complete; First Electricity Exported To Grid
-- Delaware Currents: New Obstacles Loom Larger For Wyalusing-Gibbstown LNG Project
-- PG: As Road Travel Resumes, Vacations Peak, Gasoline Prices Spike To 2014
Pipelines
-- ErieT Guest Essay: Too Many Take Energy, And Pipelines That Deliver It, For Granted
-- ScrantonT Editorial: State-Protected Lands Aren’t [PennEast Pipeline]
Permitting
-- DEP: 632 Permit Actions - 93% On Time; 1,152 Inspections; Responded To 4 Emergencies In Last Week
Public Participation
-- DEP: Draft Revised Water Quality Assessment Methodology Available For Public Comment
PUC
-- PUC: Urges Consumers To Monitor Utility Bills, Supplier Contracts And Energy Usage As Summer Heats Up
-- PUC: Offers Safety Tips As Tropical Storm Elsa Approaches
Recreation
-- First Lady, DCNR Secretary: Highlight Outdoor Opportunities For All During Pittsburgh Visit
-- DCNR Blog: How Close Are We To Recreation For All?
-- WPSU: Pennsylvania Wilds Optimistic For Economic Rebound As Tourists Travel Closer To Home
-- DCNR Blog: Backpacking A Great Way To Explore Pennsylvania
-- DCNR Proposed Property Exchange In Juniata, Mifflin Counties
-- ErieT: Black Ranger At Presque Isle State Park Sues Claiming Discrimination
-- July 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Guidance On How Local Governments Can Spend Federal American Rescue Funds On Recreation, Parks, Open Space
-- CourierE: Brockway Men Paddle Length of Susquehanna River
-- Summer Selfie Scavenger Hunt Photo Contests: Cameron County, Cook Forest, Forest County, Jefferson County
-- WeConservePA: Sept. 10-11 - Planning And Management For Multi-Use Trails. Pottstown, Montgomery County. In-Person
-- WeConservePA: July 12 - Building Relationships With Communities Of Color
-- Wildlands Conservancy: Outside The Inbox Natural Connection To Wildlands Newsletter
-- WBTimes: YMCA Hikers Take Walk On The Wild Side To Experience Benefits Of Woods
-- LancasterOnline: Trails, Sidewalks, Transit: Study Calls For A Transformed Bridgeport
-- PG: Biking’s Popularity Continues To Gain Speed Amid Fading Pandemic
-- TribLive: Vandergrift Group That Watches Borough’s Parks Looking For More Volunteers
-- PennLive: 24-Year-Old Drowns At Codorus State Park In York County
-- MCall: Beltzville State Park Is Perfect Location For Canada Geese, State Keeping An Eye On Them
-- PA Cap-Star: Will Delaware Water Gap Recreation Area Become National Park? Supporters Of Proposal Say It’s Possible And Long Overdue
-- Slate: Where’s My Lyme Disease Vaccine?
-- PG: As Road Travel Resumes, Vacations Peak, Gasoline Prices Spike To 2014
Recycling/Waste
-- Sean Sauro: Burning Garbage Fuels Electricity Generation At 30-Year-Old Lancaster County Waste Facility
-- ScrantonT: Opponents Appeal Keystone Landfill Expansion Permit
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Face-To-Face With 100 Million Tons Of Trash [Keystone Landfill]
Regulations
-- Environmental Quality Board: Published Final Regulations Class A Stream Redesignations
Renewable Energy
-- Rachel McDevitt: Report Offers Case Studies For How PA Could Help Areas Affected By RGGI
-- Inquirer Guest Essay: Pittsburgh Offers A Better Path On Energy
-- PennLive Guest Essay: Latest Climate Change Report Projects Dangerous Temperature Increases, Here’s What You Can Do About It - Clean Air Council
-- PA Municipal League & Sustainable Pennsylvania July 13 - Attracting Solar Investment & July 20 SolarAPP Local Solar Permitting Webinars
Storage Tanks
-- DEP: Final Technical Guidance On Containment Structures For Aboveground Storage Tanks
Stormwater
-- ErieT: Erie Property Owners, Officials Debate Proposed Stormwater Fee
Penn State Extension: July 21 - COVID Impacts On PA’s MS4 Stormwater Communities
Susquehanna River Basin Commission
-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission: Actions Taken At June Meeting; Projects Approved For Consumptive Water Use
Sustainability
-- PA Municipal League & Sustainable Pennsylvania July 13 - Attracting Solar Investment & July 20 SolarAPP Local Solar Permitting Webinars
-- Sustainable Pittsburgh; CEOs For Sustainability, Falk School Of Sustainability & Environment Chatham University: Aug. 12 - Advancing Your Organization’s Carbon-Reduction Goals Webinar. 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Technical Guidance
-- DEP: Final Technical Guidance On Containment Structures For Aboveground Storage Tanks
Wastewater Facilities
-- PA American Water: Delaware County Wastewater Treatment Plan Recognized With Award
Water Quality
-- Environmental Quality Board: Published Final Regulations Class A Stream Redesignations
DEP: Draft Revised Water Quality Assessment Methodology Available For Public Comment
Watershed Protection
-- WHYY: Delaware River Dead Zones Have Improved, But More Work Remains
-- Delaware RiverKeeper July 9 RiverWatch Video Report
-- New Website Helps Landowners Lease Farms Wisely To Promote Soil Health, Water Quality [PaEN]
-- Growing Greener Coalition: Edible & Effective Streamside Forest Restoration Work Continues With Local Families And ClearWater Conservancy
-- Mary Ann Thomas: National Expert Visits Kiski River, Other Waterways To Install, Study Baby Mussels
-- ErieT: Erie Property Owners, Officials Debate Proposed Stormwater Fee
-- MeadvilleT: Creek Connections Keeps Flowing With 2 Grants Totaling $93,000
-- Penn Water Center: Latest Updates On Southwestern PA Water Management, Ohio River Basin Initiatives
-- Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
-- Marcus Schneck: Mystery Bird Disease Update: Tests Have Found Some Things That It Might Not Be
-- Allegheny Front: Researchers Are Trying To Figure Out What’s Causing Mysterious Bird Deaths
-- MCall: Mystery Bird Illness Responsible For Killing Many Backyard Favorites Spreading Across States
-- WESA: More Than 1,000 Cases Of Mysterious Bird Disease Reported In PA
-- Marcus Schneck: Echoes Of Pandemic Anger, Arguments Greet Call To Take Down Feeders And Bird Baths
-- PG: Stop Feeding The Birds, For Now
-- Natural Lands: Annual Butterfly Census
-- Marcus Schneck: Doe Hunting License Applications Accepted Beginning July 12
-- Marcus Schneck: Game Commission Adds Online Option For Those Needing Hunter Education
-- Grist Guest Essay: Elk Are A Phoenix Rising From Appalachia’s Coal Ashes
-- TribLive: Game Commission Seeking Help To Find Turkey Poacher In Allegheny County
-- MCall: Beltzville State Park Is Perfect Location For Canada Geese, State Keeping An Eye On Them
-- WESA/Allegheny Front: Experimental Treatment Shows Promise In Treating Bats With White-Nose Syndrome
-- Mary Ann Thomas: National Expert Visits Kiski River, Other Waterways To Install, Study Baby Mussels
-- Brian Whipkey: Snakes Help Control Rodent Populations, Here’s How To Coexist With Them
-- WilliamsportS: Fish & Boat Commission Officers Keep Waterways Safe
-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Upcoming Summer Events
-- Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Announces 3 New Board Members
-- Help Wanted: PA Council of Trout Unlimited Outreach Coordinator [PaEN]
West Nile/Zika Virus
-- Slate: Where’s My Lyme Disease Vaccine?
Help Wanted
-- Help Wanted: Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay - 3 Positions [PaEN]
-- Help Wanted: PA Envirothon Executive Director [PaEN]
-- Help Wanted: PA Council of Trout Unlimited Outreach Coordinator [PaEN]
-- Help Wanted: PennFuture Administrative Manager - Harrisburg [PaEN]
Opportunities
-- Lebanon Valley Conservancy: Names Courtney Reimann New Executive Director
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[Posted: July 12, 2021] PA Environment Digest
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