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15, 2018
PEDF: Commonwealth Court Effort To Narrow Focus Of Review Of How State Spends
DCNR Oil & Gas Payments Without Factual, Legal Support
Laura Legere reported in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thursday Commonwealth Court issued an
opinion January 8 saying it would only review whether upfront bonus and land rental payments
from natural gas drilling on State Forest land are constitutional, and not the broader issue of the
General Assembly’s continuing practice of using gas revenues to pay for DCNR operations, in
litigation brought by the PA Environmental Defense Foundation.
The Court said the narrower issue was the only issue the June 20 PA Supreme Court
ruling asked Commonwealth Court to review after declaring transfers from DCNR’s Oil and Gas
Lease Fund to the General Fund to balance the state budget unconstitutional.
The Court based its June decision on the Environmental Rights Amendment to the state
constitution which the PA Supreme Court said creates a trustee duty on the Commonwealth to
spend those funds only for conservation purposes, not for balancing the budget.
The PA Environmental Defense Foundation filed motions with Commonwealth Court in
December urging the Court to also look at the same transfers used to fund the FY 2018-19 state
budget made since the June 20 PA Supreme Court ruling.
John Childe, PEDF attorney in the lawsuit, said in reaction to this week’s opinion, “The
Commonwealth Court Opinion limiting the Remand from the Supreme Court to one issue
dealing with the Bonus payments is without any factual or legal support. We are considering our
options.”
Last week, PEDF filed a petition with the PA Supreme Court asking the Court to direct
Commonwealth Court to obey the June 20 decision.
Under Pennsylvania’s constitution, the PEDF said public forest and park lands are part of
a public trust owned by the people of Pennsylvania. The government must protect the natural
resources of this public trust and cannot sell them to balance the budget, as it has done since
2009.
To date, more than $1.1 billion from the sale of public natural resources has been used to
fill gaps in the state budget.
Click Here for a copy of the January 8 Commonwealth Court opinion.
NewsClip:
Legere: Commonwealth Court: It Will Not Rule On Proper Use Of Royalties From State Forest
Drilling
Related Stories:
PEDF Files Petition Requesting PA Supreme Court To Enforce environmental Rights Budget
Decision
PEDF Files Petition Urging Court To Declare New Transfers From Oil & Gas Fund
Unconstitutional, $1.1 Billion At Stake
PA Supreme Court Declares Law Diverting Oil & Gas Lease Funds To General Fund
Unconstitutional
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2018]
The Delaware River Basin Commission Monday announced the period for written comment on
proposed regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing activities in the basin has been extended
from February 28 to March 30, 2018.
Two additional public hearings also have been scheduled in February and March.
“The commissioners believe the extended comment period and two additional hearings
announced today in response to numerous requests will provide adequate opportunities for the
public and government officials to study the proposed regulations and offer input to inform the
commissioners’ decision-making process,” said DRBC Executive Director Steve Tambini.
“Those interested in commenting are encouraged to review the full text of the draft rules, related
materials, and information on the public input procedures on the Commission’s website.”
To supplement the four previously announced public hearings – two on January 23 in
Waymart, Wayne County. and two on January 25 in Philadelphia – the Commission is adding the
following two hearings:
-- February 22: 3 p.m. to as late as 7 p.m. at the Lisa Scheller-Wayne Woodman Community
Services Center, Lehigh Carbon Community College, 4525 Education Park Dr., in Schnecksville,
Lehigh County. Register in advance to attend or register onsite. Persons who have registered to
attend by 5 p.m. January 26, 2018 will be contacted by DRBC prior to the hearing date and
provided with an early opportunity to request speaking time. Registrants may also sign up to
speak at the hearing and will be heard if time allows. Elected government officials and their staff
will have the opportunity to identify themselves when registering.
-- March 6: 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Commission will host a moderated public hearing by
telephone. Members of the public are encouraged to listen by calling 1-866-831-8713 and
asking the operator to connect them to the DRBC call. Those wishing to address the
Commission at this hearing can register for an opportunity to speak.
Seating capacity remains available at all four of the public hearings scheduled in January.
Those who would like to attend are encouraged to register online through 5 p.m. on the day
preceding each hearing.
On-site registration for each hearing will also be available. Those who have not
registered in advance are encouraged to check capacity through the online system before
traveling to attend a hearing.
Written comments on the draft regulations, which will receive the same consideration as
oral comments, will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 30. Written comments and attachments
should be submitted through the DRBC’s online comments webpage. Requests for exceptions to
use of the online registration and written comment collection systems may be addressed to:
Commission Secretary, DRBC, P.O. Box 7360, West Trenton, NJ 08628.
For more information, visit DRBC’s Natural Gas Drilling webpage.
NewsClips:
DVRPC: Municipal Actions To Protect, Improve Water Quality In Delaware River Watershed
Study: Delaware, Schuylkill Rivers Getting Saltier
Op-Ed: Resolve To Do Your Best To Advance Clean Water In 2018
Op-Ed: Reverse Delaware River Watershed Fracking Ban
Freezing Temps Leave More Than 100 In Trailer Park Without Water
2018 Year Of Water At Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 12 RiverWatch Video Report
Lehigh Valley Hearing Added By DRBC On Proposed Fracking Ban
[Posted: Jan. 8, 2018]
National Weather Service Issues Multiple Watches, Warnings Across The State
Insurance Dept. Advises Southwestern PA Property Owners On Filling Out Flood Damage
Claims
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Jan. 22): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends Title 58 to impose a
sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and includes provisions related to
minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging
Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MS4 Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Jan. 22): Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R- Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to
be certified in application techniques and creates an education program; Senate Bill 799
(Alloway-R- Franklin) a voluntary program to allow municipalities to pay for nutrient
reductions. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
January 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
February 5, 6 (Governor's Budget Address), 7
Budget Hearings: Feb. 20 - March 9
March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30
May 1, 2, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
January 22, 23, 24
February 5, 6, 7
March 12, 13, 14
April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30
May 1, 2, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
REAP Farm Conservation Program Caught Up In Bill To Limit All State Tax Credit
Programs
House Bill 1960 Short Circuits Imposition Of Fines, Penalties For Environmental
Violations
Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Friday
released the hearing schedule on the proposed FY 2018-19 budget. The hearings will be held--
-- February 20-- 10:00- Treasury Department; 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office; 3:00- Approved
Private Schools/Charter School for the Deaf & Blind; 4:00- PA Intermediate Units.
-- February 21-- 10:00- Department of State; 1:00- Auditor General; 3:00- Attorney General.
-- February 22-- 10:00- PA State System Of Higher Education; 1:00- State Police/Homeland
Security; 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/ Fire Commissioner.
-- February 26-- 10:00- State Related Universities; 1:00- Department of General Services; 3:00-
Department of Transportation.
-- February 27-- 10:00- Department of Labor & Industry; 1:00- Judiciary; 3:00- PA College of
Technology; 4:00- Inspector General.
-- February 28-- 10:00- Dept. of Military & Veterans Affairs; 1:00- Department of
Agriculture; 3:00- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources.
-- March 1-- 10:00- Department of Corrections/ Board of Probation & Parole; 1:00- Liquor
Control Board; 3:00- Department of Environmental Protection.
-- March 5-- 10:00- PA Gaming Control Board; 1:00- Department of Revenue/ State Lottery;
3:00- Department of Community & Economic Development.
-- March 6-- 10:00- Department of Education; 1:00- Department of Education Continued; 3:00-
Department of Aging.
-- March 7-- 10:00- Department of Health; 1:00- Department of Human Services; 3:00-
Department of Human Services Continued.
-- March 8-- 10:00- Department of Drug & Alcohol; 1:00- Governor’s Budget Secretary; 3:00-
Governor’s Budget Secretary Continued.
All hearings will be in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Hearings are typically
webcast on the Committee webpage.
The Governor’s Budget Address is February 6.
NewsClips:
Legere: Commonwealth Court: It Will Not Rule On Proper Use Of Royalties From State Forest
Drilling
Bradford County Evaluates Projects For Drilling Impact Fee Funding
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
EPA Staffing Falls To Reagan Era Levels
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2018]
House State Govt. Committee Chair To Announce Findings On Regulatory Overreach Jan.
16
Settlement With DEP On 10 Coal-Fired Power Plants Will Require Updating Of Water
Quality Discharge Permits
The Sierra Club-PA and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, represented by PennFuture and
the Law Office of Howard Crystal, filed a settlement Wednesday with the Department of
Environmental Protection that will require DEP to update the water quality discharge permits for
10 coal-fired power plants by March 2019.
Each of the ten plants had been operating with expired water permits.
The power plants include Cheswick Generating Station, Brunner Island, Montour Steam
Electric Station, Keystone Generating Station, Ebensburg Power Company, Conemaugh
Generating Station, Homer City Generating Station, Cambria Cogen Company, Bruce Mansfield
Generating Station and Colver Power Plan.
“We applaud the DEP for stepping up and doing the right thing for the people of
Pennsylvania by updating these water permits,” Patrick Genter, Senior Campaign Representative
for the Chesapeake Bay at the Sierra Club said. “Not only does this mean cleaner and safer
drinking water for communities, but also a healthier environment, which can lead to increased
recreational opportunities for fishermen and all those who enjoy our waterways.”
"When a Commonwealth does not follow its own laws, and the laws of our nation, it's a
sad and dangerous time for us all. The Clean Water Act needs to be protected and enforced.
Recognizing that there is a timetable for pollutant reduction on the table for all of these facilities
is a step in the right direction,” Ted Evgeniadis with Lower Susquehanna RIVERKEEPER said.
“If pollutant reductions for these facilities, especially Brunner Island, were to be delayed
into 2022 or even 2023, citizens of PA, users of the Susquehanna River and aquatic species
would all continue to suffer,” said Evgeniadis. “The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper
Association will continue to work with Sierra Club, PennFuture, and PA DEP to make certain
these permits are drafted and finalized according to the timetable presented."
Click Here for a copy of the settlement. Click Here for the complete announcement.
NewsClip:
Frazier: Settlement Requires Coal-Fired Power Plants To Get Updated Water Permits
[Posted: Jan. 11, 2018]
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA Office invites the public to attend the
Pennsylvania State Technical Committee meeting on January 16 at the USDA State Office in
Harrisburg.
Quarterly State Technical Committee Meetings are held to discuss natural resources
conservation in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations to NRCS on the implementation of
Farm Bill programs.
January's meeting will include updates on 2018 conservation programs, a report on the
NRCS Technical Guide, and a presentation on Monitoring the Water Quality of Conservation
Practices from John Clune of the U.S. Geological Survey.
The public is invited to attend the meeting which will be held at 1:00 p.m. on January 16
at the USDA State Office Conference Room at 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. To attend via
teleconference, call 1-888-844-9904 with access code 6941559.
Attendees requiring special accommodations and/or alternative means for communication
of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) associated with this meeting should
contact Ted Evans at 717-237-2209, or send email to: ted.evans@pa.usda.gov.
For more information on programs, initiatives, financial and technical assistance, visit the
Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA Office webpage.
NewsClips:
CBF-PA’s Harry Campbell Talks About Chesapeake Bay Health, Cleanup
PA Farm Show: A Farmer Is Important
PA Road Map For Agriculture’s Future Comes At Critical Intersection For Industry
Editorial: Good Time To Remember How Food Gets To Our Table
Agriculture Faces Sticky Situation With Honey Bee Decline
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
[Posted: Jan. 8, 2018]
The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission 2017 Ohio River
Sweep was recently honored by American Rivers as a National Rivers
Cleanup Champion and place first in three categories--
-- Most Pounds Of Trash Collected - 1 million
-- Most Miles Cleaned - 3,000 miles
-- Most Volunteers Mobilized - 8,000
Every year the Ohio River Sweep brings together thousands of
volunteers to remove tons of trash and debris from river and
streambanks from its origin in Western Pennsylvania to its end in
Cairo, Illinois.
In 2017 there cleanups in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver,
Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties in Pennsylvania.
The 2018 Ohio River Sweep will be held on June 16.
(Photo: Poster by Nick Boczek, 4th Grade Student, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Florence,
KY.)
Related Stories:
EPCAMR Receives National Recognition As American Rivers Cleanup Champion
Ohio River Sanitation Commission Taking Comments On Revising Pollution Control Standards
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2018]
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for Environmental
Education Grants to support projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and
help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment.
The deadline for applications is March 15.
EPA will award three to four grants in each of EPA’s ten Regions, for no less than
$50,000 and no more than $100,000 each, for a total of 30-35 grants nationwide.
Eligible applicants include: local education agency; state education or environmental
agency; college or university; nonprofit organization; noncommercial educational broadcasting
entity; and tribal education agency.
Click Here for all the details.
NewsClip:
2018 Year Of Water At Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center
[Posted: Jan. 8, 2018]
By Andrew Ellsworth, Green Building Alliance, Green & Healthy Schools Academy
Feb. 23 Hearing On Proposed RACT II Air Quality Plan For NRG Shawville Power Plant,
Clearfield County
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing on the RACT II Air
Quality Plan for the NRG Shawville Generating Station in Clearfield County on February 23, if a
hearing is requested. (Jan. 13 PA Bulletin, page 353)
The facility converted from coal to natural gas.
The hearing will be held a DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street in
Williamsport starting at 10:00.
To request a hearing, to register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be
held, contact Megan Lehman at 570-327-3659. The last day to pre-register to speak at a hearing,
if one is held, will be February 12.
Click Here for information on whether the hearing will be held.
For all the details, read the January 13 PA Bulletin notice starting on page 353.
NewsClips:
Allegheny County Health Board Makes Polluting More Expensive
EDF: National Clean Air Protections In Jeopardy, But PA Can Be Protected
Air Products Buys Shell’s Coal Gasification Business
[Posted: Jan. 12, 2018]
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has determined the Phase II
portion of Elcon Recycling Services, LLC’s application for a commercial hazardous waste
treatment and storage facility in Falls Township, Bucks County is administratively incomplete.
DEP has returned the application to the applicant, along with a letter citing the remaining
deficiency.
Elcon responded to DEP’s May 30, 2017 deficiency letter on October 13, 2017. DEP
reviewed the submitted response and found the supplemental information to be deficient. DEP is
requesting additional documentation regarding land ownership and land use consent for the
proposed location.
Although the application has been returned to the applicant as incomplete, it has not been
denied. Elcon may resubmit its application after addressing the deficiency outlined by DEP. If
Elcon resubmits the Phase II portion of its application, DEP will once again have 90 days to
determine if it is administratively complete.
A copy of the application, correspondence on the project, as well as other project updates
can be found on DEP’s Elcon webpage.
[Posted: Jan. 9, 2018]
2018 Wild & Scenic Film Festival March 8 At Chatham University Pittsburgh
PEC Philly Area Environment Ride Kicks Off With Launch Party Feb. 6, Save Money,
Register Early
18th Annual Land Ethics Symposium Set For March 15 At Delaware Valley University
DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health Insect & Disease Briefing March 27
Capital RC&D Producing & Marketing Non-Timber Forest Products Webinar Series
POSTPONED-Foundation For Sustainable Forests: Jan. 12 Woods & Waters Film Series
The Berks County Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Urban
Resource Conservationist. The deadline for applications is January 23.
A Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following areas of study is required: Environmental
Sciences, Planning, Resource Management or other related subjects.
The starting salary range for the position is $30,000 to $35,000 based on experience.
Submit resumes to Tammy Bartsch by sending email to: tammy.bartsch@berkscd.com.
[Posted: Jan. 9, 2018]
Help Wanted: Kretschmann Organic Farm, Butler County, Farm Operations Manager
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards. Click
Here for DEP Aggregate Advisory Board 2018 meeting schedule.
January 16-- NEW. House State Government Committee Chair press conference to announce
findings and legislation designed to deal with regulatory overreach. Capital Media Center.
10:00. Click Here for live webcast. Click Here for more.
January 16-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is
February 20. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
January 16-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171,
leemurray@pa.gov. Click Here for more.
-- Presentations On Air Quality in Pennsylvania
January 16-- DEP Meeting/Hearing On Proposed Epiphany Allegheny LLC Oil And Gas
Wastewater Brines Treatment Plant, Coudersport, Potter County. Gunzburger Building, 1
Second Street in Coudersport. meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and the hearing at 7:00 p.m.
January 16-- NEW. NRCS-Pennsylvania State Technical Committee meeting. USDA State
Office Conference Room at 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. Conference Call Option Available.
1:00.
January 17-- Agenda Posted. DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622,
sbox@pa.gov.
January 18-- Lehigh Valley Master Watershed Stewards Information Session. Northampton
Extension Office, 14 Gracedale Avenue, Nazareth. 6:30 to 8:30.
January 18-- PA Environmental Council, Partners. So You Want To Implement A Stormwater
Fee Workshop. Jenkintown Library, 460 York Road, Jenkintown, Montgomery County. 4:00
(dinner provided).
January 20-- Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Cross Country Skiing Adventure, Brodhead Creek
Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Land Rd., East Stroudsburg,
Monroe County. Noon.
January 22-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee, Pumped Storage
Hyrdo. Room 8E-A East Wing. Noon.
January 22-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meets. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 1:00.
January 23-- Delaware River Basin Commission. Hearing on proposed fracking ban in
Delaware Watershed. Ladore Camp, Retreat and Conference Center’s Performing Arts and
Recreation Center (PARC) Pavilion, 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, Wayne County. 1:00 to
4:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 23-- Delaware River Basin Commission. Hearing on proposed fracking ban in
Delaware Watershed. Ladore Camp, Retreat and Conference Center’s Performing Arts and
Recreation Center (PARC) Pavilion, 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, Wayne County. 6:00 to
9:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 23-- NEW. Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Small Scale
Mushroom Production Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
January 24-- Location Added. House Appropriations Committee holds a hearing on special
funds related to the Department of Community and Economic Development. Room 140 Main
Capitol. 9:00. Committee hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website. Click Here for more.
January 24-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269,
nherb@pa.gov.
January 24-- NEW. Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. Webinar On Proposed
Revisions To Pollution Control Standards. 3:00.
January 24-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie at 717-772-9084 or
send email to: gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
January 24-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
January 24-- Lehigh Valley Master Watershed Stewards Information Session. Illick’s Mill, 100
Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 6:30 to 8:30.
January 25-- Location Added. House Appropriations Committee hearing on Special Funds Used
By DEP and DCNR. Room 140 Main Capitol. 9:00. Committee hearings are typically webcast
through the House Republican Caucus website. Click Here for more.
January 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov.
January 25-- Delaware River Basin Commission. Hearing on proposed fracking ban in
Delaware Watershed. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Airport, 4509 Island Ave.,
Philadelphia. 1:00 to 4:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 25-- Delaware River Basin Commission. Hearing on proposed fracking ban in
Delaware Watershed. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Airport, 4509 Island Ave.,
Philadelphia. 6:00 to 9:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 26-- NEW. PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 1:00 to 4:00. Click Here to register to attend the meeting by
webinar.
January 30-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
-- Continue discussion of Act 101 changes and updates
January 30-- DEP Hearing on Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy Policy Changes.
DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street in Norristown, Montgomery County. 1:00.
January 30-- Environmental Quality Board Hearing on Triennial Water Quality Standard
Regulation Changes. DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street in Norristown,
Montgomery County. 1:00.
January 30-- NEW. Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Biochar
Production & Marketing Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
January 31-- DEP Hearing On Air Quality Permit At Sunoco Marcus Hook Facility Delaware
County. Marcus Hook Community Center, 7 W. Delaware Ave, Marcus Hook. 6:00 to 8:00.
January 31-- DEP Hearing On Emission Credits For Jessup Natural Gas Power Plant In
Lackawanna County. Valley View High School, 1 Columbus Dr., Archbald. 6:00 to 9:00.
January 31-- NEW. Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. Webinar On Proposed
Revisions To Pollution Control Standards. 6:00.
January 31-- Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Full Moon Night Hike, Jonas Mountain Nature
Preserve, 506 Watercrest Dr. Monroe County. 6:00 p.m.
February 1-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a hearing on proposed water
withdrawals and other requests. Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol. 2:30. (formal notice) Click
Here for more.
February 6-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov.
February 6-- NEW. PA Resources Council Reuse Central Launch Celebration. Ann Jones
Gerace Center, 64 South 14th Street, Pittsburgh. 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
February 6-- NEW. Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Small Scale
Chestnut Production Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
February 6-- NEW. PA Environmental Council. 2018 Philadelphia Area Environment Ride.
Yards Brewing, 500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia. 5:30 to 7:30.
February 7-- NEW. Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee to release an update of cost
estimates for an alternative approach to meeting PA’s Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction targets.
Room 8E-B, East Wing. 10:00.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State
College.
February 8-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov.
February 8-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water & Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattie, 717-772-2814, echescattie@pa.gov.
February 8-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or send email to:
dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
February 8-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Jeraco Enterprises,
Inc. Milton Plant, Northumberland County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third
Street, Suite 101, Williamsport. 10:00.
February 8-- NEW. Manada Conservancy. Nature Therapy: The Health Benefits Of Spending
Time In Nature. South Hanover Township Building, 161 Patriot Way in Hershey, Dauphin
County. 7:00
February 9-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Graymont
Company, Centre County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101,
Williamsport. 10:00.
February 11--Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Winter Snowshoe Adventure, Brodhead Creek
Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Lane Rd., East Stroudsburg,
Monroe County. Noon.
February 13-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 14th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731,
jbrakeall@pa.gov.
February 13-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
February 13-- NEW. Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Agroforestry
Practices In The Federal Farm Bill Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
February 14-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov.
February 14-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski,
717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
February 15-- NEW. PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 1:00 to 4:00. Click Here to register to attend the meeting by
webinar.
February 20-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Independent
Fiscal Office. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically
webcast on the Committee webpage.
February 22-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- State
Police/Homeland Security; 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/ Fire Commissioner.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the
Committee webpage.
February 22-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636,
jbraund@pa.gov.
February 22-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing on Proposed Fracking Ban.
Lisa Scheller-Wayne Woodman Community Services Center, Lehigh Carbon Community
College, 4525 Education Park Dr., in Schnecksville, Lehigh County. 3:00 to 7:00. Click Here to
register to speak.
February 23-- NEW. DEP Hearing [If Requested] On NRG Shawville Generating Station
RACT II Air Quality Plan, Clearfield County. DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West
Third Street in Williamsport. 10:00.
February 23-24-- Registration Open. Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Join PA
Environment Digest as a Conference sponsor.)
February 24-- NEW. Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Landscape For Life Workshop.
Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin.
9:00 to 11:00.
February 26-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of
Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically
webcast on the Committee webpage.
February 28-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Department of
Agriculture; 3:00- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North
Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
March 1-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of
Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are
typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
March 2-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy and Economy. Hosts The
Fracking Debate Author Daniel Raimi In Discussion Program. Harrisburg University, 326
Market St, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
March 3-- NEW. Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Stormwater Management & Native Plants.
Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin.
9:00 to 11:00.
March 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5556, daheimbach@pa.gov.
March 6-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park
Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov
March 6-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
March 6-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission Moderated Hearing on Proposed Fracking
Ban By Telephone. 1:30 to 3:30. Members of the public are encouraged to listen by calling
1-866-831-8713 and asking the operator to connect them to the DRBC call. Click Here to
register to speak.
March 8-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Governor’s Budget
Secretary; 3:00- Governor’s Budget Secretary Continued. Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
March 8-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
March 8-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a business meeting on proposed
water withdrawals and other issues. Location To Be Determined. 9:00. (formal notice)
March 8-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Allegheny CleanWays. 2018 Wild & Scenic Film
Festival. Chatham University’s Eddy Theatre, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh. 6:00 p.m.
March 10-- NEW. York County Penn State Master Gardeners GardenWise Workshop. Central
York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Road, York. 7:30 to 4:00.
March 10-- NEW. Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Container Gardens. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 12-13-- PA Association of Environmental Educators. 2018 Annual Conference. State
College, Centre County.
March 15-- NEW. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. 18th Annual Land Ethics Symposium.
Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, Bucks County.
March 17-- NEW. Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Turf Management. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 20-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
March 22-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, 717-783-9730, jmelnic@pa.gov.
March 24-- NEW. Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Attracting Bluebirds. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 27-- NEW. DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater
Hotel and Conference Center in State College, Centre County. 8:30 to 3:30.
March 29-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189, dhissner@pa.gov.
April 3-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 3-6-- NEW. Carnegie Mellon University Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.
2018 Energy Week Program. Carnegie Mellon University.
April 4-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, 717-772-3609, mmaddigan@pa.gov.
April 10-- DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 10-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2018 National Watershed & Stormwater
Conference. Maryland and Virginia In-person and online.
April 12-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Bureau of
Laboratories building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
717-346-7200, aaalger@pa.gov.
April 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
April 24-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov.
April 28-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Borough Park, Dauphin
County. 10:00 to 3:00
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
May 8-- 2018 PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn in State College, Centre County.
May 22-23-- Choose Clean Water Coalition. 9th Annual Clean Water Conference. Lancaster
Marriott.
July 25-27-- Registration Open. Professional Recyclers of PA. 28th Annual Recycling &
Organics Conference. Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
AP-Levy: Full Of Optimism, Gov. Wolf Prepares For Re-Election
Op-Ed: Why Does Wolf’s 2018 Agenda Turn A Blind Eye To Environmental Protection
AP: Judges Rule Pennsylvania Can Keep Congressional Map
AP: Plaintiffs Appeal Federal Court Ruling On Gerrymandering To Supreme Court
History Of Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil
Air
Allegheny County Health Board Makes Polluting More Expensive
EDF: National Clean Air Protections In Jeopardy, But PA Can Be Protected
Air Products Buys Shell’s Coal Gasification Business
Awards & Recognition
Loyalsock Creek Named 2018 PA River Of The Year
Schneck: Loyalsock Creek 2018 PA River Of The Year
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Northeast PA On Alert For Another Invasive Pest: Spotted Lanternfly
Agriculture Faces Sticky Situation With Honey Bee Decline
Budget
Legere: Commonwealth Court: It Will Not Rule On Proper Use Of Royalties From State Forest
Drilling
Bradford County Evaluates Projects For Drilling Impact Fee Funding
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
EPA Staffing Falls To Reagan Era Levels
Chesapeake Bay
CBF-PA’s Harry Campbell Talks About Chesapeake Bay Health, Cleanup
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Climate
Op-Ed: Nurses Must Fight Climate Change
Letter: Erie Should Join Cities Fighting Climate Change
EDF: National Clean Air Protections In Jeopardy, But PA Can Be Protected
With Proposal To Join RGGI, Virginia Would Be First Southern State To Cap Carbon
Maryland Will Join Alliance Of States Supporting Paris Climate Agreement
Governor Announces MD Will Join State Coalition To Fight Climate Change
AP: New York City Sues Oil Companies Over Climate Change
EPA Provides Details On New Listening Session For Clean Power Plan Repeal
NOAA: 2017 Was Third Warmest Year On Record
U.S. Hits Record For Costly Weather Disasters In 2017: $306 Billion
Coal Mining
Legere: After FERC Grid Rule Crumbles, Battle To Save Nuclear Plants Returns To PA
TMI Loses Another Avenue To Help Avert Shutdown
Frazier: Settlement Requires Coal-Fired Power Plants To Get Updated Water Permits
Wolf Announces Funding To Repurpose UMW Mine Workers Retraining Center
State Putting $3 Million Toward Retraining Centers For Coal Mine Workers
Program Celebrates Anthracite History Month With Look At Coal Mining Art
U.S. EIA: Low Natural Gas Prices Set To Drive Decline In Coal Generation
Frazier: FERC Kills Trump’s Plan To Save Coal Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan, Kicks Resilience Issue To Grid Operators
AP: FERC Rejects Trump Bid To Boost Coal, Nuclear Power
FERC Kills DOE Proposal To Prop Up Coal, Nuclear Power Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan To Help Coal, Nuclear Plants
Trump-Appointed Regulators Reject Plan To Rescue Coal, Nuclear Plants
Reuters: Murray Coal Blasts FERC For Rejecting Subsidies
Consumer Groups Applaud Decision By FERC On Coal, Nuclear
Editorial: FERC Unplugs Energy Politics
NPR: Coal’s Uncertain Future
AP: Coal Executive’s Wish List Finds Success Under Trump
Coal Production Drops The Most Since Trump Inauguration
AP: Fire In Ductwork At Bruce Mansfield Coal-Fired Power Plant
U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Hear Coal Company Appeal Of EPA Coal Jobs Report
Air Products Buys Shell’s Coal Gasification Business
Utilities Cutting Costs For Ratepayers, Cite Benefits Of Federal Tax Reform
Compliance Action
AP: PA Woman Sentenced To Prison, Fine For Setting Wyoming Wildfires
Delaware River
DVRPC: Municipal Actions To Protect, Improve Water Quality In Delaware River Watershed
Study: Delaware, Schuylkill Rivers Getting Saltier
Op-Ed: Resolve To Do Your Best To Advance Clean Water In 2018
Op-Ed: Reverse Delaware River Watershed Fracking Ban
Freezing Temps Leave More Than 100 In Trailer Park Without Water
2018 Year Of Water At Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 12 RiverWatch Video Report
Lehigh Valley Hearing Added By DRBC On Proposed Fracking Ban
Drinking Water
Pittsburgh Water Authority Lead Levels Likely To Exceed Federal Limit Again
Pittsburgh Water Authority Offers Free Lead Testing
Allegheny County: Free Lead Testing For Uninsured Children
Hurdle: Water Study Finds Some PA Radium Levels Exceed CA Standard
Water Treatment Plant Construction Progressing In New Beaver
Philly Water Main Break Keeps Philly Workers Scrambling
Economic Development
Adidas, Patagonia Headed To Industrial Park On Reclaimed Mine Site
Wolf Announces Funding To Repurpose UMW Mine Workers Retraining Center
State Putting $3 Million Toward Retraining Centers For Coal Mine Workers
Crable: Rare Bird Pumps Up Local Economy In Berks County
Pittsburgh Presbytery Opposes Beaver County Ethane Plant
Education
2018 Year Of Water At Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center
Emergency Response
Snow A Bitter Blow For Erie Area Tornado Victims
U.S. Hits Record For Costly Weather Disasters In 2017: $306 Billion
Energy
Legere: After FERC Grid Rule Crumbles, Battle To Save Nuclear Plants Returns To PA
TMI Loses Another Avenue To Help Avert Shutdown
Crable: Cold Snap Set 3 Top-10 Records For Electricity Demand
Frazier: Settlement Requires Coal-Fired Power Plants To Get Updated Water Permits
Op-Ed: Bill On Local Electric Companies Raises Moral, Legal Questions
Editorial: Lawmaker’s Feud With Local Electric Company Should Stay That Way
U.S. EIA: Low Natural Gas Prices Set To Drive Decline In Coal Generation
Frazier: FERC Kills Trump’s Plan To Save Coal Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan, Kicks Resilience Issue To Grid Operators
AP: FERC Rejects Trump Bid To Boost Coal, Nuclear Power
FERC Kills DOE Proposal To Prop Up Coal, Nuclear Power Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan To Help Coal, Nuclear Plants
Trump-Appointed Regulators Reject Plan To Rescue Coal, Nuclear Plants
Reuters: Murray Coal Blasts FERC For Rejecting Subsidies
Consumer Groups Applaud Decision By FERC On Coal, Nuclear
Editorial: FERC Unplugs Energy Politics
NPR: Coal’s Uncertain Future
AP: Coal Executive’s Wish List Finds Success Under Trump
Coal Production Drops The Most Since Trump Inauguration
AP: Fire In Ductwork At Bruce Mansfield Coal-Fired Power Plant
Maykuth: NJ Utility Passes Along $280M Federal Tax Cut, But Still Boosts Rates
Utilities Cutting Costs For Ratepayers, Cite Benefits Of Federal Tax Reform
U.S. Power Companies Will Reap Millions With Tax Cuts, Will Consumers Benefit?
Air Products Buys Shell’s Coal Gasification Business
Corporations Deepen Clean Energy Commitments
Environmental Heritage
Program Celebrates Anthracite History Month With Look At Coal Mining Art
Farming
PA Farm Show: A Farmer Is Important
PA Road Map For Agriculture’s Future Comes At Critical Intersection For Industry
Editorial: Good Time To Remember How Food Gets To Our Table
Agriculture Faces Sticky Situation With Honey Bee Decline
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
Flooding
Record Rain, Melting Snow Cause Flooding, Evacuations In Southwest PA
Crable: Official Wary Of Susquehanna River Ice Jams With Friday Rain, High Temps
Rain Ahead Of Winter Storm Leads To Flood Watch
Flood Watch Issued, Ice Jams Could Affect Northeast PA
Army Corps Of Engineers Closely Monitoring Frozen Rivers, Water Levels
Minor Flooding Possible In Erie Region
Road Salt Washes Into Lehigh Valley Waterways
Suds Overtake Black Creek, Road Near Hazleton
Wilkes-Barre Approves Additional Costs For Solomon Creek Flood Project
Forests
Northeast PA On Alert For Another Invasive Pest: Spotted Lanternfly
Editorial: A Call-Out To Christmas Tree Dumpers
PA Horticultural Society: Sign Up For Jan. 20 & 27 Tree Tenders Training
AP: PA Woman Sentenced To Prison, Fine For Setting Wyoming Wildfires
Death Toll Hits 17 In California Mudslides In Wildfire Areas, 13 Missing
AP: 13 Dead In Southern California As Rain Triggers Mudslides In Wildfire Areas
Green Infrastructure
DVRPC: Municipal Actions To Protect, Improve Water Quality In Delaware River Watershed
Land Conservation
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
Bay Journal: Wilderness Connected: The Case For An Eastern Wildway
Land Recycling
Adidas, Patagonia Headed To Industrial Park On Reclaimed Mine Site
Mine Reclamation
Adidas, Patagonia Headed To Industrial Park On Reclaimed Mine Site
Oil & Gas
Fractracker: Pennsylvania’s Energy Landscape In 2045
Legere: Commonwealth Court: It Will Not Rule On Proper Use Of Royalties From State Forest
Drilling
Lehigh Valley Hearing Added By DRBC On Proposed Fracking Ban
Legere: Attorneys Fighting Drilling Wastewater Disposal Well Sanctioned
Frazier: Judge Fines Environmental Attorneys $52,000 For Frivolous Injection Well Suit
Jessup Hires Law Firm To Review Invenergy Discharge Plan
Pittsburgh Presbytery Opposes Beaver County Ethane Plant
Blair County Earmarks Drilling Impact Fee For Farmland Preservation
Bradford County Evaluates Projects For Drilling Impact Fee Funding
Monroeville Eyes Restrictions On Natural Gas Operations
Op-Ed: Reverse Delaware River Watershed Fracking Ban
U.S. EIA: Low Natural Gas Prices Set To Drive Decline In Coal Generation
As Temps Fell, Gasoline Prices Rose In Central Appalachian Region
Delaware Threatens Legal Action Against Trump Offshore Drilling Plan
Trump Administration: Now No Oil Drilling Off Florida Coast
Big Oil Finding Hurdles In Federal Tax Reform Plan
Pipelines
Phillips: Despite DEP Order To Halt Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction, Some Work Allowed
Meyer Podcast: Mariner East 2 Frozen Pipeline Construction
Don’t Buy Hype On Mariner East 2 Shutdown, PA Is Still In Back Pocket Of Big Oil, Gas
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Will Generate Over $9 Billion In Economic Impacts In PA
Phillips: Report: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Could Have $9B Financial Impact
Report: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Will Be A Boon To Region’s Economy
Maykuth: Activists Dismiss Report Mariner East 2 Pipeline $9.1B Bonanza
For Those Living Along The Mariner East 2 Pipeline, A Human Chain Of Frustration
Sporadic Blasting Occurring As Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Construction Continues
Op-Ed: Laurel Pipeline Reversal, Energy Policies That Benefit Consumers
FERC Won’t Override NY’s Constitution Pipeline Water Quality Certification Denial
Radiation Protection
Legere: After FERC Grid Rule Crumbles, Battle To Save Nuclear Plants Returns To PA
TMI Loses Another Avenue To Help Avert Shutdown
U.S. EIA: Low Natural Gas Prices Set To Drive Decline In Coal Generation
Frazier: FERC Kills Trump’s Plan To Save Coal Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan, Kicks Resilience Issue To Grid Operators
AP: FERC Rejects Trump Bid To Boost Coal, Nuclear Power
FERC Kills DOE Proposal To Prop Up Coal, Nuclear Power Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan To Help Coal, Nuclear Plants
Trump-Appointed Regulators Reject Plan To Rescue Coal, Nuclear Plants
Reuters: Murray Coal Blasts FERC For Rejecting Subsidies
Consumer Groups Applaud Decision By FERC On Coal, Nuclear
Editorial: FERC Unplugs Energy Politics
Utilities Cutting Costs For Ratepayers, Cite Benefits Of Federal Tax Reform
History’s Verdict: You Can’t Be Sure If It’s Westinghouse
Recreation
Loyalsock Creek Named 2018 PA River Of The Year
Schneck: Loyalsock Creek 2018 PA River Of The Year
Schneck: Blizzard Of Outdoor Fun In PA State Parks, Forests
Jan. 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Allegheny County Parks Celebrate 90 Years Of The Great Outdoors
Philly Looking To Boost Bike Share Program With New Technology
Rep. Gillespie: Talen Should Reopen Brunner Island To Public
Recycling/Waste
Covanta, Lancaster Waste Authority Extend Operating Agreement Partnership
Lancaster Authority Extends Operation Of HBG Incinerator By 15 Years
Crable: Lancaster Waste Authority Signs New Operating Contracts For Lancaster, Harrisburg
Trash-To-Energy Facilities
Recycle Your Electronics, More Saturday In Erie County
PA Town That Garbage Built To Be On Premiere Of Strange Inheritance
Waste Management To Pay Tax Reform Bonuses To Hourly, Other Employees
Renewable Energy
Sisk: A Surge, Then A Fade For Pennsylvania’s Wind Industry
Corporations Deepen Clean Energy Commitments
Schuylkill River
Study: Delaware, Schuylkill Rivers Getting Saltier
Stormwater
DVRPC: Municipal Actions To Protect, Improve Water Quality In Delaware River Watershed
Susquehanna River
Crable: Official Wary Of Susquehanna River Ice Jams With Friday Rain, High Temps
Rain Ahead Of Winter Storm Leads To Flood Watch
Officials: Susquehanna River Ice Not Safe To Walk On
Wastewater Facilities
Moving Wastewater Plant Operations Into The Digital Age
New Owner Of Scranton Sewer System Seeks Key Pair Of Missing Easements
No Word On Review Of Scranton Sewer Sale By Attorney General
Court: Amish Family Must Connect To Public Sewer, Use Electricity
Watershed Protection
Loyalsock Creek Named 2018 PA River Of The Year
Schneck: Loyalsock Creek 2018 PA River Of The Year
CBF-PA’s Harry Campbell Talks About Chesapeake Bay Health, Cleanup
DVRPC: Municipal Actions To Protect, Improve Water Quality In Delaware River Watershed
Op-Ed: Resolve To Do Your Best To Advance Clean Water In 2018
Record Rain, Melting Snow Cause Flooding, Evacuations In Southwest PA
Study: Delaware, Schuylkill Rivers Getting Saltier
Road Salt Washes Into Lehigh Valley Waterways
Suds Overtake Black Creek, Road Near Hazleton
2018 Year Of Water At Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center
Frazier: Settlement Requires Coal-Fired Power Plants To Get Updated Water Permits
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 12 RiverWatch Video Report
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wildlife
Crable: Rare Bird Pumps Up Local Economy In Berks County
Crable: Popular Eagle Cam Now Online For A 3rd Season
Scientists Hope UV Light Provides Solutions To White-Nose Syndrome In Bats
Bay Journal: Wilderness Connected: The Case For An Eastern Wildway
Bay Journal: PA Fishing Fee Politics Could Close Shad Hatchery On The Juniata
Frye: Study To Look At Elk Pregnancy Rates
AP: Baby Sloth Ready For Visitors At Pittsburgh National Aviary
Rep. Gillespie: Talen Should Reopen Brunner Island To Public
Crable: Game Commission Field Officers Now Called Game Wardens
Other
PA Resources Council Launches New Green Initiative
Wildfires
Death Toll Hits 17 In California Mudslides In Wildfire Areas, 13 Missing
AP: 13 Dead In Southern California As Rain Triggers Mudslides In Wildfire Areas
Hurricanes
Hurricane Maria Migration To Lebanon May Be Permanent
Family Fleeing Hurricane Maria Forced To Find New Life In Lancaster
Lights Coming Back On In Virgin Islands After Hurricanes
Federal Policy
EPA Staffing Falls To Reagan Era Levels
Utilities Cutting Costs For Ratepayers, Cite Benefits Of Federal Tax Reform
Maykuth: NJ Utility Passes Along $280M Federal Tax Cut, But Still Boosts Rates
U.S. Power Companies Will Reap Millions With Tax Cuts, Will Consumers Benefit?
AP: Coal Executive’s Wish List Finds Success Under Trump
Frazier: FERC Kills Trump’s Plan To Save Coal Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan, Kicks Resilience Issue To Grid Operators
AP: FERC Rejects Trump Bid To Boost Coal, Nuclear Power
FERC Kills DOE Proposal To Prop Up Coal, Nuclear Power Plants
FERC Rejects DOE Plan To Help Coal, Nuclear Plants
Trump-Appointed Regulators Reject Plan To Rescue Coal, Nuclear Plants
Reuters: Murray Coal Blasts FERC For Rejecting Subsidies
Consumer Groups Applaud Decision By FERC On Coal, Nuclear
Editorial: FERC Unplugs Energy Politics
Editorial: Renew Tax For Federal Oil Spill Fund
Trump Administration: Now No Oil Drilling Off Florida Coast
Big Oil Finding Hurdles In Federal Tax Reform Plan
EDF: National Clean Air Protections In Jeopardy, But PA Can Be Protected
Letter: Fight Trump On Environmental Issues
U.S. Supreme Court Declines To Hear Coal Company Appeal Of EPA Coal Jobs Report
U.S. Dept. Interior Undertakes Largest Reorganization In It History
The DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety published final regulations relating to Sensitive Ground
Faults in the January 13 PA Bulletin.
The Delaware River Basin Commission published notice of the proposed fracking ban and public
hearings and extension of the comment period in the January 13 PA Bulletin.
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Note: DEP published 46 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the January 13 PA Bulletin - pages 311 to 357.
The Governor’s Office formally publishes Executive Order 2017-7 relating to the Governor’s
Invasive Species Council in the January 13 PA Bulletin.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 71 pages long.
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