Pa Environment Digest July 7, 2014

PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In PA Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa July 7, 2014 Budget Briefing: Much More Drilling, No Signed Budget, Senate Returning July 8 At best the new FY 2014­15 state budget is still a work in progress. Although the Senate and House passed a General Fund budget on June 30, Gov. Corbett has still not signed it. In addition, work on the follow­along Fiscal Code bill implementing the budget (and more), still isn’t done. The Senate is returning July 8 to consider what to do with the bill.

Here’s what you need to know. The Senate and House Republicans Monday approved, by party­line votes, House Bill 2328

(Adolph­R­Delaware), a $29 billion General Fund budget with no tax increases, but which is based on $246.5 million in transfers from special funds, $95 million in additional “non­impact” natural gas leasing in State Parks and Forests, $20 million in DCNR timber sales and $75 million from a Philadelphia casino license that may or may not happen.

Click Here for a copy of the line item spreadsheet. Click Here for the budget balance and transfers sheet. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

At a press conference Wednesday, Gov. Corbett said all options are on the table­­ including vetoing the budget passed by the General Assembly­­ to get meaningful action on pension reform by the House and Senate. The Tribune Review reported Tuesday the Governor was considering a blueline veto of funding for the Senate and House to get them to move on pension reform.

The Governor has until July 11 to sign House Bill 2328. Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R­Bucks), the only Senate Republican to vote against the budget, said,

“While a number of extremely important services and priorities are funded in the state budget, I have serious objections to balancing the budget through the use of revenue from additional fracking on state forest lands. Balancing the books at the expense of our natural resources is the wrong approach and sets a dangerous precedent going forward.

“A number of environmental groups have expressed serious concerns regarding the impact of opening more state lands to fracking, and sportsmen’s groups have voiced fears of the effect the additional drilling activity could have on our delicate ecosystems and wildlife. Given the gravity of these issues, I could not in good conscience support the spending plan in its current form.”

Gov. Corbett said Wednesday he was disappointed House members used a procedural maneuver Tuesday to send a pension reform bill­­ House Bill 1353­­ back to Committee which he said disguise the fact they can’t stand up to special interests (unions) and vote on pension reform. Click Here for more details.

In response, the House late Wednesday reported House Bill 1353 out of the House Human Services Committee, but it remains on the House Calendar.

For its part the Senate Monday passed a limited pension reform bill­­ Senate Bill 922 (Brubaker­R­Lancaster)­­ moving elected officials off of a defined benefit program, but it too saw no action in the House.

The Fiscal Code bill­­ House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga)­­ that usually accompanies the budget this year became a catch­all for changes to education programs, taxes, regulating conventional oil and gas wells and lots of other changes in law that have not gone through the Senate and House in other legislative vehicles.

A detailed summary and House Fiscal Note are available. On Monday the Senate Appropriations Committee made 66­pages of changes to House Bill

278 and passed the bill, but only after a tie vote on the Senate Floor was broken by Sen. Scott Wagner (R­York) changing his vote. The Senate then recessed to September 15 (but has to return to session on July 8 because the House amended the bill) putting pressure on the House to finish the remaining budget work.

Tuesday the House upended a deal Senate Republicans thought they had with House Republican leadership on the provisions in the bill by removing language related to the Bank Shares Tax (which helped balance the budget), City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, extra funding for the Allentown school district and authorizing the enactment of a cigarette tax in Philadelphia.

Back on the House Floor several provisions in the bill were challenged and an attempt was made to suspend the rules to amend the bill again to impose a moratorium on further leasing of DCNR lands for drilling and eliminating a part of the bill that would regulate conventional oil and gas wells differently than Marcellus Shale wells.

A challenge was also raised on the constitutionality of the bill saying the legislative process used to cobble the bill together with so many different, unrelated provisions was unconstitutional, but that effort failed by a vote of 117 to 83.

The House then voted 121 to 78 to return the bill to the Senate which must now make a decision on whether to concur with the House changes or insist on its own version when it returns to session on July 8.

As a final order of business the House amended and returned to the Senate House Bill 1177 (Lucas­R­Crawford) which would authorize Philadelphia to adopt a $2/pack tax on cigarettes, the same Philadelphia cigarette tax the House removed from the Fiscal Code bill earlier.

The House then adjourned Wednesday to September 15, unless sooner recalled by the Speaker.

The Senate now scheduled to come back to session on July 8 to finish work on both House Bill 278 and House Bill 1177, but according to statements by a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader’s Office there was no indication what it might do. The spokesperson did say the provisions related to Bank Shares Tax must get done in some vehicle.

Revenue Declines Pennsylvania collected $2.8 billion in General Fund revenue in June, which was $23.7 million, or

0.8 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported late Wednesday. Fiscal year 2013­14 General Fund collections totaled $28.6 billion, which is $508.8 million, or

1.7 percent, below estimate. The Independent Fiscal Office projected a year­end deficit of $572 million. Click Here for more details.

Here’s a thumbnail of the new budget­­ Agriculture ­­ Transfer $17.6 million Horse Racing Fund for Dept. of Agriculture operations

Environmental Protection ­­ DEP Operations ­ $12.4 million increase ­­ Sewage Facilities Planning Grants ­ $500,000 increase ­­ Delaware River Basin Commission ­ $500,000 cut ­­ Transfer of $6.2 million from Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Fund Conservation & Natural Resources ­­ Heritage Parks Program ­ $2.75 million, up from $2.25 million last year ­­ Transfer of $95 million from “non­impact drilling on DCNR Land ­­ Transfer of $73 million from the Oil and Gas Fund for DCNR operations ­­ Transfer of $20 million from State Forest Timber operations ­­ NO transfer from Keystone Fund Other Provisions ­­ No transfer from the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund ­­ No suspension of tax credit programs like the farm conservation tax credit REAP or the Historic Preservation tax credit Attorney General ­ $5 million increase State Treasurer ­ $3.8 million increase Auditor General ­ Flat funding Judiciary ­ Flat funding House ­ $1.9 million increase Senate ­ $950,000 increase

Click Here for a copy of the line item spreadsheet. Click Here for the budget balance and transfers sheet. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. NewsClips: State Budget Theater May Extend To Next Week House GOP Leaders To Corbett, Sign The Budget Corbett Mulling Veto Of Legislature’s Money To Push Pension Reform $29 Billion Question, Why Won’t Corbett Sign Budget? Corbett Again Calls For Pension Reform, Keeps Budget On Hold Corbett’s No­Good, Very­Bad Week, Lame Duck Quacking? Wolf Says He’s Suspicious About PA Budget Numbers Corbett Stalls For Budget Win, Poll Shows 2nd Term Chances Tanking Corbett Budget Review At Own Speed Budget Waiting On Corbett’s Hancock House Kills Pensions, Senate Goes Home, Stalemate With Gov Lawmakers Plan To Spend July 4 At Home House Stalls Pension Reform, Sends Plan To Committee Budget Stalled, Senate Goes Home, House Wrangles On Pensions Legislature Passes Budget, Corbett Withholds Signature Corbett Refuses To Sign State Budget Corbett Refuses to Sign Budget Without Pension Reform Legislature Passes Budget Corbett Withholds Signature For Now Corbett Says He Won’t Sign Budget Corbett Refuses to Sign $29.1 Billion Budget

House Passes General Fund Budget Plan Senate Passes $29.1 Billion State Budget No Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Budget Package Legislators Seeks Extra $20M From Forest Leasing Parks, Conservation Benefitting From Special Money In Budget Groups Relieved Budget Nixes Tax Credit Freeze Op­Ed: Casinos Show Why Taxing Shale Gas Will Help PA Op­Ed: Say No To Severance Tax, For Other Reasons Fiscal Code Bill Fundamentally Changes How Conventional Drilling Is Regulated Work on the Fiscal Code bill­­ House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga)­­ that follows to implement provisions in the General Fund budget still is not done and it contains a provision that fundamentally changes the way conventional oil and gas operations are regulated in Pennsylvania.

The Senate Tuesday passed the Fiscal Code bill, but House Republicans amended the bill and returned it to the Senate forcing them to return to Harrisburg on July 8

This year the bill includes creation of whole new programs, some which have never passed either the Senate or House, provides for transfers from special funds and makes other changes.

A detailed summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Of particular concern are provisions requiring DEP to use funds to promulgate separate

conventional and unconventional oil and gas regulations from Senate Bill 1378 (Scarnati­R­ Jefferson) and House Bill 2350 (Causer­R­Cameron) which were never passed on their own in either the Senate or House.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council made several efforts to communicate with the sponsors of the conventional drilling bills expressing its concerns about the language fundamentally changing well regulation, but received no response. PEC followed up with communications to both the Senate and House opposing the language. (See separate article.)

Consideration of the Fiscal Code bill went like this. Very late on Monday the Senate Appropriations Committee made 66 pages of additions to

House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga) that gave Senate members little time to absorb the volume of changes included in the bill.

The announcement of the final Senate vote on the bill was interrupted on the Senate Floor because it resulted in a 25­25 tie. Only after Sen. Scott Wagner (R­York) changed his vote from no to yes was the 26­24 final vote announced.

In the House, House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga) was amended to provisions related to the Bank Shares Tax (which helped balance the budget), City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, extra funding for the Allentown school district and authorizing the enactment of a cigarette tax in Philadelphia.

During the House Floor debate, Rep. Greg Vitali (D­Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, challenged two provisions in the bill related to transferring $95 million from the Oil and Gas Fund to the General Fund to balance the budget and a section calling for new, separate operational and environmental standards for regulating conventional oil and gas wells.

Rep. Vitali’s motions to suspend the rules to offer an amendment to impose a moratorium on oil and gas drilling on DCNR land failed 70 to 130 a second amendment to remove sections related to conventional wells failed 79 to 121.

Rep. Vitali also challenged the constitutionality of the consideration of the bill since many of the provisions, including the conventional well sections, were never passed on their own by either the Senate and House.

The motion of constitutionality failed 117 to 83 and the House voted to send the amended House Bill 278 back to the Senate 121 to 78.

The Senate must now decide whether to insist on its amendments or concur with the House changes when it returns to session July 8.

Summary Of Bill Here’s a quick summary of some of the major provisions­­

Major Programs Included­­ — Requires DEP to use funds to promulgate separate conventional and unconventional oil and gas regulations­­ Senate Bill 1378 (Scarnati­R­Jefferson), House Bill 2350 (Causer­R­Cameron) were never considered by the full Senate, House) — Creating new Rural Regional College­­ Senate Bill 1000 (Scarnati­R­Jefferson) which passed the Senate, House Bill 1701 (Causer­R­Cameron) which did not pass the House. — Reduction in Small Games of Chance license fee from $2,000 to $500 — Education funding distribution to local school districts — $10 increase in judicial surcharge Transfer of Funds­­ — Transfer $20 million from State Forest Timber leases — Transfers $95 million from DCNR Oil and Gas Fund for additional “non­impact” gas leasing — Transfers $8,672,845 from the Alternative Energy Investment Act — Suspend transfer to Rainy Day Fund — Horsemen transfers from Governor’s budget $17.6 million — Transfers $225,000,000 of tobacco venture assets to PSERS — Transfers $8,000,000 in excess law enforcement grants from Gaming Board to General Fund — Transfers $5,676,000 from Gaming Capital money to General Fund for Pittsburgh Penguins Other Changes­­ — Establish H20 account to hold gaming money and Act 13 — Distributed tobacco payment to program — Civil Service reforms authorize operational contracts — Appropriates funds from DGS to caucus operations — Includes caucus earmarks of funds

The bill now goes to the Senate for a concurrence vote on July 8. NewsClips: Shallow Drillers Might Get A Break In PA Law New Gas Well Regulations Slipped Into Budget Bill Budget Mischief With Gas Well Regulations? Fast­Tracked Drilling Bill Prompts Objection Related Stories PEC Opposes End Run On Conventional Oil, Gas Well Regulations In Fiscal Code Bill Analysis: What Regulations Apply To Oil & Gas Wells, Drilling In PA If These Bills Pass? PEC Opposes End Run On Conventional Oil, Gas Well Regulations In Fiscal Code Bill

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council this week expressed its strong opposition to language included in the Fiscal Code bill­­ House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga)­­ that fundamentally changes the way conventional oil and gas operations are regulated in Pennsylvania.

The language came from Senate Bill 1378 (Scarnati­R­ Jefferson) introduced on May 22 and House Bill 2350 (Causer­R­Cameron) introduced on June 16.

In May, in response to a co­sponsor memo sent before Senate Bill 1378 was introduced, PEC contacted and sent a letter to Sen. Joe Scarnati (R­Jefferson) and Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) the principal sponsors of the bill expressing concerns about the legislation and asking for a meeting to discuss the issues.

PEC never received a response. In early June PEC sent a letter opposing to the conventional well legislation to every member of

the Senate, including Sen. Scarnati and Sen. Hutchinson, because it never received a response. On June 25 the Senate and House Environmental Committees amended and reported out

Senate Bill 1378 and House Bill 2350, but that’s all the further they got in the legislative process. They were never passed on their own in either the Senate or House

On Friday June 27, PEC wrote to Sen. Joe Scarnati (R­Jefferson) and Rep. Martin Causer (R­Cameron) asking them to respond to several significant concerns about statements made by both members at and after the June 25 Committee meetings.

Sen. Scarnati said at the Senate Environmental Committee meeting the intent of his bill was to take conventional wells out of the basic law­­ Act 13­­ regulating oil and gas well activities leaving open the question of what kinds of environmental standards would apply to conventional wells. Rep. Causer said in a press release his bill addresses the “over regulation” of the conventional drilling.

PEC never received a response from either Sen. Scarnati or Rep. Causer. On Monday, June 30 the language on conventional well regulation from Senate Bill 1378 and

House Bill 2350 was added as part of a 66­page amendment to House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga) in the Senate Appropriations Committee with no notice.

John Walliser, Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs for PEC, issued this statement Monday: “Inclusion of language requiring the alteration of regulations for conventional oil and gas wells in the Fiscal Code is an affront to transparency and the legislative process. Legislation has been introduced in both the Senate and House toward this objective, but neither has passed its respective chamber. There has not yet been adequate consideration of this language, nor sufficient time for public input. Conventional oil and gas well regulation is not a budgetary issue – it’s a public trust and protection issue. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council opposes any such action by the General Assembly, and we call on its members and the Governor to reject it.”

During the final Senate vote on House Bill 278 the announcement of the final vote was interrupted on the Senate Floor because it resulted in a 25­25 tie. Only after Sen. Scott Wagner (R­York) changed his vote from no to yes was the 26­24 final vote announced.

On Wednesday, July 1, after the House Rules Committee amended the bill, but did not take out the conventional well language, PEC sent this communication to every House member­

“Yesterday the House Rules Committee amended House Bill 278 (now P.N. 3930) to remove several provisions from the legislation.

“We urge you to also remove language in House Bill 278 relating to conventional oil and gas well regulation – in P.N. 3930, from page 53, line 4 through page 54, line 9.

“Our reason for this request is simple: inclusion of language affecting natural gas well regulation is entirely separate from fiscal or budgeting matters, and goes against transparent public policy and the General Assembly’s own procedural rules.

“This language is drawn from companion legislation (House Bill 2350 and Senate Bill 1378, respectively) that has already been introduced, but not passed, in either chamber. This language and legislation should be required to stand on their own merits with full consideration and opportunity for public input.

“To end run the General Assembly’s own rules to pass language wholly unrelated to the budget goes against the public interest. We urge you to strike this language before final consideration of the Fiscal Code bill.”

During the House Floor debate, Rep. Greg Vitali (D­Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, challenged two provisions in the bill related to transferring $95 million from the Oil and Gas Fund to the General Fund to balance the budget and a section calling for new, separate operational and environmental standards for regulating conventional oil and gas wells.

Rep. Vitali’s motions to suspend the rules to offer an amendment to impose a moratorium on oil and gas drilling on DCNR land failed 70 to 130 a second amendment to remove sections related to conventional wells failed 79 to 121.

Rep. Vitali also challenged the constitutionality of the consideration of the bill since many of the provisions, including the conventional well sections, were never passed on their own by either the Senate and House.

The motion of constitutionality failed 117 to 83 and the House voted to send the amended House Bill 278 back to the Senate 121 to 78.

The Senate must now decide whether to insist on its amendments or concur with the House changes when they come back July 8.

A detailed summary and House Fiscal Note are available on House Bill 278. NewsClips: Shallow Drillers Might Get A Break In PA Law New Gas Well Regulations Slipped Into Budget Bill Budget Mischief With Gas Well Regulations? Related Story Analysis: What Regulations Apply To Oil & Gas Wells, Drilling In PA If These Bills Pass? Add Us To Your Google+ Circle PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates­­ PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced­­ Bill Calendars House (September 15): House Bill 202 (Harper­R­Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service charges for fire companies; House Bill 1684 (Everett­R­Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum royalty payment in state law; House Bill 2104 (Godshall­R­Montgomery) further providing for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier contracts; House Bill 2354 (Snyder­D­Fayette) requiring the approval of the General Assembly of any plan submitted by DEP to comply with EPA greenhouse emission reduction requirements­ sponsor summary; House Resolution 249 (Swanger­R­Lebanon) supporting increased development and delivery of oil from North American oil reserves­ sponsor summary; Senate Bill 771 (Gordner­R­Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial Coordinating Board. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (July 8): Senate Bill 1443 (White­R­Indiana) amending the Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act to authorized state agencies (other than DCNR) to release mineral rights whether they owned the surface rights or not; House Bill 1052 (Freeman­D­Lehigh) further authorizes uses for local recreation fees. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committee Meeting Agendas This Week House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Pending In Key Committees Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each­­ House Appropriations Education Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Affairs Gaming Oversight Human Services Judiciary Liquor Control Transportation Links for all other Standing House Committees Senate Appropriations Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Community, Economic and Recreational Development Education Judiciary Law and Justice Public Health and Welfare Transportation Links for all other Standing Senate Committees Session Schedule (Updated) Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House­­ House (Updated) September 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 November 12 Senate (Updated) July 8 September 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 November 12

Bills On Governor's Desk The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action­­ General Fund Budget: House Bill 2328 (Adolph­R­Delaware), a $29 billion General Fund budget with no tax increases, but which is based on $246.5 million in transfers from special funds, $95 million in additional “non­impact” natural gas leasing in State Parks and Forests, $20 million in DCNR timber sales and $75 million from a Philadelphia casino license that may or may not happen. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Click Here for a copy of the line item spreadsheet. Click Here for the budget balance and transfers sheet. Stormwater Management: Senate Bill 1255 (Erickson­R­Delaware) providing additional stormwater management options for municipal authorities was removed from the Table, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Lyme Disease Task Force: Senate Bill 177 (Greenleaf­R­Montgomery) creating the Lyme Disease Task Force. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill was signed into law as Act 83. Senate/House Bills Moving The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate­­ House Stormwater Management: Senate Bill 1255 (Erickson­R­Delaware) providing additional stormwater management options for municipal authorities was removed from the Table, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The Senate then concurred in House changes and the bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Legislative Approval Of Carbon Plan: House Bill 2354 (Snyder­D­Fayette) which requires Senate and House approval of any plan DEP submits to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants was reported from the House Rules Committee, amended on the House Floor, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House by a vote of 144­59. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. NewsClip: Editorial: PA Carbon Plan Should Be Devised By Experts Recording Of Oil & Gas Well Leases: House Bill 402 (Pickett­R­Bradford) further providing for the recording of oil and gas well leases was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the

Senate for consideration. Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel Standards: House Resolution 924 (Moul­R­Adams) urging rejection of the recommendations for natural gas vehicle fuel standards was adopted by the House­ sponsor summary. Senate General Fund Budget: House Bill 2328 (Adolph­R­Delaware), a $29 billion General Fund budget with no tax increases, but which is based on $246.5 million in transfers from special funds, $95 million in additional “non­impact” natural gas leasing in State Parks and Forests, $20 million in DCNR timber sales and $75 million from a Philadelphia casino license that may or may not happen. The bill was passed by the Senate and House by a party­line vote and was sent to the Governor for his action. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Click Here for a copy of the line item spreadsheet. Click Here for the budget balance and transfers sheet. Fiscal Code: House Bill 278 (Baker­R­Tioga), the Fiscal Code bill that follows to implement provisions in the General Fund budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee made 66 pages of additions to the bill with provisions creating new programs, some which have never passed either the Senate or House, provides for transfers from special funds and other changes. The Senate then passed the bill after a tie vote. The bill returned to the House where it was amended and returned to the Senate for a concurrence vote. A detailed summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Drilling On Other State Lands: Senate Bill 1443 (White­R­Indiana) amending the Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act to authorized state agencies (other than DCNR) to release mineral rights whether they owned the surface rights or not was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration. Leasing State Lands For Alternative Energy Projects: Senate Bill 684 (Wozniak­D­Cambria) further providing for the leasing of DCNR lands for wind, solar and other energy projects was removed from the Table and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Separate Conventional Well Standards: Senate Bill 1378 (Scarnati­R­Jefferson) developing separate standards for conventional oil and gas well was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. PA Crude Board: Senate Bill 1310 (Hutchinson­R­Venango) creating the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council within DEP was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. News From The Capitol Rep. Miller: House Passes Drinking Water Well Standards Bill Pennsylvania Friday moved closer to joining 48 other states which have in place drinking water well

construction standards, when the House passed House Bill 343, said Rep. Ron Miller (R­York), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and prime sponsor of the bill.

“More than three million Pennsylvanians rely on private wells for drinking water,” said Rep. Miller. “Our citizens have a right to clean drinking water, and my bill addresses the health risks associated with an unsafe water supply.”

House Bill 343 would require all new water wells to be constructed in accordance with standards established by the Environmental Quality Board. The legislation would also order decommissioning of all abandoned wells.

“I commend the local water and municipal authorities around the state that have taken into account the best interests of their residents and already established their own standards,” Rep. Miller added. “These affected counties and municipalities would be allowed to keep in place their current water well regulations.”

Rep. Miller also addressed misconceptions about the bill that have been used against him in the past and are frequently referred to by opponents.

“Nowhere in my bill are water metering, fees for private water usage, shutting off existing wells or regulation of water usage mentioned,” Rep. Miller pointed out. “The first attempt to move this legislation 12 years ago was shut down by a campaign of misinformation based on these beliefs, and these allegations are untrue.

“We are simply looking to protect our citizens’ right to safe drinking water going forward.” A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

June Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Available From Joint Conservation Committee The June issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is now available and features an article about the 1889 Johnstown Flood.

Other articles feature an introduce by the Committee’s new Executive Director Tony Guerrieri, invasive forest threats and more.

Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation Committee. News From Around The State EQB To Consider Medical Waste, Land Reclamation Guarantees, Chloride Toxicity July 15 On July 15 the Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to consider proposed land reclamation guarantee and final medical waste regulations and hear a science update on chloride and sulfate toxicity testing in surface waters.

DEP’s response to the Ashley Funk and Kids climate change regulatory petition is anticipated to be on the August 19 EQB agenda.

The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 9:00. For more information and copies of handouts and presentations, visit the Environmental Quality

Board webpage. DEP Citizens Advisory Council: Endangered Species Review, Non­Impact Drilling July 15

The agenda for the July 15 DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting will feature presentations on DCNR’s new endangered species permit review tool and Gov. Corbett’s Executive Order authorizing non­impact drilling on State Park and Forest Land.

DEP Chief Counsel Dennis Whitaker will also provide Council and update on DEP’s review of the PA Supreme Court ruling in December that declared parts of the Act 13 drilling law unconstitutional.

The July monthly report from DEP features the status of key initiatives within the agency. The meeting will be in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00.

The next meeting of the Council will be on September 16. For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage.

$5.6 Million Mine Reclamation Project Completed In Clearfield County The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it has successfully completed a $5,614,964 abandoned mine reclamation project in Houtzdale Borough, Clearfield County, which stabilized the ground beneath 154 homes to protect them from the threat of mine subsidence.

“This critically important project that required two years to complete eases the concerns homeowners had expressed about potential mine subsidence causing thousands of dollars in damage and possibly making their homes unlivable,” DEP Deputy Secretary for the Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations John Stefanko said.

After several mine subsidence events occurred in Houtzdale Borough, the department conducted an exploratory drilling project in October 2010, which confirmed that the area was extensively undermined and there was a high probability of continued subsidence in the area.

The project consisted of drilling about 722 boreholes and injecting a flyash/sand/cement grout into the abandoned mine void below the homes to stabilize the overburden and prevent further subsidence. The depth of the boreholes varied from 20 feet to 70 feet.

The Houtzdale reclamation work was done by Enviro Drill Inc. of Bridgeville and began in March 2012.

The project contract was awarded on a competitive basis and was funded by a grant from the federal Office of Surface Mining. The federal fund is supported by a fee on the coal industry and is distributed to states as annual grants to reclaim mine sites that were abandoned prior to passage of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

For more information, call 717­783­2267. DEP Mine Reclamation Contracts In Centre, Clearfield Counties Total Nearly $900,000 The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has awarded a $789,995 contract for the Beauty Camp Far West abandoned mine reclamation project in Burnside and Snow Shoe townships, Centre County, and a $105,583 contract for the Owens Cemetery project in Clearfield Borough, Clearfield County.

“These two projects are excellent examples of how DEP’s aggressive mine reclamation program is successfully reclaiming abandoned mine sites and eliminating harmful acid mine drainage, protecting private homeowners and restoring land to enhance recreational activities,” DEP Deputy Secretary for the Office of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations John Stefanko said.

The Beauty Camp Far West project will reclaim 53 acres of abandoned mine land, which

includes an illegal waste dump. The reclamation work will include removing 20 tons of solid waste along with grading, drain installation, seeding and the planting of 5,600 trees. The rural site is located within State Game Lands 100 and has heavy site visitation for hunting and other recreational purposes.

The Owens Cemetery project will collect acid mine drainage currently entering residences along Fifth Street in Clearfield Borough in order to abate the hazard of a landslide. In conjunction with this project, a residence, garage, shed and retaining wall will be removed and backfilled with stone aggregate. A subsurface drain also will be installed. There are seven homes inside of or within 50 feet of the Owens Cemetery project work area and a total of 225 homes within 500 linear feet of the project.

The Beauty Camp Far West reclamation work will be done by Morgan’s Excavating LLC of Mount Union and will be completed by spring 2015. The Owens Cemetery reclamation work will be done by H&R Excavating Inc. of State College, and will be completed by the end of 2014.

Both contracts were awarded on a competitive basis and are being funded by a grant from the federal Office of Surface Mining. The federal fund is supported by a fee on the coal industry and is distributed to states as annual grants to reclaim mine sites that were abandoned prior to passage of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977.

For more information, call 717­783­2267. Penn State Extension: July Is Lakes Month In Pennsylvania You work on them, Play on them, Drink from them. But have you recently taken the time to really appreciate your local lake, pond, or reservoir?

With increasing population, development, and stress on our waterbodies Lakes Awareness and Appreciation Month is a reminder that we should think about where we would be without water.

All life relies on this valuable resource and we often take for granted that water will always be there and will always be usable.

Gov. Tom Corbett has once again proclaimed July as Lakes Awareness Month! This is the ideal time to set aside a week, a day or even just an hour to celebrate your favorite lake, pond or reservoir by participating in one or more of the following activities: — Assist with volunteer monitoring activities on your waterbody or in your watershed; — Participate in the annual Secchi Disk Dip­In. More information can be found online; — Take a day off and visit a local lake or pond; — Go boating, kayaking, canoeing, or sailing; — Go swimming or SCUBA diving; — Go fishing; — Organize a lake or watershed clean­up event; — Organize a watershed storm drain stenciling program; — Have your septic system pumped if you live close to a waterbody; — Go to a local or state park beach on the shores of a lake, pond or reservoir; — Go birding or picture taking around a lake or pond; — If you are an artist, draw or paint a lake scene and display it to remind yourself of the great time you had at the lake while you were creating this work of art; — Organize a family day at a local lake or pond; and — Most of all, remember to enjoy and appreciate these valuable freshwater resources!

For more information, visit the PA Lake Management Society website.

(Reprinted from the July 2 Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Convergence At The Confluence Of 3 Rivers August 11 In Pittsburgh The 3rd annual Convergence at the Confluence Conference will be held in Pittsburgh August 11 at Duquesne University’s Power Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

The Conference Confluence is focused on water quality monitoring in the Upper Ohio River Basin. The event will feature presentations from water quality experts involved with the program, hands­on workshops, and plenty of networking opportunities.

The conference is intended for watershed groups and citizens participating and interesting in water quality monitoring in the Upper Ohio River Basin.

The deadline for registrations is July 27. For more information and to register, visit the Convergence at the Confluence Conference

webpage.

Water Resources Education Network Water Policy News Now Available A special double issue of the PA League of Women Voters Water Resources Education Network Water Policy News is now available and features a story about how Biglerville is tackling threats to clean water in Adams County. Click Here to read a copy. PRC’s ReUseFest In Pittsburgh A Success! On June 28 the PA Resources Council held it's 3rd annual ReuseFest Collection Event in Mt. Lebanon, just outside the City of Pittsburgh.

The event, which is a one­day collection event for materials destined for reuse by local nonprofits, was a resounding success with 170 participants attending! Our nonprofit partners filled their vehicles full with a range of materials that will help address their mission.

Some of the highlights include: — Off the Floor taking in over 2,000 pounds of furniture for their furniture bank; — Construction Junction filling their 26 foot box truck with lumber, lighting, doors, windows, and ceramic tile; — Global Links collecting over 45 pounds of medical supplies; and — The Gay & Lesbian Community Center collecting ­ 52 bags and backpacks, 48 board games, and 52 DVDs for youth at the community center and 1 vintage voodoo doll!

PRC thanks all of the partner organizations, volunteers and participants who helped to make the event so successful. We are already looking forward to next year!

If you missed the event but would still like to donate, visit PRC’s ReUseFest webpage. (Reprinted from the July e­PRC newsletter from the PA Resources Council.) PROP Honors St. Hubert's High School With Waste Watcher's Award St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls was selected by the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania to receive their Waste Watchers Award in

recognition of the school's recycling efforts during 2013. The Award is presented each year to organizations whose programs demonstrate outstanding

achievements in recycling, public education, special event recycling, special collections, recycling innovations, and waste reduction.

The award will be presented at the 24th Annual Recycling and Organics Conference, July 23­25, in Washington, Pa.

PROP acknowledges St. Hubert's environmental efforts in conducting successful electronic recycling events with eForce Compliance, which led to 57,000 pounds of e­waste being collected and diverted from landfills.

These e­waste collection events provide local residents with a convenient opportunity to effectively recycle obsolete and unwanted electronics. Students in turn, receive a first­hand education on the importance of proper recycling and the environmental impact of landfill diversion.

The students and faculty at St. Hubert's conducted third e­waste recycling event in May of this year, resulting in an additional 14,000 pounds of e­waste being collected for recycling. Established in 1941, St. Hubert's Catholic High School for Girls is committed to fostering responsible citizenship and social awareness among its students.

eForce Compliance, a dual certified electronic recycling company with a 100,000 square foot operation in Philadelphia, provides an extensive network of special collection events in the metro­Philadelphia area to help residents responsibly recycle electronics.

eForce hosts over 60 localized collection events in partnership with municipalities, non­profit groups and civic associations in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs throughout the year.

As the first R2 and e­Stewards certified electronic recycler, eForce has been active in outreach programs to educate the public about the necessity of responsible recycling and has partnered with the EPA to become the first Sustainability Partnership Program Member in the region.

For more information, visit the St. Hubert High School or call 215­624­6840. July e­PRC Newsletter From The PA Resources Council Is Now Available The July issue of the e­PRC newsletter is now available from the PA Resources Council featuring PRC’s annual Water Camp, a schedule of PECO Smart Ideas events for reducing energy use, PRC’s Newtown Square Farmers’ Market and the ReUseFest in Pittsburgh. Click Here to read your copy. Western PA Energy Development Authority Funding Workshops July 17, 23, 24 The Department of Environmental Protection invites non­profit corporations, schools, colleges and universities, and local governments, public corporations, for­profit businesses and authorities to attend one of three PA Energy Development Authority funding workshops in western Pennsylvania.

The workshops will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., at the following locations: ­­ July 17 at the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission Office, 651 Montmorenci Rd., Ridgway; ­­ July 23 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township; and ­­ July 24 at the Tom Ridge Environmental Education Center, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie.

On June 12, Gov. Tom Corbett announced an estimated $12.5 million is now available through PEDA to provide funding for the deployment of advanced energy projects and for businesses interested

in locating or expanding their alternative energy manufacturing or production operations in the Commonwealth.

PEDA anticipates awarding approximately $10 million for renewable energy projects such as wind, hydropower, solar, and biomass, along with demand management measures including energy recovery, energy efficiency, and load management.

This is the first financial assistance offering since 2010 by PEDA, an independent public financing authority created in 1982. The authority’s mission is to finance advanced energy projects in Pennsylvania.

The free informational workshops, all with the same content, are being held to assist potential applicants learn more about PEDA funding eligibility and requirements. Presentations will include a demonstration of the online eGrants application process. The deadline to apply for grant money is August 15.

Registration will close at 5 p.m. the day before each workshop. To register, please provide attendee’s name, organization, email, and workshop date to DEP Northwest Region Community Relations Coordinator Gary Clark by sending email to: [email protected], or by calling 814­332­6615.

For more information, visit the PA Energy Development Authority webpage. DEP: Rebates Still Available For Alternative Fuel Vehicles The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 5 PA Bulletin that rebates are still available under the Alternative Fuel Vehicles Rebate Program. The rebates available include­­ — $2,000 rebate for a plug­in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) (battery system capacity equal/greater than 10 kWh) or battery electric vehicle (EV) (battery system capacity equal/greater than 10 kWh); does not include electric motorcycle, scooter, ATV or low speed electric vehicle. — $1,000 rebate for a PHEV or EV (battery system capacity less than 10 kWh); does not include electric motorcycle, scooter, ATV or low speed electric vehicle. — $1,000 rebate for a natural gas fueled vehicle; OEM/certified retrofit only. — $1,000 rebate for a propane fueled vehicle; OEM/certified retrofit only. — $1,000 rebate for a hydrogen or fuel cell vehicle, or both. — $500 rebate for an electric motorcycle, scooter, ATV or other low speed electric vehicle if registered in this Commonwealth.

The rebates will continue to be available until December 31, or for as long as they last. For more information, visit the Alternative Fueled Vehicles Rebate Program webpage.

PUC Offers Tips To Help Beat The Heat With #WaysToStayCool As the heat and humidity settles in over Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Monday reminded consumers to conserve energy with #WaysToStayCool.

Consumers can view the Summer Heat Wave fact sheet on the PUC website. Consumers also can follow the Commission on Twitter (@PA_PUC) for tips on how to reduce energy bills despite rising temperatures. Check out #WaysToStayCool to track pointers such as: — On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods of time; — If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use. — Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape.

— Turn off non­essential appliances and as many lights as possible. — Postpone using appliances that produce heat such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat. — Keep drapes closed and shades drawn. The amount of energy required to cool your home will be considerably less; — Use ceiling fans to circulate the air, keeping rooms and you cooler; — Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear; and — Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight. PPL Utilities Proposes To Update Electric Meters PPL Electric Utilities said Monday it has asked the Public Utility Commission to approve the replacement of its electric meters with new meters that will improve service to customers.

“Our electric meters are approaching the end of their useful life and we want to be proactive in replacing them,” said Robert M. Geneczko, vice president­Customer Services. “Technology has changed significantly since these meters were installed, and we’re looking forward to the expanded capabilities that will create benefits for our customers.”

The new meters will give customers access to additional energy­saving tools for their homes or businesses. They also will improve service reliability through better detection of power outages.

In addition, the new meters will bring PPL Electric Utilities into full compliance with state­mandated regulations on metering technology.

In a plan filed with the PUC Monday, PPL Electric Utilities proposes to replace its 1.4 million electric meters between 2017 and 2019. The estimated cost of the replacement, including all of the related communications and computer system infrastructure, is about $450 million.

Customers would not see an immediate effect on their bills. Charges for the new meters would be phased in over time beginning in 2015. Charges would then decrease after the installation period. The average residential customer will pay about $2.79 per month over the time the meters are in service. NewsClip: PPL Wants Customers To Pay For New Meters Exelon Issues 2013 Sustainability Report As part of Exelon’s commitment to keeping the public informed of its performance in the areas of economic, environmental and social sustainability, the company Tuesday announced it has released its 2013 corporate sustainability report.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made toward our sustainability goals and remain dedicated to creating value for customers, shareholders, communities and employees,” said Chris Crane, Exelon’s president and CEO. “In addition, we will continue to advocate for market rules and policies that will help shape a reliable, clean and sustainable energy future.”

The report presents a comprehensive record of Exelon’s sustainability performance in 2013. Among the highlights, Exelon: — Produced record generation output from its nuclear fleet, which had a 94.1 percent capacity factor. Exelon­owned nuclear generation avoided an estimated 87 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG)

emissions – equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 18 million passenger vehicles. (Source: U.S. EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator) — Achieved its best­ever operating year across its three utilities – BGE, ComEd and PECO – each of which improved over 2012 in all key metrics, including safety, reliability, customer service and customer satisfaction. — Produced more than 5.8 million megawatt hours of electricity from renewable sources and added 153 megawatts of new solar capacity. — Returned directly to the source more than 99 percent of the approximately 34.2 billion gallons of water per day utilized by Exelon­operated facilities. — Delivered its best­ever OSHA recordable rate for employee safety. — Provided more than $32.3 million in grants and more than 96,000 employee volunteer hours to non­profit organizations to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves. — Sourced $906 million from diversity­certified suppliers, surpassing its 2013 goal. — Returned an estimated 94 percent of its net revenue to the economy, through purchases of materials, goods and services; employee compensation and benefits and contracting expenses; and dividends, interest and taxes.

The report also presents Exelon’s achievement, seven years early, of its Exelon 2020 goal to eliminate 17.5 million metric tons of GHG emissions in a year by 2020. Through operational emissions reductions, customer energy efficiency programs and introducing more clean energy, Exelon surpassed its goal, reducing or avoiding more than 18 million metric tons of GHG emissions in 2013.

Exelon’s sustainability performance owes much to its industry­leading fleet of nuclear power plants, which play an important role in the company’s low emissions profile and support national GHG emission goals.

As detailed in the report, Exelon’s nuclear fleet is one of the most efficient in the world, and removing the reliable, clean energy it produces from the U.S. energy mix would jeopardize the nation’s ability to meet its goal of reducing GHG emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

In recognition of Exelon’s sustainability performance, the company has been named to the North America Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. The company was also the only U.S. utility to be included in CDP’s 2013 Global 500 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index and Climate Performance Leadership Index.

In addition to the interactive report on Exelon’s website, a downloadable PDF of the report is available online. DEP, Police Search For Missing Nuclear Gauge In Pittsburgh

The Department of Environmental Protection and police in Pittsburgh and Mount Lebanon Tuesday said they are searching for a missing portable gauge containing sealed sources of radioactive material. “It is critical for anyone who has information about the lost nuclear gauge to contact the Pennsylvania DEP, State Police or other local law enforcement agency immediately,” DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director David Allard said. “As long as the device is not tampered with or damaged, it presents no hazard to public safety.” The gauge belongs to Solar Testing of Pennsylvania and the company is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the recovery of the gauge. It was last

used by the company on June 27, in the Mount Lebanon area. DEP investigators are inspecting the facility where it is usually stored and interviewing management and employees.

The nuclear density gauge is a Troxler Model 3411B, serial number 5434. The gauge is yellow in color and about the size of a shoe box, with an electronic keypad and a metal rod extending from the top surface. The Troxler gauge contains approximately 9 millicuries of cesium­137 and 44 millicuries of americium­241.

Solar Testing is licensed by DEP to possess and use the gauge. Anyone who should find the gauge should leave it alone and report its location to DEP during

regular business hours at 412­442­4000; or contact the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency off­hours at 717­651­2001.

If the gauge appears to be damaged and it appears to be an emergency, dial 911. A trained individual will be sent to recover the gauge. NewsClip: DEP, Police Looking For Missing Radioactive Gauge PEC Urges Toomey Not To Eliminate Federal Transportation Alternatives Program The PA Environmental Council Wednesday wrote to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey urging him to discontinue efforts to eliminate the federal Transportation Alternatives Program which helps fund trail development projects in Pennsylvania and other states. The text of the letter follows­­ Dear Senator Toomey:

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is very concerned to learn of your amendment proposing the elimination of the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) from the MAP­21 federal transportation bill. Loss of TAP would dramatically hinder community development, job creation, and health and recreational benefits in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania has long been a leader in recognizing the value of trails and alternative transportation. Governor Ridge’s 1998 appointment of the Pennsylvania Greenways Partnership Commission demonstrated the Commonwealth’s investment in trails and greenways 16 years ago, long before Pennsylvanians fully understood the economic and many other benefits of trails.

TAP and its predecessors have benefitted the Commonwealth and its residents tremendously. Look no further than the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), part of the Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. trail corridor that draws visitors from around the globe.

In 2013, over $50 million in direct spending was attributed to GAP trail users. Towns along the GAP have experienced small business openings and expansions, increased tax revenues, and added employment opportunities.

Transportation Enhancement funds helped to complete the GAP, a trail in which the total public and private investment is returned to the regional economy every two years ($50 million direct spending annually).

PEC views the GAP’s tremendous impact on the Commonwealth as a fraction of what is possible and what is already happening as a result of trail development. PEC leads two trail coalitions statewide: The Circuit in greater Philadelphia and the Power of 32+ Regional Trail Network in western PA.

Both efforts extend into surrounding states (New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia), aiming to complete trails, improve alternative transportation infrastructure, and drive economic development.

We recently met with members of your staff to share information on the Power of 32+ effort,

and our $5.7 million TIGER request. As part of the TIGER process, we received support from Senators (Robert) Casey (PA), Manchin, and Rockefeller, as well as U.S. Representative Tim Murphy (PA) and U.S Representative Glen Thompson (PA).

The support shown by these Senators and Representatives is matched by regional coalitions of government, private, and non­profit entities working to enhance the Commonwealth through trails and greenways.

We urge you to reconsider the value of trails and TAP funds that are leveraged for the good of the Commonwealth, and withdraw your proposed amendment. Sincerely, Davitt B. Woodwell President & CEO Pennsylvania Environmental Council Paddle Without Pollution Participates In Anything That Floats Race In Pittsburgh Paddle Without Pollution said its members participated in the Anything That Floats Race at the Three Rivers Regatta in Pittsburgh on July 4th.

The PWP boat, The Clean Rivers Outrigger, is made of barrels scavenged from rivers, more than 100 reused water bottles, and a repurposed shipping pallet. The paddling team includes PWP board members Larry Gioia and Jesse Twichell and PWP founders Melissa and David Rohm. Any prize money will go to the organization’s watershed stewardship program.

“There might also be some duct tape involved in the boat’s construction,” said Jesse Twichell, the team’s boat builder. “We hope the race will give Paddle Without Pollution a large audience and help spread our mission of watershed stewardship and education.”

For more information, visit the Paddle Without Pollution website. NewsClips: Waterways Being Skimmed For Pittsburgh Regatta Rafting Event To Draw 200 To Allegheny River Testing The Water At Pittsburghers’ Favorite Beaches Western PA Conservancy July Water, Land, Life Newsletter Now Available The July issue of the Western PA Conservancy’s Water, Land Life newsletter is now available and features a story on a new interactive web­based tool on all WPC projects, partners creating community gardens and much more. Click Here to read your copy. PA Parks And Forests Foundation Summer Newsletter Now Available The summer edition of Penn’s Stewards, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation newsletter is now available and features an article on how to plan your next family reunion in a State Park. Click Here to read this issue. American Chestnut Foundation Spring Mined Land Reforestation Plantings The spring of 2014 was another busy season for The American Chestnut Foundation as we continued

our partnership with the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative and Green Forests Work. This partnership's current focus is reforestation of mine lands throughout Appalachia and

together, we have planted trees on reclaimed mines in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

An important part of these reforestation projects is to engage community members in the process of planting trees.

To this end, 34 planting events were held for nearly 2,000 participants who helped to reforest 361 acres in 8 states, and most of these plantings had a chestnut component. The volunteer planting events educate landowners, students, and the public about the need for better reforestation of mined lands, benefits of native species and of reforestation, American chestnut restoration, and how to properly plant trees.

Volunteers were instructed on the proper techniques to plant bareroot seedlings and how to direct­seed, protect, and record locations of chestnuts for our progeny testing, which ensured that volunteers left knowing their hard work would be successful.

Click Here to read more from The American Chestnut Foundation latest newsletter. For more information on how you can become involved in the restoration of the American

Chestnut in Pennsylvania, visit the TACF­ Pennsylvania Chapter website. Green Lodging Partnership Grows In Delaware Highlands The Delaware Highlands Conservancy’s Green Lodging Partnership has grown to include 12 local lodgings in New York and Pennsylvania that have asked their guests to join them in the long­term protection of our quality of life.

The Conservancy welcomes the two newest partners, Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, NY, and the Roebling Inn on the Delaware in Lackawaxen, PA.

The Partnership works as follows: A $2 donation automatically added to each reservation is contributed directly to the Conservancy to support its conservation mission and assure everything that brings tourists to the Upper Delaware River region is protected now and every time they visit in the future. Guests may opt out, but very few choose to do so.

The properties in the partnership are committed to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, and are actively working to enhance their efforts. Erik Karner, Operations Manager for Villa Roma Resort, reports that they have moved their entire property into a single stream recycling practice, with over 30 recycling containers on property.

“We are also actively addressing new green practices, which include cardboard and frying oil recycling as well as water saver fixtures at every fixture on property, and we continue to move forward with changing over light fixtures to LED. Wherever we can incorporate a green practice, Villa Roma strives to stay in the forefront.”

When asked about the Green Lodging Partnership, Erik commented, “It’s a win ­ win for every partner! Preservation of the beauty around us is the primary reason visitors come to the region, and guests are happy to be a part of contributing to such a worthy cause. Many guests compliment the partnership, and rest comfortably knowing that their contribution will ensure that their children and grandchildren will have the ability to enjoy the beauty you find here, as it is now, for many generations to come.”

“We joined the Green Lodging program because we do not take for granted the beauty and nature that surrounds us. Our delicious water is priceless. Our participation is a token of our

appreciation for all the Delaware Highlands Conservancy accomplishes,” JoAnn and Don Jahn, owners of the Roebling Inn, explain.

In addition to Villa Roma and the Roebling Inn, the ten other forward­thinking properties in the Green Lodging Partnership include, in New York, ECCE Bed and Breakfast, Apple Pond Farm, Pepacton Cabins, and The Sullivan; and in Pennsylvania, Hotel Fauchere, James Manning House B&B, Ledges Hotel, The Settlers Inn, The Lodge at Woodloch, and Woodloch Pines Resort.

Find complete listings on the Delaware Highlands Green Lodging webpage. DCNR Holds Aug. 5 Hearing On Wild Resource Conservation Program Applications The DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program will hold a hearing on funding applications on August 5 in the 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg starting at 10:00. (formal notice)

For more information, contact Jennifer Girton at 717­787­3212 or send email to: [email protected] or Greg Czarnecki at 717­783­1337 or send email to: [email protected]. Game Commission: PA’s Bald Eagles Continue Their Climb At its midway point, there’s already reason to believe 2014 just might go down as the “Year of the Pennsylvania Bald Eagle.”

In January, the Game Commission removed the bald eagle from the state’s list of threatened species, capping a 30­year comeback that ranks as one of the great success stories in wildlife­conservation history.

And in the months that followed, more than 3 million viewers joined in the celebration, watching online as three bald eaglets hatched, then developed into birds strong enough to fledge the Pittsburgh nest in which they grew up.

Now, the =Game Commission reports its mid­year inventory of bald­eagle nests yet again boasts a record total.

Each year, just before the Fourth of July, the Game Commission releases a preliminary count of bald­eagle nests statewide. The report serves to celebrate the bald eagle – our national symbol of strength and freedom – as well as the terrific progress the species has made in Pennsylvania since the onset of a reintroduction program in 1983.

So far this year, 254 bald­eagle nests have been documented in Pennsylvania, with nesting eagles present in at least 59 of the state’s 67 counties.

The number of nests and the number of counties with nests both are all­time highs for the mid­year report, according to the Game Commission.

Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the report, once again, rewrites that final chapter in the story of the bald eagle’s recovery in Pennsylvania. While the report provides only preliminary data, and still more nests will be documented as the year goes on, the results are heart­warming, he said.

“The all­time high numbers illustrate Pennsylvania’s bald­eagle population is better than ever,” Hough said. “But these are only the ones we know about. There are more.

“Over my career with the Game Commission, I have watched this agency jump­start eagle

recovery in 1983, and now I’m seeing the results of all that hard work,” Hough said. “I, and I’m sure all Pennsylvanians, are proud of this amazing recovery. More importantly, more of us are seeing eagles than ever before. That never gets old. They’re such exciting birds.”

Twenty­two of the 254 nests reported so far this year are attributed to adult pairs that have not previously been documented as nesting in Pennsylvania.

That’s a significant number given that the total number of nests documented – 254 – is up only slightly compared to the 2013 mid­year report, which totaled 252 nests by July 4. The fact the number of counties with active nests increased from 57 to 59 between the 2013 and 2014 mid­year reports also speaks to potential expansion in the bald­eagle population, said Patti Barber, a biologist with the Game Commission’s Endangered and Nongame Birds section.

Barber said that, as bald eagles become more common in Pennsylvania, the challenge to document bald­eagle nests could grow. People who have reported a nest as active in a previous year might not realize they should report back each year to help the Game Commission track the population over time, she said. Also, folks might assume bald eagles they’re seeing are associated with long­established nests, as opposed to new pairs setting up territories near established nests, Barber said.

Reports of bald­eagle nests always are appreciated. Perhaps the easiest way to report a nest is to contact the Game Commission through its public comments email address: [email protected], and use the words “Eagle Nest Information” in the subject field. Reports also can be phoned in to a Game Commission Region Office or the Harrisburg headquarters.

“This year as much as any really has driven home the fact Pennsylvanians are fascinated with eagles and love watching them,” Barber said. “Eagles attract a lot of attention and understandably so, but that doesn’t mean the Game Commission knows about nests in areas where you’ve been seeing them. So please don’t hesitate to report these sites.”

Each year, bald­eagle nests continue to be reported as the year goes on. In 2013, for instance, the preliminary number of 252 nests ballooned to 273 nests by year’s end. Other years have produced similar results.

But even the running tally is something about which Pennsylvanians can be proud, Barber said. In 1983, when the Game Commission launched a seven­year reintroduction program, only three

bald­eagle pairs were nesting statewide. Today, there are 254 with more remaining to be counted. “This is one of the greatest wildlife success stories out there, and it’s not over,” Barber said.

“Pennsylvania continues to sustain a healthy and growing bald­eagle population, and the fact eagles are branching out to more areas of the state indicates there are more gains to come.”

Hough noted the enjoyment and excitement that accompanies each bald­eagle sighting. Those qualities, he said, have been evident this year not only in the field, but quantified by the number of people going online each day to watch nature unfold. With the state’s expanding and growing bald­eagle population, there should be plenty to get excited about for many years to come, he said.

“Pennsylvania’s eagles have spent so much of 2014 in the spotlight, and they’ve made for some great stories,” Hough said. “All three of the bald eagles that hatched this spring in front of an online audience fledged their nest – that’s a great story by itself.

“But it’s a story too that’s completely within the character of Pennsylvania’s eagles,” he said. “Each year, there are too many great stories to count, and each year builds upon previous successes to reach new heights.

“You might say that, for many decades now, each year could be considered the ‘Year of the Pennsylvania Bald Eagle,’” Hough said. “And there promises to be many more to come.”

Eagle Reintroduction While Pennsylvania’s bald­eagle population is soaring, just 30 years ago, the bald eagle’s future

looked bleak. Its population decimated by the effects of water pollution, persecution and compromised nest

success caused by organochlorine pesticides such as DDT, only three pairs of nesting eagles remained in the state – all of them located in Crawford County, in northwestern Pennsylvania along the Ohio border.

In 1983, the Game Commission launched a seven­year bald eagle restoration program. The agency, as part of a federal restoration initiative, sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wild nests.

Initially, 12 seven­week­old eaglets were taken from nests in Canada’s Churchill River valley and brought to specially constructed towers at two sites. At these towers – at Haldeman Island on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, and at Shohola Lake in Pike County – the birds were “hacked,” a process by which the eaglets essentially are raised by humans, but without knowing it, then released gradually into the wild.

In all, 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from the sites as part of the program, which was funded in part by the Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund.

This reintroduction jump­started the recovery. By 1998, Pennsylvania was home to 25 pairs of nesting bald eagles. Within the next three years,

the number of nesting pairs doubled and by 2006, more than 100 nests were confirmed statewide. The bald eagle population has continued to grow and expand in Pennsylvania and in January the

Game Commission removed the bald eagle from the state’s list of threatened species. Eagle­Viewing Tips While the bald eagle is no longer threatened in Pennsylvania or nationally, care still should be

taken when viewing eagles, to prevent frightening them. Those encountering nests are asked to keep a safe distance. Disturbing eagles is illegal under the

federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Some pairs are tolerant of human activity, while others are sensitive. Their reaction often depends on the activity and approach of the individual, the nesting cycle stage, and if the eagles are used to seeing people.

Adults that are scared from a nest could abandon it, or might not return in time to keep unhatched eggs or young nestlings at the proper temperature. Frightened eaglets also could jump from the safety of the nest, then have no way to return.

Those viewing eagle nests are urged to keep their distance and use binoculars or spotting scopes to aid their viewing.

For more information, visit the Game Commission’s Bald Eagle Watching webpage. NewsClips: Bald Eagle Population Soaring In PA PA Elk Group Signs On With Elk Visitor Center Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released

July 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) July 9­­ Agenda Released. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel­Powered Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. ­­ Irwin Car, Equipment Dynamometer ­­ Section 412(b) training for miners ­­ Interpretation of Policy Manual ­­ Rhomac Microtraxx component change <> Click Here for available handouts July 15­­ Agenda Released. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. ­­ Proposed land reclamation financial guarantee regulations ­­ Final medical and chemotherapeutic waste regulations ­­ Hear a science update on chloride and sulfate toxicity testing in surface waters <> Click Here for available handouts July 15­­ DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. ­­ Presentation on DCNR’s new endangered species permit review tool ­­ Presentation on Gov. Corbett’s Executive Order authorizing non­impact drilling on State Park and Forest Land ­­ Presentation by DEP Chief Counsel Dennis Whitaker on DEP’s review of the PA Supreme Court ruling in December that declared parts of the Act 13 drilling law unconstitutional. ­­ June DEP Monthly Report <> Click Here for available handouts July 16­­ CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. July 23­­ DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. July 24­­ NEW. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice) July 30­­ DCNR Natural Gas Advisory Committee meeting. LTBA. August 5­­ DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. August 5­­ NEW. DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing on funding applications. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 7­­ DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:15. August 12­­ DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. August 20­­ DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. September 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) September 10­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) September 24­­DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) October 15­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Grants & Awards This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. July 11­­ DEP Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants July 11­­ EXTENDED. DEP Clean Diesel Grant Program July 11­­ CFA Alternative and Clean Energy Program July 11­­ CFA Renewable Energy Program July 11­­ CFA High Performance Building Program July 14­­ ARIPPA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Grants July 21­­ CFA Sewage Facilities Program July 21­­ CFA Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement July 21­­ CFA Watershed Restoration Protection July 21­­ CFA Baseline Water Quality Data Program July 21­­ CFA Greenways, Trails and Recreation

July 21­­ CFA Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging July 21­­ CFA Flood Mitigation Program July 31­­ Perkiomen Watershed Environmental Awards August 15­­ DEP Section 902 Recycling Grants August 15­­ PA Energy Development Authority Clean Energy Funding August 15­­ PA House Authority Marcellus Housing Funding RFP September 3­­ PPFF 2014 Photo Contest September 19­­ Southeast PA TreeVitalize Watershed Grants September 22­­ CFA Alternative and Clean Energy Program September 22­­ CFA Renewable Energy Program September 22­­ CFA High Performance Building Program October 23­­ PEMA Fire Company & Ambulance Services Grants October 31­­ Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest October 31­­ PRC Lens On Litter Photo Contest December 31­­ NEW. DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until they last) ­­ Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Budget/Quick NewsClips Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state­­ Corbett Discusses Re­Election Bid In AP Interview Tom Wolf Leads Corbett By 22 Points In F&M Poll Budget Business As Usual Despite No Signed Budget State Budget Theater May Extend To Next Week House GOP Leaders To Corbett, Sign The Budget Corbett Still Mum On Budget Corbett Still Mulling Over State Budget Corbett Mulling Veto Of Legislature’s Money To Push Pension Reform $29 Billion Question, Why Won’t Corbett Sign Budget? Corbett Again Calls For Pension Reform, Keeps Budget On Hold Corbett’s No­Good, Very­Bad Week, Lame Duck Quacking? Wolf Says He’s Suspicious About PA Budget Numbers Corbett Stalls For Budget Win, Poll Shows 2nd Term Chances Tanking Corbett Budget Review At Own Speed Budget Waiting On Corbett’s Hancock House Kills Pensions, Senate Goes Home, Stalemate With Gov Lawmakers Plan To Spend July 4 At Home House Stalls Pension Reform, Sends Plan To Committee Budget Stalled, Senate Goes Home, House Wrangles On Pensions

Legislature Passes Budget, Corbett Withholds Signature Corbett Refuses To Sign State Budget Corbett Refuses to Sign Budget Without Pension Reform Legislature Passes Budget Corbett Withholds Signature For Now Corbett Says He Won’t Sign Budget Corbett Refuses to Sign $29.1 Billion Budget House Passes General Fund Budget Plan Senate Passes $29.1 Billion State Budget No Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Budget Package Legislators Seeks Extra $20M From Forest Leasing Parks, Conservation Benefitting From Special Money In Budget Groups Relieved Budget Nixes Tax Credit Freeze Op­Ed: Casinos Show Why Taxing Shale Gas Will Help PA Op­Ed: Say No To Severance Tax, For Other Reasons Other Kristin DeVilliers Wins Scholarship From NE PA Audubon Society DEP, DCNR Tout Improvements In Agencies ReUseFest In Mt. Lebanon Focuses On Reduce, Reuse, Recycle National Gypsum Turning Power Plant Trash To Treasure Editorial: No Reason To Ban, Tax Plastic Bags Editorial: PA Carbon Plan Should Be Devised By Experts Urban Outfitters May Add Solar Power To Lancaster Center PPL Wants Customers To Pay For New Meters PPL Nuclear Plant License Transfer Plan Detailed Storm Knocks Out Power To 150K In PA PA Coal, Drilling Waste Treatment Plant Closes, Leaves Mess Work On Pittston Mine Voids Taking Longer Than Expected DEP, Police Looking For Missing Radioactive Gauge DEP: Jessup Fire Site Clear Of Toxins DEP: Ecosystem Unharmed So Far From Jessup Fire You’re Paying More For Gasoline, Here’s Why Abington Recreation Board Receives PA American Water Grant New Pittsburgh Protected Bike Lanes To Be Finished By Labor Day Rafting Event To Draw 200 To Allegheny River Bald Eagle Population Soaring In PA PA Elk Group Signs On With Elk Visitor Center ­­ DEP’s NewsClips webpage ­ Click Here Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Marcellus Shale NewsClips Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling­­­

Shallow Drillers Might Get A Break In PA Law New Gas Well Regulations Slipped Into Budget Bill Budget Mischief With Gas Well Regulations? Fast­Tracked Drilling Bill Prompts Objection No Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Budget Package Op­Ed: Say No To Severance Tax, For Other Reasons Op­Ed: Casinos Show Why Taxing Shale Gas Will Help PA Santarsiero Seeks To Protect State Lands From Drilling Letter: Natural Gas Leasing Plan Has Loopholes EQT Offers Homeowners $50,000 To For Liability Release PA Coal, Drilling Waste Treatment Plant Closes, Leaves Mess PA Confirms Drilling Buzzword List For Health Employees Federal Court Dismisses Doctor’s Lawsuit Over Act 13 Lawsuit Seeks Answers On Greene County Gas Well Explosion Governor’s Office Denies Involvement With Health Dept. Drilling Policies Wyoming Man Believes UGI Getting Free Pass On Restoration Proposed Gas Pipeline Draws Lancaster Protest Foes Fear Pipeline Could Hammer Property Values Major Re­Routing Of Lancaster Gas Pipeline Project Crew Monitors Gas Wells In Safety Operation Job Impact Of Marcellus Shale Hard To Quantify Financial/Other States NY Court: Towns Can Ban Fracking 4 Oklahoma Wells Causing Earthquakes New Wells More Likely To Leak Than Old Study Finds Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Flooding/Watershed NewsClips Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state­­ Flooding Overloaded Sewer Systems Blamed For Carnegie Flooding FEMA Flood Remapping Raises Concerns In Exeter Other Watershed NewsClips Editorial: Keep REAP, Keep Our Water Clean Stormwater Issues Confront Derry Twp In Western PA Chesapeake Bay Program July Chesapeake Currents Calgon Carbon Ballast Water Treatment Business To Boom Testing The Water At Pittsburghers’ Favorite Beaches Waterways Being Skimmed For Pittsburgh Regatta Rafting Event To Draw 200 To Allegheny River

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin ­ July 5, 2014 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance & Permits The Department of Environmental Protection provided notice of changes to technical guidance as a result of a reorganization of the department’s mining programs and a name change to the Bureau of Mining Programs. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the signing of streambed oil and gas leases in Greene County and Indiana County. The Public Utility Commission published a notice amending regulations related to implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published formal notice of actions taken at its June 5 meeting. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Calendar Of Events Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. July 8­­ House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on the PA American Water Norristown Water Treatment Plant. West Norriton Twp. Building, 1630 W. Marshall St., Jeffersonville. 11:00.

July 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice) July 9­­ Agenda Released. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel­Powered Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. July 15­­ Agenda Released. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. July 15­­ DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. July 16­­ CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. July 23­­ DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. July 23­25­­ PROP Recycling and Organics Conference. Double Tree­Pittsburgh Meadow Lands, Washington, PA. July 24­­ NEW. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice) July 30­­ DCNR Natural Gas Advisory Committee meeting. LTBA. August 5­­ DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. August 5­­ NEW. DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing on funding applications. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 7­­ DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. August 12­­ DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. August 20­­ DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00. September 9­­ CANCELED. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) September 10­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. (formal notice)

September 24­­DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. (formal notice) September 25­­ Penn State Extension Youth Water Educator’s Summit. The Central Hotel and Conference Center, Harrisburg. October 15­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011­12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. Stories Invited Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: [email protected]. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg­based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non­profit organizations. Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.

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