PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaNovember11,2013 HouseCommitteeToConsiderChangesToEndangeredSpeciesListingProcessNov.13 TheHouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeisscheduledtomeetonNovember13toconsiderHouse Bill1576(PyleRArmstrong)whichwouldmakefundamentalchangesinthewaythreatenedand endangeredspeciesarelistedandconsideredduringtheenvironmentalpermitreviewprocessaswellas changestotheprocessforlistingwildtroutstreams. AtleastoneamendmentistobeofferedatthemeetingbyRep.MartinCauser(RCameron), MajorityChairoftheCommittee,todealwithsomeoftheissuesraisedduringthehearings.Rep. Causersaidtheamendment Removestherequirementfortheagenciestoredesignateallcurrentlylistedspecieswithina twoyeartimeframe Expandstheproposedcentralizeddatabasetoincludeotherdesignatedspeciesthatareofspecial concernorrarespeciesotherthanthreatenedorendangeredspecies Ensuresaccesstoinformationinthedatabaseismadeavailableonlytoauthorizedpersonsand increasesthecivilpenaltiesforunlawfuluseofsensitivedatabaseinformation Prohibitsthetransferoflicensingdollarsorfederalfundsforimplementationoftheacttofurther ensurethereisnolossoffederalfundsasaresultofthechange Placestherequirementtodofieldsurveysbackonthepermitapplicantaffectingthelandand specifiesthatiffieldsurveysarerequired,thestateagencywithjurisdictionalauthorityfortheprotection ofthespeciesmustwithin30daysofreceivingthesurveyresultsprovideeitherclearanceforthe project,ordetailedavoidancemeasures,detailedminimizationmeasuresordetailedmitigationmeasures tothepermitapplicantand Clarifiesthattherequirementofthecommissionstoadheretoindependentregulatoryreviewdoesnot applytoactionssuchashuntingseasonsandbaglimitsorfishingseasonsandcreellimits. ClickHereforadetailedsummaryoftheamendment. ThepurposeofHouseBill1576istoprovideconsistency,transparencyandaccountabilityby subjectingallendangeredspeciesandtroutstreamsdesignationstotheIndependentRegulatoryReview Commissionprocess,saidRep.Causer.Itisalsodesignedtoprovidemoreefficientandtimely accesstosensitivespeciesinformation,includingavoidanceandmitigationmeasures,forthoseinvolved inpermittedprojectsthatmaybeaffectedbythosespecies. HouseBill1576doesnottakethedecisionmakingauthorityoutofthehandsoftheGame CommissionorFishandBoatCommission.Itsimplyrequiresthecommissionstotakethesamesteps aseveryotherstateagencythatpromulgatesregulationsincludingtheDepartmentofConservation andNaturalResourceswhenitmakesendangeredspeciesdesignationsandtheDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtectionwhenitmakescertainstreamdesignations.

Thebilldoesnotlimitthestatesabilitytodesignatethreatenedorendangeredspeciesnot alreadydesignatedassuchbythefederalgovernment.AndaninternalreviewbyHouseattorneysofour endangeredspeciesdesignationprocessunderthisbillversusthoseofotherstatesalsoindicatesthere shouldbenolossoffederalmoneyshouldthebillbecomelaw. TheIRRCprocesssimplyallowsforreviewandacceptanceofpubliccommentbefore regulationsareenacted,andthatisthewayitshouldworkinademocracy.Decisionscannotbemadein avacuumrather,stategovernmentmustoperateinanopenforumwherePennsylvaniaresidentscan participateandasystemofchecksandbalancesensuresbothaccuracyandaccountability. Thebillgeneratedsignificantoppositionfromsportsmensandenvironmentalgroupsacrossthe stateduringtwojointpublichearingsheldbytheGameandFisheriesandEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommittees. TheMarcellusShaleCoalition,AssociatedPetroleumIndustriesandPennsylvaniaIndependent OilandGasAssociationallcosignedaletterinsupportofthebill,applaudingitsconsistency, transparencyandaccountabilityinhandlingendangeredspecies. ThemeetingwillbeinRoom60EastWingoftheCapitolBuildingstartingat9:30. Rep.GaryHaluska(DCambria)servesasMinorityChairoftheCommittee. NewsClips: HousePanelToVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill EndangeredSpeciesBillFacesVoteInHouse HouseCommitteeReadiesVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ConservationGroupsOpposeEndangeredSpeciesBill RelatedStories: PAChamber:EndangeredSpeciesBillBalancesProtection,EconomicDevelopment Rep.Vitali:BillPoisedToReduceProtectionForPAsEndangeredSpecies PAChamber:EndangeredSpeciesBillBalancesProtection,EconomicDevelopment ThePennsylvaniaChamberofBusinessandIndustrysaidHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)that wouldsubmittheendangeredandthreatenedspeciesdesignationandevaluationprocesstoreviewby theIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommissionisagoodgovernmentbillthatappropriatelybalances speciesmanagementandprotectionwitheconomicdevelopmentthoughamoreopenandtransparent process. TheproposedEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationActwouldmaketheFishandBoat,and Gamecommissionsrulemakingsforlistingthreatenedandendangeredspeciessubjecttotheverysame regulatoryreviewprocessfollowedbyotherstateagencies,includingtheDepartmentofEnvironmental ProtectionandtheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesforitsthreatenedand endangeredspeciesdesignations. PAChamberPresidentGeneBarrsaidthenegativeattentiontheissueisreceivingfrom environmentalandothergroupsistheresultofmisinformationandlackofunderstandingaboutthe intent,scopeandpurposeofthemeasure. Thelegislationpromotesaccountability,transparencyanduniformitybyrequiringtheGame, andFishandBoatcommissionstofollowaprocedureforspeciesmanagementandprotectionthat everyotherstateagencygoesthroughinpromulgatingregulations,hesaid.TheIndependent RegulatoryReviewCommissionaffordsallstakeholders,andthegeneralpublic,anopportunitytoweigh inonproposedregulations.Itsafairandeffectivesystem.Thereisnoreasontoexpectanydifferent

withregardtospeciesmanagementandprotection,andclaimstothecontraryareunwarranted. OnewouldthinkthatthatenvironmentalgroupssuchasPennFutureandTheSierraClub wouldwanttoensurethatregulationsareconsideredinthelightofday,headded. Barrstressedthatthelegislationwouldntdiminishtheagenciesauthority,anditwontimpact regulationsrelatedtohuntingorfishingseasonsorbagandcreellimits,whichwasaninitialconcernto somesportsmensgroups. BringingbalancetotheprocessisimportantformultipleindustriesandanyPennsylvania businessseekingpermitsfordevelopmentorredevelopmentprojectsi.e.,bridgework,highway construction,hospitalorhousingdevelopmentdesignthatmustaccountfortheimpactsonthreatened andendangeredspeciesandtheircriticalhabitats. Astheseindustries,aswellastheengineering,planning,surveyingandenvironmental remediationfirmsthatworkwiththeregulatedcommunitycanattest,thecurrentprocesscanoftenlead tounnecessarydelaysthatultimatelyincreasetheoverallcostsoftheseprojects,hesaid.Abetter systemwillensureappropriateprotectionforthreatenedandendangeredspecieswhilecreatingamore conduciveclimateforeconomicdevelopment.Thatiswhythisissueisapriorityformultipleindustriesin theCommonwealth,notjusttheextractionindustries. Unlikesomegroupsthatbelieveeconomicconsiderationsshouldhavenobearingonspecies protectionorhabitatpreservation,theregulatedcommunityandothersupportersoftheproposed EndangeredSpeciesCoordinationActbelievethatendangeredspeciesmanagementandeconomic developmentcanandshouldcoexistthatthereshouldbeabalancebetweenthetwo,hestressed. Barrsaidthelegislationhasalreadybeenwellvettedinthelegislature,withallpartieshavinghad theopportunitytotestifybeforelawmakers. WeurgetheGeneralAssemblytopassthismeasureandgivebusinessandindustrythesame inputintheGameCommissionandFishandBoatCommissionregulatoryprocessasitisaffordedwith otherstateagencies. [Note:Thebillgeneratedsignificantoppositionfromsportsmensandenvironmentalgroups acrossthestateduringtwojointpublichearingsheldbytheGameandFisheriesandEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommittees. [TheMarcellusShaleCoalition,AssociatedPetroleumIndustriesandPennsylvaniaIndependent OilandGasAssociationallcosignedaletterinsupportofthebill,applaudingitsconsistency, transparencyandaccountabilityinhandlingendangeredspecies.] NewsClips: HousePanelToVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill EndangeredSpeciesBillFacesVoteInHouse HouseCommitteeReadiesVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ConservationGroupsOpposeEndangeredSpeciesBill RelatedStories: HouseCommitteeToConsiderChangesToEndangeredSpeciesListingProcessNov.13 Rep.Vitali:BillPoisedToReduceProtectionForPAsEndangeredSpecies Rep.Vitali:BillPoisedToReduceProtectionForPAsEndangeredSpecies Lawmakers,sportsmenandenvironmentalgroupswarnedabillHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong) poisedforavoteNovember13woulddamagetheCommonwealth'secosystemandthreaten millionsofdollarsinfederalfunding,accordingtoRep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairofthe

HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee. "TheprofessionalsatthePennsylvaniaFishandBoatandGamecommissionscurrentlydecide wildlifethataredesignatedthreatenedorendangered,andthatsystemworksfine,"saidRep.Vitali. "HouseBill1576wouldgivefinaldecisionmakingtotheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommission, addingunnecessarydelaystothedesignationprocessandputtingendangeredspeciesatrisk." IRRCismadeupoffivemembers,twoeachappointedbythelegislativecaucuses,andoneby thegovernor.Thebillalsowouldrequirethatanyspeciescurrentlylistedasthreatenedorendangered gothroughtheIRRCprocessandthelegislaturewithintwoyearsofthelegislationbeingenactedto justifyitscontinueddesignation. JoshFirst,aconservativeRepublicanandmemberofthePennsylvaniaFederationof Sportsmen'sClubs,saidthebillismisguidedbecauseitwouldputprofitsaheadofprotections. "Wearestewardsoftheplanet,"Firstsaid."Wearenotheretodominateit." ThebillhasbeenscheduledforavoteWednesdaybytheHouseGameandFisheries Committee.Ifitisreportedoutofcommittee,itcouldbevotedbythefullHouseofRepresentatives. Inadditiontoweakeningprotectionforendangeredwildlife,shiftingdecisionmakingtoIRRC putsmillionsofdollarsatrisk.ThefederalDepartmentoftheInteriorinAugustwrotetothestateand warnedthatifitdivertsrevenuefromfishingandhunting,itwouldrisklosingitsshareoffederal restorationfunds.Inthe201213fiscalyear,Pennsylvaniareceived$19.1millioninrestorationfunds. TroutUnlimitedEasternWaterProjectDirectorKatyDunlapsaidPennsylvaniahasalong historyoffishing,andmillionsofpeoplepurchasefishinglicensesandequipmenteveryyear,boosting thestate'seconomy. "Thisbillwouldjeopardizeanglingtraditionsandanglingrevenueinourstate,"Dunlapsaid. Rep.RickMirabito(DLycoming)saidthelegislationfliesinthefaceofthelegislature's constitutionalrequirementtoprotecttheenvironment. "Wehaveanobligationtoprotecttheenvironment,"Rep.Mirabitosaid."It'snotachoiceit's anobligation.It'sacivilrightforthepeopleofPennsylvania." BothRep.VitaliandJohnArwayfromtheFishandBoatCommissionsaidatthepress conferencetheamendmentexpectedtobeofferedintheHouseGameandFisheriesCommitteewould improvethebill,butissuesremain(seerelatedstories). [Note:Thebillgeneratedsignificantoppositionfromsportsmensandenvironmentalgroups acrossthestateduringtwojointpublichearingsheldbytheGameandFisheriesandEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommittees. [TheMarcellusShaleCoalition,AssociatedPetroleumIndustriesandPennsylvaniaIndependent OilandGasAssociationallcosignedaletterinsupportofthebill,applaudingitsconsistency, transparencyandaccountabilityinhandlingendangeredspecies.] NewsClips: HousePanelToVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill EndangeredSpeciesBillFacesVoteInHouse HouseCommitteeReadiesVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ConservationGroupsOpposeEndangeredSpeciesBill RelatedStories: HouseCommitteeToConsiderChangesToEndangeredSpeciesListingProcessNov.13 PAChamber:EndangeredSpeciesBillBalancesProtection,EconomicDevelopment 18YearOldPetitionerWillGetOpportunityToPushClimateChangeRuleBeforeEQB

OnNovember19theEnvironmentalQualityBoardwillconsidera rulemakingpetitionsubmittedby18yearoldAshleyFunkfromMount Pleasant,PathataskstheBoardtoadoptedastateregulationrequiringa6 percentreductioninbaselinecarbondioxideemissionsinPennsylvaniaby 2050. TheagendaalsoincludesproposedregulationssettingRACTlimits onmajorsourcesofnitrogenoxideandvolatileorganiccompounds,the 3YearFeeProgramCostReportontheWaterandWastewaterPlant OperatorCertificationProgramandafinalregulationonthemeasurement andreportingofcondensableparticulateemissions. TherulemakingpetitiononglobalwarmingwassubmittedtotheBoardinSeptemberbyAshley FunkandKidsvs.GlobalWarming. FunksubmittedrulemakingpetitionstotheEQBinMay2012,July2012andOctober2012 whichwerereturnedtothepetitionerinNovember2012asnotmeetingtheguidelinesforrulemaking petitionstobebroughtbeforetheBoard. InDecember2012,Funkandthepetitionersappealedthereturnofthepetitionto CommonwealthCourtandtheEnvironmentalHearingBoard.(PAEnvironmentDigest12/24/13) InJuly2013CommonwealthCourtsidedwithDEPandtheEQBandrejectedFunksappeal withoutprejudicesayingitdidnothavejurisdictionintheissuebecausetheEnvironmentalHearing Boardhadnotacted. OnOctober24,2013theEnvironmentalHearingBoardapprovedamotionbyFunktodismiss theappealasaresultofanactionbyDEPdeterminingFunksOctoberpetitiontobecompleteand wouldbesubmittedtotheEnvironmentalQualityBoardforconsiderationattheNovembermeeting. FunkwillhavetheopportunitytopresentthepetitiontotheBoardinashortpresentationand thenitwillbeuptothe20memberBoard,whichadoptsallofDEPsregulations,tovoteonwhetherto adoptthepetitionforstudybytheagency. Ifaccepted,DEPmustreportbacktotheBoardwithin60dayswithitsrecommendationon whetherornottoadopttheregulationaskedforbythepetitioner,adifferentversionoftheruleornotto moveaheadwithanyregulation. IfthereisnomeetingoftheEQBwithinthe60daysortheagencycannotevaluatethepetition withinthattimeframe,DEPisrequiredtoreporttotheBoardonhowmuchtimeitwilltake. The20membersoftheBoardincludeelevenstateagencies:DepartmentofEnvironmental Protection(Chair),Agriculture,Health,CommunityandEconomicDevelopment,thePublicUtility Commission,theFishandBoatCommission,theGameCommission,LaborandIndustry,the Governor'sOfficeofPolicy,theHistoricalandMuseumCommission,Transportationfivemembersof theCitizensAdvisoryCouncilandfourmembersoftheSenateandHouse. ClickHeretolearnmoreabouttheEQBrulemakingpetitionprocess. AshleyFunkwasalsothe2012winneroftheSueWisemanScholarshipfromKeepPA BeautifulforhereffortstocleanuplitterandillegaldumpsinandaroundMountPleasantBorough, WestmorelandCounty. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom105oftheRachelCarsonBuildingbeginningat9:00. Formoreinformationandavailablehandouts,visittheEnvironmentalQualityBoardwebpage. NewsClips: ExpertsSayNuclearPowerNeededtoSlowWarming

OpEd:PoliticallyCorrectCoalRallyMissedClimateTarget PennStateClimateScientistSpeaksAtMillersvilleU ThomasMertonAwardGoesToClimateChangeActivist RelatedStory: PACoalAllianceCallsOnEPAForFlexibilityInSettingCarbonEmissionStandards PARiver,StreamsAssessmentsOnNov.19DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilAgenda TheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeetsonNovember19andwillhearapresentationonthe 200809NationalRiverandStreamAssessmentfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyand theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtections2012WaterQualityAssessmentReportwhichshows somewhatdifferentfindings. TheagendaalsoincludesadiscussionoftheRightToKnowLawandinformationrequeststo DEP,discussionofDEPsproposedchangestotheCommunityEnvironmentalProjectPolicyandDEP monthlyreporttoCouncil. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom105oftheRachelCarsonBuildinginHarrisburgstartingat 11:00. ThereisnoCouncilmeetinginDecember.TheCouncils2014meetingdateswillbe:January 21,February18,March18,April15,May21,June17,July15,September16,October21,and November18. Formoreinformationandavailablehandouts,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil webpage. AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted

updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House November12,13,18,19,20 December9,10,11,16,17,18(NonVoting) Senate November12,13,18,19,20 December3,4,9,10,11 BillCalendars House(November12):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPfora competitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303 (MoulRAdams)transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlarge masstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransit busestonaturalgasHouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternative FuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclesto naturalgasandprovidea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308 (SaylorRYork)redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversions tonaturalgas.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(November12):HouseBill920(SonneyRErie)amendingtheAgriculturalAreaSecurity Lawtodefinewindpowergenerationsystemandclarifyinganagriculturalconservationeasementshall notpreventgrantinganeasementforawindpowersystemsummary.<>ClickHereforfullSenate BillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theGameandFisheriesCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong) fundamentallychangingthewaythreatenedandendangeredspeciesarelistedandprotected.<>Click HereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.

Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

NewsFromTheCapitol
GeneralAssemblyLaunchesNewWebsiteOnElectionDay AcompletelyrevampedversionoftheGeneralAssemblyswebsitewaslaunchedTuesdaytogivethe publicbetteraccesstoawidearrayoflegislativeinformation,includingbilltextandhistory,votesinthe SenateandtheHouse,committeemeetingsandvotes,andmuchmore,legislativeleadersannounced. Thisisatotaloverhaul,saidSenateMajorityLeaderDominicPileggi(RDelaware),astrong proponentofopengovernmentinitiativesandchairmanoftheLegislativeDataProcessingCommittee, thebodywhichoverseesandmanagestheGeneralAssemblyswebsite.Transparencybuilds confidenceingovernment,andwerebuiltthewebsitefromthegroundupsothatitseasierthaneverfor thepublictofollowandcommentontheworkoftheGeneralAssembly. Someofthemostprominentfeaturesoftheredesignedwebsiteinclude: afrontpagethathighlightscurrent,relevantcontentsuchasconveningtimesfortheSenateand

House,upcomingcommitteemeetingsandrecentvotes newpagesfortheSenateandtheHousewhichhighlightrecentrollcallvotesandscheduled committeemeetings buttonsonnearlyeverypagewhichmakeiteasyforuserstosharethatpageonTwitter,Facebook, Google+andLinkedInand theabilitytotrackbillandcommitteeactivitythroughthefreePaLegisNotificationsemailsystem. TheextensiveupdatesandchangestotheGeneralAssemblywebsitearepartofanongoing efforttocreateamoreopenandtransparentstategovernment,saidSenatePresidentProTempore JoeScarnati(RJefferson).Withthetotalrenovationofthesite,ourhopeisthatindividualswillnow haveincreasedaccessibilitytolegislativedocumentsandinformation. TheGeneralAssemblysnewwebsiteismorethanjustarefresheddesign,saidSpeakerof theHouseSamSmith(RJefferson).Weputalotoftimeandeffortintorestructuringandredesigning thesitetoprovideabetterandeasieruserexperience. Thereisnothingmoreimportantthanopengovernment,saidSenateDemocraticLeaderJay Costa(DAllegheny).Byredesigningthewebsite,wefurtherourcommitmenttoprovideinformationin theeasiestandmostaccessiblewayforallPennsylvanians. Wewantedthewebsitetopresentinformationinthequickestandmostorganizedwaysoall Pennsylvanianscanaccessthestatelegislatureinaneasytouseformat,saidHouseMajorityLeader MikeTurzai(RAllegheny).Asourofficialonlineportal,wehopeourconstituentsuseitandagree. Pennsylvaniansdeserveastategovernmentthatistransparentandprovideseasyaccessto informationabouttheirelectedofficialsandtheworkwedohereintheGeneralAssembly,saidHouse DemocraticLeaderFrankDermody(DAllegheny).Frominformationaboutbillsandcommittee meetingstoemailandTwitterupdates,thisredesignedwebsitevirtuallybringsthelegislaturetoyou. Additionalfeaturesofthenewsiteinclude: easiertoolstohelpresidentsidentifytheirlegislatorsandfindthetextofbillsbeingconsidered newGoogleCalendarandiCalfeatures,makingiteasytoaddupcomingcommitteemeetingstothe userspersonalcalendar integrated,relevanttweetsfromthenonpartisan@PaLegisTwitteraccount anewpopularpagestabonthefrontpage,givinginstantaccesstothemostvisitedpagesonthe website anenhancedexecutivenominationssection,whichincludeslinkstorollcallvotes,nominationletters, andStatementsofFinancialInterest easiersitenavigation,withrelevantadditionalinformationintherightcolumnand anentirelynew,userfriendlylookandfeelthroughoutthewebsite. Sen.Pileggisaidtheredesignwascompletedbyexistinglegislativepersonnelatnoadditional costtothetaxpayers.ThestaffoftheLegislativeDataProcessingCenterdidamazingwork,hesaid. Icantcomplimentthemenough. ThelegislativeleadersencouragedthepublictocommentonthenewsiteusingtheTwitter hashtag#PAGAwebsiteorbyclickingontheemaillinkinthetoprightcornerofeverypageonthenew site. Formoreinformation,visittheGeneralAssemblysnewwebsite.

NewsFromAroundTheState
AmericanFarmlandTrust:FederalFarmBillAgriculturalEasementFundingAtRisk

CongressionalConfereesbeganworklastweekonresolvingdifferencesbetweentheSenateandHouse provisionsinthefederalFarmBill,butnowtheAmericanFarmlandTrusthaslearnedfundingfor agriculturallandeasementsmaybeatriskandAFTisurgingallPennsylvaniagroupsandcitizenswithan interestinthisissuetocontactCongressmanGlennThompsonwhorepresentsthe5thDistrictwhich stretchesfromBellefontetoErie. Herearesomespecifics Supportastrongconservationtitleaspartofafinalfarmbillconferencereport.Fundingfor conservationprogramsarevitalforcontinuedfarmlandprotectioneffortsatthefederal,stateandlocal levels. Urgetoretainthe40percentfundingfloorforagriculturallandeasements(ALE)withinthenewly combinedAgriculturalConservationEasementProgram(ACEP)asprovidedforintheHousepassed bill. UrgeretainingthefundinglevelfortheACEPasprovidedforintheSenatepassedbill.This compromisewillprovideadequateresourcestocontinueprotectingournationseconomicallyimportant workingagriculturallands. Thepracticaleffectofthefundingfloorwouldbetoprotectareasonableamountoffundingfor agriculturaleasementsonworkinglandsonanationwidebasiswhilestillallowingindividualstateNRCS officestheflexibilitytoconcentrateonthetypesofeasementsmostimportanttotheirsituation. ThisisanimportantfeaturesincefarmlandprotectionbaselineisbeingusedtofundtheACEPgoing forwardandwillensureALEfundingintherangeof$840to$880millionoverfiveyearswhilestill providingarangeof$1.2to$1.3billionforwetlandseasements. ByincludingthehighestleveloffundingavailableforACEP,adequateresourceswouldbeprovided forthecombinedfunctionoftheprogramsothatourproductivefarmlands,ourpristinegrasslandsand ourvaluablewetlandscancontinuetobeprotectedundereasements. Providingtheseresourceswillhelpfurtherreducethethreattotheselandsthatsustainuswithfood, wildlifeandcleanwater. CongressmanThompsonrepresentsallorpartsofthesecounties:Cameron,Centre,Clarion, Clearfield,Clinton,Crawford,Elk,Erie,Forest,Huntingdon,Jefferson,McKean,Potter,Tioga, VenangoandWarren. ClickHeretoemailCongressmanThompsonifyouliveinhisdistrict.OrcalltheCapitol Switchboardat2022243121andaskforhisoffice.Itisimportanttospeakdirectlywithstaff handlingagricultureissues. ConservationCompliance Soundconservationprogramsarevitaltofarmersandrancherstoensurelongtermeconomic stabilityandhelpsagriculturereducetheirenvironmentalfootprint. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustanditspartnersweresuccessfulinamendingtheSenatebillto requirecompliancewithUSDAconservationstandardsbeforeafarmcanreceivetaxpayersubsidized cropinsurance.TheHouse,unfortunately,didnotincludethisprovision. TheSenateproposalwouldprovidetaxpayerswiththeassurancethattheirmoneyisnotused todrainwetlandsorerodesoils,saidAmericanFarmlandTrustpresidentandCEOAndrew McElwaine.Thisisoneofthecriticalissuesinthe2013FarmBill. AFTisworkingwithagriculturalandconservationpartnerstourgeCongresstorelink conservationcompliancetocropinsurancepremiumsubsidies.Doingsowouldprotectagainstsoil erosion,preserveimportantwetlandsandprotecttaxpayers'investmentsinsoundagriculturaland

conservationpolicy. Conservationcompliance Keeps295milliontonsofsoilannuallyfromerodingonhighlyerodibleland Protectsnearly3.3millionacresofcriticalwetlandhabitatand Helpsfarmersmaintainbasicconservationstandardsonmillionsofacresoffarmland. UrgeCongresstokeepconservationcomplianceintheFarmBill. ClickHeretocontactyourSenatorsandRepresentativesotheyunderstandtheimportanceof conservationcomplianceintheFarmBill. Links:ChesapeakeBayFoundation:FundingConservationThatCountsinFarmBill HearingOnDec.16ForPorkFarmNPDESPermitInColumbiaCounty TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdapublicmeetingandhearingonDecember16,to discussaNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)ConcentratedAnimalFeeding Operation(CAFO)permitapplicationsubmittedbyJoelKnoebelforhisexistingClevelandPorkFarm inClevelandTownship,ColumbiaCounty. The6:30p.m.meetingwillbeheldattheElysburgFireCompany#1,at1EastMillSt.in Elysburg. StafffromDEPsCleanWaterProgramwillexplainthepermitreviewprocessandapplicable regulations,DEPNorthcentralRegionalDirectorMarcusKohlsaid.Thispresentationwillbefollowed byaquestionandanswersession,sothatbothDEPandtheapplicantcanhearfromresidentsand provideneededinformation. KnoebelwasfirstissuedanNPDESCAFOpermitforthisexistingoperationbyDEPonJune 3,2008.ThatpermitexpiredonJune2,2013.InearlyAugust,DEPandKnoebelsignedaconsent orderandagreementthatrequiredthesubmissionofanewNPDESCAFOapplicationbySept.30, whichwassubmitted. Duringthe8p.m.hearingportionoftheevening,thepublicwillhaveanopportunitytopresent uptofiveminutesoforaltestimonyabouttheapplication.Writtentestimonyofanylengthwillalsobe accepted.Theoraltestimonywillberecordedbyacourtreporterandtranscribedintoawritten document,andDEPwillcreateawrittenresponsetoallrelevanttestimony. Thosewhowishtopresentoraltestimonyarerequiredtoregisterthateveningpriortothe hearing.Foranyoneunabletoattendthepublichearing,writtencommentsshouldbesubmittedbythe closeofbusinessonDecember26toDEPCleanWaterProgramManager,Departmentof EnvironmentalProtectionNorthcentralRegionalOffice,208W.3rdSt.,Suite101,Williamsport,PA 17701. Thepublicmayscheduleanappointmenttoviewtheapplicationintheregionalofficebycalling 5703270550. IndividualsinneedofanaccommodationasprovidedforintheAmericansWithDisabilitiesAct of1990shouldcontactDanielSpadoniat5703273659orthroughthePennsylvaniaAT&TRelay Serviceat18006545984(TDD). Formoreinformation,call5703273636. ChesapeakeBayFoundationPAHostsTreePlantingsInHarrisburgNov.9 TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAishostingtreeplantingsattwolocationsinHarrisburg

WesleyUnionAMEZionChurch,5thandCampStreets,9:00a.m.1:00p.m.and CommunityActionCommission,1514DerrySt.,12:00p.m.4:00p.m. RSVPbysendinganemailto:abliss@cbf.orgtocontactAndrewBliss,PAGrassroots CoordinatorforCBFPA. NovemberIssueOfChesapeakeBayCurrentsNowAvailable TheChesapeakeBayProgramthisweekpublishedtheNovemberissueofChesapeakeBayCurrents, anupdateonBayProgramactivitiesineachoftheBaystates.ClickHeretoreadthismonthsissue. ConemaughValleyConservancy,PartnersCompleteBeaverdamRunWatershedStudy ThisweektheConemaughValleyConservancyanditspartnersannouncedthecompletionofthe BeaverdamRunWatershedStudytodocumentthecurrentwaterqualitystatusofthestreamandits tributaries. In2012,theKiskiConemaughStreamTeam,aprogramofthelocalnotforprofit conservationorganizationConemaughValleyConservancyreceivedagrantfromtheColdwater HeritagePartnershiptocreateaconservationplanfortheBeaverdamRunWatershednearCentral City,SomersetCounty. Thepurposesofthisprojectweretodocumentthevalueofandthreatstothishighquality streamandtojumpstartprojectstomaintainorenhancethiswaterway. TheKiskiConemaughStreamTeamworkedwiththeCaliforniaUniversityofPA,Fishand BoatCommission,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,ShadeCreekWatershedAssociation,and otherstostudythecurrentstateofBeaverdamRunanditstributariesandcompareresultstohistorical data. TheStreamTeamfoundthatovertheyears,thewaterqualityofBeaverdamRunhasfluctuated eversoslightly,butenoughtochangethedynamicsofthefishery.Inthe1990s,theupperreachof BeaverdamRunwasclassifiedasaClassAWildTroutWaterbytheFishandBoatCommission. Wildbrookandbrowntroutwerefoundinabundancehowever,adropintroutbiomassinthe late1990sandearly2000s,promptedthePFBCtolowerthissectionofBeaverdamRuntoaClassB streaminJuly2006.Itseemsadropinalkalinitytheabilityofwatertoneutralizeorbufferanacid impededthenaturalcycleoftrout. WhileahealthyfishpopulationexistsintheupperportionofBeaverdamRunandthePFBCand localtroutcooperativestockthelowerportion,theStreamTeamfeelsthefisherycouldbeenhancedby carefuladditionsofanalkalinematerial,likelimestone,whichwouldcounteracttheeffectsofacidic precipitationandnaturallyacidicgeology. Incooperationwithstateagencies,theShadeCreekWatershedAssociationhasbeenadding crushedlimestonetoselectstreamsegmentsthroughouttheShadeCreekWatershed.TheStream Teamwillworkwiththemtoexpandthiswork. PartnerswereexcitedtofindtwowildtigertroutfingerlingsinBeaverdamRun.Tigertroutare acrossbetweenbrookandbrowntrout,whichtypicallydonotcrossbreedinthewild.Additionally, theyweresurprisedtofindatruebluecrayfish(Cambarusmonongalensis)ararefindasitisa burrower,mostactiveatnight,andattheveryedgeofitsrangeintheBeaverdamRunWatershed. TheBeaverdamRunColdwaterConservationPlanmaybedownloadedontheConemaugh ValleyConservancyswebsite.

PennStateSeekingVolunteersForMasterWellOwnerProgram Pennsylvaniaishometooveronemillionprivatewaterwellsandspringsbutitisoneofthefewstates thatdonotprovidestatewideregulationstoprotecttheseruraldrinkingwatersupplies.Asaresult, homeownersusingaprivatewellorspringmustunderstandproperwatersupplymanagementpractices toensuresafedrinkingwaterfortheirfamily. In2004,PennStateExtensionandseveralpartneragenciescreatedtheMasterWellOwner Network(MWON)agroupoftrainedvolunteerswhoarededicatedtopromotingtheproper construction,testing,andmaintenanceofprivatewaterwells,springsandcisternsthroughout Pennsylvania. Sinceitsinception,over600volunteershaveattendedSaturdaytrainingworkshopstobe certifiedasPennStateMasterWellOwners. ThenextMWONvolunteertrainingcoursewillbeheldonDecember14from9a.m.to3:30 p.m.attheNeshaminyManorCenter,1282AlmshouseRoad,Doylestown,Pa. Prospectivevolunteersneedtosubmitanapplicationandbeacceptedintotheprogram.The December14trainingworkshopwillbelimitedtothefirst30acceptedapplicants. Tobeeligibleforthisprogram,volunteersmustNOThaveanyfinancialinterestinprivatewater supplies(i.e.workforwaterwelldrillers,watertestinglabs,watertreatmentcompanies,etc.)andthey mustbewillingtosharewhattheylearnwiththeirneighbors,friends,andcoworkers. Volunteerswhosuccessfullycompletethetrainingcourseandpassashortexamwillreceivea freecopyofthe80pagepublicationAGuidetoPrivateWaterSystemsinPennsylvania,acoupon goodfora10percentdiscountonwatertestingthroughthePennStatewatertestinglab,andaccessto variousMWONeducationalmaterials. Tolearnmoreabouttheprogramandtocompleteanapplication,visittheMasterWellOwner ProgramVolunteerwebpageorcontactBryanSwistockat8148630194orsendemailto: brs@psu.edu. Hereareafewcommentsfromvolunteerswhorecentlycompletedtheonlinecourse: Ibelievepeoplebuyinghomesorpropertieswithwellslocatedonthemshouldhavethisinformation priortopurchase.Theproblemisnotmanypeopleareawareoftheinformationthatisavailable. Hopefullythiscoursehelpscorrecttheproblem. Excellentopportunity,especiallyinlightofthedrillingoperationssurroundingMarcelluswell developmentactivitiesthroughoutthestateandintheareawhereIlive. VeryUsefulinformation.Thepresentationformatviaadobeconnectwasveryeasytoworkwith. (WrittenBy:BryanSwistock,WaterResourcesSpecialist,RenewableNaturalResources,Penn StateExtension,DepartmentofEcosystemScienceandManagement,andreprintedfromthe PennStateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) iConservePA.orgVideo:AllAboutYourDrinkingWaterWell Youturnthefaucetonandthere'swaterbutwheredoesitreallycomefrom?Pennsylvaniahasovera millionindividualdrinkingwaterwellswhichneedtobedrilledrightandkeptclean.JointhePA GeologicSurvey'sGaryFleegerashestepsusthroughhowawellisdrilledandwhattolookforto keepyourwatersourceingoodshape.

ClickHeretowatchthisnewiConservePA.orgvideo.ClickHeretoreceivethe iConservePA.orgnewsletterbyemail. WaterResourcesEducationNetworkNovemberWaterPolicyNewsAvailable TheNovemberissueofWaterPolicyNewsfromthePALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResources EducationNetworkisnowavailable.Itincludesstoriesaboutthe2014roundofWRENgrants,a scheduleofcapacitybuildingwebinarsandmuchmore.ClickHeretoreadacopy.ClickHeretosign upforyourowncopy. PAAmericanWaterCompletes$18MillionDamRehabilitationInButlerCounty PennsylvaniaAmericanWaterFridayannouncedthecompletionoftheapproximately$18million rehabilitationofitsThornRunandLakeOneidaDamsinOaklandTownship,ButlerCounty. Theconstructionoverthepast36monthsincludedupgradestoimprovethedam'sspillway capacityinaccordancewithDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionrequirementsfordamsafety. Thesedamsafetyimprovementsrepresentsomeofourlargestcapitalinvestmentsin Pennsylvaniaduringthepastthreeyears,saidPennsylvaniaAmericanWaterSeniorProjectEngineer AnthonyNokovich.Theseprojectsensuretheavailabilityoftheseimportantsourcesofwatersupply andthesafetyofourcustomersdownstream. LakeOneidaandThornRunReservoirsserveasprimarysourceofsupplyforPennsylvania AmericanWatersButlerDistrict.Waterfromthereservoirsistreatedandpumpedtoapproximately 18,000customersintheCityofButlerand12othersurroundingmunicipalities. TheLakeOneidaReservoirwasconstructedin1918andislocatedontheheadwatersof ConnoquenessingCreek.Therehabilitationprojectincludedrebuildingthe95yearolddamsprincipal spillwayinstallingrolledcompactedconcretearmoringandconstructingdrainagefeaturestosafely collectandconveyseepagefromthedam.Therehabilitationofthe110yearoldThornRundam includedsimilarupgrades. Formoreinformation,visitthePennsylvaniaAmericanWaterwebsite. DrillingIndustryStartsOwnStudyOfRadioactivityLevelsInShaleOperations TheMarcellusShaleCoalitionandthePAIndependentOilandGasAssociationMondayannounced theirjointeffortstoconductanextensivestudyofNaturallyOccurringRadioactiveMaterial(NORM) andTechnologicallyEnhancedNORM(TENORM)inshaleproductionrelatedactivities. ThisstudywillcomplementonecurrentlyunderwaybytheDepartmentofEnvironmental Protection. Weareencouragingourmemberstoparticipateinthisstudy,alongwithDEPsongoing evaluation,PIOGAPresidentLouDAmicosaid.Ourorganizationswillprovideourresultstothe DEPandworkcloselywiththedepartmenttocontinuetomakecertainthatPennsylvaniasenvironment iseffectivelyprotectedandenhancedalongsidesafe,responsibleshaledevelopment. Thisstudyssamplingplanexhaustivelycoverstheexplorationandproductionprocess.Its results,andothersourcesofsounddata,willhelpourindustrymorefullyunderstandandproactively addressthisimportantissue,MSCPresidentDavidSpigelmyersaid.Wearefocusedoncontinuously evaluatingandimprovingouroperationsaimedatprotectingourworkersandourcommunities,and

thesecollaborativeeffortsarejustanotherexampleofthisstrongcommitment. Shaleproductioncreatesproducedwater,flowbackwateranddrillcuttingsthatcould potentiallycontainNORMandTENORM.Thestudyssamplingwillanalyzetheseelementsindetailas wellasvariousoperationalpracticesandequipmentusedinthetightlyregulatedshaledevelopment process. Theorganizationswillworkwithaccreditedlaboratoriestoanalyzesamples. AcopyoftheFieldSamplingPlanisavailableonline. NewsClips: DrillingIndustryAnnouncesRadiationStudyToParallelDEPEffort PALeagueOfWomenVotersShaleDrilling&PublicHealthConferenceNov.23 ThePALeagueofWomenVotersishostingShaleDrillingandPublicHealth:ADayofDiscovery ConferenceNovember23attheHeinzHistoryCenter,1212SmallmanSt.,Pittsburghfrom9:00a.m. to5:00p.m. Theconferencefeaturesthelatestresearchrelatingtoshalegasextractionanditsimpacton publichealth. Nationallyknownexpertswhowilladdresstopicsrangingfromworkerhealth,totheimpactof unconventionaldrillingonfoodproduction,thehealtheffectsofindustrialnoise,andshaleindustrybest practices,amongothers. Inconjunctionwiththeconference,interactiveexhibitsfromhealthorganizationsand environmentalandagriculturalgroupswillcoverarangeofpracticalinformationfortheconsumer, includingademonstrationofinnovativeinhomewatermonitoringequipment,anduptodate informationonhowtoenrollforhealthinsurance. Theconferenceandexhibitsarefreeandopentothepublic. AllattendeeswillreceiveacopyoftheLeague'slatestresourceguideentitled"ShaleDrilling andPublicHealth." TheLeagueofWomenVotersofPennsylvaniabeganitsstudyofshaleissuesin2008,whenthe IndianaCountyChapterformedaMarcellusShaleStudyCommittee.TheIndianagrouppublishedfive studyguidesin20092010. Anagenda,listofparticipatingexhibitorsandonlineregistrationisavailableontheConference website.Preregistrationisrequired.Call180061SHALE(18006174253)formoreinformation. ThiseventispartofTheStraightScooponShaleinitiativefundedbyaColcomFoundation granttoLeagueofWomenVotersofPennsylvaniasCitizenEducationFund. $3MInAlternativeFuelVehicleGrantsAwarded,NewRoundOpening,WebinarSet TheCorbettAdministrationThursdayawardedmorethan$3millioninAlternativeFuelIncentiveGrants to33companies,countiesandorganizationsmakingtheswitchtocompressednaturalgas,liquefied naturalgas,orpropaneformediumtolightweightfleetvehicles. "Thisfundingmakesitpossibleformanycommercial,countyandnonprofitgroupstoconvert theirlighterweightvehiclestonaturalgasorotheralternativefuels,"ActingSecretaryChrisAbruzzo said."The33AFIGgrantsannouncedtodayalongwiththenextroundofAct13grantsallowusto makethemostofourabundantnaturalgasresources,edgingusclosertoenergyindependencewhile helpingtoimproveourairquality,"Abruzzosaid.

AbruzzowasjoinedintheannouncementbySen.JohnBlake(DLackawanna)and representativesofCabotOil,atScranton'sJohnsonCollege,aleaderinnaturalgasjobtraining. TheawardedAFIGgrantswillhelppayfortheconversionorpurchaseof351naturalgas vehiclesand337propanevehiclesweighinglessthan14,000pounds.Anestimated15newfueling stationsand30existingstationswillbesupportedbythesevehicles. AFIGgrantsareanannualsolicitation,providingfinancialincentiveforavarietyof transportationprojectswiththeresultofreducingairemissionsinPennsylvania.Thisyear,AFIGgrants focusedonmediumtolightweightvehicles.DEPwillannouncethefocusofthenextroundofgrants whenitopens,whichisexpectedinearly2014. Alistofgrantsawardedisavailableonline. NextRoundOfGrants AbruzzoalsoannouncedthatthesecondroundofAct13NaturalGasVehiclegrantswillopen onNovember9,providinganestimated$11milliontohelppayfortheincrementalpurchaseand conversioncostsofheavydutynaturalgasfleetvehiclesweighingmorethan14,000pounds.(formal notice) TheAct13NaturalGasVehiclegrantsarefinancedbyimpactfeespaidbynaturalgas operators. Fiftypercentofthisfundingisallocatedexclusivelyforlocaltransportationorganizations, includingnonprofitagenciesprovidingpublictransportationservicesandpublictransportation,portand redevelopmentauthorities,aswellasschoolbusprojects. Otherseligibletoapplyincludeincorporatednonprofitorganizations,forprofitcompanies, stateownedorstaterelateduniversities,commonwealthormunicipalauthorities,andthePennsylvania TurnpikeCommission. Grantrequestscanbenomorethan50percentoftheincrementalpurchaseorretrofitcostper vehicle,withamaximumof$25,000pervehicle. ApplicationsareduebyJanuary10andwillbeawardedinthespring. ApplicationWebinar Applicantsarestronglyencouragedtoparticipateinarelatedwebinar,scheduledforNovember 20from2to3p.m.ClickHeretoregister.Ifyouhaveanyproblemregistering,pleasecontactDEP's ApplicationsSupportHelpDeskat7177053768,orbyemailto:epefacthelpdeskteam@pa.gov. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsNaturalGasVehicleProgramwebpage. NewsClips: $3MillionInGrantsForNaturalGasVehicles Scranton Times Interview With DEP Secretary Abruzzo CorbettsReElectionRunOnNaturalGas,NotHisBus PATaxpayersFootGrowingBillForNaturalGasSubsidies StateNaturalGasSubsidiesCouldReach$1BillionOverDecade LessStateAid,ExceptForGasDevelopment OpEd:WhyBurnTaxpayersToAidRichDrillers? AquaPennsylvaniaReceivesGrantForExpansionOfNaturalGasVehicleFleet AquaPennsylvania,Inc.Thursdayannounceditreceivedagrantof$86,812fromtheDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection.TheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveGrantwillbeappliedtothepurchaseof14 newvans,whichwillrunoncleanburningcompressednaturalgas.

ThevanswillbeaddedtoAquasgrowingfleetofCNGvehicles,includingtwobifuelpickup trucks,twodumptrucksandfiveadditionalvans.Aquawillusethenewvanstoservewatercustomers intheinspectionofpipelinerestorationwork. ThegrantwasawardedtoAquaataneventtodayatJohnsonCollegeinScranton,Pa.,where ChristopherAbruzzo,SecretaryoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,andstateSen.John Blake(DLackawanna)werefeaturedspeakers. ThisgrantreinforcesAquascommitmenttoreduceouruseofconventionalfuelsandhelp diminishtheairpollutioncontributedbyourservicevehiclesineverydaybusinesspractices,said CharlesStevenson,fleetmanagerforAquaAmerica.Thegrantwillhelptosustainourventureinto usingcompressednaturalgasasanalternativefuelandwillhelpdeterminethefutureofusingCNGin ourPennsylvaniafleetofvehicles. AquahasbeenalongtimesupporterofCNGvehicles.Thecompanypurchaseditsfirstbifuel pickupin1997andexpectstohave90CNGvehiclesinoperationwithinthenextfiveyears. In2012,aninitialinvestmentof$130,000wasmadeinatimefillstationatAquasSpringfield, DelawareCounty,operationscenter.Plansarealsointheworkstoinstalltimefillstationsatthe companysWillowGrove,MontgomeryCounty,andWestChester,ChesterCounty,operations centers. Todate,thecompanyhasinvested$675,000inCNGthroughvehiclepurchasesand infrastructureupgrades. AsaformerDEPsecretaryandeconomicdevelopmentdirectorfortheCommonwealth,I stronglybelievethatPennsylvaniashomegowncompressednaturalgasisthefuelofthefuturefor transportation,saidNicholasDeBenedictis,chairmanandCEOofAquaAmerica.Iapplaudthe ongoingeffortsoftheDEPformakingdrillingfornaturalgasasafeandenvironmentallysound alternativetopetroleumbasedfuels.Besidescreatingjobs,stimulatingoureconomyandsavingmoney onfuelcosts,itisjusttherightthingtodoenvironmentallybecausethepayoffislesspollutionwhen moreCNGvehiclesareontheroad. In2011,AquaAmericaannouncedajointventuretoconstructaprivatepipelinesupplyingfresh watertonaturalgasproducersdrillingintheMarcellusShaleinnorthcentralPennsylvania.The companyhasbeenvocalaboutitscommitmenttoensuringthepropermanagementofthisimportant resource. NewsClips: $3MillionInGrantsForNaturalGasVehicles Scranton Times Interview With DEP Secretary Abruzzo CorbettsReElectionRunOnNaturalGas,NotHisBus PATaxpayersFootGrowingBillForNaturalGasSubsidies StateNaturalGasSubsidiesCouldReach$1BillionOverDecade LessStateAid,ExceptForGasDevelopment OpEd:WhyBurnTaxpayersToAidRichDrillers? PACoalAllianceCallsOnEPAForFlexibilityInSettingCarbonEmissionStandards ThePennsylvaniaCoalAllianceFridaycalledforfederalregulatorstoallowstatessomeflexibilityin developingemissionstandardsinordertostrikeanappropriatebalancebetweenenvironmental improvementsandeconomicconcerns. JohnPippy,allianceCEO,saidPennsylvaniaisoneofseveralenergyproducingstatesthatwill

bedisproportionatelyharmedifregulatorsimposeemissionstandardsthatarenotattainablewithcurrent technology.HiscommentscameduringaU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency"listeningsession." Pippysaid300coalfiredpowerplantsin33statesalreadyhavebeenforcedtoclose,and takingcoalentirelyoutofthenation'senergymixwouldhaveanegativeimpactonemployment,the economy,electricitypricesandthereliabilityofthepowergrid. Henotedthatthecoalindustrysupportsnearly42,000jobsandcontributes$7billionannually totheeconomyinPennsylvania.Taxesonminingjobsgenerate$700millionannuallyatthefederal, stateandlocallevels,hesaid. "Ironically,therecentlyproposedEPAcarbonemissionstandardswilldolittletocurbcarbon emissionsglobally,sincedevelopingcountriessuchasChinaandIndiaburnmanytimesmorecoalthan theU.S.andwillcontinuetodoso,tothedetrimentofU.S.competitiveness,"Pippysaid. Hecalledonthefederalgovernmenttoworkcollaborativelywithenergystakeholders,asthe governmentdidwiththeautoindustryinordertoimprovefuelefficiencyandreduceU.S.dependence onforeignoil. Inadditiontoprovidingstateswithsomeflexibilityindevelopingemissionstandards,Pippysaid areasonedapproachtoenvironmentalandenergypolicieswouldnotinterferewiththegenerationof affordablypriced,reliablygeneratedelectricity.Moreover,thestandardsshouldnotcauseadditional plantclosures,andtheyshouldremovebarrierstoenergyefficiencyatpowerplants,whichenable reductionsinemissions. "Environmentalqualityisimportanttoeveryone,includingthecoalindustry,"Pippysaid."We don'tneedtochoosebetweenjobs,theeconomy,affordableenergy,astableelectricgridandaclean environment.Wecanhaveallofthosethingsifweworkcollaborativelytoforgerationalenergyand environmentalpolicies." Formoreinformation,visitthePennsylvaniaCoalAlliancewebsite. RelatedStory: 18YearOldPetitionerWillGetOpportunityToPushClimateChangeRuleBeforeEQB PASmallBusinessFederationWarnsOfRegulatoryOverreachOnOzoneStandards Citingpotentialchangestogroundlevelozonestandardsasjustoneloomingexample,KevinShivers, thePennsylvaniaExecutiveStateDirectorfortheNationalFederationofIndependentBusiness,warned anaudienceofsmallbusinessownersinFogelsville,LehighCounty,abouthowtheoutdatedfederal regulatoryprocessisnegativelyimpactingthestateseconomy. WhentheEPAlastconsideredchangingtheNationalAmbientAirQualityStandardforground levelozonein2010,itwasestimatedthatitcouldcostPennsylvaniaseconomy$5.4billionperyear somethingbusinesseslargeandsmalljustcantafford,Shiverssaid.Thethreatofnewozone standardsishavingachillingimpactoninvestmentstoday.Morethan820,000Pennsylvaniansworkin manufacturing,constructionandminingjobsandtheseindustrieswouldbedirectlyimpactedbycostly newrequirementsthatareestimatedtoresultinminimalbenefit. ShiversspeechfocusedinpartontheNFIBssupportofsensiblereformstothefederal regulatoryreviewprocessthroughtheircoalitionSmallBusinessesforSensibleRegulations.The campaignisfocusedonensuringthatconcernsofsmallbusinessownersareheardearlyandoftenwhile regulationsaredrafted. NFIBhassuggestedseveral,commonsensechangesthattheAdministrationcouldmake immediatelytoimprovetheregulatoryprocess.Specifically,NFIBencouragesmoretransparency

duringtheregulatoryprocessagreaterfocusoncomplianceassistanceinsteadofenforcementamore thoroughanalysisofthebenefitsandcostsofaproposedrulebeforeitisfinalizedmoreaccountability andagreaterrelianceonpeerreviewersandexpertsoutsidetheagencytoreviewandofferopinionson regulations. SmallbusinessownersinPennsylvaniaandthroughoutthecountryarereallyworriedaboutthe impactsofregulations,Shiversadded.Theyspendcountlesshourseachweekcomplyingwithrules alreadyonthebookswhileworryingaboutwhatnew,costlyrulemightbecomingdownthepike tomorrow.Youllnevergrowtheeconomyifyoucontinuetomakeitnearlyimpossibleforthecoreof ournationseconomicengineoursmallbusinessownerstoplanforthefutureandgrow. Tolearnmore,visitNFIBsSmallBusinessesforSensibleRegulationswebsite. PhiladelphiaEPAExhibitShowsHowToKeepSchoolsGreen,Healthy TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyisencouraginghealthyschoolenvironmentsinanewexhibit "LessonsforaGreenandHealthySchool,"awalkthroughclassroomexhibitthatdemonstrates techniquestocreateagreenandhealthyschoolenvironment. TheexhibitisondisplayatEPA'sPublicInformationCenterat1650ArchStreet. "ThisdisplayshowcasesEPAsstrategies,programs,andresourcesthatprotectthehealthof childrenandstaffwhentheyareinschool,wheretheyspendabout25percentoftheirtimeeveryyear," saidEPARegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin."Theexhibitcontainspracticaladviceand techniquesthatschooladministratorscanputinplace." Greenschoolbuildingsandeducationarevitaltothedevelopmentandlearningofeverystudent. Andagreenschoolsbenefitsteachersandotherstaffaswellbecausethey,too,workbetterwhenthe indoorairandotherconditionsarehealthy. Theexhibitfocusesonfivecentrallessons:energyefficiency,integratedpestmanagement,air quality,stormwatermanagement,andgreencleaningmaterials.ThelessonscoveranumberofEPA programsthatareshowcasedintheexhibitincluding:ToolsforSchoolsEnergyStarIntegratedPest ManagementandDesignfortheEnvironment. RunningthroughJanuary2014,theexhibitisfreeandopentothepublic.EPAsPublic InformationCenterisopenMondaythroughFridayfrom9a.m.to4p.m.Allvisitorswhoare18and oldermustshowavalidphotoIDandgothroughsecuritybeforeenteringtheexhibitarea. Formoreinformationonhealthyschools,visitEPAsHealthySchoolsToolkitwebpage. DEPWebinarOnNewOnlinePublicParticipationCenterNov.15 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdawebinarNovember15startingat9:30to introducethepublictoitsnewonlinePublicParticipationCenter,accordingtoHayleyBook,Director ofDEPsPolicyOffice. StafffromDEPsOfficeofExternalAffairsandPolicyOfficewillreviewthenewwebpageand showuserswheretofindimportantdocumentsandtoolstostayuptodateondepartmenteventsand importantregulatoryproposals. ThenewwebsiteispartofDEPsenhancedpublicparticipationandeducationinitiativeaimed atimprovingitsoutreachtothepublictomoreactivelyengagecitizensandtheregulatedcommunityin thedevelopmentofpoliciesandregulations. ClickHeretoregisterforthewebinar.

BottleWorksArtsCenter,7OtherCommunitiesInKeepPABeautifulsFreshPaintDays EightcommunitiesinPennsylvaniaarealittlemorebeautifulthankstothe2013FreshPaintDays ProgramsponsoredbyKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulwithsupportfromBEHRandTheHomeDepot. InCambriaCounty,theBottleWorksEthnicArtsCenterengagedvolunteersfrom AmeriCorpsandLiftJohnstowntotransformthefourmostvisiblepillarssupportingtheRoute56 overpassintopublicart. Thetransformationofthisonceunusedareawillprovidecommunityspaceforavarietyof activitiessuchasopenairmarkets,adogpark,orperformancespace. ThemaintenanceofPillarParkwillbealegacyprojectforthePennsylvaniaMountainService CorpsAmeriCorpsmembers.PillardesignswereprovidedbyAlliedArtistsofJohnstownand individualartists.Additionalpartnersinclude:CommunityFoundationfortheAlleghenies,Cityof Johnstown,andtheDepartmentofTransportation. FreshPaintDaysisdesignedtoprovidecommunitygroupswithpaintandpaintingsupplies enablingthesegroupstorenewacommunitystructureinneedintosomethingbeautifulthroughthe applicationoffreshpaintandalotofelbowgrease.Winnersreceivedupto20gallonsofexterior paintsplus$50.00inpaintingsupplies. Otherprojectsincluded:AlleghenyCountyLarimerGreenTeamforpaintingof neighborhoodcommunitycenter,BerksCountyCityofReadingforpaintingofNeighborhood HousingServicesCommunityCenter,BlairCountyBoroughofWilliamsburgforpaintingofhistoric landmark,ChesterCountyDowningtownMainStreetforpaintingofbuildinginWallaceSquare, LawrenceCountyEnonValleyCommunityHistoricalSocietyforpaintingoflocalmuseumand socialhall,NorthamptonCountyBoroughofBathforpaintingofvolunteerfiredepartmentbuilding andpublicworksbuilding,andSomersetCountySomersetRailstoTrailAssociationforpaintingof visitorcenteralongtheRockwoodTrail. Itisveryinspiringtoseewhatcanbeaccomplishedwhencommunitymemberscometogether. Thesetransformationsareavisiblereminderofthepridethatpeoplehavefortheplacestheylive. ThroughourpartnershipwithBEHRandTheHomeDepotwearehonoredtobeapartofthese communityrevitalizationefforts,statesShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful. Formoreinformationonthisandotherbeautificationandantilitterprograms,visittheKeep PennsylvaniaBeautifulwebsite. RegistrationOpenForAnnualStatewideBrownfieldsConferenceDec.911 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayremindedprivatedevelopers,economic developmentprofessionalsandgovernmentofficialstoregisterfortheannualPennsylvaniaBrownfields Conference,tobeheldDecember911,attheRadissonValleyForgeHotel,KingofPrussia. Theconference,hostedbyDEP,inpartnershipwiththeEngineersSocietyofWestern Pennsylvania,isthelargestbrownfieldsnetworkingandeducationeventinPennsylvania. Thethemeofthisyearsconference,PositioningfortheFuture,willhighlightbuilding communitypartnerships,incorporatingsustainabledesignintoprojects,accessingfinancialassistance andkeepingabreastofregulatorychanges. Newtothisyearsconferencewillbeanoptionalopportunitytomeetwiththedirectorsof DEPsregionalofficesandmembersoftheirenvironmentalcleanupandlocalgovernmentstaff.

Brownfieldsarepropertiesthatareinneedofexpansion,redevelopmentorreuse,butbecause ofactualoranticipatedhazardoussubstances,pollutantsorcontaminants,thatworkismademore challenging. Pennsylvaniasapproachtobrownfieldsredevelopmenthasproventobeanationalmodelfor transformingabandoned,idlepropertiesintoplacesofenvironmentalprotectionandeconomic opportunity. Toregisterfortheconference,ortoviewafulllistofpresentationsandspeakers,visitthe BrownfieldsConferencewebpageorcall7177831566. DEPFinesOhioCompany$12,000ForIllegalOpenBurningInLycomingCounty TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannouncedithasfinedWeldedConstructionLP ofPerrysburg,Ohio,$12,000forillegallyburningwoodmatsontwooccasionsinAugustatitsfacilityin WolfTownship,LycomingCounty. WetoldcompanyofficialsthattheopenburningofwoodwasteisaviolationofPennsylvanias SolidWasteManagementActduringourfirstcomplaintinvestigation,DEPNorthcentralRegional DirectorMarcusKohlsaid.Yetjusteightdayslater,DEPinspectorscaughtthecompanydoingthe exactsamething. Kohladdedthatitistheresponsibilityofoutofstatecompaniestobecomefamiliarwith Pennsylvaniasenvironmentallawsandregulationstoavoidenforcementaction,includingfines,which maybetakenbythedepartmentwhenviolationsaredocumented. Thesematsshouldhavebeenbeneficiallyreused,ortakentoapermittedlandfillforproper disposal,Kohlsaid. AfollowupinspectionconductedbythedepartmentinearlySeptemberconfirmedthatall violationshadbeencorrected. Thematsmadefromhardwoodtimbersboundtogetherbymetalboltsandpinsareusedto preventdestructionoflandduringthemovementofheavyequipmentinareasofsoftground,wetlands orstreams. Formoreinformation,call5703273653. PAEconomicDevelopmentAssociationSchedulesUpcomingWebinars ThePAEconomicDevelopmentAssociationhasscheduledtwowebinarsinthecomingmonths December11:FinancingandtheAnatomyofaDealstartingat2:00andJanuary29:Workforce Development,BestPracticesinPartnershipsalsoat2:00.Forinformationonthisandotherprograms, visitthePEDAwebsite. SRBCMonitoringConfirmsRockSnotInPineCreek,PotterCounty MonitoringstaffattheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionhavedocumentedthe secondoccurrenceoftheaquaticinvasivespeciesDidymospheniageminata (didymoorrocksnot)intheSusquehannabasinintheWestBranchofPine Creek,PotterCountyonOctober16. Didymoisahighlyinvasivealgaethathascausedecologicalharminmanyhigh profileinstancesworldwide.Themassivebloomsandmatsresultingfromthe

spreadofdidymohavethepotentialtochokeaquaticlifeinthebasinshighquality,coldwaterstreams andrivers. TheCommissiontakesveryseriouslyoneofitscorefunctionsofmonitoringthehealthofthe SusquehannaBasinsaquaticecosystems,saidSRBCExecutiveDirectorAndrewDehoff.The seconddiscoveryofdidymointhebasincausesconcernwithregardstothepotentialthreatitposesto thesensitivehabitatsfoundwithinourmorepristinewatersofthebasin. ThefirstoccurrenceofdidymointheSusquehannabasinwasdocumentedbyDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtectionbiologistsinJuneinthemainstemofPineCreekinLycomingCountynear Waterville,Pa. Priortothat,suchoccurrencesweredocumentedintheUpperDelawareWatershedin PennsylvaniaandNewYorkaswellasinseveralwatershedsinsouthwesternPennsylvania,western Maryland,andportionsofWestVirginia. Anglers,boaters,oranyonecomingintocontactwithaninfectedwaterwaycanunknowingly spreadthismicroscopicalga,whichcanclingtofishinggear,waders,boots,andboats. Studiesindicatethatdidymocansurviveoutsideofastreaminacool,dark,dampenvironment foratleast40days,andonlyonecellisneededforittospread.Thosecomingintocontactwithan infectedwaterwayareencouragedtodisinfecttheirgeartopreventfurtherspread. Tofindoutmoreaboutdidymo,thethreatsthisaquaticinvasivespeciesposestothe Susquehannabasin,anddetailedinformationondisinfectionprocedures,pleasevisittheFishandBoat CommissionsdidymoinformationwebpageandthePennsylvaniaSeaGrantsdidymoinformation webpage. Audubon,ToyotaAwardsTogetherGreenGrants,$20,000ToPAProjects ToyotaTogetherGreen,aconservationinitiativeoftheNationalAudubonSocietyandToyota, Wednesdayannouncednewgrantsofmorethan$1.3millionto70innovativeanddiverseconservation projectsnationwide,includingtwograntstotalling$20,000inPennsylvania WilliamWood,ofHabitatforHumanityoftheGreaterHarrisburgArea,willmobilizediverse groupsofvolunteersinordertotakeanaggressiveapproachtopreventingusablebuildingmaterials frombeingdisposedofinthelandfill.FellowshipGrant:$10,000. SierraGladfelter,oftheSchuylkillHeadwatersAssociation,willcreateaweeklongsummer programaboutwaterconservationfor10highschoolstudentsfromdiversecommunitieswithinthe SchuylkillRiverWatershed.FellowshipGrant:$10,000. AudubonandToyotafoundedToyotaTogetherGreenin2008tofosterdiversity,jumpstart innovation,andinvestinconservationleaders.Nowinitssixthyear,ToyotaTogetherGreenhasinvested $23.5millionincommunitybasedconservation,engagingmorethan420,000peoplein295citiesand all50states. "ToyotaTogetherGreenisdemonstratingthepowerofinvestingincommunitiesoverthelong termandunderscoresourcommitmenttosupportingthenextgenerationofenvironmentalleaders,"said ToyotaMotorNorthAmericaChiefCorporateSocialResponsibilityOfficerLatondraNewton."Our fellowsandgranteesaredrivingeffortstocreatehealthier,stronger,greenerneighborhoodsby improvinghabitatandwaterqualityandsavingenergy." Thisyear,AudubonandToyotaareawarding$953,000inToyotaTogetherGreenInnovation Grantsto30organizations.Theawardswillbeusedtodevelopinnovativeapproachestoaddress pressingenvironmentalproblemsandachievelargescale,longtermconservationresults.

Manyoftheprojectsareworkingwithcommunitiesthathavetraditionallybeen underrepresentedintheconservationmovement,fromreligiousgroupstoinnercitystudentsto lowincomecommunities. Inaddition,40highpotentialleaderswillreceiveToyotaTogetherGreenFellowships,which include$10,000grantstocreateandleadprojectsthatengagediversecommunitiesinconservation. ToyotaTogetherGreenFellowsalsoreceivespecializedtrainingandtheopportunitytobecomepartof analumninetworkofestablishedconservationprofessionals. "BecauseofToyota'ssupport,conservationistsacrosstheU.S.areincubatingnewapproaches tocreatinghealthiercommunities,"saidAudubonPresidentandCEODavidYarnold."Toyota TogetherGreenhashelpedjumpstartgreatprograms,leadersandideasbyprovidingfunding, professionaldevelopmentandasupportnetworktoscaleconservationworkforevenmoresignificant results.Theyareenvironmentalheroesandwe'repleasedtogivethemachancetoinventthefuture." PAHorticulturalSocietyTreeTenderPlantingEventsSetForSoutheast ThePAHorticulturalSocietyTreeTenderswillplantabout900treesinmorethan40Philadelphia neighborhoodsandinthesurroundingcountiesduringtheweekendofNovember23&24.New volunteersarewelcome! PlantOneMillionpartnersinPennsylvania,NewJersey,andDelawarewillalsohosttree plantingsthisfall. SpecialthankstothePhiladelphiaPhilliesandARAMARKfortheirsupportofPlantOne MillionthroughHomeRunsforTrees.Nowinitssecondyear,thispartnershipplantsatreeforeach homerunhitbyaPhilliesplayertheteamhit140homersthisyear. Fordates,locations,andcontactinformation,pleaseClickHere.Formoreinformation,visit thePAHorticulturalSocietywebsite. DCNR:EnjoyStateParksAndForestsOnVeteransDayHolidayWeekend DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesActingSecretaryEllenFerrettiWednesdayinvited Pennsylvanianstoenjoythe2.5millionacresofstateparkandforestlandsavailableforoutdoor enjoymentontheupcomingextendedVeteransDayholidayweekend. Ferrettinotedtherearemorethan20recreationalandeducationalprogramsbeingheldinstate parksovertheweekend,someofthemespeciallyforveteransandtheirfamilies. DCNRworkseverydaytoencourageourcitizenstotaketimetoexploreandbeactive outdoors,Ferrettisaid.Manypeopleenjoyourparksandforestsduringthesummermonths,but nothingbeatsawalkonatrailonacrispautumnday. Weliketoremindvisitors,andespeciallyveterans,thatourparksandforestshavenoentrance feesandareopenyearround,providinganopportunitytoenjoytheirbeauty,getsomeexerciseor learnsomethingataprogram,Ferrettisaid. ProgramsfortheVeteransDayweekendinclude: ExploretheNight,FrenchCreekStatePark,BerksCounty,November8,7p.m.Aleisurely 1.5milewalkneartheHopewellLaketoenjoythesights,soundsandsmellsofanautumneveningand learnaboutnocturnalwildlifethroughfunactivities. PeregrineFalcons:TheSagaofRecovery,"NoldeEnvironmentalEducationCenter,BerksCounty, November8,7:30p.m.BairdOrnithologicalClubpresentsspeakerArtMcMorriswhowilltalkabout

thenaturalhistoryofperegrinesthroughoutthecommonwealthwithaspotlightontheReadingfalcons. GeocachingFamilyEvent,SinnemahoningStatePark,CameronCounty,November9,noon CameronCountyclaimsitisthegeocachingcapitaloftheworldwithmorecachespersquaremilethan people.IndividualsandfamiliesnewtothesportcangethelpwithusingaGPS,settingupa Geocaching.comaccount,markingwaypointsandfindinggeocaches,includingtheeighteasytofind andeasytogettoRangerRicksJr.cachesalreadyinthepark.Experiencedgeocacherscanchallenge themselveswiththenewCivilianConservationCorps(CCC)LegacyofConservationgeotrail. GoldenEagleMigrationattheAlleghenyFront,OhiopyleStatePark,FayetteCounty,November 9,8a.m.5p.m.HeadtotheAlleghenyFronttowatchgoldeneaglesmigrating.Registrationis required,andthereisachargeforthisprogram. BeginningBinoculars,TiadaghtonResourceManagementCenter,LycomingCounty,November 10,1p.m.Thisstateforestprogramisanintroductiontobinocularsandbirdwatching.Tensetsof binocularsandbirdbookswillbeavailable,andthepublicisencouragedtobringtheirownaswell. BirdwatchingforVeteransandtheirFamilies,FrancesSlocumStatePark,LuzerneCounty, November11,10a.m.Veteransandtheirfamiliesareinvitedtojointheparknaturalistforalookatthe birdsusingthepark'sbirdfeedingarea. TheHenryLongrifle,JacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenter,NorthamptonCounty, November11,7p.m.TheHenryLongriflewasusedinallofournationsconflictsfromthe RevolutionaryWarthroughtheCivilWar.InrecognitionofVeteransDay,TimLubeneskyofthe JacobsburgHistoricalSocietywillsharehisinsightsonhowtheHenryLongrifleplayedaroleinour nationsmilitaryhistory. MoreinformationaboutprogramsisavailableontheDCNRCalendarofEventswebpage. FriendsOfTheWissahickon:StartYourHolidaysWithFriendsDec.7 StarttheholidaysrightwiththeFriendsoftheWissahickonatValleyGreenInnonDecember7when theyhostWinterintheWissahickoninMontgomeryCounty. Thisannualeventofferseveryonetheopportunitytodecoratetheirownholidaywreathwhile enjoyingchestnutsroastingonanopenfire,hotapplecider,andalightlunch/breakfastbuffet. EnvironmentalEducatorTrishFriesfromtheWissahickonEnvironmentalCenterwillleadaWinter WoodsHikeandaworkshoponcraftingnaturegiftsforanimals. ClickHereformoreeventshostedbytheFriendsoftheWissahickon. PennsylvaniaWildsNovemberArtisanTraileNewsNowAvailable TheNovemberissueofArtisanTraileNewsisnowavailablefromthePennsylvaniaWildsProgram. DCNRAcceptingNominationsForTrailsAdvisoryCommittee TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesisacceptingnominationsthroughDecember1 forsevenmembersofthePennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommittee. Whenitcomestobeingactiveoutdoors,hittingatrailisamongthemostpopularactivities, DCNRActingSecretaryEllenFerrettisaid.Thiscommitteehelpsthedepartmentimplementthe recommendationsofourstatewideoutdoorrecreationplantobuildastatewidenetworkoflandand watertrails.

ThePennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteeconsistsof20membersappointedbyDCNR. Membersrepresentdifferenttypesoftrailusers,buildersandadvocates,andpeoplewithdisabilities. Nominationsforthecurrentopenpositionsshouldrepresentoneofthefollowingareas: horsebackriding4wheeldrivingcrosscountryskiingwatertrailuserstrailwalkerstrailplanners andonememberatlarge. ThecommitteesresponsibilitiesaretoadviseDCNRontheuseoftrailfundinginPennsylvania, reviewandranktrailprojectapplications,andpresentanannualreporttothesecretaryontrail accomplishmentsfromtheprecedingyear. Appointeeswillserveforthreeconsecutiveyears. Toobtainanominationform,ClickHereorcall7177877672orsendemailto: roprunty@pa.gov.ClickHereformoreinformationonPennsylvaniastrails. PennFutureAnnouncesCindyDunnAsNewPresident PennFutureMondayannouncedtheappointmentofCindyAdamsDunnas presidentandCEOofthestatewideenvironmentaladvocacyorganizationafter afourmonthnationalsearch. DunncomestoPennFuturefromtheDepartmentofConservationand NaturalResources,whereshewasdeputysecretaryforconservationand technicalservices. "We'redelightedtohaveCindywithusassheiseminentlyqualifiedto leadtheorganization'sworktacklingair,landandwaterissuesthroughoutthe Commonwealth,"saidDavidLane,chairofPennFuture'sboardofdirectors. "Herskillsasamanagercombinedwithpassionfortheenvironmentwillprove invaluableaswecontinuetoaddressclimatechangeandpromoteaclean energyeconomy.Theboardisconfidentshe'stherightfit." DunnpreviouslyservedasdirectorofDCNR'sBureauofRecreationandConservationandisa pastexecutivedirectorofAudubonPennsylvania.SheheldakeymanagementpostattheAlliancefor theChesapeakeBayfor10years. ThePennsylvanianativeandgraduateofShippensburgCollegeisanavidoutdoorswoman, regularlyhikingtheAppalachianTrailandfishingtheSusquehannaRiver. "Ilookforwardtoworkingactivelywithmynewcolleaguesontheissueofclimatechange,"said Dunn."WeshareagreatsenseofurgencytoprotectPennsylvania'slandscapeandwaterresources. PennFutureiswellpositionedtoaddresstheissuesoftheday,andouractionswillhavelastingimpacts. There'sareasonit'scalledPennFuture." Formoreinformation,visitthePennFuturewebsite. PennsylvaniaGrowingGreenerCoalitionExecutiveDirectorAndrewHeathcongratulated CindyAdamsDunnonherappointmentasPresidentandCEOofPennFuture:CindyDunnisan excellentchoiceasthechiefexecutiveofPennFutureandthePennsylvaniaGrowingGreenerCoalition congratulatesheronthisprestigiousappointment. Cindyhasdecadesofexperienceinoutdoorrecreation,conservationofnaturalresources, environmentalprotectionandwillbeastrongleaderforPennFuture,anorganizationthathasatrack recordofsuccessinenforcingenvironmentallawsandadvocatingforstrongenvironmentalandpublic healthpolicies. Since2008,theGrowingGreenerCoalitionhasbeenworkingwithgroupslikePennFutureto

protectland,water,wildlifeandhistoricsites.WelookforwardtoworkingwithCindyandher colleaguesatPennFuturetoenhancethehealthandeconomicwellbeingofcommunitiesthroughoutthe statebyadvocatingforfundingtosupporttheprotectionofland,water,wildlifeandairquality. NewsClips: TopPAParksOfficialToLeadEnvironmentalGroup CindyDunnPennFutureNamesNewCEO

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased November12NEW.AgendaReleased.StateConservationCommissionmeeting.Room309 AgricultureBuilding.1:00. Act38NutrientManagementProgramTechnicalManual ProposedChangestoOdorManagementPlantemplates ChesapeakeBayProgramSpecialProjectProgramSupplementalFunding ConservationDistrictstaffappointments ProposedchangestoDrivingSurfaceAggregateSpecifications <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. November13AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsahearingonproposed waterwithdrawalrequests.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal notice) November13CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thereareno furthermeetingsscheduledin2013.9:30.(formalnotice) November13AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Delaware Room,16thFloor,RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. UpdatesonBrownfieldsConference,fromtheOfficeofEnvironmentalAdvocate PrescriptionDrugCollectionandDisposalPrograms ClimateImpactsAssessmentUpdate PAFoundationforWatershedsPresentation EnhancedPublicParticipationandEducationRollOut PermitReviewProcessandPermitDecisionGuaranteeOutreach CommunityEnvironmentalProjectPolicyChanges 2014ChesterListeningSession <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts November13AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) DiscussionofHB1576relatedtoendangeredspecieslistingandprotection AnupdatefromTheNatureConservancy UpdatefromDCNR

<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts November15NEW.DEPwebinar to introduce the public to its new online Public Participation Center.Register Here .9:30. November19AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. 3YearFeeProgramCostReportOperatorCertificationProgram Finalregulationonmeasurementandreportingofcondensableparticulateemissions ProposedRACTruleformajorsourcesofNOxandVOCs RecommendationonAshleyFunkandKidsv.GlobalWarmingpetition <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts November19AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.11:00. RightToKnowLawandRequestsToDEP ProposedCommunityEnvironmentalProjectPolicy NationalRiverandStreamAssessment,EPA,DEPpresentation DepartmentReport <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. November20CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeetinghasbeen rescheduledforNovember13.(formalnotice) December3DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. December4DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building10:00. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00.

December17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. November13PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing November14DCNR/POWR2014RiverOfTheYear November14CBFStudentEducationProgramRegistrations November15WesternPAConservancyCanoe,KayakAccessGrants November22CBFStudentSplashdancePhotoContest December1DCNR2014TrailOfTheYear December1PHMCHistoricMarkerNominations December13ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipConservationGrants December20WesternPAConservancy,DominionWatershedMiniGrants December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10NEW.DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

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Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Note:ScrantonTimesInterviewWithDEPSecretaryAbruzzo CorbettOnReElection:PromisesKept CorbettsReElectionRunOnNaturalGas,NotHisBus JerrySternWontSeekReElection(HesponsoredREAPfarmconservationtaxcredit.) Budget PATaxpayersFootGrowingBillForNaturalGasSubsidies StateNaturalGasSubsidiesCouldReach$1BillionOverDecade LessStateAid,ExceptForGasDevelopment OpEd:WhyBurnTaxpayersToAidRichDrillers? TransportationFundingTalksYieldSomeProgress TransportationSecretaryMakesCaseForFunding OpEd:PANeedsATransportationFundingBillNow Editorial:TransportationFundingImpasseCouldStaffEconomy Other ScrantonTimesInterviewWithDEPSecretaryAbruzzo HousePanelToVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill EndangeredSpeciesBillFacesVoteInHouse HouseCommitteeReadiesVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ConservationGroupsOpposeEndangeredSpeciesBill TopPAParksOfficialToLeadEnvironmentalGroup CindyDunnPennFutureNamesNewCEO NewPennFutureCEOFormerDCNRDeputy HotlineSetUpToStopLitteringFromCarsInPittsburgh NewRecyclingPlanToSaveNanticokeMoney HeatingAssistanceAvailableForLowIncomeFamilies ContaminatedSoilCleanupNearingCompletionInCarbondale MartinGuitarSeekingSustainableFuture SupportersUrgeWindFarmDevelopmentNearErie ErieCountyTwpPassesWindFarmLaw UtilitiesResistPlanToMoveGasMetersOutdoors Editorial:EvenConsolSeesFutureIsNaturalGas ElectricalFireShutsDownBeaverNuclearPlant ExpertsSayNuclearPowerNeededtoSlowWarming OpEd:PoliticallyCorrectCoalRallyMissedClimateTarget PennStateClimateScientistSpeaksAtMillersvilleU ThomasMertonAwardGoesToClimateChangeActivist PerkiomenConservancyHonorsMorrisArboretumsDr.Block AmericanFarmlandTrust:FarmBillAgEasementFundingAtRisk OpEd:PAFarmersCaughtInSpatOverFederalFarmBill

PreservationOfPopeFarmApprovedInBucks GroupsAimToPreserveLandAlongSusquehannaRiver NewSectionOfLackawannaRiverTrailOpens Nov.9MeetingSetOnPresqueIsleWaterTrail WhoWillPayForPhillyRegionalTrailsNow? RegionalTrailNetworkTakingShapeInPhiladelphia PAForestsStable,ButPlentyOfRisksAbound PennStateProf.DiefenbachRecognizedForWildlifeResearch VisitorsShapeLookOfFlight93Memorial Flight93WitnessTreesThreatenedByWoollyAdelgid DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling PATaxpayersFootGrowingBillForNaturalGasSubsidies StateNaturalGasSubsidiesCouldReach$1BillionOverDecade LessStateAid,ExceptForGasDevelopment OpEd:WhyBurnTaxpayersToAidRichDrillers? $3MillionInGrantsForNaturalGasVehicles CorbettsReElectionRunOnNaturalGas,NotHisBus DrillingDeadlockInTheDelawarePleasesSomeOfficials DrillingIndustryAnnouncesRadiationStudyToParallelDEPEffort DrillersToBeginMechanicalIntegrityWellInspections DrillingCompanyBlockedFromRemovingWaterBuffalo LawmakersDividedOnChesapeakeEnergyLandownerSettlement GasDrillersPointToSafetyOfBargesForWastewater SoleProposalSubmittedToDrillUnderDeerLake PittsburghTechnologyInstituteOffersNewEnergyCurriculum UtilitiesResistPlanToMoveGasMetersOutdoors NewGasPipelineBeginsServiceInPA,NJ Financial/OtherStates ChesapeakeEnergyGrowsMarcellusProduction Editorial:EvenConsolSeesFutureIsNaturalGas

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate

Flooding ChartiersCreekCommunitiesSeekHelpWithFlooding BillWouldDelayFloodInsuranceRateLaw OtherWatershedNewsClips AmericanFarmlandTrust:FarmBillAgEasementFundingAtRisk OpEd:PAFarmersCaughtInSpatOverFederalFarmBill MineScarredAvondaleEntersFinalPhaseOfRestoration LititzFarmCouldPreventFutureManurePitTragedies WetWipesCreatingProblemsForSewageSystems OpEd:RehabOurInlandWaterways TaxCreditWouldBenefitWaterfrontProjects DrillingDeadlockInTheDelawarePleasesSomeOfficials

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinNovember9,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofcertificationrequestsunderthe NutrientCreditTradingProgramandnoticeofaDecember6hearingonaproposedindividualNPDES permitforaconcentratedanimalfeedingoperationinClevelandTownship,ColumbiaCounty(PA Bulletinpage6734) TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings

areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. November12NEW.AgendaReleased.StateConservationCommissionmeeting.Room309 AgricultureBuilding.1:00. November13NEW.HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1576 (PyleRArmstrong)fundamentallychangingthewaythreatenedandendangeredspeciesarelistedand protected.Room60EastWing.9:30. November13CANCELED.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsa hearingonHouseBill1699(RossRChester)regulatingbackupgeneratorsusedindemandresponse programssummary.RescheduledforNovember20. November13AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsahearingonproposed waterwithdrawalrequests.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal notice) November13CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thereareno furthermeetingsscheduledin2013.(formalnotice) November13AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Delaware Room,16thFloor,RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. November13AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) November15NEW.DEPwebinar to introduce the public to its new online Public Participation Center.Register Here .9:30. November18LocationAdded.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWater PollutionControlandConservationCommitteewillhearapresentationbyDr.MartinPlishka,a principalofthefirmECOFRAC,onmitigatingtherisksofwatercontaminationbyusingaquatically nontoxicsolventsforhydraulicfracturing.Room205RyanBuilding.Noon. November19AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. November19AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.11:00. November20HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill 1699(RossRChester)regulatingbackupgeneratorsusedindemandresponseprogramssummary.

RoomB31MainCapitol.9:00. November20CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeetinghasbeen rescheduledforNovember13.(formalnotice) December3DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. December4DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building10:00. December9EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControland ConservationCommitteewillhearapresentationbyEricJesperson,ananalystandresearcher,onPA WaterDataRetrospectiveandForwardonthehistoryofwaterdataplanninginPennsylvania.LTBA. Noon. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. December17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state

budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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