PA Environment Digest Feb. 5, 2018

Issue #710 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Feb.
5, 2018
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Senate Passes Bill To Finance More Initiatives Out Of The Growing Greener Fund
Without Adding Any New Money
The Senate Tuesday amended and Wednesday passed Senate Bill 799 to use the Environmental
Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund to finance programs previously funded through the
General Fund or other agencies, plus added several new initiatives without providing any more
money.
This means the already scarce resources devoted to the Growing Greener Program would
be stretched even more thinly and lose their effectiveness at restoring and protecting
Pennsylvania’s environment if no significant sources of new funding are found.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee said in a Tweet, "The bill promotes innovative technology and creates a
framework to build upon successful environmental programs.. We will continue to work towards
dedicated funding of these programs to help PA meet our Chesapeake Bay mandates."
The need for new funding to make this initiative work was mentioned in remarks on the
Senate Floor by Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee.
“The Growing Greener framework, included in Senate Bill 799, represents our
commitment to stakeholders throughout PA, including the groups like the Growing Greener
Coalition, that the legislature will continue the fight for the necessary funding to continue the
tremendous legacy of the Growing Greener Program,” said Sen. Yudichak.
The programs previously funded through the General Fund or other sources including--
-- Funding the $10 million Resource Enhancement and Recovery (REAP) Farm Conservation
Tax Credit from Agriculture’s share;
-- Funding Department of Community and Economic development local land use planning, Elm
Street and Main Street redevelopment programs, now part of the Keystone Communities
Program which was appropriated just over $13 million this year;
-- Grants to counties to preserve farmland through the Department of Agriculture, not just the
Department;
-- Funding low-interest loans to farmers on preserved farms to keep them viable through the
Department of Agriculture.
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-- Fish and Boat Commission dam rehabilitation and maintenance and upgrades to fish
hatcheries;
-- Game Commission dam and water structure improvements;
-- PA Historical and Museum Commission for historic preservation grants;
-- Funding for the PA Energy Harvest Program for solar, wind and methane digester projects on
farms through DEP; and
-- Funding to characterize, remediate or eliminate environmental hazards on brownfield
properties to return them to productive use through DEP.
The allocation of funds to each participating agency were changed to add the new
programs now proposed to be funded by the Environmental Stewardship Fund--
-- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources: 28.9 Percent [Old Percentage 24.1] of
which: 50 percent for county, municipal, authorized organizations; 10 percent for land trust
projects; 4.5 percent for Heritage Areas; 30 percent for projects in the Susquehanna River
Watershed;
-- Department of Environmental Protection: 38.2 Percent [Old Percentage 37.4 Percent] of
which 40 percent for projects in the Susquehanna River Watershed;
-- Department of Agriculture: 19.7 Percent [Old Percentage 14.8] of which 12 percent for
farmland preservation; 40 percent for projects within the Susquehanna River Watershed, and
paying for the Resource Enhancement and Protection Farm Conservation (REAP) Tax Credit;
-- PA Infrastructure Investment Authority: 4.6 Percent [Old Percentage 23.7] of which 40
percent for projects in the Susquehanna River Watershed;
-- Department of Community and Economic Development: 3.6 Percent [Not included before];
-- Fish and Boat Commission: 2.6 Percent [Not included before];
-- Game Commission: 1.3 Percent [Not included before]; and
-- PA Historical and Museum Commission: 1.1 Percent [Not included before].
The bill also creates a new, significantly changed Clean Water Procurement Program
aimed only at nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the Susquehanna River Watershed relying on
a bid process. The program does not include sediment, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed’s biggest
water quality problem and has no funding.
Reaction - PEC: This Represents Only An Empty Shell Without Funding
The PA Environmental Council sent this letter on the amended bill to Sen. Gene Yaw
(R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,
and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair who both worked on the revised
language--
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, thank you for your bipartisan
efforts to incorporate Senator Killion’s Senate Bill 705 and the Growing Greener III initiative
into Senate Bill 799, and to make significant changes to the underlying legislation.
The Growing Greener Program framework in the amended bill, when funded, would
represent a critical step toward addressing many of Pennsylvania’s most challenging
environmental cleanup and restoration needs, which are faced by communities, businesses, and
citizens across the Commonwealth.
At the same time, we are pleased that both of you recognize that without new, significant
sources of funding to support this initiative, the bill stands as an empty shell that could prove
detrimental. We believe the final version of this legislation, before being sent to the Governor,
must be accompanied by a dedicated and sustainable funding source. It is essential that Senate
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leadership demonstrate their commitment to this need.
With respect to the underlying procurement program in Senate Bill 799, there must be
full vetting to ensure that the methodology truly sets a level playing field, and constitutes
verifiable use of taxpayer money. These safeguards must also ensure that it will not hamper
existing, proven programs that benefit Pennsylvania farmers and water quality. We believe the
program should be established as a pilot that is limited in scope and duration, and subject to
ongoing evaluation to ensure it is helping Pennsylvania meet its federal mandates.
We look forward to working with you to improve this legislation as it moves forward,
and again greatly appreciate your support.
Reaction - PA Growing Greener Coalition: No Funding Source In Face Of $300
Million Annual Need
The PA Growing Greener Coalition Executive Director Andrew Health said this in
reaction to the bill’s passing, ““We acknowledge that this is a process, and the Coalition is
committed to working with the General Assembly and the Governor to ensure that additional
funding needed for the program can be achieved this year.”
The Coalition sent this letter to members of the Senate Tuesday on the revised
legislation--
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of
conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, I want to express
my appreciation for your interest and willingness to amend Senate Bill 799 to include the
Growing Greener III framework legislative language introduced by Senator Tom Killion earlier
this session as Senate Bill 705.
This represents a positive step in achieving a viable Growing Greener III program by the
end of the year, and we are encouraged that you understand how important the Growing Greener
III program is in tackling the ever-increasing unmet needs facing communities throughout the
Commonwealth.
Established in 1999, the state’s Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local
parks and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored
hundreds of miles of streams and waterways. The program has also protected more than 78,000
acres of farmland, restored more than 1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce
flooding and water pollution through 400 watershed protection projects and more than 100
drinking and wastewater treatment improvements.
In addition to funding the Department of Agriculture (PDA), Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources (DCNR), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST), the Growing Greener III
framework legislation enhances the current program by adding agencies and additional programs
to better address the needs facing the Commonwealth.
For example, the framework legislation authorizes the funding of a Working Forest
Conservation Easement initiative to protect the state’s forests and ensure a healthy forest
industry and reflects the urgent need to address water quality issues in the Susquehanna River
watershed by requiring certain state agencies to allocate a percentage of Growing Greener ESF
funds for projects in the watershed. It enables the PDA to use Growing Greener dollars to
support best management practices on farms which will also help improve local water quality.
Once fully-funded, this Growing Greener III program will be the largest investment ever
made by the Commonwealth to meet its commitment under the Chesapeake Bay watershed
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agreement. The state’s failure to meet its targets to date makes the passage of Growing Greener
III even more urgent.
The Coalition is encouraged by recent changes made to the original version of SB 799,
including the removal of language that weakened local communities’ responsibilities to address
water quality issues through MS4 programs. However, more information is needed to better
understand the provisions in the legislation dealing with nutrient trading, procurement
methodology and the innovative technology fund.
Unfortunately, the amendment also removes a provision of Senate Bill 705 that would
have transferred the Growing Greener II Bond debt service payment out of the Growing Greener
Environmental Stewardship Fund. We remain encouraged that as the process moves along, the
General Assembly will explore a list of options to fund Growing Greener III. Senate Bill 705 is
supported by a bipartisan group of twenty-seven Senators.
The Coalition agrees that science and technology will play a critical role in addressing the
Commonwealth’s environmental challenges and, supports pursuing innovative solutions to
solving those challenges. However, these innovations must demonstrate real, tangible,
cost-effective results that will maximize the investments being made with recognized progress.
In its current form, it is unclear whether SB 799 meets these requirements, but our coalition
supports moving the conversation along with a positive vote on SB 799 as amended with the
Growing Greener framework.
In its current form, the legislation does not identify funding sources for either the
Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund or the Innovative Technology fund. The
Coalition has identified more than $300+ million in annual needs to ensure Pennsylvanians have
access to clean water, locally grown food, and parks, trails and other recreational opportunities.
The final version of this legislation must be accompanied by a sustainable funding source prior
to being sent to the Governor.
The Coalition understands that this is a process and we are committed to working with all
parties to ensure that a fully-funded Growing Greener III program can be achieved. Once this
legislation passes the Senate, which we hope will happen soon, we will work with our legislative
champions in the House to address any outstanding issues and identifying the funding sources
needed to make this program work.
Sincerely, Andrew Heath, Executive Director, PA Growing Greener Coalition.
NewsClips:
Cusick: Drilling Impact Fee Revenue Expected To Rise This Year
Legere: Gas Impact Fee Revenue To Rise $46 Million This Year, IFO Reports
Legere: Senators Push For More Gas Leasing In State Forests
EPA Watchdog Sounds Alarm Over Budget Cuts
Related Stories:
PennVEST OKs $74 Million In Water, Stormwater, Non-Point Source, Forest Conservation
Projects In 11 Counties
DEP Blog: Ambler: A Small Borough Thinking Big On Stormwater With Growing Greener
Grant
Senate Committee Approves Local Stormwater Pollution Prevention Fee Authorization Bills
DEP Launches Good Samaritan Outreach To Promote Abandoned Oil & Gas Well Plugging
Projects
PUC: Act 13 Drilling Impact Fees To Increase For 2017 Production Wells, IFO: Revenue To
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Increase $46.1 Million
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Concerned About EPA's Efforts To Roll Back Environmental
Protections
NRCS-PA: Conservation Assistance Available To Farmers In Centre Clinton, Lycoming
Counties
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
PUC: Act 13 Drilling Impact Fees To Increase For 2017 Production Wells, IFO: Revenue
To Increase $46.1 Million
The Public Utility Commission published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of increases to the
Act 13 drilling impact fees covering 2017 producing natural gas wells.
Year 1 horizontal well fees will increase $5,400 per well to $50,700, Year 2 horizontal
well fees will increase $5,300 to $40,500, Year 3 by $200 to $30,400 and Year 4 to 10 by
$5,200. Vertical producing unconventional well fees will also increase generally by about
$1,000 per well.
Click Here for the 2017 fees. Click Here for the 2016 fees.
The Independent Fiscal Office Wednesday released its latest report on Act 13 drilling
impact fee revenues which said the revenue coming in this year is estimated to be $219.3 million,
up $46.1 million over last year when $173.2 million was collected.
The IFO said the additional revenue comes from a higher price for natural gas used in the
fee calculation and production from new unconventional natural gas wells offsetting the decline
from older wells.
The most ever collected from the fee was in 2013 -- $225.7 million.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
January State Revenue Up $93.8 Million Above Estimate, Up $89.7 Million For FY
Independent Fiscal Office Revises FY 2017-18 Revenue Estimate Upward By $35 Million
Senate Passes Bill To Finance More Initiatives Out Of The Growing Greener Fund Without
Adding Any New Money
Grant
Projects
Protections
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Counties
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
Senate Passes Local Clean Energy Funding Bill To Save Energy, Money
By a vote of 42 to 8, the Senate Tuesday passed Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna), a clean
energy financing bill to enable local government Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy,
or C-PACE, programs in Pennsylvania.
“C-PACE financing is a proven tool to help Pennsylvania businesses invest in cost-saving
energy efficiency projects, creating jobs and reducing energy costs,” said Julian Boggs, policy
director for Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA).
Energy efficiency is booming business in Pennsylvania, accounting for more than 62,000
jobs and growing at 7-10 percent each year. These jobs include a broad array of professionals
such as electricians, engineers, trained technicians, financial analysts, construction workers,
facility managers, software developers, and other specialists.
The clean energy bill, sponsored by Sen. John Blake and Sen. Guy Reschenthaler
(R-Allegheny), allows counties, cities, and towns to set up programs to finance energy efficiency
and clean energy projects on commercial properties.
Thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have enabled C-PACE financing since
2007, and C-PACE programs in those states have generated $400 million in investments in
energy efficiency and clean energy programs.
KEEA applauded Senators Blake and Reschenthaler for their leadership and urged the
House of Representatives to pass can we say pass this legislation, a win-win-win for jobs,
consumers, and clean air.
A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is now available.
NewsClips:
2 Smart Energy Homes In State College Hit Market
Columbia Gas Customers Advised On Energy Efficiency
DOE: Eagles Stadium Considered One Of The Greenest Stadiums In The World
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Senate Committee Approves Resolutions Directing Review Of DEP Permit Programs,

Ending State Forest Drilling Moratorium
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday approved resolutions to
require an independent performance evaluation of two of DEP’s permitting programs critical to
development and to end the moratorium on drilling on state forest land.
The legislation approved by the Committee includes--
-- Senate Resolution 226 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to conduct an independent performance evaluation of DEP’s Chapter 102 Erosion
and Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and Encroachment) permitting
programs (sponsor summary) Click Here for more;
“Democrats and Republicans, as well as business leaders and environmental groups, can
all agree that DEP’s permitting must improve if we are to continue creating jobs and protecting
the environment,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee.
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“With DEP staffing levels at historic lows and turnaround times frustratingly long, Senate
Resolution 226 will provide us the necessary baseline data to improve the efficiency of DEP’s
environmental permitting process.”
-- Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) resolution urging the Governor to end the
moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling on state forest land (sponsor
summary) was reported out with Republicans supporting, Democrats opposed.
Gov. Wolf's press secretary JJ Abbott reiterated the Governor remains opposed to more
drilling in state parks and forests--
"Natural gas development is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy, but so is the economic and
environmental viability of our parks and forests," he said.
"Gov. Wolf believes we currently have the right balance as our state parks and forests are
unique assets that should be preserved, protected, and utilized by our residents for recreational
purposes. Gov. Wolf has focused on finding opportunities to grow our recreational and tourism
economy through a revitalized parks and forest system that ensures we are preserving our natural
resources and protecting our people and the environment;"
-- House Bill 1341 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) further providing for training and certification of
emergency medical personnel responding to bituminous deep mine accidents (House Fiscal Note
and summary); and
-- House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural high-tunnel structures
from the Stormwater Management Act (House Fiscal Note and summary), with opposition from
the departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, with one opposing vote.
The resolutions and bills now go to the full Senate.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Wolf Oil & Gas Permit Plan Better Serves All Parties
Related Stories:
PA Environmental Defense Foundation, PennFuture Urge Gov. Wolf Not To Lift State Forest
Drilling Moratorium
Gov. Wolf, DEP Taking Action To Reduce Backlogs, Improve Oversight, Modernize Permit
Process
Gov. Wolf’s Statement Introducing Plan To Reduce Backlogs, Improve Oversight, Modernize
DEP’s Permit Process
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Senate Committee Approves Local Stormwater Pollution Prevention Fee Authorization

Bills
The Senate Local Government Committee Tuesday reported out a package of four bills to
authorize boroughs, townships of the first class, cities of the third class and incorporated towns
to adopt local stormwater management fees. The bills include--
-- House Bill 913 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by incorporated towns;
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-- House Bill 914 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs;
-- House Bill 915 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by first class townships; and
-- House Bill 916 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class.
Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) is the prime sponsor of the bills and is one of
Pennsylvania’s members and the current chair of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
These bills are the latest in a series of actions to give local governments the tools they
need to better deal with stormwater flooding and resulting pollution, in particular in
Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
In July of 2016, the General Assembly passed and Gov. Wolf signed into law House Bill
1325 (Mustio-D-Allegheny) authorizing townships of the second class to levy stormwater fees
(now Act 62).
In July of 2014, the General Assembly passed and Gov. Corbett signed into law Senate
Bill 1255 (Erickson-R-Delaware) authorizing municipalities to establish municipal authorities
for the purpose of implementing stormwater pollution prevention programs (Act 123).
The bills now go to the full Senate for action.
Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: swagner@pasen.gov. Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna) serves as
Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: jblake@pasenate.com.
Related Stories:
Grant
Projects
IFO: Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Revenue To Increase $46.1 Million
Protections
Counties
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
House Committee Meets Feb. 6 On 5 Bill Regulatory, Permit Package Designed To Kill
Regulations By Doing Nothing
The House State Government Committee is scheduled to meet on February 6 to consider a 5 bill
regulatory and permit reform package that came out of the Committee’s report on Regulatory
Overreach released January 16.
The legislation includes bills giving the General Assembly authority to repeal significant
environmental and other regulations by doing nothing (House Bill 1237), taking the authority to
issue delayed permits away from state agencies and giving it to third parties (House Bill 1959)
and creating a new Regulatory Compliance Officers in each agency with the ability to waiver
fines and penalties for any violations (House Bill 1960).
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With respect to “reforming” the way regulations are adopted, a review of how often
House and Senate standing committees and the General Assembly use the regulatory review
tools they have now clearly shows they don’t use them very often or even comment on
regulations that much. Click Here for more.
The bills include--
-- Kill A Regulation By Doing Nothing: House Bill 1237 (Keefer-R-York) The General
Assembly would be required to vote on a concurrent resolution to approve an economically
significant regulation (which has an annual fiscal impact totaling $1 million or more on the
government or private sector), in order for that regulation to go into effect. If the General
Assembly does nothing, the regulation cannot go into effect. Click Here for more.
A similar bill was already passed by the Senate-- Senate Bill 561-- and is in the House
State Government Committee.
-- Taking Permit Reviews Away From State Agencies Giving It To Third Parties: House
Bill 1959 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) Establishes the Pennsylvania Permit Act which requires
agencies to create and develop a navigable online permit tracking system and takes authority to
issue certain permits away from state agencies and gives it to third-party reviewers. Click Here
for more.
-- New Regulatory Compliance Officers With Authority To Waive Fines: House Bill 1960
(Ellis-R-Butler) Requires each agency to appoint a Regulatory Compliance Officer with the
authority to waive fines and penalties if a permit holder attempts to comply. Click Here for
more.
-- New Office of The Repealer/Moratorium On New Regulations: House Bill 209
(Phillips-Hill-R-York): Establishes the Independent Office of the Repealer to undertake an
ongoing review of existing regulations; receive and process recommendations; and make
recommendations to the General Assembly, the governor, and executive agencies for repeal.
Additional provisions of this legislation would both establish a moratorium on new
regulatory burdens and create a process for “sunsetting” existing regulations by placing a cap on
the number of regulations and requiring the repeal of two existing regulations for every new
regulation promulgated.
Click Here for more from an identical bill introduced last session-- House Bill 2408.
-- Repeal Any Regulation By Resolution: House Bill 1792 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) Gives the
General Assembly the ability to initiate the repeal of any state regulation in effect by a
concurrent resolution modeled after a federal procedure used successfully by the Trump
Administration to repeal regulations (sponsor summary).
The meeting will be held in Room B-31 Main Capitol starting at 10:00. Committee
meetings are usually webcast on the House Republican website.
Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: dmetcalf@pahousegop.com. Rep. Matthew Bradford
(D-Montgomery) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
mbradford@pahouse.net.
Related Stories:
Analysis: How Do The Senate, House Use The Tools They Have Now To Review Agency
Regulations?
House Committee Chair Releases Regulatory Overreach Report, Endorses Bill Authorizing
Repeal Of Regulations By Doing Nothing
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[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
Analysis: How Do The Senate, House Use The Tools They Have Now To Review Agency
Regulations?
With the House and Senate busy considering bills to “reform” the way regulations are adopted in
the Commonwealth, it’s hard not to miss the fact that House and Senate standing committees
have only rarely even issued comments on regulations under the regulatory review process they
have now.
Rarer still is committee action to report out or even vote on a resolution to block a
regulation, let alone have the full Senate and House actually adopt a resolution to kill a
regulation.
From 2011 through 2016 for example, House and Senate standing committees did not
comment on 91.1 percent (445) of the 488 proposed or final regulations they had the opportunity
to review through the existing regulatory review process, according to the annual reports issued
by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
In 2012 standing committees set IRRC comments on 8 of 99 regulations. In 2014 on only
2. In 2016 only 7 of 75 regulations justified any comments by standing committees. Here’s the
complete rundown--
-- In 2016 the IRRC reviewed 75 regulations and standing House and Senate Committees
submitted comments on 7.
-- In 2015 the IRRC reviewed 74 regulations and standing House and Senate Committees
-- In 2014, the IRRC reviewed 90 regulations and standing House and Senate Committees
Since 1990, there have been 15 House/Senate concurrent resolutions introduced to bar
publication of a regulation, the next step in the existing process for final regulations. Of those
15, 4 were adopted by the House and Senate-- 2 were vetoed and not overridden, 1 was vetoed
and overridden barring the regulation and on the fourth one the Governor did not take action
resulting in barring the regulation. The remainder of the 15 were never acted on.
From 2011 to 2016 only 2 resolutions were reported from standing committees, but never
adopted by the House or Senate.
In the case of one of those regulations-- DEP’s final regulations covering conventional oil
and gas drilling operations-- the General Assembly passed a bill (not a resolution) to kill those
regulations which become law.
Passing a law is something the General Assembly can do at any time if they do not like a
regulation.
Since 2008, the IRRC has reviewed 934 proposed and final regulations and disapproved
just 35 final regulations, just over 7 percent, using criteria that have become more complicated as
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the years have gone by. Ultimately 29 of those regulations were approved later based on
revisions, 6 disapproved regulations were withdrawn and 5 were given a second disapproval.
The number of regulations being issued and reviewed through the existing process has
also dropped dramatically.
In 2001, the IRRC reviewed 164 proposed and final regulations and that increased to 160
in 2010. But agencies only delivered 42 regulations in 2017 for IRRC review, the lowest year on
record since 2001.
The House State Government Committee meets February 6 on a 5 bill package of
regulatory and permit reform legislation. One bill in the package-- House Bill 1237-- would let
the General Assembly block publication of a regulation by doing nothing-- without passing a
resolution or passing a law.
It is instructive to look at the testimony the House State Government Committee received
from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission June 20 of last year on the case law
involving what might be considered constitutional or not involving the General Assembly’s
authority to review regulations.
Visit the Independent Regulatory Review Commission website to learn more about the
regulatory review process.
Related Stories:
House Committee Meets Feb. 6 On 5 Bill Regulatory, Permit Package Designed to Kill
Regulations By Doing Nothing
House Committee Chair Releases Regulatory Overreach Report, Endorses Bill Authorizing
Repeal Of Regulations By Doing Nothing
Shale Gas Industry Tells House Committee We Don’t Want Regulatory Relief, We Want Permits
On Time
House Committee Seeks Ways The General Assembly Can Get More Involved In The
Regulatory Process
Senate OKs Bill To Allow General Assembly To Kill Regulations By Doing Nothing
Analysis: House/Senate Republicans Introduce DEP Permit/Reg Reform Bills
AP-Levy: PA Democratic Party Chair Resigns Under Pressure From Gov. Wolf
[Posted: Feb. 2, 2018]
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--
Steel Slag Waste Exemption: Senate Bill 497 (Vogel-R-Beaver) exempting steel slag from the
definition of waste under certain circumstances. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the Senate--
Senate
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Local Energy Project Funding: Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would authorize local
governments to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable
energy and water conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their
operating costs, was amended and reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and
passed by the Senate. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes to the
House for action. Click Here for more
Growing Greener III: Senate Bill 799 (Alloway-R-Franklin) a voluntary program to allow
municipalities to pay for nutrient reductions was amended on the floor to include the Growing
Greener III initiative in Senate Bill 705 (Killion-R-Delaware) without funding and with changes
to the underlying bill and was passed by the Senate 47 to 2. The bill now goes to the House for
action. Click Here for more.
DEP Permit Program Review: Senate Resolution 226 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) directing the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an independent performance evaluation of
DEP’s Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and
Encroachment) permitting programs (sponsor summary) was unanimously reported out of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for
action. Click Here for more.
Urge End To DCNR Drilling Moratorium: Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R-Washington)

resolution urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural
gas drilling on state forest land (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee with Republicans supporting, Democrats opposed and is now
on the Senate Calendar for action.
Deep Mine Rescue Medical Certification: House Bill 1341 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) further
providing for training and certification of emergency medical personnel responding to
bituminous deep mine accidents (House Fiscal Note and summary) was unanimously reported
out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate
Calendar for action.
Exempt Ag High Tunnels From Stormwater Permitting: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-
Lancaster) exempting agricultural high-tunnel structures from the Stormwater Management Act
(House Fiscal Note and summary), with opposition from the departments of Agriculture and
Environmental Protection, was reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee with one opposing vote.
Preserved Farm Restrictions: House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) changing restrictions on

preserved land to allow for an additional residence (House Fiscal Note and summary) was
reported from the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and is now on the Senate
Calendar for action.
Stormwater Fee Package: House Bill 913 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by
incorporated towns; House Bill 914 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs;
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House Bill 915 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by first class townships; and
House Bill 916 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class was
reported out of the Senate Local Government Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for
action.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Feb. 5): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends Title 58 to impose a
sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and includes provisions related to
minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 2034 (Marshall-R-Beaver) requiring
agriculture lime to be labeled with the percentage of molybdenum it contains; House Resolution
284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Feb. 5): Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R-Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to be
certified in application techniques and creates an education program; Senate Resolution 104
(Bartolotta-R-Washington) resolution urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new
non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling on state forest land (sponsor summary); Senate
Resolution 226 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
to conduct an independent performance evaluation of DEP’s Chapter 102 Erosion and
Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and Encroachment) permitting programs
(sponsor summary); House Bill 913 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by
incorporated towns; House Bill 914 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs;
House Bill 915 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by first class townships; and
House Bill 916 providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class; House
Bill 1341 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) further providing for training and certification of emergency
medical personnel responding to bituminous deep mine accidents (House Fiscal Note and
summary); House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R- Lancaster) exempting agricultural high-tunnel
structures from the Stormwater Management Act (House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill
1550 (Klunk-R-York) changing restrictions on preserved land to allow for an additional
residence (House Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Appropriations Committee holds a hearing on investment and expenditures from
special funds by the Department of Treasury; the State Government Committee meets to
consider House Bill 1237 (Keefer-R-York) The General Assembly would be required to vote on
a concurrent resolution to approve an economically significant regulation (which has an annual
13
fiscal impact totaling $1 million or more on the government or private sector), in order for that
regulation to go into effect. If the General Assembly does nothing, the regulation cannot go into
effect. Click Here for more; House Bill 1959 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) Establishes the
Pennsylvania Permit Act which requires agencies to create and develop a navigable online
permit tracking system and takes authority to issue certain permits away from state agencies and
gives it to third-party reviewers. Click Here for more; House Bill 1960 (Ellis-R-Butler) Requires
each agency to appoint a Regulatory Compliance Officer with the authority to waive fines and
penalties if a permit holder attempts to comply. Click Here for more; House Bill 209
(Phillips-Hill-R-York): Establishes the Independent Office of the Repealer to undertake an
ongoing review of existing regulations; receive and process recommendations; and make
recommendations to the General Assembly, the governor, and executive agencies for repeal.
Additional provisions of this legislation would both establish a moratorium on new regulatory
burdens and create a process for “sunsetting” existing regulations by placing a cap on the number
of regulations and requiring the repeal of two existing regulations for every new regulation
promulgated. Click Here for more from an identical bill introduced last session-- House Bill
2408;House Bill 1792 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) Gives the General Assembly the ability to
initiate the repeal of any state regulation in effect by a concurrent resolution modeled after a
federal procedure used successfully by the Trump Administration to repeal regulations (sponsor
summary) <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill
800 (Alloway-R-Franklin) totally revamping the state electronic waste recycling program. <>
Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Other: Governor’s Budget Address; the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control
and Conservation Committee holds hearing on Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Credit Trading
Program; the Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee to release an update of cost
estimates for an alternative approach to meeting PA’s Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction targets.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
February 5, 6 (Governor's Budget Address), 7
Budget Hearings: Feb. 20 - March 8
March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30
May 1, 2, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
14
House
February 5, 6, 7
Budget Hearings: Feb. 20 to March 8
March 12, 13, 14
April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30
May 1, 2, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Pennsylvania collected $3.1 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $93.8
million, or 3.1 percent, more than anticipated, Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell reported
Thursday.
Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $17.4 billion, which is $89.7 million, or
0.5 percent, above estimate.
Sales tax receipts totaled $920.4 million for January, $45.4 million below estimate.
Year-to-date sales tax collections total $6.1 billion, which is $6 million, or 0.1 percent, less than
anticipated.
Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in January was $1.5 billion, $52.8 million above
estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $7.3 billion, which is $133.1 million, or 1.9
percent, above estimate.
January corporation tax revenue of $139.9 million was $31.7 million above estimate.
Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $24.1 million, or 1.6 percent,
below estimate.
Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $80.9 million, $5.3 million below estimate,
bringing the year-to-date total to $558.1 million, which is $9.6 million, or 1.7 percent, below
estimate.
Realty transfer tax revenue was $42.2 million for January, $2.4 million above estimate,
bringing the fiscal-year total to $306.7 million, which is $1.2 million, or 0.4 percent, more than
anticipated.
Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage, liquor and gaming
taxes, totaled $111.9 million for the month, $10.4 million below estimate, bringing the
year-to-date total to $1.1 billion, which is $6.3 million, or 0.6 percent, below estimate.
Non-tax revenue totaled $293.3 million for the month, $68 million above estimate,
bringing the year-to-date total to $544.1 million, which is $1.5 million, or 0.3 percent, above
estimate.
15
In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $203.6
million for the month, $9.4 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund
— which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee
revenues — total $1.7 billion, which is $32.2 million, or 1.9 percent, above estimate.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The Independent Fiscal Office Monday said it has revised the FY 2017-18 revenue estimate
upward by $35 million and increased the preliminary FY 2018-19 estimate by about $210
million from December due in part to an improved state economy and the impact of the federal
tax cuts.
Matthew Knittel, IFO Executive Director, said they still assume all the special fund
transfers required in the budget agreement will happen and are not blocked by court action. A
$200 million transfer from the PA Professional Liability Joint Underwriting Association FUnd is
now the subject of a lawsuit opposing the transfer.
The IFO also anticipated a total of $175 million from the mini-casino auctions saying
they believe there are only 5 viable markets for mini-casinos in the state, not the 10 authorized
by the gaming expansion bill passed last year.
The IFO did not update its numbers on projected state expenditures from its December
report.
Gov. Wolf releases his budget proposal February 6 that will include his version of
revenue and expenditure estimates.
Click Here for a copy of the IFO’s revenue estimates report.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Senate Environmental Committee To Consider E-Waste Recycling Bill Feb. 7
16
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 800
(Alloway-R-Franklin) which would totally revamp
the state electronic waste recycling program on
February 7.
The bill continues the existing ban on disposing of
electronic waste in landfills, with a limited
exception for old cathode ray tube (CRT)
televisions and monitors. The bill allows leaded glass to be managed at a facility permitted for
the storage or dedicated retrievable cells for leaded glass that complies with EPA waste
regulations.
Companies or governments are prohibited from charging for the collection and recycling
of electronic waste, except a seller of electronic equipment shall collect a fee from consumers
equal to 0.5 percent of the full retail prices, excluding Sales Tax, to be used to administer and
implement the program outlined in the Act.
The Department of Environmental Protection is required to establish a network of
convenience centers available in every county as a collection point for electronic waste through a
Request For Expression Of Interest process to solicit proposals from counties and municipal
authorities.
Grants would be available to set up the convenience centers from revenue collected from
the consumer fee.
After the convenience centers are established, DEP is required to issue an invitation to
bid on recycling electronics waste from these convenience centers. Electronics equipment
manufacturers are required to cover the full cost of recycling the electronics waste through the
convenience centers.
Electronic equipment manufacturers may petition DEP to set up a convenience center
network for recycling electronic waste.
The Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 800 on October 23.
For more information on the existing program, visit DEP’s Covered Device Recycling
Act webpage.
The meeting will be held in the Rules Room Off The Floor after the Senate recesses at
some point. Committee meetings are typically webcast here.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
Related Stories:
Senate Hearing: E-Waste Recycling Law Broken, 5.1 Million CRTs, TVs Waiting To Be
Recycled In PA
Senators Yudichak, Baker Hold Roundtable On Lead Exposure And Lead Testing Feb. 13
At King's College, Wilkes-Barre
17
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) are hosting a Roundtable On
Lead Exposure And Lead Testing February 13 at the King's College Sheehy-Farmer Campus
Center, 133 North Franklin Street in Wilkes-Barre from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m.
The Senators have invited members of the Senate Lead Task Force, administered by the
Joint State Government Commission, to attend the Roundtable which will also include
representatives from Luzerne County Head Start, Maternal and Family Health Services, Early
Intervention Services - Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, and St. Luke's Hospital.
This event is a follow-up to the Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee
public hearing on lead exposure and mitigation, which was held on October 30 in Pittston.
Sen. Yudichak, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee, was prime sponsor on Senate Resolution 33 that created the task force.
Senators Yudichak and Baker announced the introduction of a bipartisan bill on testing
children for lead poisoning in December.
The Joint State Government Commission Senate Resolution Project Manager is Yvonne
Hursh, Counsel, 717-787-1906 or send email to: yhursh@legis.state.pa.us.
For more information on lead exposure, intervention and education, visit the Department
of Health’s Lead Poisoning webpage. For more information on lead in drinking water, visit
DEP’s Lead In Drinking Water webpage.
NewsClips:
Hopey: Pittsburgh Water Authority Will Pay For Public, Private Water Line Replacement
Pittsburgh Water Authority Issues Water Shut-Off Notices
The Feds
Protections
Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker Tuesday issued this statement
following EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt's testimony before the U.S. Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee.
"CBF remains deeply concerned about Administrator Pruitt's efforts to roll back
environmental protections in the federal Clean Water and Clean Air acts. These federal tools are
essential for efforts to restore water quality, not just here in the Chesapeake Bay, but around the
country.
"The good news is that Administrator Pruitt acknowledged the progress that has been
made by the federal/state partnership working together to save the Bay. He also vowed to support
Congress' efforts to fully fund EPA's Chesapeake Bay Program, the federal 'glue' binding the
effort together.
“In addition, he noted that EPA is reconsidering funding cuts for the Chesapeake Bay
Journal, the region's most comprehensive source of news and information about Chesapeake Bay
issues.
"Saving the Chesapeake Bay is on its way to being one of America's greatest
environmental success stories. But we won't get there without a strong federal partner. We will
be watching closely to ensure Administrator Pruitt stands by his word to continue supporting
18
efforts to save the Bay."
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Changing Land Use Could Tilt Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Milestones
Hazleton Sewer Authority Receives $11.4M PennVEST Funding
Extreme Trump Proposal To Gut Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program Raises Alarm
Pruitt Says EPA Reconsidering Chesapeake Bay Journal Grant Decision
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
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Grant
Projects
Counties
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
EPCAMR Asking Enviro, Land Conservation, Watershed, Sportsmen’s Groups, Local

Govts To Adopt Resolution Urging Congress To Act NOW On Bill To Reclaim PA’s
Abandoned Mines
The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

is asking watershed and environmental groups, land
conservation and sportsmen’s organizations, local
governments and conservation districts all across
Pennsylvania to adopt a resolution urging their U.S. Senators
and Representatives to take final action on the RECLAIM
initiative (H.R. 1731).
Pennsylvania would receive about $253 million over the
next 5 years to accelerate the pace of abandoned mine
reclamation projects that lead to job creation if the RECLAIM Act becomes law.
It is critical to point out this is money that is already in the federal Abandoned Mine
Reclamation Fund just sitting there waiting to be spent. Also critical is the fact the per ton fee on
19
coal that supports this Fund will expire in 2021 if not reauthorized.
In a similar pilot program, the Department of Environmental Protection received $30
million for reclamation projects that have already started. Click Here for a list of projects.
The text of the suggested resolution is below or Click Here to download. To be most
effective, it should be placed on your group’s letterhead along with the date of when it was
passed and by whom.
Resolutions should be sent email, snail mail or deliver it to a local office of both U.S.
Senators Bob Casey and Patrick Toomey as well as your member of the U.S. House. Click Here
to find contact information for your member of the House.
Questions should be directed to Michael Hewitt, EPCAMR Program Manager,
570-371-3522 or send email to: mhewitt@epcamr.org.
Draft Resolution
WHEREAS, Substantial coal mining has occurred in Pennsylvania for more than 140
years, and the industry has been a significant employer of our citizens for most of these years;
and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania is #1 in the nation with the most abandoned coal mined lands
and streams; and
WHEREAS, Abandoned mines pose hazards in Pennsylvania of dangerous shafts,
mountains of black waste, scarred landscapes, acidic drainages polluting more than 5,500 miles
of our streams and other hazards threatening human health and safety and depressing local
economies; and
WHEREAS, At least 44 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are affected by abandoned coal
mines; and
WHEREAS, At least 1.4 million Pennsylvanians live within one mile of abandoned mine
lands; and
WHEREAS, Abandoned mines and abandoned mine lands create negative impacts on
local economies by hampering recreational opportunities, lowering land values, leaving desolate
communities once the mines are exhausted and ruining sites for further residential, forestry,
commercial or agricultural uses, and threaten the human health and safety of people living in our
coal field communities; and
WHEREAS, Reclamation of abandoned mine sites can add to the economy by creating
jobs, increasing community pride, increasing property values, decreasing stress-related costs
through stream-based recreation, restoring the health of the environment and providing future
sites for commercial or industrial endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Congress established the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund under Title
IV of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to reclaim areas abandoned
before 1977 and the modern environmental standards requiring mine operators to reclaim their
sites; and
WHEREAS, The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 imposed on coal
operators a per ton fee to provide a source of revenue for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Fund to help finance the reclamation and remediation of lands mined prior to 1977; and
WHEREAS, The scope of the abandoned mine problem continues to far outpace
available resources, and the AML Fund has been impacted by sequestration, meaning less
restoration money is being distributed to the states and tribes; and
WHEREAS, The AML Fund fee collection is set to expire in 2021 if it is not
20
reauthorized; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has relied upon the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund as a
primary source of money to clean up toxic mine pollution in our water supplies, restore impaired
lands, extinguish mine fires and eliminate other dangerous abandoned mine hazards; and
WHEREAS, The RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1731) releases unspent funds within the AML
Fund to compensate for reduced funding caused by sequestration to spur job creation, improve
economic conditions, and facilitate restoration; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania would receive $253 million over the next 5 years to accelerate
the creation of new jobs to clean up impacted lands and streams if the RECLAIM Act becomes
law.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That ________ urges the United States
Congress to pass the RECLAIM Act (H.R. 1731), which will enable us to restore our
mining-impacted lands and streams, assist with job creation, and ensure a more vibrant future
economy for our coal impacted communities.
(Photo: Ehrenfeld Mine Reclamation Project, Cambria County.)
Related Stories:
U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Reports Out RECLAIM Mine Reclamation Initiative
Op-Ed: Reclaiming PA’s Coal Heritage With New Federal Legislation - RECLAIM
U.S. House Hearing On RECLAIM Making $200M Available For Mine Reclamation
Wolf: $30M Pilot Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Economic Development Program
DEP Hosts Kick-Off Ceremony For Ehrenfeld Mine Reclamation Project In Cambria
Op-Ed: Federal Farm Bill Is Critical To Pennsylvania's Trout Fisheries
By Amy Wolfe, Director of Trout Unlimited's PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program
On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue

visited State College to present a blueprint for the next Farm Bill.
When people think of the Farm Bill, they probably don’t associate it with
trout fishing, but the two are strongly linked through the Farm Bill’s
conservation programs.
Many of Pennsylvania’s trout streams flow through private lands, and on
those private lands the Farm Bill has provided funding that enables
landowners to improve water quality and trout habitat through voluntary
projects like livestock exclusion fencing and streamside tree planting.
Healthy trout habitat on private land leads to better fishing and improved
downstream water quality. Not only is this important to Trout Unlimited and
its more than 13,000 members in Pennsylvania, it is vital to the
Commonwealth’s economy.
Sport fishing in Pennsylvania supports more than 8,000 jobs and $700 million in
economic activity.
For example, dozens of projects completed in partnership with private landowners over
the past two decades in the Kettle Creek watershed have resulted in enormous benefits for this
renowned trout fishing destination in Clinton, Potter and Tioga counties.
21
In addition to improving stream habitat and angling opportunities, the projects also have
prevented significant amounts of sediment pollution from entering the streams, the benefits of
which extend all the way to the Chesapeake Bay.
The current Farm Bill is set to expire later this year. Fortunately for Pennsylvania, two of
its leaders in Congress will play significant roles in writing the new Farm Bill.
Both Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Howard Township) and Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., are
members of the congressional agriculture committees, which will have prime responsibilities for
developing the next Farm Bill, and both understand the importance of USDA conservation
programs.
Together they will be able to make it work even better for Pennsylvania farmers and
anglers.
Pennsylvania is a sweet spot for agricultural conservation work. It has thousands of trout
streams, a rich agriculture and forestry heritage, and a thriving fishing and hunting economy.
Aided by robust Farm Bill conservation programs, we can find the right balance to enable
farmers and sportsmen and women to thrive in the great watersheds of the Ohio, Susquehanna
and Delaware rivers.
Amy Wolfe is Director For Trout Unlimited's PA Coldwater Habitat Restoration Program and
can be contacted by sending email to: Amy.Wolfe@tu.org.
NewsClips:
PA Assn. For Sustainable Agriculture Award Recipients Named
Crable: Large Numbers Of Dairy Farmers May Sell Cows Within 6 Months
News From Around The State
PennVEST OKs $74 Million In Water, Stormwater, Non-Point Source, Forest

Conservation Projects In 11 Counties
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the investment of $74 million for 13 drinking water,
wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source projects across 11 counties through the
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.
“This funding continues our commitment to clean water in Pennsylvania with the
approval of these loans and grants through PennVEST for a variety of water quality
improvement projects that cover areas across the commonwealth”, said Gov. Wolf. “These
projects benefit the environment, economic development, and public health and will further our
shared goal of a clean and safe environment for our families to enjoy, as well as, my vision for a
better Pennsylvania, both now and for years to come.”
Non-Point & Stormwater Projects
The projects approved to control non-point and stormwater pollution include--
-- Bedford County: Mann Township received $444,031 grant to cover costs related to a
temporary stream diversion, embankment stabilization, and restoration project in Blackberry
Lick Run.
-- Cameron County: Lyme Emporium Highlands II LLC received a $24,549,885 loan to
purchase 11 large tracts of forest land to protect headwater streams, provide conservation
22
easements, and sustainable working forests. The project is expected to create over 50 new
forestry related jobs and leverage $91,000,000 in private investment. Click Here for more.
-- Delaware County: Chester City Stormwater Authority received a loan for $4,888,205 to
construct 4 bio-retention cells, 7,250 square feet of permeable pavement, establishment of a
storm drain catch basin retrofit project program and 70 storm sewer inlets.
-- Lycoming County: Old Lycoming Township received a $622,175 grant to purchase a water
recycling jet vacuum truck to remove sediment from the storm water system to comply with the
best management practices in this MS4 community.
-- Wayne County: Hawley Borough received a $277,911 grant to repair or replace
approximately 733 feet of failing storm sewer pipe, to eliminate periodic flooding, and prevent
soil erosion from entering the Lackawaxen River.
The funding comes from a combination of state funds: Growing Greener, Marcellus
Legacy funds, federal grants to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency, and
recycled loan repayments from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are
disbursed after bills for work have been paid and receipts submitted to PennVEST.
Click Here for a complete list of projects.
For more information on grant and loan funding opportunities for water infrastructure,
visit the PennVEST website or call 717-783-6798.
NewsClips:
Hazleton Sewer Rate Increase May Be Scaled Back Thanks To PennVEST Funding
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Grant
Projects
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Counties
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
DEP Blog: Ambler: A Small Borough Thinking Big On Stormwater With Growing
Greener Grant
Gov. Wolf recently awarded $20.7 million in

Growing Greener grants to 106 community
projects to clean up waters around Pennsylvania.
These local-partner projects, tackling everything
from neighborhood creeks to entire watersheds, are
essential to reducing pollutants such as acid mine
23
drainage, nutrients, and sediment in Pennsylvania’s water.
Since its launch in 1999, the Growing Greener Grant Program has provided more than
$296 million to environmental projects statewide. This thank-you note we received from recent
awardee Ambler Borough in Montgomery County shows how these grants enable communities
to improve their environment. We couldn’t say it any better.
On behalf of the members of the Ambler Borough Environmental Advisory Council
(EAC), I want to thank you, Governor Wolf and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, for
awarding Ambler Borough a Growing Greener grant to install stormwater management
measures.
With the grant funding, we’ll engage the Ambler community to put in place 250 rain
barrels, 250 downspout planters, 75 rain gardens, 2,000 feet of riparian buffer restoration, and
steep slope terracing at Edgewood Preserves to improve our waterways.
Just as important, you’ve given us the opportunity to show that even small communities
can create environmental stewardship to support clean waterways!
We call our project Growing Ambler Greener. It came about when we noticed how
neighboring Philadelphia was putting in place green infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff
pollution and grow environmental stewardship in communities.
We, too, were working on stormwater management issues in Ambler. We developed a
vision for a program similar to the Philadelphia Water Department’s Rain Check Program.
The key to making any vision a reality is, of course, funding. We’d never written a grant
application, but as luck would have it, in December 2016 I got an email about a Growing
Greener grant application workshop being offered by the DEP Southeast Regional Office. Grant
applications had to be postmarked January 13, 2017.
The EAC went into action. We followed the DEP’s well-laid-out, step-by-step "how to,”
and wrote the grant application. We managed to secure over 50 homeowners’ signatures and the
support of Ambler Borough. With great hopes of implementing our vision, we mailed the
application at the post office at 4:15 pm on January 13.
As we waited to learn whether we would be awarded a grant, we kept busy. We furthered
our stormwater knowledge by attending workshops and making connections. We evolved new
programs, including Ambler TreeVitalize and Stewardship Saturday in Ambler Borough Park.
We grew our outreach through social media.
As the end of 2017 neared without word, we appealed for funding to Ambler Borough
Council during their November budget meetings. They gave us funding for five raingardens. We
were thrilled to grow our budget from $2,600 to $6,100.
And then on December 11, I got an email from a friend, congratulating the EAC on
getting the Growing Ambler Greener Grant. I thought she was mistaken and didn't quite
understand until I looked it up myself. And I soon got word from DEP: We were awarded
$206,000.
Woot woot! It was such a thrill, much like giving birth and finding out if it is a boy or a
girl! I was excited to deliver the news to our hardworking team. Hip hip hooray!
We at the Ambler EAC are ecstatic. We’re working hard to make our Growing Ambler
Greener vision a reality. We look forward to demonstrating that even a small group such as an
EAC, working with their municipality, can succeed at creating a better, more sustainable
environment in their community.
Thank you!
24
Mary-Margaret Monser and the Ambler EAC Team
For more information on watershed grants, visit the DEP Growing Greener Grant
Program webpage.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
Projects
Protections
Counties
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
NRCS-PA: Conservation Assistance Available To Farmers In Centre, Clinton, Lycoming

Counties
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA

Tuesday announced it is now accepting applications to help
agricultural producers improve water and air quality, build
healthier soil, and achieve other environmental benefits in
Centre, Clinton and Lycoming Counties in Pennsylvania.
The deadline for applications is February 16.
Through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnerships
Program (RCPP), NRCS is partnering with the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation-PA to assist farmers establish conservation practices to improve soil health,
reduce erosion and nutrient loss, and control stormwater runoff to local streams draining into the
Chesapeake Bay through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental
Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) programs.
Agricultural producers wanting to enhance current conservation efforts are encouraged to
apply for CSP. Through CSP, NRCS helps private landowners build their business while
implementing conservation practices that help ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.
Examples of management practices include continuous no-till planting, diverse crop
rotations, integrating grazing with crops, planting multi species cover crops, and Integrated Pest
Management (IPM).
These will help to promote soil organisms and biodiversity. Many of these practices
improve plant productivity by improving access to soil nutrients, reducing demands for
supplemental fertilizer, increasing soil water holding capacity, and protecting from drought and
high-volume rain events.
25
Funding is also available through EQIP to address resource concerns on these farms.
Agricultural producers can also apply for the agency’s EQIP program and interested producers
should visit their local NRCS service center for sign-up information.
While applications for CSP are accepted year-round, applications must be received by
February 16, 2018 to be considered for this funding period and will be accepted until funds are
depleted. Producers interested in applying should contact their local USDA NRCS Service
Center, listed below--
-- Centre and Clinton Counties: Mill Hall NRCS Field Office, 216 Spring Run Road, Room
102, Mill Hall, PA 17751-9587 or call 570-726-3196, ext. 3
-- Lycoming County: Mountoursville NRCS Field Office, 542 County Farm Road, Suite 204,
Montoursville, PA 17754-9209 or call 570-433-3902, ext. 3.
For more information on technical and financial assistance available to farm and forest
landowners, visit the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Grant
Projects
Protections
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
CBF-PA To Hold Agricultural Teacher Workshops For A Lesson In The Value of

Watershed Experiences
Agriculture teachers will become students

when meeting with Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA educators to learn about the
value of providing hands-on environmental
education that connects students with
real-world issues.
Called Meaningful Watershed Educational
Experiences (MWEE), many teachers have
found that supporting classroom work with
investigations into local environmental issues
engages students in their community and
26
improves critical thinking.
The workshops are being held in Harrisburg in February.
“We are excited for the opportunity to share information and resources with these
teachers to support and enhance their approaches to teaching about sustainability and the impact
of agriculture on water quality, particularly in their local communities,” said Dr. Amy Green,
Director of Teacher Professional Learning at CBF. “We also want to show them how the MWEE
model can help advance environmental literacy and stewardship through field-based learning, in
the context of agricultural sciences.”
CBF staff will partner with the Penn State Center for Professional Personnel
Development to address 170 agriculture teachers over the first three Saturdays in February at the
Sheraton in Harrisburg.
The workshops for teachers coincide with the annual Agricultural Cooperation
Establishes Success Conference for about 1,500 students from 100 Future Farmers of America
(FFA) chapters throughout Pennsylvania. At ACES, students will learn social skills, leadership,
and teamwork.
Teachers will learn about Pennsylvania’s relationship to the Chesapeake Bay; the
Commonwealth’s progress and challenges in reducing pollution; and how agricultural education
connects to and can include environmental education with field-based learning, student action,
and stewardship.
“We want to expose teachers to some of the tools and strategies we’ve been working with
in Maryland and Virginia, and how they can be applied in Pennsylvania,” said Norah Carlos,
Education Outreach and Communications Coordinator at CBF. “Studies have shown that
environmental education improves academic performance, increases civic engagement, and
instills a belief that individuals can make a difference.”
CBF also has a Susquehanna Watershed Environmental Education Program. This
field-based program supports MWEE in Pennsylvania, investigating the health of local
waterways. Students study the physical characteristics of the waterway, the shoreline, and
adjoining lands.
They use water chemistry tests to determine water quality, examine stream health through
examining the aquatic life that is present in the stream, and use maps to orient themselves in their
watershed.
CBF also provides a Mentors in Agricultural Conservation Program that pairs FFA and
4H students with CBF restoration specialists, to participate in restoration work and learn about
agricultural conservation projects on local farms.
“Issues like water quality, soil health, and implementation of best management practices
are central to agricultural education, and provide prime opportunities for hands-on study,” Carlos
added. “We will also use computer technology to show these teachers how they can compare
water quality across the watershed in the Commonwealth.”
The CBF and CPPD partnership at the workshops will have long-term benefits to both
organizations and for the teachers attending the workshops.
“Developing a partnership between the Penn State CPPD and CBF will allow
Pennsylvania’s agricultural education teachers to obtain the most current knowledge and skills
related to protecting our water,” added Dr. John Ewing, Associate Professor of Agricultural
Education at Penn State University.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
27
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Game Commission Now Accepting Orders For Seedlings For Schools Program, Now Pre-K To
12
Stroud Water Research Center Model My Watershed Workshop For Teachers Feb. 16
Brodhead Watershed Assn Feb. 24 Who Goes There? Tracking Pocono Wildlife Program In
Monroe County
Intern Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Land Stewardship Internship
Wildlands Conservancy Highlights February Education Programs & Activities
President’s Environmental Youth Award Now Accepting Nominations
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
The Stroud Water Research Center and the Chester

County Intermediate Unit will host a 21st Century
Tools Workshop: Model My Watershed on February
16 for middle and high school science curriculum
coordinators, teachers and coaches; special education
coordinators, teachers and coaches; and
administrators.
Participants will explore new technological tools to
support student learning about watersheds, stream
health, and water quality. Resources featured in this
workshop include the WikiWatershed.org toolkit and
the web-based Model My Watershed GIS.
Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and mobile devices. Laptops will also
be provided. There is a related workshop, Water Quality Mobile App: 21st Century Tools, in the
afternoon.
Participants staying for both the morning and afternoon sessions will only have 30
minutes for lunch. It is recommended to pack a lunch.
Workshop cost is subsidized by the Teaching Environmental Sustainability-Model My
Watershed grant from the National Science Foundation.
The workshop will be held at the Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road,
Downingtown from 8:30 to 11:30.
Click Here to register and for all the details.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream. Click Here to subscribe to
Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
28
Related Stories:
12
CBF-PA To Hold Agricultural Teacher Workshops For A Lesson In The Value of Watershed
Experiences
Monroe County
Brodhead Watershed Assn Feb. 24 Who Goes There? Tracking Pocono Wildlife Program
In Monroe County
The Brodhead Watershed Association will hold another in its

series of Water Wiser Kids Programs on February 24 called
Who Goes there? Tracking Pocono Wildlife at the Kettle Creek
Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road in
Bartonsville, Monroe County from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.
Children and their parents will have the opportunity to get
outside and learn about the tracks and traces that our native
wildlife leave behind.
The program will be led by an experienced environmental
educator, starts inside as children and their families learn about critters who live in the woods
and along the cold, pure streams of the Poconos. How animals make tracks and what to look for
in identifying tracks will be covered.
How do animals move in the forest? Where do they gather to drink? Can you tell the
difference between a dog track and a coyote?
After the classroom introduction, everyone will move outside for a walk in search of
tracks. Learn how different tracks look on the ground compared to on a screen, and enjoy being
outdoors in winter – bug-free!
The Water Wiser Kids Series is sponsored by Brodhead Watershed Association, funded
by a Dr. Claus Jordan Endowment Grant from Lehigh Valley Health Network Pocono
Foundation.
For more information on this program, visit the Water Wiser Kids webpage or call
570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or send email to: email info@brodheadwatershed.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
Related Stories:
12
Experiences
29
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Game Commission Now Accepting Orders For Seedlings For Schools Program, Now Pre-K
To 12
The Game Commission is now accepting orders under its

Seedlings For Schools Program which provides free tree
seedlings to classrooms so students can plant them as part
of projects to improve wildlife habitat. Orders will be
accepted through March 30.
In years past, “Seedlings for Your Class” was intended
primarily for pre-K and elementary students, but this year
it’s been extended to middle- and high-school students.
There is no charge to schools that participate in this program. The seedlings are provided
by the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery and shipping costs are offset by the Wildlife for
Everyone Endowment Foundation.
Seedlings for Your Class provides a classroom, grade level or entire school with enough
seedlings so each student can take one home to plant.
Traditional favorites white spruce and silky dogwood are available again this year. Four
other species also are being offered: grey-stemmed dogwood, American sweet crabapple,
American highbush cranberry and our beloved state tree, eastern hemlock.
A teacher’s guide and planting instructions come with the seedlings and also can be
accessed through the website.
Seedlings come in bundles of 25, and depending on spring weather, will be shipped
directly to schools by UPS from April 2 to 4 and April 9 to 11. The nursery does not ship on
Thursdays or Fridays so seedlings should not arrive on weekends when no one is at school to
receive them.
Once seedlings do arrive, it is important to moisten the roots immediately and plant them
as soon as possible, said Brian Stone, manager of the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery.
Seedlings should be handed out to students with their roots in plastic bags with moist
shredded newspaper, or with the seedlings planted in juice or milk cartons for transplanting at
home, Stone said.
Individuals and groups wishing to donate to the program can send checks to the Wildlife
for Everyone Endowment Fund, which maintains the account for donations. Be sure to indicate
the donation is for the Game Commission’s “Seedlings for Schools” program.
Donations can be mailed to the Wildlife for Everyone Endowment Foundation, 341
Science Park Road, State College, PA 16803.
For more information, visit the Game Commission’s Seedlings For Schools Program
webpage or direct questions by email to: RA-SchoolSeedlings@pa.gov.
Related Stories:
30
Experiences
Monroe County
Students Devin & Roldan Kramer Win President’s Environmental Youth Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 President’s

Environmental Youth Award which recognizes outstanding
environmental projects by K-12 youth. The deadline for
nominations is March 1.
Each year the PEYA program honors a wide variety of
projects developed by young individuals, school classes
(kindergarten through high school), summer camps, public
interest groups, and youth organizations to promote
environmental awareness.
Thousands of young people from all 50 states and the U.S. territories have submitted
projects to EPA for consideration.
Winning projects in the past have covered a wide range of subject areas, including:
restoring native habitats; recycling in schools and communities; construction of nature preserves;
tree planting; installing renewable energy projects; creating videos, skits and newsletters that
focused on environmental issues; and participating in many other creative sustainability efforts.
Evaluation results consistently demonstrate that participation in the PEYA program is
frequently a life-changing experience for many of the young people and their project sponsors.
Last year, Ardmore, Delaware County brothers Devin and Roldan Kramer won the
President’s Environmental Youth Award for grade levels K-5 for their work to save frogs and
toads.
Click Here for all the details on how to apply.
(Photo: Devin and Roldan Kramer, PA winners last year.)
Related Stories:
Students Devin & Roldan Kramer Win President’s Environmental Youth Award
12
Experiences
Monroe County
31
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Brodhead Watershed Assn, PennFuture Intervene In EHB Case To Protect Exceptional

Value Streams
The Brodhead Watershed Association and PennFuture Monday submitted a petition to intervene
in an appeal before the Environmental Hearing Board, seeking to protect the Exceptional Value
water quality of six streams in Monroe County, including Cranberry Creek, Paradise Creek,
Devil’s Hole Creek, Tank Creek, Swiftwater Creek, and Tunkhannock Creek.
The Environmental Hearing Board granted the petition to intervene on Tuesday.
The challenge to protecting clean streams, filed by a coalition of unknown landowners
and businesses in Monroe County, claims the Department of Environmental Protection erred in
its evaluation of the waterbodies as “Exceptional Value,” or EV.
EV waters have the highest protections under state law, and the water quality cannot be
degraded for any reason. BWA and PennFuture intervened in this case to support DEP’s existing
use evaluations and the EV status of the creeks.
“BWA has worked for decades to protect and maintain the exceptional water quality of
the waters within the Brodhead watershed. We have undertaken studies and issued reports that
support the finding that these creeks are Exceptional Value waters,” said BWA Executive
Director Robert J. Heil Jr. “Our members and local recreation-based businesses rely on the
pristine nature of these waters for aesthetic and recreational enjoyment, including world-class
fly-fishing.”
“The appeal challenges a core protection established by Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams
Law and the federal Clean Water Act — that the existing use of our waterways must be
protected,” said PennFuture Staff Attorney Abigail M. Jones. “Those unspoiled streams in the
Poconos must be protected so that our communities and economy can thrive for decades to
come.”
This appeal is EHB Case: 2017-107.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
Related Story:
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Feb. 24 Who Goes There? Tracking Pocono Wildlife Program In
Monroe County
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Latest UpStream Newsletter Now Available From Stroud Water Research Center
The latest edition of the UpStream newsletter is now available from the Chester County-based
Stroud Water Research Center featuring articles on--
-- EnviroDIY Sensors Track Road Salt Levels In Streams
-- Berries And Nuts: A Different Approach To Buffers On Farms (photo)
-- School’s Out Winter Stream Camp Feb. 19
-- Get Your Boots Wet With Our Education Training Events
-- Groundswell Wild & Scenic Film Festival Feb. 22-23
32
-- Wonders Of Water At Philly Flower Show March 3-11
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here
to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include
them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
DEP Opportunity To Reclaim Abandoned Mines In Clarion, Venango Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin

(page 823) of the opportunity to reclaim 3 abandoned mine sites in Clarion and Venango
counties. Letters of intent must be received by DEP by February 28.
DEP Launches Good Samaritan Outreach To Promote Abandoned Oil & Gas Well
Plugging Projects
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it is encouraging

private-sector partners to become Good Samaritans, by participating in a program that helps cap
dangerous abandoned oil and gas wells statewide.
The program protects them from liability for their role in helping reduce the health,
safety, and environmental hazards of these wells.
“Our 150-year history of oil and gas drilling, much of it before environmental regulations
were implemented, has left Pennsylvania with a challenging legacy: plugging thousands of
abandoned wells that were left open,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We encourage
private-sector groups or individuals to take advantage of the Environmental Good Samaritan Act
to help reduce risk and improve the local environment for many Pennsylvanians.”
The Environmental Good Samaritan Act of 1999 protects groups and individuals who
volunteer to implement qualifying environmental remediation projects from civil and
environmental liability. The Act doesn’t provide immunity for injury or damage that may result
from reckless, unlawful, or grossly negligent acts or omissions.
While the Act historically has been used for mine reclamation, DEP first applied it to two
oil and gas well projects in 2017. Cameron Energy plugged a well in Warren County that had
been discharging crude oil to the ground and nearby streams, and Chemtrade Logistics plugged a
leaking gas well in Elk County. These projects are estimated to have saved DEP $60,000 to
$85,000, in addition to administrative cost savings related to contract development and
management.
Three more project proposals are currently under review, and DEP welcomes others.
The agency has developed online training to walk volunteers through the process of
submitting a project proposal and applying for the liability protection. In addition, the eFACTS
environmental database and Oil and Gas Mapping Tool have been updated to provide an
inventory of Environmental Good Samaritan project proposals for abandoned wells in
Pennsylvania.
Volunteers enjoy reduced liability, and can develop the land at or near the well site more
33
quickly than if they had to wait for DEP to plug the well, given limited state funding.
Questions about well plugging through the Environmental Good Samaritan Act can be
addressed by contacting the DEP Bureau of Oil and Gas Planning and Program Management or
the district office where the project is located.
NewsClip:
DEP Pushes Program To Help Landowners Plug Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells
Related Stories:
Grant
Protections
Counties
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
PSATS Township News: Caught In The Middle, Twps In The Path Of Gas Pipelines
The February Township News features an in depth review

of the issues townships face when natural gas pipelines
pass through their communities called, “Caught In The
Middle: Townships In The Path Of Gas Pipelines Face
Dilemma Of Progress vs. Protest,” written by Amy Bobb,
Contributing Writer.
The article provides background on the
development of major natural gas pipelines crossing the
state and some of the controversy they have generated.
Based on these local experiences, the article outlines the positive role townships can play
on pipeline issues in their communities.
Click Here to read the article.
The Township News is published by the PA State Association of Township Supervisors.
Click Here for information on how to subscribe to this award-winning publication.
NewsClips:
Study Highlights Concerns Over Planned Route Of Shell Ethane Pipeline
Frazier: Activist Groups Want More Time To Review Shell Ethane Pipeline Permits
Shell Is Building A Pipeline One Landowner At A Time
Carr: Shell’s Ethane Pipeline Will Cross 9 Municipalities
Shell Ethane Pipeline Application Under Review By DEP
Shell Ethane Pipeline Route Goes Within Few 100 Feet Of Homes
Op-Ed: Pipelines Remain Critical Infrastructure That Deserves Support
34
Ambridge Water Authority Opposes Planned Shell Ethane Pipeline Route
PennEast Pipeline Gives Holdout Landowners Until Feb. 5 To Accept Final Offer
Landowners Tear Up PennEast Pipeline Leases As NJ Shelves Permit Application
Trump Infrastructure Plan Would Greatly Reduce Oversight Of Pipelines, National Parks
Aide: Trump Infrastructure Plan Does Not Plan To Gut Environmental Laws
Trump Previews Infrastructure Fix, Touts Energy Boom
Delaware River Basin Commission Feb. 14 Hearing, March 14 Business Meeting
The Delaware River Basin Commission will hold a hearing February 14 on proposed water
withdrawals, a revised policy for replacement water consumptive used by electric generators and
other issues. The March 14 meeting will consider these and other issues. (formal notice)
DRBC will be taking comments on three specific resolutions at the hearing--
-- Policy for the replacement of water consumption used by electric generation;
-- Adopt the FY 2018-20 Water Resources Program; and
-- Reauthorize the Regulated Flow Advisory Committee’s Subcommittee on Ecological Flows.
The February 14 hearing will be held at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor
Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing in Bucks County starting at 1:30.
The March 14 meeting will also be held at the Visitor Center starting at 10:30.
Click Here for more details and updates on the hearing and meeting agendas.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware
River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for regulator updates. Follow DRBC
on Twitter. Visit them on YouTube.
NewsClips:
New NJ Governor Joins Neighbors In Opposing Fracking In Delaware Watershed
Op-Ed: Delaware River Basin Commission Should Embrace Fracking, Not Ban It
Point Pleasant Pump Supplying Water To Delaware Canal
Delaware RiverKeeper Feb. 2 RiverWatch Video Report
List Of Design Teams Announced For Public Plaza At Hazelwood Green Site In Allegheny
County
Hazelwood Green, a former steel mill site that is the

City of Pittsburgh’s largest riverfront
redevelopment project and last urban brownfield,
Monday announced the names of eight design
teams that will vie for the opportunity to create the
first public plaza at the 178- acre site.
A total of 30 design firms submitted
qualifications in response to an RFQ issued in
November, with the following teams making the
cut: Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, Seattle; Hood
Design Studio, Oakland, CA; Land Collective, Philadelphia; Mithun, Seattle; Quennell
35
Rothschild & Partners, New York; Stoss, Boston; Ten x Ten Studio, Minneapolis; W
Architecture & Landscape Architecture, LLC, Brooklyn, NY.
All teams have local firms included on their team to provide expertise and local
knowledge.
The short list of firms that will go on to submit design proposals were selected by a
nine-member advisory committee, including: Karen Abrams, Program Officer, Equitable
Development, The Heinz Endowments; Rebecca Flora, AICP, LEED BD+C/ND, Hazelwood
Green Project Director; Raymond W. Gastil, AICP, Director, Department of City Planning, City
of Pittsburgh; Nicole Graycar, AIA, Project Manager, Campus Design and Facility
Development, Carnegie Mellon University; Don Johnson, Senior Development Manager,
Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC); Sean C. Luther, Executive Director,
InnovatePGH; Lawrence T. Mangan, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, C.W. Benedum
Foundation; Sam Reiman, Associate Director, Richard King Mellon Foundation; and Tim Smith,
Executive Director, Center of Life Chair, Greater Hazelwood Community Collaborative
(GHCC).
Spanning two acres, the Plaza will serve as an outdoor public gathering and event space
for workers and tenants at the site, for the residents of site’s neighborhood – Hazelwood, and for
future visitors to the site for activities and programs.
“The extent and quality of responses from some of the best in the field around the country
indicate that we are not the only ones that feel this first public space is a very unique,
place-making opportunity for Hazelwood Green and its neighborhood,” says Hazelwood Green
Project Director Rebecca Flora. “We are grateful to all the respondents for their thoughtful
responses, and the advisory committee for their contributions of expertise and perspective to this
very difficult selection process.”
The space allocated for the Plaza lies south of the Mill 19 building, an expansive former
mill structure that will be home to Hazelwood Green’s first anchor tenant – Carnegie Mellon
University’s Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, currently under
construction.
Mill 19 will open out onto the one of the Plaza’s four sides, with a second side facing
Hazelwood Green’s Main Street. The remaining two sides of the Plaza will be developed
according to the site’s master plan, and as market interest evolves.
In response to the RFP, each of the eight design firms will be asked to submit a more
detailed approach, work plan, and budget for the Plaza. The Hazelwood Green Plaza Advisory
Committee will make a recommendation of firms to be interviewed by Almono LLC, with final
selection expected the end of March 2017.
Construction is expected to begin by late 2018 and be completed the following year.
Located in the city of Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood neighborhood and situated along the
Monongahela River, Hazelwood Green is envisioned to become a world-class model for
sustainable development encompassing a mix of offices, research and development, light
manufacturing, housing, retail, public green spaces, trails and transportation.
With a goal of achieving USGBC LEED for Neighborhood Development Gold
certification, the site’s master plan will prioritize reuse of land in urban infill locations; seek to
create well connected, walkable communities; and pursue efficient use of resources. Green
infrastructure has already been installed to capture all rainwater on the site.
For further detail on the project, go to the Hazelwood Green website.
36
To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green
Story website.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project Funding Now Open For Applications
The Governor’s Budget Office Monday announced it is now accepting applications for another
round of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grants (RCAP). The deadline for
applications is February 27.
If you have not received an award in 2017, you will need to re-apply during this open
window.
Click Here for all the details on applying for the next round of RCAP grants.
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Keep PA Beautiful: Dr. Pepper/Snapple Park Recycling Grant Applications Now Being
Accepted
Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Dr

Pepper Snapple/Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling
Grants. The deadline for applications is February 16.
The grant program is open to all government agencies
that own or manage local, regional or state parks.
Nonprofit organizations and KAB affiliates are also
eligible to apply on behalf of government agencies.
For-profit businesses are not eligible to receive grants.
Eligible settings include neighborhood, urban, regional
and state or national parks, as well as related facilities such as playgrounds, athletic fields and
nature trails. Recycling bins will not be provided for streetscapes, businesses, schools or other
locations not directly related to a park setting.
Now in its sixth year, the grant program from Dr Pepper Snapple Group and Keep
America Beautiful has awarded more than 4,300 recycling bins to local governments and
community organizations across more than 40 states.
Past Pennsylvania recipients include: Friends of Nockamixon State Park; Rapho
Township, Manheim; Rostraver Township, Belle Vernon; City of Pittsburgh; Keep Philadelphia
Beautiful; Moore Township, Bath; City of Allentown; Washington Township, Barto; Pine Grove
Furnace State Park and North Codorus Township, Spring Grove.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful encourages our local and state government agencies to
apply for a recycling bin grant with the goal of making it more convenient and accessible for the
residents of Pennsylvania to recycle at our parks, beaches, athletic fields and walking trails,” said
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the state affiliate of Keep America
Beautiful. “We thank Dr Pepper/Snapple and Keep America Beautiful for the opportunity to
expand the availability of recycling in our shared community spaces.”
To apply for the merit-based grant program, interested organizations and communities
can complete an online form detailing their proposal and selecting the number and style of
recycling bins from available options.
37
Keep America Beautiful will competitively review and award grants based on need and
likelihood to recover significant quantities of recyclables. Arrangements will be made to deliver
the recycling bins directly to the grant recipients in May 2018.
“We’re very pleased with the impact our partnership with Keep America Beautiful has
had over the past five years, and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum in the
coming year,” said Vicki Draughn, vice president of corporate affairs for Dr Pepper Snapple.
“Consumers enjoy a large percentage of beverages away from the home and on-the-go, which is
why it’s important to continue improving the convenience and availability of recycling
opportunities in parks and other popular public places.”
A recent national survey conducted by Keep America Beautiful to determine where
people normally recycle revealed a significant need for away-from-home recycling opportunities.
While 92 percent said they recycled at home, only 19 percent indicated that they typically
recycle in public parks.
Keep America Beautiful research has also shown that only 12 percent of surveyed public
locations had recycling infrastructure in place to recover the containers.
“Through Keep America Beautiful’s partnership with Dr Pepper Snapple, we’ve made
recycling easier and more accessible to nearly 1 million park-goers,” said Brenda Pulley, senior
vice president/recycling, Keep America Beautiful. “Making recycling more convenient in public
spaces helps reinforce the expectation that recycling is something people should do wherever
they go throughout their day.”
For more information on how to apply, visit the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Park Recycling
Grant webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Sign up now for the 2018 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup
and beautification event through May 31.
NewsClips:
State, Federal Officials Discuss Keystone Landfill Health Assessment Report
Emmaus Trash Hauler Responds To Complaints About Recycling
$100 Million Project In Throop Would Convert Landfill Gas
Presentation Planned On Throop Landfill Gas Project
Related Story:
Northeast Recycling Council Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust April 3, Baltimore
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Northeast Recycling Council Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust April 3, Baltimore
The Northeast Recycling Council's

Spring '18 Workshop—Markets or
Bust—will focus on recycling market
issues and market development
38
opportunities. The event will be held on April 3 at the Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport
Hotel in Maryland.
The Workshop will provide attendees with information and discussions about key market
issues for the paper, plastic, glass, and organic industry sectors; recycling market development
opportunities; interactive sessions that illustrate industry sector market scenarios; and
networking with government, industry, non-profits, consultants, and universities.
The Workshop will commence with welcoming remarks from Secretary Ben Grumbles of
the Maryland Department of the Environment and the keynote address will be given by Myles
Cohen, President, Pratt Recycling & President, Paper Stock Industries.
Mr. Cohen's presentation—Is Curbside Recycling in Jeopardy?—will dive into the
impacts that increased contamination issues and China’s import restrictions are having on
recycling markets, and ways to "save" and preserve curbside recycling programs.
More information about the session speakers and schedule, may be found in the Agenda.
The Workshop is intended for emerging and seasoned professionals in sustainable
materials management (municipal, county, and state offices dealing with recycling; university
sustainability coordinators; businesses involved in recycling (haulers, processors, and
manufacturers); nonprofits; and consultants.
To register and for more information, visit the NERC’s 2018 Workshop Markets Or Bust
webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Keep PA Beautiful: Dr. Pepper/Snapple Park Recycling Grant Applications Now Being
Accepted
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Noncoal Mining Permit Fee Increases Published For Comment By EQB
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of proposed
Noncoal Mining Program permit fee increases for public comment.
The proposed noncoal mining fee increases would be phased in over six years both on
permit reviews and an annual permit administration fee that DEP hopes will raise about $1.2
million to fully fund the program. The total annual cost of the program is about $3 million.
Another change would index future annual increases to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
index.
The fee schedule, phasing in the increases and the indexing were recommendations made
by DEP’s Aggregate Advisory Board.
The PA Aggregates and Concrete Association worked with DEP to develop the fee
package, but they believe there are still outstanding issues. The Association, however, does
“understand the value of an efficient complement within the mining program to support
industry’s needs to do business.” Click Here for more.
Click Here for a copy of the proposal and how to comment through DEP’s eComment
39
System. Visit the Environmental Quality Board October 2017 meeting webpage for more
background on the proposal.
Related Story:
PA Construction Aggregates Facilities Continue No Fatality Safety Record For 3rd Year
PA Construction Aggregates Facilities Continue No Fatality Safety Record For 3rd Year
The PA Aggregates and Concrete Association Wednesday recognized the industry’s safety
record which recorded no fatalities at construction aggregates facilities for the third year in a
row.
The last fatalities in underground aggregates facilities in Pennsylvania were in August
2008 and November 2014 for surface aggregates facilities.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulates safety at these facilities
and tracks injuries and fatalities. Their latest graph for the metal/nonmetal industry illustrates a
downward trend in fatalities since 1977.
“PACA members continue to work together with their employees on effective training
campaigns and ensuring both MSHA and DEP requirements are in place to protect their
employees and bring them home to their families at the end of their shift,” said PACA President
Peter Vlahos. “As an organization, Safety is a PACA focus.”
PACA will hold its Annual Safety Conference in State College on February 22.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA
Aggregates and Concrete Association website.
Related Story:
Noncoal Mining Permit Fee Increases Published For Comment By EQB
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In January
The January edition of In Case You Missed It is

now available from the PA Environmental Council
featuring articles on--
-- Loyalsock Named PA River Of The Year -
POWR
-- 2 Grant Opportunities: Laurel Highlands Grants-
Feb. 23, PA Sojourn Grants- Feb. 26
-- Among the bills PEC commented on was Senate
Bill 977 on adopting regulations
-- Celebrate The Year Of The Bird, Cindy
Ferguson, PEC Chief Birding Officer
-- Philadelphia Area PEC Environment Ride June 1-3
-- Western PA Environmental Award Nominations Due Feb. 8
-- PEC PA Legacies Podcast: A Tale Of Two Townships - Wissahickon Creek
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
40
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
Lower Limits On Sulfur In Heating Oil, Permit Fees, Volkswagen Settlement On Feb. 8
DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee Agenda
The DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet February 8 on a
variety of issues including increasing permit fees, lowering the sulfur limit for heating oil and the
General Permits related to oil and gas production methane emissions.
Also on the agenda is an update on the EPA Volkswagen Settlement Program and how
Pennsylvania is proposing to spend its share of the funds.
On sulfur limits, DEP is proposing to lower the sulfur limit in heating oil sold in
Pennsylvania from 500 ppm to 15 ppm to conform to the limits of many surrounding states. The
compliance date of the proposed rule is July 1, 2019.
There will also be a general update on rulemakings related to State Air Quality
Implementation Plan revisions and a discussion of the final regulation setting emissions
standards for cleaning solvents.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 9:15.
For more information, visit the DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee
webpage. Questions should be directed to Kirit Dalal by calling 717-772-3436 or send email to:
kdalal@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Residents Worried Jessup Gas Power Plant Credits Won’t Improve Air Quality
Crable: EHB Rejects Challenge To Air Permit For Lancaster Perdue Soybean Plant
South Philadelphia Refinery In Bankruptcy Proceedings, Neighbors See An Opportunity For
Cleaner Air
PA Environmental Professionals Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Roundtable Feb.

15
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals’

P2E2 Roundtable will hold its next meeting February 15
at the King’s College Sheehy-Farmer Student Center,
Molewski Room 109, in Wilkes-Barre from 11:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m.
Two presentations will highlight the sustainability
initiatives of Harsco Industries and Kings College.
There will also be a walking tour of King’s
College. Attendees must be 18 years or older, no smoking
is allowed and no photographs. Participants must wear
closed-toe shoes and no high heels are permitted.
41
Click Here for online registration or send an email to Mike Parrent at:
Michael.L.Parrent.civ@mail.mil with P2E2 Meeting in the subject line.
For more information on programs, initiatives, workshops and other special events, visit
the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website. Click Here to sign up for regular
updates on PAEP activities or Like them on Facebook. Click Here to become a member.
(Photo: King’s College solar energy installation.)
NewsClips:
DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Meets Feb. 6 On Comprehensive Energy

Assessment
The DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on February 6 to continue
its work on the 2018 PA Climate Change Action Plan Update.
On the agenda is a discussion of the preliminary results from a Comprehensive Energy
Assessment in Pennsylvania.
Also on the agenda is an overview of Philadelphia’s Municipal Energy Master Plan For
The Built Environment and a status report on the Finding PA’s Solar Future Initiative.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 10:00.
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Climate Change Advisory
Committee webpage. Questions should be directed to Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send
email to: mbrojakows@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
PPL Goal: Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions 70 Percent By 2050
Letter: From Ozone Hole To Global Warming
Editorial: More Cause For Climate Skepticism
Penn State Students View Launch Of 350.org’s Fossil Free Campaign
Nixon’s First EPA Chief: Republican Climate Change Denial A Threat To The Country
Related Stories:
PPL Sets Goal To Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions 70% By 2050 By Retiring More Coal
Plants, Taking Other Steps
Penn State: Agroforestry Systems May Play Vital Role In Mitigating Climate Change
PPL Corporation Tuesday announced a goal to

cut the company's carbon dioxide emissions 70
percent from 2010 levels by 2050 as it works to
advance a cleaner energy future.
42
The company expects to achieve the reductions through a variety of actions. These
include replacing Kentucky coal-fired generation over time with a mix of renewables and natural
gas while meeting obligations to provide least-cost and reliable service to customers.
And they include taking actions across PPL's U.S. and U.K. operations, such as
improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from substations and reducing
vehicle fleet emissions.
"As the world considers climate change and as PPL looks to the future, we will continue
to take steps to minimize our impact on the environment, transform the way we generate
electricity and incorporate new, lower-emitting technology," said William H. Spence, chairman,
president and chief executive officer for PPL Corporation.
Since 2010, Spence said PPL has cut its carbon dioxide emissions by nearly half,
spinning off its competitive generation business, including nearly 4,000 megawatts of coal-fired
generation, retiring approximately 900 megawatts of coal capacity in Kentucky, and replacing
much of that retired Kentucky generation with a new, highly efficient natural gas,
combined-cycle unit that emits about 60 percent less CO2 per megawatt-hour.
In addition, the company's Kentucky subsidiaries built the state's largest universal solar
facility, began offering solar options to Kentucky customers and completed the renovation and
upgrade of the Ohio Falls hydroelectric facility.
As with the recently announced plans to retire an additional 272 megawatts of coal-fired
generation in early 2019, PPL's Kentucky subsidiaries are always looking for lower cost options
to reliably meet their customers' energy needs while advancing a cleaner energy future.
As discussed in PPL's recently released climate assessment report, the Kentucky
subsidiaries will likely economically retire the bulk of their coal-fired units by 2050.
PPL also plans to achieve additional emissions reductions across its U.S. and U.K.
business, the vast majority of which is focused solely on delivering electricity, rather than
generating it.
Steps will include reducing greenhouse gas emissions at its substations through leak
detection sensors, monitoring and proactive equipment replacements; improving energy
efficiency at its facilities; and transitioning to a cleaner fleet of trucks and vehicles.
In the U.K., for example, PPL's Western Power Distribution utility is already taking
significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint by ensuring all replacement vehicles have lower
carbon dioxide emissions than those they replace and by ensuring all of its new or refurbished
buildings meet robust, recognized energy efficiency standards.
In Pennsylvania, meanwhile, PPL Electric Utilities is working to replace all of its
traditional bucket trucks with electric-lift models that reduce emissions.
"PPL remains committed to looking for additional opportunities to reduce its carbon
footprint as we help customers do the same through education and energy efficiency programs
and as we work to prepare the U.K. and U.S. energy grids for more distributed energy
resources," Spence said.
Additional carbon dioxide reductions of about 45 percent are required from the
company's current business mix to achieve the 70 percent goal by 2050.
"As we highlighted in our recent climate assessment report, we regularly assess the risks
and opportunities associated with climate change," Spence said. "Based on that assessment, we
believe the goal we have set is both achievable and in the best interests of PPL's customers and
shareowners as we look to grow value moving forward."
43
Spence said the new goal is part of PPL's broad commitment to sustainability. PPL has
enhanced its disclosures around sustainability and climate-related issues in recent years.
The company's actions have included adopting the most widely used standard worldwide
for PPL's annual sustainability reporting and issuing a detailed climate assessment report in late
2017.
PPL also participated throughout 2017 in an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) pilot program
to develop a template for utility reporting on environmental, social and governance performance.
The template, developed in consultation with major institutional investors, provides a condensed,
consistent look at sustainability metrics. It was released in December.
The company also intends to respond this year to an annual climate survey by CDP,
formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project. CDP provides another outlet for companies to
disclose environmental data important to investors and other stakeholders.
For more information on PPL's sustainability initiatives or to access PPL's annual
sustainability report, climate assessment report and completed EEI sustainability template, visit
PPL’s Sustainability webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Meets Feb. 6 On Comprehensive Energy Assessment
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News
Agroforestry could play an important role in

mitigating climate change because it sequesters
more atmospheric carbon in plant parts and soil than
conventional farming, according to Penn State
researchers.
An agricultural system that combines trees
with crops and livestock on the same plot of land,
agroforestry is especially popular in developing
countries because it allows small shareholder
farmers-- who have little land available to them-- to
maximize their resources.
They can plant vegetable and grain crops around trees that produce fruit, nuts and wood
for cooking fires, and the trees provide shade for animals that provide milk and meat.
The researchers analyzed data from 53 published studies around the world that tracked
changes in soil organic carbon after land conversion from forest to crop cultivation and
44
pasture-grassland to agroforestry.
While forests sequester about 25 percent more carbon than any other land use,
agroforestry, on average, stores markedly more carbon than agriculture.
The transition from agriculture to agroforestry significantly increased soil organic carbon
an average of 34 percent, according to Michael Jacobson, professor of forest resources, whose
research group in the College of Agricultural Studies conducted the study.
The conversion from pasture/grassland to agroforestry produced soil organic carbon
increases of about 10 percent, on average.
"We showed that agroforestry systems play an effective role in global carbon
sequestration, involved in carbon capture and the long-term storage of atmospheric carbon
dioxide," he said. "The process is critical to mitigating or deferring global warming."
However, carbon was not stored equally in different soil levels, noted lead researcher
Andrea De Stefano, a graduate student at Penn State when the study was done, now at Louisiana
State University.
He pointed out that the study, which was published in December in Agroforestry
Systems, provides an empirical foundation to support expanding agroforestry systems as a
strategy to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and mitigate climate change.
"The conversion from forest to agroforestry led to losses in soil organic carbon stocks in
the top layers, while no significant differences were detected when deeper layers were included,"
De Stefano said.
"On the other hand, the conversion from agriculture to agroforestry increased soil organic
carbon stocks at all levels, in most cases. Significant increases were also observed in the
transition from pasture/grassland to agroforestry in the top layers, especially with the inclusion of
perennial plants in the systems, such as in silvopasture and agrosilvopastoral systems."
There is evidence that forests are great storages of carbon compared to agricultural
systems, Jacobson conceded, and it was suspected that agroforestry lies somewhere in between,
in terms of carbon sequestration, but this research is the first to document the differences.
Government programs in some countries in the tropics-- such as Brazil, Indonesia and
Kenya-- are paying farmers to grow trees on their land to mitigate climate change, Jacobson
pointed out.
And that strategy is widely embraced because farming systems are much more integrated
in the tropics where farmers are poorer and the economic benefits are often desperately needed.
"In the United States, you can see agroforestry much more from an environmental point
of view and the economic benefits-- while important-- are secondary," Jacobson said. "But in the
tropics, you must have the economic benefits to make it work or farmers won't do it. Most only
have an acre or two of land and they need all these products for their families to survive, so the
trees are vital. That is an important distinction, I think."
Agroforestry is closely connected to the sustainable agriculture movement in the U.S.,
with its organic, local foods and permaculture initiatives. Americans recognize the need for
on-farm diversification that includes crop rotations, cover crops, polycultures, and of course,
agroforestry.
Agroforestry and sustainable agriculture share many goals. A high proportion of the
watersheds and landscapes in the country are an interwoven mosaic of both uses. Together they
comprise the majority of the land use in the U.S., Jacobson said.
"Unfortunately, there is a tendency to treat agriculture and forestry separately when
45
addressing natural-resource concerns, but agroforestry offers a set of conservation and
production technologies that can help to integrate forestry and agriculture efforts beyond carbon
cycles, such as water quality and biological diversity."
For more information, contact Mike Jacobson at 814-865-3994 or send email to:
mgj2@psu.edu.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Meets Feb. 6 On Comprehensive Energy Assessment
PA State Police Looking For Equine Donations
The Pennsylvania State Police is once again looking for a

few good horses for its mounted patrol unit.
The force’s 26-horse mounted unit is seeking donations
of horses to be used statewide for searches, crowd
control, security, and patrol operations of remote areas.
As a secondary function, the animals participate in
parades, demonstrations, and other community events.
Horses must be geldings between the ages of 5 and 15
years old. The horse must stand at least 16 hands tall (5
foot 4 inches at the shoulder) and less than 18 hands tall.
Drafts and draft-crosses are preferred. Thoroughbreds and other “hot bloods” are less desirable.
The animals must have quiet, sound dispositions and be free of serious stable vices.
Horses will be accepted on a 120-day trial basis to determine their suitability. A veterinary
examination will also be performed.
The Pennsylvania State Police maintains a stable at the Academy in Hershey and relies
on donations for animals.
To arrange a donation or get more information, please contact Corporal Carrie Neidigh at
717-533-3463 or send email to: cneidigh@pa.gov.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
PA Environmental Defense Foundation, PennFuture Urge Gov. Wolf Not To Lift State
Forest Drilling Moratorium
The PA Environmental Defense Foundation and PennFuture

this week urged Gov. Wolf not to lift the moratorium on
drilling on state forest and park land.
46
The comments were in response to Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R-Washington)
being reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday
encouraging the Governor to lift the moratorium.
PA Environmental Defense Foundation
John E. Chide, attorney for the Foundation said this in a letter to Gov. Wolf Thursday--
“On behalf of Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation I am requesting that you
do not lift your moratorium on gas leasing on our State parks and forest lands.
“The natural gas and oil that is a part of our State lands are part of the corpus of the
Public Trust established under Article I Section 27 of Pennsylvania’s Constitution. Both the oil
and gas and the money derived from the sale thereof are protected as part of the Article I rights
of the people.
“It is the duty of the trustees of the Public Trust to conserve and maintain the corpus of
the trust for the benefit of the people. Selling or otherwise using our public natural resources to
pay for the general budget of the Commonwealth is not conserving those resources.
“Under Article I Section 25 the rights contained in Article I are “excepted out of the
powers of the government and shall forever remain inviolate.” (Pa. Constitution, Article I
Section 25.)
“PEDF respectfully requests that the moratorium remain in effect, and the people’s public
natural resources remain intact.”
PennFuture
PennFuture Wednesday said it “unequivocally opposes” a resolution making its way
through the Senate urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance
natural gas drilling on state forest land
“Our state parks and forests must be protected and preserved for the natural resources that
they are: green spaces that citizens can enjoy with their friends and families; spaces that
contribute to what attracts people to our great Commonwealth,” said PennFuture Vice President
and Chief of Staff Matthew Stepp. “Recreational opportunities within our state parks and the
towns that hold them contribute to our economy in vast ways, and drilling in areas that should be
treasured goes against the common sense notion that state parks should be protected.
“We applaud the governor for his early implementation of this moratorium on drilling in
state parks and forests, and we urge him to stand firm against this resolution, which would have
the potential to devastate Pennsylvania’s forests, including the Loyalsock community and so
many more,” Stepp said.
Gov. Wolf's press secretary JJ Abbott reiterated the Governor remains opposed to more
drilling in state parks and forests--
"Natural gas development is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy, but so is the economic and
environmental viability of our parks and forests," he said.
"Gov. Wolf believes we currently have the right balance as our state parks and forests are
unique assets that should be preserved, protected, and utilized by our residents for recreational
purposes. Gov. Wolf has focused on finding opportunities to grow our recreational and tourism
economy through a revitalized parks and forest system that ensures we are preserving our natural
resources and protecting our people and the environment."
For more information on existing drilling operations on state forest land, visit DCNR’s
Natural Gas Management webpage.
(Photo: Unconventional drill pad on DCNR State Forest Land.)
47
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
Wolf Signs Moratorium On All New Oil And Gas Leases In State Forests, Parks
Senate Committee Approves Resolutions Directing Review Of DEP Permit Programs, Ending
State Forest Drilling Moratorium
State Investments In Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor For Trail
Development Highlighted In Luzerne
Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn
Thursday joined Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne),
Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee, and
representatives of the Delaware & Lehigh
National Heritage Corridor in celebration of the
Wolf Administration’s recent investment to
support a new section of the trail.
“This grant represents the Wolf Administration’s
continuing support of a project that has been many
years in the making and is a demonstrated economic stimulus to the area,” Dunn told an audience
of state and corridor officials gathered at Nescopeck State Park. “This support also is directly in
line with two major DCNR initiatives: closing major existing trail gaps, and bringing the joy of
hiking, biking, and walking close to people’s homes."
Announced in December 2017, funding will support the development of almost five
miles of D&L trail in Laurel Run Borough and Fairview and Hanover townships. The trail would
stretch from the Mountain Top Trailhead in Fairview Township to East Northampton Street,
Laurel Run Borough.
Specifically, the $84,000 grant will cover design work for development of about 4.7
miles of the 165-mile D&L trail -- from the Mountain Top Trailhead in Fairview Township to
East Northampton Street in Laurel Run Borough. Work will include drawings, specifications,
and related documents.
“Luzerne County looks forward to being a full partner in the historic build-out of the
Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, from the Delaware River in Bucks County to
the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre,” Sen. Yudichak said. “Heritage tourism creates jobs and
adds to the quality of life in our communities, and few trail projects add more value to beauty of
Pennsylvania than the Delaware & Lehigh Trail.”
Also addressing the gathering, Elissa Garofalo, executive director D&L National
Heritage Area, said: “Here along the D&L Trail’s most rural segment, the commonwealth’s
support is vital. With our partners, the trail in Luzerne County steadily progresses toward
completion, with residents and visitors alike experiencing the full mine-to-market story coming
alive between Wilkes-Barre and Bristol.”
DCNR’s secretary said her department is committed to advancing a statewide trail
48
“where every citizen is within 15 minutes of a trail.
“To achieve this, we will focus on closing priority gaps in Pennsylvania’s current trail
system,” Dunn said. “In coordination with its trail partners around the state, DCNR has identified
248 priority trail gaps. Through that effort, Pennsylvania’s Top 10 most critical Trail Gaps have
been identified and efforts are underway to close them by 2019.”
The secretary said “a top DCNR priority” is to help the D&L National Heritage Corridor
reach its goal of completing the corridor by 2020, making it the longest multi-use trail in the
state. Its completion is directly in line with a goal of the 2014-19 Pennsylvania Statewide
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to “develop a statewide land and water trail network to
facilitate recreation, transportation and healthy lifestyles.”
“In 2012, an economic impact analysis completed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy
estimated the total user-spending generated because of the D&L Trail at over $19 million
annually,” Dunn said. “With the eventual completion of the trail within our sights, we are
anticipating the D&L Trail could approach $50 million per year. This is testament to the work of
D&L Heritage Corridor staff and their many partners, including local municipalities willing to
support trail efforts and maintain the trail.”
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a public-private partnership
involving residents and volunteers working with local, regional, and national agencies to
conserve cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of eastern Pennsylvania.
It is a nationally significant historic transportation route that includes railroads, canals,
rivers and trails.
For more information, visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website
and DCNR’s Heritage Areas Program webpage..
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Secretary Dunn, Sen. Yudichak.)
NewsClips:
Hikers Get Nod Over Bikers In Allegheny National Forest Area
Forest Service Withdraws Shared-Use Decision For Tracy Ridge, Allegheny National Forest
Feb. 2 Take Five Fridays With Pam From PA Parks & Forests Foundation
New Section Of Schuylkill River Trail Open In Philadelphia
Schuylkill Banks Trail South To Christian Is Open
Winter Festival At Codorus State Park
18 Things You Can Do At Presque Isle In February
Interior Rolls Back Oil Drilling Policies For Federal Land
Related Story:
DCNR Now Accepting Applications For Local Parks, Recreation, Conservation Grants
Natural Lands, Twp. Officials Calling For Growing Greener Communities Award
49
Nominations In Chester County
Natural Lands and the Chester County Association of Township Officials are calling for
nominations for the Growing Greener Communities Award, which honors conservation
accomplishments by townships in Chester County. The deadline for nominations is February 16.
The Natural Lands Growing Greener Communities Award was developed in 2013 to
recognize municipalities that have engaged in dynamic initiatives to save land, steward natural
resources, and/or connect people to nature.
The award will be presented at the spring CCATO conference on March 8, 2018.
“Chester Counties’ communities have been true leaders in open space preservation, smart
growth, and sustainable environmental policy,” said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands.
“We believe it’s important to recognize the excellent work happening at the township level and
celebrate the dedicated officials, staff, and volunteers who make it possible.”
“CCATO is pleased to have the opportunity to highlight the successes of local
government, the County of Chester, and Natural Lands in the area of open space preservation
and maintenance,” said Dave Connors, president of CCATO. “Efforts to preserve open space
will help to maintain the character of Chester County for years to come.”
Examples of qualifying projects include:
-- Dynamic utilization of open space, such as a community garden or multi-use trail;
-- Efforts to care for land and water, such as a stream clean up, riparian buffer planting, meadow
naturalization, or environmentally sensitive stormwater management;
-- Progressive, conservation-minded planning, such as ordinances that preserve community green
space or improve commercial corridors with shade trees and other greening elements.
For details on the award program and nomination forms, visit the Natural Lands Trust’s
Growing Greener Communities Award webpage or call 610-353-5587 ext. 211.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on
Facebook. Click Here to support their activities.
NewsClips:
Natural Lands, Twp. Officials Growing Greener Awards Calling For Nominations In Chester
County
Conservancy Official Joins Westmoreland Land Trust
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
PEC Podcast: Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund Celebrates 25 Years
The PA Environmental Council’s Podcast series

Pennsylvania Legacies this week is celebrating the 25th
anniversary of the Keystone Recreation, Park and
Conservation Fund by featuring a series of local success
stories showing how the lives of Pennsylvanians have been
enriched by this program. Click Here to listen to the
podcast.
To learn more about the program and other success
stories, visit the Keystone Fund website.
50
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
DCNR Now Accepting Applications For Local Parks, Recreation, Conservation Project Grants
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Spotted Lanternfly Information Session Feb. 23 In Snyder County
The Snyder County Conservation District will hold an

information session on the Spotted Lanternfly on February
23 at the Shade Mountain Winery, 16140 Route 104, in
Middleburg from 9:00 to Noon.
Speakers from Penn State Extension and the PA
Department of Agriculture will present and be available to
answer any questions.
Pesticide Applicator credits, ISA Certified Arborist
CEUS, and Society of American Foresters - CFEs are being offered.
The session is free, but please call or email to reserve seating since space may be limited.
Call 570-837-3000 ext. 114 to register or send email to: cbingman@ptd.net.
For more information on the Spotted Lanternfly, visit the Department of Agriculture
website.
NewsClip:
Schneck: Have Bitter Temperatures Killed Ticks In PA?
PA Horticultural Society, Tree Pittsburgh, DCNR, Extension Team Up For Tree Tender
Workshops
The PA Horticultural Society, Tree Pittsburgh, DCNR

and Penn State Extension have scheduled a series of
Tree Tender Workshops starting in April and running
51
through June. They will be held--
-- Allegheny County: May 30, June 6, 13
-- Cambria County: May 12
-- Chester County: April 24, May 1, 8
-- Lancaster County: June 22
-- Philadelphia: May 9, 16, 23
-- Montgomery County: May 10, 17, 24
Click Here to register or for more information on these programs.
For more information on TreeVitalize resources across the state, visit DCNR’s
Community Tree Management webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Horticultural Society website, Like PHS on Facebook, Join PHS on Instagram and Follow on
Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PHS. Click Here to become a member.
Make The Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A Sustainable Backyard Workshop March 3
Butler
The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will hold a Make The

Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A Sustainable Backyard
Workshop March 3 at Butler County Community
College in Butler from 8:00 to 12:30.
Spend a morning learning how you can care for
your "Piece of Nature." With the increased prevalence of
development and urban sprawl, learn how you can
transform your property into a refuge for native birds,
pollinators, and wildlife.
Experts will be on hand to inform and answer questions along with an assortment of
vendors that can help you to bring your vision to life.
Click Here for all the details and to register.
PA Parks & Forests Foundation Announces Partnership With 1% For The Planet
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday

announced it is a new nonprofit partner of 1% for the
Planet. This alliance of more than 1,200 member
companies in 60 countries gives one percent of
revenues to environmental causes.
PPFF is now eligible to receive donations from 1%
for the Planet member companies, placing them among
a diverse, global network of environmental organizations. 1% member businesses fuel this
nonprofit network through their annual contributions.
Partnership with 1% greatly expands the potential pool of funding to which Pennsylvania
Parks and Forests can look to for support.
52
"1% for the Planet member businesses donate at least 1% of their annual sales to support
environmental nonprofits," says Kate Williams, CEO of 1% for the Planet. "We believe deeply
that these nonprofits play a critical role in solving the many challenges facing our planet, and our
core work is to grow the corporate support that enables these nonprofits to accomplish even
more."
“The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is the only non-profit whose core
mission in investment in our state parks and forests,” said Marci Mowery, President of the PA
Parks and Forests Foundation. “Our goal is to ensure that generations to come can enjoy the
recreational, environmental and health benefits provided by our state parks and forests.”
For more information on program is available from the 1% for the Planet website.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
Sign Up Now For Delaware Highlands Conservancy Educational Retreat for Women
Forest Landowners Sept. 6-9
Women across the mid-Atlantic region who own,

care for, or are interested in learning more about
forestland are invited to apply now to attend the
Women and Their Woods Educational Retreat from
September 6-9 at the Highlights Workshop Facility
in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne County.
The biennial retreat is an in-depth, fun, engaging,
and thought-provoking workshop on caring for your
woodlands now and into the future.
No matter the size of your woodlands or if you’re
not yet an owner, join us for learning, networking, and applying new knowledge about good
forest stewardship.
Workshops are led by professionals including Penn State’s Center for Private Forests,
cooperative extension, state and federal forest agencies, in addition to local land trusts, private
53
consultants and legal experts.
Attendees gain information on forest stewardship and legacy planning while learning the
basics about mentoring other women landowners.
Topics and activities in indoor and outdoor sessions include forest ecology, wildlife
habitat improvements, estate and financial planning, measuring the value in your forest, forest
plant identification, and more.
The event this year will be held at the Highlights Workshop Facility which provides a
spectacular 1300-acre wooded campus complete with historic buildings, streams and hiking
trails, comfortable lodging accommodations and five-star meals.
According to Christine Foland, PA Landowner and WaTW Retreat Graduate, “It is hard
for me to believe how differently I view my woods after our four days together. In addition to
loving my woods, I feel a strong responsibility to care for it in a purposeful way. The network of
support available is wonderful. I am embarked on a new, beautiful, and heretofore unexpected
relationship with my forest.”
Women and Their Woods is sponsored by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy, the U.S.
Forest Service at Grey Towers National Historic Site, the Penn State College of Agricultural
Sciences, and the William Penn Foundation.
The cost to attend the four-day retreat is $300 and covers lodging for the three nights,
three meals per day with snacks, and all workshop resources and materials. The application
deadline is August 1.
For more information, visit the Women and Their Woods Educational Retreat webpage
for an application to attend, send an email to Amanda Subjin of the Delaware Highlands
Conservancy at: amanda@delawarehighlands.org, or call 570-226-3164 ext. 2.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware
Highlands Conservancy website or call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010. Click Here to sign up
for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. Click Here
to support their work.
[Posted: Jan. 31, 2018]
The Lehigh Valley’s Wildlands Conservancy Monday highlighted some of the many education
programs and activities it will hold in February. They include--
-- Saturdays/Sundays: Project Bird Feeder Watch
-- February 3: Big Trees & Winter Scenes
-- February 11: Wild In The Parks: Heart Opening Yoga
-- February 14: Snowshoe With Your Sweetheart
-- February 24: Maple Sugaring & Pancakes
-- Sneak Peek: March 24: Wild Egg Hunt!
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands
Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here
to support the Conservancy.
Related Stories:
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Experiences
Monroe County
[Posted: Jan. 29, 2018]
The Delaware County-based Brandywine Conservancy is seeking qualified candidates to fill a

Land Stewardship Intern position assist the easement management team with monitoring,
administering, and enforcing the 483 conservation easements held by the Brandywine
Conservancy, as well as related projects.
Applicants should have an academic background in environmental science, ecology, land
management, land planning or a related field. They should be organized, self-motivated, and
able to work independently with little supervision, and should have a positive, energetic attitude.
Click Here for all the details.
Related Story:
Help Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Senior Planner for Municipal Assistance Program
Help Wanted: PennFuture: Watershed Advocacy Manager
PennFuture is seeking qualified individuals to fill the position of Watershed Advocacy Manager
at its Harrisburg office. Applications are due February 21. Click Here for all the details.
[Posted: Jan. 30, 2018]
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards. Click
Here for DEP Aggregate Advisory Board 2018 meeting schedule.
February 3-- Fish & Boat Commission. Sportsmen’s Forum On Conserving Aquatic Resources,
Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Great American Outdoor Show, Farm Show Complex,
Harrisburg, Seminar Room 1. 10:00.
February 3-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Eagle Photo Workshop Bus Tour. Milford,
Pike County.
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February 5-- Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee
holds hearing on Pennsylvania’s Nutrient Credit Trading Program. Room 8-EA East Wing
Capitol. 9:00. Click Here for more.
February 6-- NEW. House State Government Committee meets to consider House Bill 1237
(Keefer-R-York) The General Assembly would be required to vote on a concurrent resolution to
approve an economically significant regulation (which has an annual fiscal impact totaling $1
million or more on the government or private sector), in order for that regulation to go into
effect. If the General Assembly does nothing, the regulation cannot go into effect. Click Here
for more; House Bill 1959 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) Establishes the Pennsylvania Permit Act
which requires agencies to create and develop a navigable online permit tracking system and
takes authority to issue certain permits away from state agencies and gives it to third-party
reviewers. Click Here for more; House Bill 1960 (Ellis-R-Butler) Requires each agency to
appoint a Regulatory Compliance Officer with the authority to waive fines and penalties if a
permit holder attempts to comply. Click Here for more; House Bill 209 (Phillips-Hill-R-York):
Establishes the Independent Office of the Repealer to undertake an ongoing review of existing
regulations; receive and process recommendations; and make recommendations to the General
Assembly, the governor, and executive agencies for repeal. Additional provisions of this
legislation would both establish a moratorium on new regulatory burdens and create a process for
“sunsetting” existing regulations by placing a cap on the number of regulations and requiring the
repeal of two existing regulations for every new regulation promulgated. Click Here for more
from an identical bill introduced last session-- House Bill 2408;House Bill 1792
(Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) Gives the General Assembly the ability to initiate the repeal of any
state regulation in effect by a concurrent resolution modeled after a federal procedure used
successfully by the Trump Administration to repeal regulations (sponsor summary). Room B-31
Main Capitol. 10:00. Committee meetings are usually webcast on the House Republican
website.
February 6-- Governor’s Budget Address.
February 6-- Agenda Posted. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email
to: mbrojakows@pa.gov.
-- Status Report On PA’s Solar Future Initiative
-- Overview of Philadelphia’s Municipal Energy Master Plan For The Built Environment
-- Discussion of Comprehensive Energy Assessment Preliminary Results
-- 2018 PA Climate Change Action Plan Update Discussion
February 6-- PA Resources Council Reuse Central Launch Celebration. Ann Jones Gerace
Center, 64 South 14th Street, Pittsburgh. 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
February 6-- Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Small Scale Chestnut
Production Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
February 6-- PA Environmental Council. 2018 Philadelphia Area Environment Ride. Yards
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Brewing, 500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia. 5:30 to 7:30.
February 7-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider
Senate Bill 800 (Alloway-R-Franklin) totally revamping the state electronic waste recycling
program. Click Here for more. Rules Room. Off the Floor. Committee meetings are typically
webcast here.
February 7-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee holds a hearing on investment and
expenditures from special funds by the Department of Treasury. Room 140 Main Capitol. 9:00.
February 7-- Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee to release an update of cost
estimates for an alternative approach to meeting PA’s Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction targets.
Room 8E-B, East Wing. 10:00.
February 7-- NRCS-PA State Technical Committee meeting. USDA State Office Conference
Room at 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. 1:00. Call in option: 1-888-844-9904 with access
code 6941559.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State
College.
February 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov.
-- Proposal to reduce sulfur limits in heating oil from 500 ppm to 15 ppm
-- Final Industrial Cleaning Solvents Rule
-- Comparison of Air Permit Fees In Surrounding States
-- Discussion of GP-5, GP-5A Methane Emissions Standards In Oil & Gas Industry
-- Update on the Volkswagen Settlement Program
February 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board for Certification of Water & Wastewater
Systems Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Edgar Chescattie, 717-772-2814, echescattie@pa.gov.
February 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting 12th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-783-8846 or send
email to: dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
February 8-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Jeraco Enterprises,
Inc. Milton Plant, Northumberland County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third
Street, Suite 101, Williamsport. 10:00.
February 8-- Manada Conservancy. Nature Therapy: The Health Benefits Of Spending Time In
Nature. South Hanover Township Building, 161 Patriot Way in Hershey, Dauphin County. 7:00
February 9-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Graymont
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Company, Centre County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101,
Williamsport. 10:00.
February 11--Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Winter Snowshoe Adventure, Brodhead Creek
Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Lane Rd., East Stroudsburg,
Monroe County. Noon.
February 13-- NEW. Senators Yudichak/Baker Roundtable On Lead Exposure And Lead
Testing. King's College Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center, 133 North Franklin Street in
Wilkes-Barre. 11:00 to 1:00.
February 13-- Agenda Posted. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 14th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731,
jbrakeall@pa.gov.
-- Update On Revised Environmental Justice Policies
-- Update On Environmental Rights Amendment by Chief Counsel Alex Chiaruttini
February 13-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
February 13-- Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council. Agroforestry Practices
In The Federal Farm Bill Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
February 14-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov. Click Here to
join the meeting by WebEx.
February 14-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement
Officers meeting. Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen
Szwajkowski, 717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
February 14-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission hearing on water withdrawal permits
and policy resolutions. Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road,
Washington Crossing in Bucks County starting at 1:30. Click here for more. Click Here for
updates on the agenda. (formal notice)
February 15-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 1:00 to 4:00. Click Here to register to attend the meeting by
webinar.
February 15-- MS4: Elements Of A Stormwater Management Program Workshop. Toftrees

Golf Resort & Conference Center, One Country Club Lane, State College, Centre County. 8:00
to 4:30.
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February 15-- NEW. PA Association of Environmental Professionals. Pollution Prevention,
Energy Efficiency Roundtable. King’s College, Sheehy-Farmer Student Center, Molewski Room
109, in Wilkes-Barre. 11:00 to 4:00.
February 15-- PennTAP. Building Re-Tuning: A Sustainability Workshop On Energy

Efficiency. Penn State Great Valley Conference Center, Malvern, Chester County. 7:30 to 3:00.
February 16-- NEW. Stroud Water Research Center. Model My Watershed Workshop For
Teachers. Chester County Intermediate Unit, 455 Boot Road, Downingtown. 8:30 to 11:30.
February 17-- Fish & Boat Commission. Sportsmen’s Forum On Conserving Aquatic
Resources, Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Allegheny Outdoor, Sport & Travel Show,
Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville, Stage 2. 10:00.
February 20-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Independent Fiscal
Office. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on
the Committee webpage.
February 20-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Independent Fiscal
Office; 1:00- Department of Revenue. Room 140 Main Capitol. Click Here to watch the
hearing online.
February 20-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
February 20-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
February 20-- PennTAP. Road To Alternative Energy Webinar For Businesses Webinar. Noon
to 1:00.
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- State Police/Homeland
Security; 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/ Fire Commissioner. Hearing Room 1,
North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
February 22-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

Transportation; 1:00- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Click Here to watch the hearing online.
February 22-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636,
jbraund@pa.gov.
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February 22-- Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing on Proposed Fracking Ban. Lisa
Scheller-Wayne Woodman Community Services Center, Lehigh Carbon Community College,
4525 Education Park Dr., in Schnecksville, Lehigh County. 3:00 to 7:00. Click Here to register
to speak.
February 23-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On NRG Shawville Generating Station RACT II Air
Quality Plan, Clearfield County. DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street in
Williamsport. 10:00.
February 23-- NEW. Snyder County Conservation District. Spotted Lanternfly Information
Session. Shade Mountain Winery, 16140 Route 104, Middleburg. 9:00 to Noon.
February 23-24-- Registration Open. Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Join PA
Environment Digest as a Conference sponsor.)
February 24-- Fish & Boat Commission. Sportsmen’s Forum On Conserving Aquatic
Resources, Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Fly-Fishing & Wing Shooting Expo, Split
Rock Resort, Lake Harmony, Carbon County Striped Bass Room. 4:00.
February 24-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Landscape For Life Workshop. Dauphin
County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to
11:00.
February 24-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association. Water Wiser Kids Program. Who Goes
There? Tracking Pocono Wildlife Program. Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, 8050
Running Valley Road in Bartonsville, Monroe County. 10:30 to Noon.
February 26-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of

Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically
webcast on the Committee webpage.
February 26-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

Environmental Protection; 3:00- Department of Agriculture. Room 140 Main Capitol. Click
Here to watch the hearing online.
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Department of

Agriculture; 3:00- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North
Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
February 28-- DEP Hearing [if requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan for Montour Power
Plant, Montour County. DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office 208 Third Street, Williamsport.
10:00.
February 28-March 1-- Western PA Conservancy, DCNR. 2018 Riparian Forest Buffer
Summit. Ramada Conference Center, State College.
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March 1-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of
Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. Click Here: Hearings are
typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
March 2-- DEP Hearing [If Requested] On Proposed RACT II Air Quality Plan for
Texas-Eastern Compressor station in Shermans Dale, Perry County. DEP Southcentral Regional
Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 10:00
March 2-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy and Economy. Hosts The
Fracking Debate Author Daniel Raimi In Discussion Program. Harrisburg University, 326
Market St, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
March 3-- Fish & Boat Commission. Sportsmen’s Forum On Conserving Aquatic Resources,
Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Erie Sport & Travel Expo, Bayfront Convention
Center, Erie, Room 140 ABC. 10:00
March 3-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Stormwater Management & Native Plants.
Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin.
9:00 to 11:00.
March 3-- NEW. DCNR Bureau Of Forestry Make The Most Of Your Piece Of Nature: A
Sustainable Backyard Workshop. Butler County Community College, Butler. 8:00 to 12:30.
March 3-- PA Wilds Buyer’s Market. Clarion University, Clarion.
March 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5556, daheimbach@pa.gov.
March 6-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park
Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov
March 6-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
March 6-- Delaware River Basin Commission Moderated Hearing on Proposed Fracking Ban
By Telephone. 1:30 to 3:30. Members of the public are encouraged to listen by calling
1-866-831-8713 and asking the operator to connect them to the DRBC call. Click Here to
register to speak.
March 8-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Governor’s Budget
Secretary; 3:00- Governor’s Budget Secretary Continued. Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building. Click Here: Hearings are typically webcast on the Committee webpage.
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March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Governor’s Budget
Secretary. Room 140 Main Capitol. Click Here to watch the hearing online.
March 8-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
March 8-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a business meeting on proposed water
withdrawals and other issues. Location To Be Determined. 9:00. (formal notice)
March 8-- PA Resources Council. Allegheny CleanWays. 2018 Wild & Scenic Film Festival.
Chatham University’s Eddy Theatre, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh. 6:00 p.m.
Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Greater Philadelphia Boat Show, Greater Philadelphia
Expo Center, Oaks. 10:00.
March 10-- York County Penn State Master Gardeners GardenWise Workshop. Central York
Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Road, York. 7:30 to 4:00.
March 10-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Container Gardens. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 10-- 2018 Schuylkill River Watershed Congress. Montgomery County Community
College West Campus, Pottstown.
March 12-13-- Registration Open. PA Association of Environmental Educators. 2018 Annual
Conference. State College, Centre County.
March 14-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting. Washington Crossing
Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing in Bucks County starting at
1:30. Click Here for updates on the agenda. (formal notice)
March 15-- Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. 18th Annual Land Ethics Symposium.
Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, Bucks County.
Creating Fishing, Boating Opportunities. Lycoming College, Williamsport, Heim Building,
Room G-11., 10:00.
March 17-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Turf Management. Dauphin County Agriculture
& Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 20-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
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17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
March 20-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
March 20-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
March 22-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, 717-783-9730, jmelnic@pa.gov.
March 24-- Dauphin County Master Gardeners. Attracting Bluebirds. Dauphin County
Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin. 9:00 to 11:00.
March 27-- DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater Hotel
and Conference Center in State College, Centre County. 8:30 to 3:30.
March 29-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189, dhissner@pa.gov.
April 3-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
(formal notice)
April 3-6-- Carnegie Mellon University Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. 2018
Energy Week Program. Carnegie Mellon University.
April 3-- NEW. Northeast Recycling Council. Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust. Sheraton
Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel in Maryland.
April 4-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, 717-772-3609, mmaddigan@pa.gov.
April 5-- PA Camber of Business & Industry Environmental Conference & Trade Show. Eden
Resort Inn & Suites, Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:15.
April 10-- DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 10-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2018 National Watershed & Stormwater
Conference. Maryland and Virginia In-person and online.
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April 12-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Bureau of
Laboratories building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
717-346-7200, aaalger@pa.gov.
April 14-- Master Gardeners Of Lancaster County. 26th Annual Shirley R. Wagner Garden
Symposium. Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. 7:30 - 2:45.
April 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
(formal notice)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
April 20-- Berks County Conservation District. Tree Seedling Sale & Education Programs
Event. Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 11:00 to 7:00.
April 24-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov.
April 28-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Borough Park, Dauphin
County. 10:00 to 3:00
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
May 8-- 2018 PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn in State College, Centre County.
May 22-23-- Choose Clean Water Coalition. 9th Annual Clean Water Conference. Lancaster
Marriott.
June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

Conference Center, State College.
July 25-27-- Registration Open. Professional Recyclers of PA. 28th Annual Recycling &
Organics Conference. Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg.
August 20-23-- U.S. Biochar Initiatives Conference. Chase Center on the Riverfront,
Wilmington, Delaware.
September 6-9-- NEW. Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Educational Retreat For Women
Forest Landowners. Highlights Workshop Facility in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne County.
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September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
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
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
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Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
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.
February 5-- PA Lake Management Society Award Nominations

February 5-- PA Environmental Professionals College Science Scholarships
February 8-- Dominion Energy, PEC Western PA Environmental Awards
February 12-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award
February 13-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Grants
February 15-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagles & Their Environs Photo Contest
February 15-- DEP Mine Map Inventory, Scanning Grants
February 16-- NEW. NRCS-PA Conservation Grants Centre, Clinton, Lycoming Counties
February 16-- NEW. Keep PA Beautiful: Dr. Pepper/Snapple Park Recycling Grant
February 16-- NEW. Chester County Growing Greener Communities Award
February 23-- PEC Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants
February 26-- POWR Pennsylvania Sojourn Grants
February 26-- NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
February 27-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Clean Energy Projects RFP
February 27-- NEW. Governor’s Office Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grants
February 28-- Philadelphia Green City, Clean Waters Student Art Contest
February 28-- Schuylkill Action Network Student Street Art Contest
March 1-- NEW. President’s Environmental Youth Award
March 1-- National Recreation & Park Assn/Disney Meet Me At The Park Grants
March 1-- PA Historical & Museum Commission Keystone Historic Preservation Grants
March 2-- NRCS-PA Farm Conservation Stewardship Program Assistance
March 7-- PA Lake Management Society Photo Contest
March 9-- NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education Grants
March 15-- Northeast PA Audubon Society Hog Island Family Camp, Maine Scholarship
March 15-- EPA Environmental Education Grants
March 16-- TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Free Trees For Fall Planting
March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
March 23-- PA American Water Stream Of Learning College Scholarships
March 30-- NEW. Game Commission Seedlings For Schools, Pre-K To 12
March 30-- PA Environmental Professionals Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
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March 30-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy College Scholarships
March 31-- DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Municipal Inspector Grants
April 1-- DEP Farm Conservation Plan Grant Chesapeake Bay Watershed
April 6-- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
April 7-- DEP Local Recycling Implementation Grants
April 11-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 13-- NEW. PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 18-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
June 30-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (first come, first serve)
July 20-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Politics
Cusick: Environmentalists Want More Action From Gov. Wolf
Cusick: Wolf’s Campaign Website Has Misleading Claims About His Environmental Record
AP-Scolforo: Republicans See Lion’s Share Of Turnover In Legislature
Sen. Scarnati Defies PA Supreme Court Order To Turn Over Map Data In Gerrymandering Case
AP-Scolforo: Republicans Accuse Justices Of Bias In Bid To Save 2011 Election May
Scarnati: Wecht, Donohoe Biased In PA Supreme Court Gerrymandering Case
WITF Smart Talk: Political Roundtable: Gerrymandering Case, Redistricting
John Baer: The Emerging Story Behind The Story Of PA Gerrymandering
Meyer: Dems Hope To Capitalize On GOP Exits From Legislature
AP-Scolforo: Republicans See Lion’s Share Of Turnover In Legislature
Thompson: Can PA Democrats Turn Anti-Trump Momentum Into Actual Votes?
Air
Crable: EHB Rejects Challenge To Air Permit For Lancaster Perdue Soybean Plant
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Cleaner Air
Alternative Fuels
Westmoreland Transit Authority To Grow Its Fleet Of Natural Gas Buses
Awards & Recognition
County
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Climate
Coal Mining
In Coal Country, A Flood Of Money To Build Other Businesses
Trump Declares The War On Beautiful Coal Over
Trump: We Have To End The War On American Energy
ARC Grants Available To Communities Hurt By Coal Downturn
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Hopey: Pittsburgh Water Authority Will Pay For Public, Private Water Line Replacement
Pittsburgh Water Authority Issues Water Shut-Off Notices
Economic Development
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In Coal Country, A Flood Of Money To Build Other Businesses
Education
Central PA Expected To Get Good Look At Partial Super Blue Moon Eclipse
Emergency Response
Lawmakers Look To Update PA’s Disaster Response Law
Energy
A Day At The PA Public Utility Commission
Bill Would Cut Off Revenue To Midstate Boroughs
Sisk: Trump’s Speech Light On Energy Specifics, Here’s The Lowdown
Energy Conservation
Farming
Flooding
Roller Coaster Temps Cause Ice Jam In Mill Cove, Tioga County
Delaware River Flood Watch To Remain In Effect Thru Sunday
Susquehanna River Basin Remains At High Risk For Flooding As Ice Melts
Appeals Court Sets 1-Year Limit For Flood Insurance Claim Lawsuits
Forests
Green Infrastructure
Land Conservation
County
Conservancy Official Joins Westmoreland Land Trust
Mitigation
Trump White House Quietly Undercut Environmental Harm Mitigation Rules
Oil & Gas
DEP Pushes Program To Help Landowners Plug Abandoned Oil, Gas Wells
Letter: Promotion Of Natural Gas Ignores Shale Field Sacrifices
69
Editorial: Company Offers Up-Close Looks At Fracking For The Public
UGI Revises Liquefied Natural Gas Project Planned For Bethlehem
National Fuel Drop Prices For Natural Gas Customers In Erie Area
Westmoreland Transit Authority To Grow Its Fleet Of Natural Gas Buses
CNX Resources Sees Profit Rise In 2017, Gets Boost From Federal Tax Law
EPA Chief: Philadelphia Refinery Bankruptcy Shows Need For Biofuel Reform
Cleaner Air
Gasoline Prices Highest Since Hurricane Harvey
Editorial: Stop Offshore Drilling By Making NJ, DE Ugly For Oil
Onlot Septic Systems
PennVEST Wants Lower Burrell Residents To Know About Septic System Loan Program
Permitting
Editorial: Wolf Oil & Gas Permit Plan Better Serves All Parties
Pipelines
Study Highlights Concerns Over Planned Route Of Shell Ethane Pipeline
Frazier: Activist Groups Want More Time To Review Shell Ethane Pipeline Permits
Shell Is Building A Pipeline One Landowner At A Time
Carr: Shell’s Ethane Pipeline Will Cross 9 Municipalities
Shell Ethane Pipeline Application Under Review By DEP
Shell Ethane Pipeline Route Goes Within Few 100 Feet Of Homes
Op-Ed: Pipelines Remain Critical Infrastructure That Deserves Support
Ambridge Water Authority Opposes Planned Shell Ethane Pipeline Route
PennEast Pipeline Gives Holdout Landowners Until Feb. 5 To Accept Final Offer
Landowners Tear Up PennEast Pipeline Leases As NJ Shelves Permit Application
Radiation Protection
Creditors Claim Westinghouse Owes Them $111 Billion, Company: Closer To $9 Billion
Recreation
70
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
NRDC Blog: PA’s Renewable Energy Goals Are Not In The Super Bowl
Trump Tariff Won’t Hit Philly’s Growing Solar Industry
What Trump’s Tariff On Solar Panels Means For PA
Op-Ed: Red States Will Be Real Losers From Trump’s Solar Tariff
White House Seeks 72% Cut To Clean Energy Research, Focus On Fossil Fuels
Sustainability
Kummer: Green Smackdown: Eagles Stadium vs. Patriots
Philadelphia Sustainability Report A Magazine About Neighborhood Life
Wastewater Facilities
Hazleton Sewer Rate Increase May Be Scaled Back Thanks To PennVEST Funding
Watershed Protection
Learn How To Be Master Watershed Steward In Berks County Feb. 6
Settlers Cabin Park Snags $318,000 Grant To Clean Up Pinkerton Run
PennDOT Monitoring Use Of Road Salt Amid Environmental Concerns
Help Wanted: Watershed Advocacy Campaign Manager
EPA Suspends Waters Of The U.S. Rule Ahead Of Developing Its Own Version
Wildlife
51 New Cases Of Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer In PA
30 Deer To Be Shot In Franklin County For Chronic Wasting Disease Testing
Schneck: 15 Things You Don’t Know About Groundhogs In PA
Groundhog Day 2018: Punxsutawney Phil Facts
Animals Stolen From Schuylkill Center For Environmental Ed Wildlife Clinic In Dispute
Op-Ed: Erie Bird-Banding Program Could Fly Again
Frye: Sunday Hunting Fight To Take On New Form
Schneck: Eastern Mountain Lion Officially Declared Extinct
Endangered Species Law In Trump’s Crosshairs
Op-Ed: Threats To Wildlife, Environment Have Never Been Greater
West Nile/Zika Virus
71
Other
Op-Ed: Lawsuits To Limit Public Participation Can Impact Free Speech, Sen. Farnese
Hurricanes
PECO Sends Crews To Help Restore Power In Puerto Rico
FEMA To End Food, Water Aid For Puerto Rico
FEMA Now Says It Won’t End Puerto Rico Food, Water Distribution
Federal Policy
Dems Go On The Attack During EPA Chief’s Hearing
Trump White House Quietly Undercut Environmental Harm Mitigation Rules
EPA Chief: Philadelphia Refinery Bankruptcy Shows Need For Biofuel Reform
Sisk: Trump’s Speech Light On Energy Specifics, Here’s The Lowdown
Top Environmental Group Preparing To Sue Trump’s EPA
Big Green Readies Dozens Of Lawsuits As Only Antidote For Trump EPA
Editorial: Federal Infrastructure Plan With Potholes
What Trump’s Tariff On Solar Panels Means For PA
Trump Tariff Won’t Hit Philly’s Growing Solar Industry
Op-Ed: Red States Will Be Real Losers From Trump’s Solar Tariff
EPA Suspends Waters Of The U.S. Rule Ahead Of Developing Its Own Version
Endangered Species Law In Trump’s Crosshairs
Op-Ed: Threats To Wildlife, Environment Have Never Been Greater
Council Of State Governments Reports On Top 5 Issues For States In 2018
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of proposed
Noncoal Mining Program permit fee increases for public comment.
The proposed noncoal mining fee increases would be phased in over six years both on
permit reviews and an annual permit administration fee that DEP hopes will raise about $1.2
million to fully fund the program. The total annual cost of the program is about $3 million.
Another change would index future annual increases to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
index.
The fee schedule, phasing in the increases and the indexing were recommendations made
by DEP’s Aggregate Advisory Board.
72
The PA Aggregates and Concrete Association worked with DEP to develop the fee
package, but they believe there are still outstanding issues. The Association, however, does
“understand the value of an efficient complement within the mining program to support
industry’s needs to do business.” Click Here for more.
Click Here for a copy of the proposal and how to comment through DEP’s eComment
System. Visit the Environmental Quality Board October 2017 meeting webpage for more
background on the proposal.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 3, 2018
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 76 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/ disapproval actions in the February 3 PA Bulletin - pages 747 to 823.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of

final technical guidance on Blaster’s License Suspension and Revocations and the rescission of
technical guidance on Permitting Ventilation Boreholes for Underground Coal Mines.
DEP published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of federal consistency under the Coastal
Zone Management Act for maintenance dredging at Conneaut Harbor.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
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
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2017) - DEP webpage
73
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
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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
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
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Issue #710 ​Crisci Associates​, Harrisburg, PA Feb.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

Senate Committee Approves Resolutions Directing Review Of DEP Permit Programs,

Senate Committee Approves Local Stormwater Pollution Prevention Fee Authorization

Bills On Governor's Desk

Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Urge End To DCNR Drilling Moratorium:​ ​Senate Resolution 104​ (Bartolotta-R-Washington)

Preserved Farm Restrictions:​ ​House Bill 1550​ (Klunk-R-York) changing restrictions on

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Bills Pending In Key Committees

News From The Capitol

Senate Environmental Committee To Consider E-Waste Recycling Bill Feb. 7

EPCAMR Asking Enviro, Land Conservation, Watershed, Sportsmen’s Groups, Local

The ​Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Op-Ed: Federal Farm Bill Is Critical To Pennsylvania's Trout Fisheries

On Wednesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue

News From Around The State

PennVEST OKs $74 Million In Water, Stormwater, Non-Point Source, Forest

Gov. Wolf recently awarded $20.7 million in

NRCS-PA: Conservation Assistance Available To Farmers In Centre, Clinton, Lycoming

The ​U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA

CBF-PA To Hold Agricultural Teacher Workshops For A Lesson In The Value of

Agriculture teachers will become students

The ​Stroud Water Research Center​ and the Chester

The ​Brodhead Watershed Association​ will hold another in its

The Game Commission is now accepting orders under its

President’s Environmental Youth Award Now Accepting Nominations

Nominations are now being accepted for the ​2018 President’s

Brodhead Watershed Assn, PennFuture Intervene In EHB Case To Protect Exceptional

DEP Opportunity To Reclaim Abandoned Mines In Clarion, Venango Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the ​February 3 PA Bulletin

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it is encouraging

The ​February Township News​ features an in depth review

Delaware River Basin Commission Feb. 14 Hearing, March 14 Business Meeting

Hazelwood Green​, a former steel mill site that is the

Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project Funding Now Open For Applications

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 ​Dr

Northeast Recycling Council Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust April 3, Baltimore

The ​Northeast Recycling Council's

Noncoal Mining Permit Fee Increases Published For Comment By EQB

PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In January

The ​January edition of In Case You Missed It​ is

PA Environmental Professionals Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Roundtable Feb.

The ​PA Association of Environmental Professionals​’

DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Meets Feb. 6 On Comprehensive Energy

PPL Corporation Tuesday announced a goal to

By Jeff Mulhollem, ​Penn State News

Agroforestry could play an important role in

PA State Police Looking For Equine Donations

The Pennsylvania State Police is once again looking for a

The ​PA Environmental Defense Foundation​ and ​PennFuture

Department of Conservation and Natural

The ​PA Environmental Council’s​ Podcast series

Spotted Lanternfly Information Session Feb. 23 In Snyder County

The ​Snyder County Conservation District​ will hold an

The ​PA Horticultural Society​, ​Tree Pittsburgh​, DCNR

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will hold a ​Make The

The ​PA Parks and Forests Foundation​ Monday

Women across the mid-Atlantic region who own,

Wildlands Conservancy Highlights February Education Programs & Activities

Intern Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Land Stewardship Internship

The Delaware County-based ​Brandywine Conservancy​ is seeking qualified candidates to fill a

Help Wanted: PennFuture: Watershed Advocacy Manager

Issue #710 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Feb.

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

Urge End To DCNR Drilling Moratorium: Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R-Washington)

Preserved Farm Restrictions: House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) changing restrictions on

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA

The Stroud Water Research Center and the Chester

The Brodhead Watershed Association will hold another in its

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2018 President’s

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin

The February Township News features an in depth review

Hazelwood Green, a former steel mill site that is the

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Dr

The Northeast Recycling Council's

The January edition of In Case You Missed It is

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals’

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

The PA Environmental Defense Foundation and PennFuture

The PA Environmental Council’s Podcast series

The Snyder County Conservation District will hold an

The PA Horticultural Society, Tree Pittsburgh, DCNR

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry will hold a Make The

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday

The Delaware County-based Brandywine Conservancy is seeking qualified candidates to fill a

February 6-- Governor’s Budget Address.

February 15-- MS4: Elements Of A Stormwater Management Program Workshop. Toftrees

February 15-- PennTAP. Building Re-Tuning: A Sustainability Workshop On Energy

February 22-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

February 26-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 3:00- Department of

February 26-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00- Department of

February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 1:00- Department of

March 3-- PA Wilds Buyer’s Market. Clarion University, Clarion.

June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

February 5-- PA Lake Management Society Award Nominations

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 3 PA Bulletin of

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers