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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
June 6, 2005
(6/3/2005)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 6/6/05
* Growing Greener-- How to Spend It? How to Pay for It?
Legislation to implement the $625 million Growing Greener bond issue passed by voters May 17 will be a topic of discussion when the Senate and House return June 6, in particular how to pay for it and how to spend the money.
* On the Senate, House Agenda
The Senate and House have a variety of issues set for action, the first time they return to session in three weeks—PUC nominations, underground storage tanks, environmental education, farmland preservation, energy efficiency standards for appliances, funding infrastructure security improvements, flood reduction, to name just a few. Here’s the rundown.
* Waugh & Wenger Unveil Major Agricultural Initiative, Manure Use Technologies
Senators Mike Waugh (R-York) and Noah Wenger (R-Lancaster) this week announced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at promoting agriculture in Pennsylvania.
* Senate Hearing Set on Rendell Nominees for Public Utility Commission
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee has scheduled a hearing on Gov. Rendell three nominees to the Public Utility Commission this week. Here’s a rundown on each of the candidates-
* Pennsylvania’s 10 Years of Success in Addressing ‘Brownfield’ Sites
As a result of an innovative agreement signed a decade ago by PPL Corporation and the Department of Environmental Protection, old industrial “brownfield” properties across the state now meet current environmental standards.
* How to Stay Cool and Comfortable AND Save Energy, Money at Home
High temperatures are on the way, but that doesn't have to mean high energy bills this summer. EPA's Energy Star program has advice on smart ways to keep cool with energy-efficient products and practices.
* Last Call -Energy Efficiency, P2 Assessment Grants Available Only Thru June 30
There is still time for small business owners to take advantage of $500,000 in site assessment grants from the Department of Environmental Protection, but the program closes on June 30.
* Are You A Budding Green Builder? GBA Looking to Form Green Builders Group
The Green Building Alliance is looking for Pittsburgh-area students and young professionals who are interested in establishing a local Emerging Green Builders group in the region.
* Two PA Projects Win American Institute of Architect’s Green Project Awards
Two of the eight Green Project Awards from the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment were for projects in Pennsylvania— the Bear Run Interpretive Center and the Pittsburgh Glass Center.
* Industrial and Office Properties Green Development Award Noms Due June 20
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties is accepting nominations until June 20 for its new Green Development Award.
* Green Communities Initiative Provides Funding, Technical Help
The Green Communities Initiative program provides a package of tangible financial incentives and other resources to developers––both community-based organizations and private builders––who undertake green affordable housing projects integrating Green Communities criteria.
* Recycling Performance Grant Applications Due September 30
Applications for Recycling Performance Grants are now being accepted by the Department of Environmental Protection for materials recycled during calendar year 2004. (PaB 3264) The deadline is September 30.
* When Will the Peregrine Falcons Fly?
The next step, literally, for the peregrine falcons living on the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg and the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh may be a big one—taking that first tentative flight off the ledge.
* Second Breeding Bird Atlas Survey Documents Important Changes
More than 1,400 volunteers have already signed up to participate in the most extensive nesting bird survey ever attempted in the state, the 2nd Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas - a five-year project being directed and coordinated jointly by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. But, more help is needed.
* Chesapeake Bay Program Launches Newsletter on Restoration Activities
The Chesapeake Bay Program this week launched "Chesapeake Currents," a new monthly e-newsletter highlighting articles and stories featured on the Bay Program's home page.
* Come On Out and Enjoy The Slippery Rock Watershed Festival
Join the celebration and exploration as the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, the Jennings Environmental Education Center and the Boyers Sportsman’s Club team up to sponsor their first community watershed festival on June 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
* Brian Hill Returns to PEC, Janet Sweeney Heads Northeast Regional Office
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council this week announced that Brian Hill has rejoined the organization and Janet Sweeney was named to head-up PEC’s Northeast Regional Office.
* Fish & Boat Commission Looking for a Few Good…. People
The Fish and Boat Commission is looking for individuals interested in a career as a Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO).
* Feature: Reclaimed Water Offers Solutions to Water Quality, Water Demand Problems
Rapid growth in an area with a high quality streams and dwindling water supplies is a recipe for environmental and economic problems. But in State College, the University Area Joint Authority and other partners are looking to reclaimed water to be part of the solution.
* Feature: Equipment Rental Program Helps Promote No-Till Farming, Other Programs
Richard Hershberger is a busy guy this time of year. For six weeks every Spring, he works six and sometimes seven days a week managing a unique program for the Bedford County Conservation District that loans out corn planters, drills and lime spreaders to help farmers plant crops using no-till methods.
* Dennis Tubbs, PA CleanWays Show the Way for Others to Follow
Last week the Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the winners of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Program which were included in the last Digest. But, the finalists selected in that program also deserve recognition of their good work.
* Quick Clips
A sampling of NewsClips on a variety of environmental topics-
* Watershed NewsClips
Help Reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee
* Regulations
No new proposed regulations were published this week.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new technical guidance was published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .

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