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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
February 4, 2019 Issue #762
(2/4/2019)
* Gov. Wolf Proposes A $4.5 Billion, 4-Year Restore Pennsylvania Community & Environmental Infrastructure Investment Program

On January 31, Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $4.5 billion, 4-year Restore Pennsylvania initiative to fund high-impact community and environmental infrastructure projects that he said will help catapult Pennsylvania ahead of every state in the country in terms of technology, development and infrastructure.

* PUC: Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Amounts Will Not Change For 2018 Collection Year

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the February 2 PA Bulletin setting the 2018 collection year Act 13 drilling impact fees.  The fee amounts will not change from the 2017 fees.

* CFA Now Accepting Applications For Act 13 Fee Supported Watershed Restoration, Mine Reclamation, Sewage, Flood Mitigation, Recreation Grants

The Commonwealth Financing Authority is now accepting applications for grants funded by Act 13 drilling impact fees for watershed restoration, abandoned mine drainage abatement, baseline water quality data, orphaned or abandoned well plugging, sewage facilities, flood mitigation programs and recreation. 

* DEP Working With Villanova University On Update To Stormwater BMP Manual To Encourage Green Infrastructure

The Department of Environmental Protection is working with Villanova University to update and modernize its 13-year-old Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual.

* Villanova's Dr. Robert Traver Receives National Environmental & Water Resources Institute Lifetime Achievement Award

By Griffin Davis, ‘22 Villanova University

* Gov. Wolf Announces $121 Million In Funding For Water Infrastructure Projects in 20 Counties, $1.1 Million For Nonpoint Projects

On January 30, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of $121 million in funding for 25 drinking water, wastewater and nonpoint source projects across 20 counties by the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.

* Attorney General Files 161 Criminal Charges Against Pittsburgh Water Authority Over Lead Water Lines

On February 1, Attorney General Josh Shapiro filed 161 criminal charges against the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority for failing to notify residents when the agency replaced lead water lines creating health risks for affected households.

* Senate State Government Committee Unanimously Approves, Reports Out Bill Recognizing Eastern Hellbender

On January 29, the Senate State Government Committee voted unanimously to approve and report out Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as the state amphibian and clean water ambassador (sponsor summary).

* Pennsylvanians Urged To Help Preserve The Legacy Of PA's State Parks & Forests

On January 28, the Parks and Forests Foundation debuted “The Legacy of Pennsylvania Parks and Forests: The Future is in Our Hands” report at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.

* Chester County Developer Files Lawsuit To Force Mariner East Pipeline Off Its Property Citing Expiring Easements

On February 1, attorneys for the Hankin Group, a Chester County-based residential, commercial and retail developer, asked a Chester County Common Pleas Court judge to force Sunoco off four of its properties where it is still constructing the Mariner East Pipeline.

* Op-Ed: Citizens Are Heroes In Flight For Pipeline Safety

By Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester)

* Plans Now Due From Electric Utilities For 3rd Party Electric Vehicle Charging Services

On February 2, the Public Utility Commission published the final policy statement on third-party electric vehicle (EV) charging stations designed to reduce regulatory uncertainty, provide greater clarity and consistency among electric distribution companies (EDCs), and promote increased investment in EV charging infrastructure in the state in the PA Bulletin.

* PUC Provides Tips On Energy Conservation, Safe Heating During Frigid Weather

With frigid temperatures gripping the state this week, the Public Utility Commission provided tips to consumers on lessening the harsh impacts of the cold weather and keeping families safer through the practices of sound energy conservation and safe heating.

* Local Keep PA Beautiful Affiliates Collect 2.2 Million Pounds Of Electronics, 17,000 Tires, And More During 2018

On January 30, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced local affiliates collected a combined total of over 2.2 million pounds of electronics, 17,293 tires, 950 appliances and 21,434 pounds of household hazardous waste from local residents, emphasizing the continued need for disposal options for hard to dispose items.

* Game Commission Board Approves Additional Protection For 3 Cave Bat Species

On January 29, the state Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a measure that updates the state’s list of threatened and endangered species, providing three cave bat species additional protection by reclassifying them as state endangered species.

* Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--

* 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--

* House Names Standing Committee Members, Following Senate Appointments

On January 28, the House introduced House Resolution 6 naming members to each of its standing committees, following Senate appointments last week.

* House Environmental Committee Holds Feb. 5 Informational State Of The State Meeting

On January 31, Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee announced the Committee will hold a "State Of The State" information meeting.

* House, Senate Democratic Policy Committees Hold Feb. 7 Hearing On Fire And Air Pollution Caused By Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Fire

The House and Senate Democratic Policy Committees are scheduled to hold a hearing on February 7 on the air pollution caused by the Clairton Coke (Coal) Works fire in Clairton, Allegheny County.

* January State Revenues $113.7 Million Below Estimates; Ahead $290 Million For Fiscal Year

On February 1, the Department of Revenue reported Pennsylvania collected $2.9 billion in General Fund revenue in January, which was $113.7 million, or 3.8 percent, less than anticipated.

* Allegheny Institute: Review Of Pittsburgh Water Authority’s 5-Year Infrastructure Plan: The Price That Has To Be Paid For Years Of Neglect

On January 30, the Allegheny Institute For Public Policy in Pittsburgh published a policy briefing reviewing the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority’s 5-Year Infrastructure Plan to make improvements to its water infrastructure.

* Delaware River Basin Commission Hearing Feb. 13, Business Meeting March 13

On January 30, the Delaware River Basin Commission announced it will hold a hearing on water withdrawal requests and other issues on February 13 and its next regular business meeting on March 13.  (formal notice)

* PA Clean Water Legislative Briefing Book Available From PennFuture

The General Assembly plays an important role in protecting these critical water resources through the funding of the state resource agencies charged with their protection and passing and enhancing laws that help to steward them.

* Register Now: PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit Feb. 20-21

You can still register for the DCNR and Western PA Conservancy Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 is closing fast.

* Need Community Service Ideas? Attend The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership Community Leader Breakfast Feb. 21 In Philadelphia

Are you a volunteer coordinator or community Leader?  Do you need community service ideas for 2019?

* Octorara High Students Explore Local History, Learn To Protect Fresh Water In Chester County

Octorara High School students spent three days last fall experiencing and learning about their local parts of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, with the help of the Stroud Water Research Center. They also discovered the impacts their choices make to promote its health and integrity.

* Pike Conservation District Now Accepting Applications For A $500 Environmental Education Grant

The Pike County Conservation District is offering a $500 Environmental Education Project Grant opportunity to Pike County teachers or youth organizations to fund a project that complements the District’s mission.  Deadline for applications is May 3.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn: Feb. 9: Kids, Explore The H2Olympics; Feb. 16 Pasold Farm Hike In Monroe County

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host two upcoming events in Monroe County for kids and the whole family.

* DEP Accepting Applications For Recycling Implementation Grants Thru March 22

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting applications for Section 902 Recycling Implementation Grants. The deadline for applications is March 22.

* DEP Will Accept Comments On Speciality Granules' Proposed Northern Tract Quarry In Adams County Thru Feb. 13

The Department of Environmental Protection will be accepting comments on a noncoal surface mine permit application, and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) application for Specialty Granules LLC’s Northern Tract Quarry, located in Hamiltonban Township, Adams County through February 13.

* PUC To Host PA Statewide Sustainable Energy Board Meeting Feb. 7

On January 31, the Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, announced will hold its annual meeting at 10:30 a.m., February 7 in the Desert Room of the Keystone Building Meeting Center in the Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North St., Harrisburg. 

* Op-Ed: NRDC Expresses Opposition To No Strings Attached PA Nuclear Subsidy Bill

By Mark Szybist, Natural Resources Defense Council

* PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In January

The In Case You Missed It In January newsletter is now available from the PA Environmental Council featuring stories on--

* PennDOT Announces Multimodal Project Funding, Including Bike Lanes, Trails, Green Infrastructure

On February 1, Gov. Tom Wolf announced 50 highway, bridge, transit, aviation, and bike and pedestrian projects in 23 counties were selected for $44.5 million in funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund.

* Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority Accepting Applications For Conservation, Preservation, Education Partnership Grants

The Scranton-based Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is now accepting applications for Spring Partnership Grants to support conservation, preservation or educational programs about historic, cultural, economic and natural resources in the Lackawanna Valley.

* South Mountain Partnership Announces 6 Lectures For 2019 Speakers Series Beginning March 16

On January 29, the South Mountain Partnership announced its scheduled of 6 lectures for the 2019 South Mountain Speakers Series.

* Penn State Extension Offers 2 Spring Gardening Workshops On April 2 & 9 At Northampton Community College

Penn State Extension is offering 2 Spring Gardening Workshops on April 2 and 9 at the Northampton Community Fowler Family Center, 511 E. 3rd Street in Bethlehem from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

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Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

* Sponsor: 2019 PA/National Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference

PA Environment Digest is proud to be a sponsor of the 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and National Abandoned Mine Lands Program Conference to be held in Pittsburgh on September 8-11.

* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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