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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
June 15, 2020 Issue #833
(6/15/2020)
* House Republicans Move Bill Taking Away DEP’s Authority To Enact Carbon Pollution Reduction Program For Power Plants

On June 9, Republicans on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee amended and reported out House Bill 2025 (Struzzi-R-Indiana) to take away DEP’s authority to enact any program to reduce carbon pollution emissions from power plants or other sources.

* Gov. Wolf Advised Lawmakers In May Of Problems With Bills Taking Away DEP's Authority To Adopt Carbon Pollution Reduction Programs, Urged Them To Help Develop A Plan That Benefits All Pennsylvanians

On May 11, Gov. Tom Wolf wrote to Republican members of the Senate urging them to work "collaboratively with DEP" to develop a carbon pollution reduction program for power plants that benefits all Pennsylvanians.

* PEC, EDF Urge House Members To Oppose Bill Taking Away DEP’s Authority To Enact Any Program To Reduce Carbon Pollution Emissions

On June 8, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Environmental Defense Fund wrote to members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee urging them to oppose House Bill 2025 (Struzzi-R- Indiana) to take away DEP’s authority to enact any program to reduce carbon pollution emissions.

* Organizations Urge PA Lawmakers To Create Clean Energy Jobs With Carbon Pollution Reduction Program

On June 9, Representatives from AIA Pennsylvania, Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), Green Building United, and the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) invite the Senate and House to a balanced conversation about effective policies that could jump-start Pennsylvania’s economy in the wake of COVID-19.

* Reminder: EQB Virtual Hearings On Reg. Controlling VOCs/Methane From Existing Oil, Gas Operations June 23, 24, 25

The Environmental Quality Board is inviting comments on a proposed regulation to control methane emissions from existing oil and gas operations by setting volatile organic compound emission standards. (May 23 PA Bulletin notice)

* Senate Republicans Move Bills To Block Regulations Because They Have Too Many Words; Promote Expensive 3rd Party Permit Reviews

On June 10, Republicans on the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee reported out bills putting more roadblocks into adopting needed environmental and other regulations because they have too many words and establishing a third party permit review program. 

* DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 638 More Permits, 1,680 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to June 9, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

* New Online Storymap Shares Tips, Shows Benefits Of Improving Water Quality In PA's Part Of Chesapeake Bay Watershed

As part of Chesapeake Bay Watershed Awareness Week June 6 - 14, the Department of Environmental Protection launched a new storymap, Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities, that shares tips for reducing nutrient and sediment runoff pollution and shows the benefits of improving water quality in Pennsylvania’s part of the watershed.

* Water Science Institute Storymap Shows How Old Mill Dams, Land Use & Legacy Sediments In Lancaster County Affect Water Quality

On June 11, the Water Science Institute (WSI) officially released its latest education and research tool “Legacy Landscapes” to support Chesapeake Bay Watershed Awareness Week and ongoing water quality improvement initiatives throughout the region.

* Attorney General Shapiro: Range Resources Pleads No Contest To Negligent Oversight Of Natural Gas Well Sites In Washington County; To Pay $150,000 In Penalties, Contributions

On June 12, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Range Resources, an unconventional oil and gas, or “fracking” company, has pleaded no contest to negligent oversight of well sites in Washington County, PA.

* Shale Gas Drilling Used Over 25 Billion Gallons Of Water Approved By The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Over 10 Years, Now 3rd Largest User Of Water

On June 8, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission released a 10-year evaluation of water use data from unconventional natural gas development in the watershed from 2008 to 2018.

* DCNR Good Natured Blog: June Is Rivers Month!

With the heat of summer almost upon us, and Pennsylvanians looking for ways to have fun close to home and away from crowds, boating is expected to be at an all-time high.

* PA Environmental Council: Trail Use During COVID-19 Pandemic In March & April Spiked By As Much As 200%

On June 9, a report on land and water trail use issued by the PA Environment Council found trail use spiked as much as 200 percent during March and April over 2019 not only putting a strain on these resources, but also generating a newfound appreciation for these recreation assets.

* Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Receives National Recognition For Innovation In Social Equity

On June 9, the National Recreation and Park Association announced the recipients of this year’s NRPA Innovation Awards and NRPA Spotlight Awards.

* DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Kate Gonick, Lancaster Conservancy

Kate Gonick is the Vice President of Land Protection and General Counsel for the Lancaster Conservancy. Her connection to the landscape fuels her passion for conserving natural lands.

* PA Environmental Defense Foundation Defends Lawsuit Saying DCNR’s Forest Plan Mission To Sell Gas Resources Not Consistent With Environmental Rights Amendment

On June 8, the PA Environmental Defense Foundation submitted a brief responding to preliminary objections to its January Lawsuit against the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources saying the State Forest Plan it adopted allowing the sale of natural gas resources is not consistent with its trustee responsibilities under the state constitution’s Environmental Rights Amendment.

* PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: Effort To End COVID-19 Emergency Will Provide Civics Lesson

Senate and House Republican efforts to end Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency declaration will provide a civics lesson that is far from academic on the three branches of government as the issue moved to Commonwealth Court and the PA Supreme Court last week.

* 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 [Updated] /Bills Introduced

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 Republicans Move Amended Bill To Focus On Recycling Of Post-Use Polymers Not Mixed With Garbage

On June 10, Republicans on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out legislation-- House Bill 1808 (Mackenzie-R-Lehigh)-- that was amended to focus the bill on recycling post-use polymers that are not mixed with household garbage.

* Farmers: Enrollment Opening Soon For CLEAR30 Conservation Program In Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes Watersheds

This article first appeared on the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Blog June 11, 2020--

* EQB Meets June 16 To Consider Recommendation To Delist Waste As Hazardous Waste From 2 Processing Facilities

The Environmental Quality Board will hold a virtual meeting on June 16 to consider a recommendation from DEP to delist leachate as hazardous waste from two waste treatment facilities made as a result of a rulemaking petition submitted by MAX Environmental.

* DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Discuss Keep PA Beautiful Litter Study, Food Waste Recycling June 16

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on June 16 to hear presentations on Keep PA Beautiful’s Litter Study and on food waste recycling.

* DEP: Construction Starts On Mine Drainage Treatment Plant On Chartiers Creek In Allegheny County; Federal Funding For Projects Like This Due To Expire

On June 11, the Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation announced construction of an acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment plant has begun in South Fayette Township, Allegheny County to improve water quality and restore fishing and recreation to portions of Millers Run and Chartiers Creek.

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Fayette County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the June 13 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Fayette County.

* PA Township Supervisors Host Statewide Stormwater Conference At 3 Regional Locations; Workshop Proposals Now Being Accepted

The PA State Association of Township Supervisors will host a statewide MS4 Great Ideas Stormwater Conference at three regional locations in October and November.

* Southwestern PA Water Resource Center Hosts Webinars On Stormwater, Water Infrastructure Issues

The Southwestern PA Commission's Water Resource Center will host a series of webinars on stormwater and water infrastructure issues in the coming weeks.  They include--

* Bay Journal: Soil Health Practices Increasingly Help Farmers Hit Pay Dirt, Improve The Environment

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* Registration Now Open For 8th Annual (Virtual) Delaware River Watershed Forum Sept. 14-17

The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed is now accepting registration for the 8th Annual (Virtual) Delaware River Watershed Forum to be held September 14-17.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn. To Hold StreamWatchers Training June 27 In Monroe County

Would you like to be a StreamWatcher? The Brodhead Watershed Association will soon welcome new “water warriors” into its popular StreamWatch Program.

* Allegheny Conservation District Hosts Webinars On Stream Health, Stormwater Management, More

The Allegheny County Conservation District is hosting a series of Stream Health and Stormwater Management webinars in June.  The webinars include--

* POWR: June 23 Webinar On Watershed Volunteer Motivations, Management, Recruitment, Retention

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers will host a June 23 webinar on Watershed Volunteer Motivations, Management, Recruitment, Retention staring at Noon.

* High-Performing Students Earn PA American Water’s 2020 Stream of Learning Scholarships

On June 9, PA American Water announced 10 students from across Pennsylvania have been selected to receive $1,000 scholarships through the company’s Stream of Learning scholarship program.

* PUC To Hold 6 Telephonic Hearings On Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Rate Increase Requests

On June 12, the Public Utility Commission announced there will be six telephonic hearings in early July to gather public input on rate increases proposed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority for water and wastewater services to approximately 80,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities.

* Independence Conservancy To Hold Waste Tire Collection June 20 In Findlay Twp., Allegheny County

Need to get rid of tires or wheels from your car or truck? The Independence Conservancy will hold an affordable community tire collection in cooperation with Findlay Township on Saturday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

* GASP: Allegheny County Council Unanimously Approves ‘Clean Construction’ Ordinance To Help Improve Air Quality

On June 9, Allegheny County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a long-sought ‘clean construction’ ordinance that will help reduce diesel emissions and improve local air quality, according to the Group Against Smog and Pollution.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In May Now Available

The May In Case You Missed It from the PA Environmental Council is now available featuring articles on--

* Penn State’s PennTAP Program: How To Offset Financial Losses With Energy Efficiency Projects Webinar June 25

Penn State's PA Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) will host a June 25 webinar on How To Offset Financial Losses With Energy Efficiency Projects from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* Dept. Of Human Services Virtual Hearings On Low-Income Energy Assistance Plan

The Department of Human Services is making available for public comment the FY 2020-21 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Plan(formal notice)

* PA Wilds Center, The Progress Fund Invite Small Tourism Businesses To Prep For New COVID-19 Relief Funding

On June 11, PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship and The Progress Fund are encouraging small tourism-related businesses in the 13 counties of the Pennsylvania Wilds to join its free network as a way to help prep for the upcoming $225 million COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Grants.

* PA Municipal League, Sustainable PA: June 24 Virtual Sustainability Conference

Join the PA Municipal League and Sustainable Pennsylvania for a Virtual Sustainability Conference on June 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* Agriculture Preserves 48 New Farms, 4,432 Acres; Urbanization Threatens Agricultural Lands

On June 11, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced an investment of $11.9 million in food security by safeguarding 4,432 acres on 48 farms in 25 counties through the state’s nation-leading Farmland Preservation Program.

* Applications Now Open For Women and Their Woods Virtual Educational Retreat, 6 Online Sessions This Fall

The Delaware Highlands Conservancy is now accepting applications for the Women And Their Woods Virtual Education Retreat to be held in six online sessions in September, October and November.

* YaleEnvironment360: How Small Family Forests Can Help Meet The Climate Challenge

By Gabriel Popkin, Science & Environmental Writer

* PA Conservation Districts Assn. Creates PSAs On The Importance Of Planting Native Plants

The PA Association of Conservation Districts is now distributing public service announcements on the Importance Of Planting Native Plants to help improve water quality and attract pollinators.

* PRPS PA Park Maintenance Institute Launches New Website

The PA Recreation & Park Society (PRPS) launched an initiative to build a community of park maintenance professionals, providing the latest tools, techniques, and strategies for efficient park maintenance to advance the capacity of public parks and recreation organizations.

* June 10 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The June 10 Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

* June 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The June 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Larger Streams Like The Loyalsock Creek In Northcentral PA Are Critical For Wild Brook Trout Conservation

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* Allegheny National Forest Accepting Comments About Bradford Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project

The Allegheny National Forest is accepting comments about a series of proposed activities that will help improve the forest as part of the Bradford Wildlife Habitat Improvement Project in McKean County.

* Wildlands Conservancy Offers Wild Community Programs Online; Camp-2-U! Begins June 15

The Wildlands Conservancy kicks off Camp-2-U on June 15 and has added more wild community programs to its online education experience.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Adds New Virtual And In-Person Educational Programs

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary has added more virtual and is now starting in-person education programs at the Sanctuary in Berks County.

* Penn State College Of Ag Sciences Recognizes Tammy Shannon In Academic Advising

Tammy Shannon, academic advising coordinator for the environmental resource management program, has received the 2020 Excellence in Academic Advising Award from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

Click Here: Week’s Worth Of PA Environment & Energy NewsClips

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

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

* CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest

CLICK HERE to View or Print the 86 page PA Environment Digest.

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

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.

* PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Oct. 28-29 In State College

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference will now be held on October 28-29 in State College.

* 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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