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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
July 6, 2020 Issue #836
(7/6/2020)
* House Speaker Cutler: Republicans Will First Raid Dedicated Funds To Balance Budget In November

On July 1, House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said Republicans will be first looking to raid dedicated funds and divert revenue streams going into those funds to balance the state’s budget in November.

* DEP Our Common Wealth Blog: How To Protect Your Home Watershed And Why You Should

By: Deborah Klenotic, DEP Deputy Communications Director

* CBF Blog: Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Helping To Reclaim Abandoned Mine Land

By B.J. Small, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

* U.S. House Passes Infrastructure Bill Including Abandoned Mine Reclamation Initiatives, And Extension Of Federal Reclamation Fee

On July 1, the U.S. House passed a $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill that includes bipartisan proposals to address the problem of abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania and across the country.

* DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 475 More Permits, 1,656 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16 to June 30, Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

* House Republicans List Bill Taking Away DEP’s Authority To Enact A Carbon Pollution Reduction Program Covering Power Plants For A Vote This Week

On July 2, House Republican leadership listed House Bill 2025 (Struzzi-R-Indiana), a bill that takes away DEP’s authority to enact any program to reduce carbon pollution emissions from power plants or other sources, for a vote by the full House when it returns to session July 7 and 8.

* New Data Released On Flood Risk Of Every Home In U.S. Due To Climate Change Impacts; 370,200 More Properties In PA At Substantial Risk

On June 29, First Street Foundation publicly released flood risk data for more than 142 million homes and properties across the country through a new FloodFactor.com website.

* DEP Launches Next Round Of Local Climate Action Program, New Webpage

On June 30, DEP announced it will be accepting expressions of interest from municipalities in participating in the next round of the Local Climate Action Program which helps communities develop local greenhouse gas inventories and climate action plans.

* Federal Appeals Court Stops FERC's Inappropriate Use of Tolling Orders In Pipeline Cases, Gives Landowners Back Their Rights

On June 30, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cannot indefinitely delay their review of complaints by landowners who wish to protect their property from natural gas and oil pipelines, among other infrastructure developments.

* DCNR Seeking Online Public Input On Pennsylvania’s Public & Private Forests

On June 29, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn invited public input in an online survey helping DCNR chart the future course for forestlands in Pennsylvania. 

* Rural, Older Women Offer Insight On Why Nature Is Important When Aging In Place; Coping With Pandemic

By Brooke Killmon, Penn State News

* DCNR Reminds State Park Visitors Of Possible Crowding This Summer

On July 2, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn reminded potential state park visitors the combination of expected fair weather and a holiday weekend could bring crowded conditions to many parks throughout Pennsylvania.

* Keep PA Beautiful: Take Pride On The 4th Of July And Every Day-- DON’T LITTER!

As residents of Pennsylvania seek recreation in public spaces, including parks and trails, this Independence Day weekend, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful issued an urgent reminder to properly dispose of trash and litter as they participate in 4th of July celebrations.

* Gov. Wolf: $225 Million Federal CARES Funding Available For Small Businesses Impacted By COVID-19

Gov. Tom Wolf announced beginning June 30, small businesses across Pennsylvania can apply for grants to offset lost revenue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shutdown order.  The first application window will remain open until July 9.

* July 4th Op-Ed: The Right Of The Governed To Be Heard - Lawmakers Ignoring Overwhelming Calls For Reform To Eliminate Gerrymandering

By 70 Members Of Fair Districts PA Leadership Team

* PA Capitol & COVID-19 Weekly Report: COVID-19 Emergency Continues, Early Budget Talk, Police Reform Bills Move

The PA Supreme Court last week turned aside Senate Republican attempts to end the COVID-19 emergency declared by Gov. Wolf saying simply-- in 40 pages-- Republicans didn’t follow the state constitution.

* Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

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

* 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--

* 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--

* Reports Released On Economic, Environmental Impacts Of Single-Use Plastics Bans/Fees

On June 30, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee and the Independent Fiscal Office released studies on the economic and environmental impacts of bans and/or fees on single-use plastics, reusable plastics, auxiliary containers, wrappings and polystyrene containers.

* Joint Conservation Committee: Human & Environmental Benefits To Zero Waste Living

The following article first appeared in the June newsletter of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee--

* Federal Court Decision Requires EPA To Update Air Pollution Standards For Coal Coking Operations

On June 26, the Federal Northern District of California issued a decision which held the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency must update its air quality standards for coke ovens across the country, according to PennFuture, a party to the lawsuit.

* Two Philadelphia Organizations Receive EPA Funding To Support Environmental Justice Projects

On June 30, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced two Philadelphia organizations-- the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society-- are among 12 groups nationwide receiving $30,000 each to help address environmental justice issues in their communities.

* National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition: U.S. House Select Committee Recommendations On Climate Provides Path For Climate Resilient Agriculture

On June 30, the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis released its long-awaited report offering climate policy recommendations to the standing committees, laying the groundwork for broad climate legislation in the near future.

* NOAA, NAAEE Announce Award Of 29 Watershed STEM Education Grants, 3 In PA

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and supported by the U.S. Department of Education recently announced the award of $2.35 million in grants to 29 environmental education organizations.

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed TMDL For Watershed In Lehigh County

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load water quality plan for the Switzer Creek Watershed in Lehigh County. (July 4 PA Bulletin, page 3337)

* Pike Conservation District Highlights Resources For Managing Small Woodlots, Protecting Clean Water

The latest newsletter from the Pike County Conservation District highlights resources available to help small woodlot owners and protect water quality.

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

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 4 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on an abandoned mine reclamation project in Allegheny County.

* Summer Guardian Newsletter Now Available From Susquehanna River Basin Commission

The summer issue of the Guardian newsletter is now available from the Susquehanna River Basin Commission featuring articles on--

* PA Resources Council Backyard Composting, Watershed/Rain Barrel, Recycling/Waste Reduction Webinars

On June 30, the PA Resources Council announced a series of five webinars covering backyard composting, watershed/rain barrel and recycling/waste reduction in July.

* Pittsburgh Cosponsors U.S. Conference Of Mayors Resolution Calling On Cities To Divest From Fossil Fuel Industries

Pittsburgh and 16 other cities cosponsored a policy adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors on June 30 that urges cities across the globe to explore divesting from fossil fuels and invest in climate solutions to support a green recovery and a just transition.

* DEP Offers First-Come, First-Served Fast Charging, Hydrogen Fueling Grants Under Driving PA Forward

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting grant applications for $1.8 million on a first-come, first-served basis for DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling vehicle supply equipment projects under the Driving PA Forward initiative.  (formal notice)

* PUC Urges Consumers To Watch Out For Questionable Energy Marketing Pitches

With potential increases in energy sales and marketing as the cooling season kicks into high gear, the Public Utility Commission continues urging consumers to remain vigilant about questionable energy marketing activities and possible scams, particularly with unsolicited telemarketing calls requesting quick action and promising far-reaching benefits as compared to previous energy bills.

* Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program Webinar July 16: Funding For Energy Efficiency Equipment Upgrades

Penn State's PA Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) will host a July 16 webinar on Funding for Energy Efficiency Equipment Upgrades from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* DEP Completes Hazardous Sites Cleanup Response At Pool Doctor-Beaver Alkali Products, Beaver County

On June 30, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the conclusion of its interim response under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act for the Pool Doctor-Beaver Alkali Products Site in Rochester, Beaver County.

* TreeVitalize Pittsburgh: Apply Now For Spring 2021 Tree Plantings In Pittsburgh

The Western PA Conservancy is now accepting applications for spring 2021 tree plantings under the TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Program. The deadline for applications is August 7.

* Gov. Pinchot's Grey Towers Historic Site Festival Of Wood Canceled In Pike County

Due to the current conditions and health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Forest Service at Gov. Pinchot’s Grey Towers Historic Site has reluctantly decided to cancel the 2020 Festival of Wood, scheduled for August 1-2 in Pike County.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn. Holds Online Native Plant Sale For Pickup September 12 In Monroe County

On July 1, the Brodhead Watershed Association announced its Native Plant Sale will be open for online orders July 2-30 for delivery in September in Monroe County.  The sale will be for pre-paid pre-orders only.

* New Penn State Checklist Of PA Bees Documents 49 New Species, Some May Be Endangered

By Chuck Gill, Penn State News

* Wildlands Conservancy Pre-School, Elementary, Middle School Camp-2-U Programs Now Thru August

The Wildlands Conservancy Camp-2-U interactive programs bring the summer camp experience to your pre-school, elementary or middle school student to you.

* DCNR, Health Announce Expansion Of Free Sunscreen Program At State Park Beaches

On June 30, Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced expansion of a program offering visitors free sunscreen at state park beaches and swimming pools throughout Pennsylvania.

* PA Land Trust Assn. September Building Trails In Wetlands & Wet Areas Workshops In Allegheny, Cumberland Counties

The PA Land Trust Association will host workshops in Allegheny and Cumberland counties on Building Trails In Wetlands And Wet Areas this September.

* State Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program Opens Application Period July 15

The PA Land Trust Association recently issued a reminder that groups can start applying for state Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program grants on July 15 for 30 days, if those projects were first included in a line item Capitol Budget bill.

* The Nature Conservancy-PA Protects 127 Acres On Kittatinny Ridge In Schuylkill County

On June 29, The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware announced it has acquired 127 acres of forestland in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County, along the Kittatinny Ridge and adjacent to the Appalachian Trail.

* July 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The July 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Wildlife For Everyone: SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority Contributes In-Kind Gift To Centre County Soaring Eagle Wetland Project

On June 30, SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority re-committed its agreement to build a new railroad crossing at no cost to provide access to the Soaring Eagle Wetland owned by the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation in Centre County.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Spring Migration Raptor Count 30% Above 10 Year Average

On June 30, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary reported the 2020 Spring Migration Count was different than any experienced before.  The count was 30 percent above the 10-year average with notably higher counts of turkey vultures and broad-winged hawks. Counts of bald eagles also were above average.

* Endangered Species Coalition Hosts Upcoming Online Spotlight Series Highlighting Specific Wildlife Corridors In PA

The Endangered Species Coalition has scheduled a series of five online events as part of a Spotlight Series to highlight specific wildlife corridors in Pennsylvania.

* PA Sea Grant: Boaters Reminded To Clean, Drain, Dry Equipment To Prevent Spread Of Aquatic Invasive Species

On July 1, the PA Sea Grant Program announced the aquatic invasive species (AIS) across the Great Lakes are getting ‘the blitz’ in an effort to engage boaters and others to prevent the spread of AIS from one water body to another as part of Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week - June 28 - July 10.

* 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.

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* 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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