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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
April 12, 2021 Issue #876
(4/12/2021)
* 20 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

There are 20 new stories in this week’s PA Environment Digest that show the leadership of a late conservation leader, a sugar maple farmer, people of faith planting Trees of Peace, a forest industry group promoting sustainability and stewardship, a RiverKeeper trying to connect to people with songs, green stormwater infrastructure innovators, many groups pointing out the need for more resources for local environmental projects and putting the spotlight on equity and diversity issues in recreation.

* In Memoriam: Dr. Edward Bellis, Penn State Professor, Conservationist

Dr. Edward D. Bellis, of State College, passed away on April 5.  His long list of accomplishments includes heading a task force examining the impact of sedimentation from dirt and gravel roads to Pennsylvania streams leading to the creation of the state’s landmark Dirt and Gravel Roads Program, establishing the Coldwater Heritage Partnership and the Keystone Coldwater Conference.

* Tioga County Sugar Maple Farmer Plants Trees For The Next Generation, To Protect Water Quality

By Jake Solyst, Chesapeake Bay Program

* SBN Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Announce Finalists For Excellence In GSI Awards; Celebrating 10 Years Of Philadelphia's Green City, Clean Waters Plan

On April 7, the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia’s Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners announced the finalists for the 2021 Excellence in GSI Awards and a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the City of Philadelphia’s landmark Green City, Clean Waters plan.

* Wildlife, Environmental Groups Unveil New Underfunded and Polluted: Solutions to Fund Clean Water In PA Report

On April 8, wildlife, conservation and environmental groups unveiled a new report outlining the challenges and solutions to fund clean water in Pennsylvania.

* DEP Set To Discuss Final Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulation At April 20 Citizens Advisory Council

The Department of Environmental Protection will give an update on the proposed final language for the Carbon Pollution Reduction Program regulation covering power plants (RGGI) at the April 20 meeting of the Citizens Advisory Council.

* Environmental Quality Board Meets On Proposed Stream Redesignations, Stream Petition April 20

The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting April 20 to consider a package of proposed stream resignations and a report on a rulemaking petition to redesignate a tributary to Whetstone Run in Delaware County.

* DEP: Seward Generating Coal-Waste Power Plant To Pay $108,000 Penalty For Air Pollution Control Act Violations In Indiana County

On April 7, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it has entered into a consent order and agreement (COA) with Seward Generation, LLC to resolve outstanding violations to the Air Pollution Control Act at its waste coal-fired, steam electrical generation station located at 595 Plant Road, New Florence, Pennsylvania 15944 in Indiana County.

* DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 865 More Permits, 2,122 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16, 2020 to April 6, 2021 Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

* Reminder! Deadline To Apply For DCNR Outdoor Recreation, Land Conservation, Buffer Grants April 14

The deadline to apply for DCNR's Community Conservation Partnership Grants is April 14 to help communities fund their local recreation, motorized and non-motorized trails, land conservation and riparian forest buffer projects.

* DCNR Warns Of Heightened Spring Wildfire Dangers

With trout fishing and many other outdoors activities increasing at a time when woodlands and brush can become tinder dry in just a day of direct sunlight and a light breeze, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is urging all residents to guard against increased dangers of wildfire in Pennsylvania’s 17 million acres of forestlands.

* DCNR's Conservation & Natural Resources Council Holds April 29 Equity In The Outdoors Conversation

On April 29, DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Council will hold an Equity In The Outdoors conversation to gain ideas, comments and suggestions from stakeholders and users of public lands in Pennsylvania.

* WeConservePA: May 17 - Attempting To Understand The Disconnect Between African Americans And The Outdoors

WeConservePA will host an online program May 17 on Attempting To Understand The Disconnect Between African Americans And The Outdoors from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* Potter-Tioga Counties’ Cherry Springs State Park Ranked One Of Nation’s Finest Stargazing Spots

Desired by astronomers for its magnificent Milky Way views, Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania’s Potter and Tioga Counties has earned national recognition by Sky & Telescope magazine as one of the “10 U.S. Dark-Sky Parks You Need To Visit.”

* Citizen Science: April 28 Water Cooler Talk - Leveraging The Power Of Community And Science

Penn State Extension will host another in its Water Cooler Talk Series April 28 on Leveraging The Power Of Community and Science from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: New Unemployment Comp System; Vaccine Eligibility Expands; Direct Shipment Of Wine/Liquor

[ Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else ] The Senate held budget hearings, House Republicans had hearings and press events on abortion and transgender girls, investigations mutiplied into the PA School Employees Pension Fund, the race for the open U.S. Senate seat got bigger and there was good news on the direct shipment of wine and liquor.

* 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/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--

* Republicans Introduce Bill Saying DEP Permit Applicants Are Always Right, Eliminates Public Comments; Add Other Bills To Their Environmental Agenda

House Republicans last week introduced House Bill 604 (Fritz-R-Susquehanna) adding more bureaucracy to the DEP permit review process, declaring in law the applicant for an environmental permit is always right and eliminates public comment periods.

* Republican Bills Again Seek To Make Road Dumping Of Conventional Drilling Wastewater Legal

Senate and House Republicans last week introduced House Bill 1144 (Causer-R- Cameron) and Senate Bill 534 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) which would not only roll back environmental protection standards for conventional oil and gas wells, but would also make road dumping of drilling wastewater legal again.

* Senate Republicans Introduce Bill To Let Companies Decide When To Report Spills That Pollute Receiving Streams, Harm Public Health

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, introduced Senate Bill 545 which allows companies to decide when to report spills that pollute receiving streams and harm public health (sponsor summary).

* Op-Ed: Pennsylvania's Environmental Protection Must Be Strengthened

By Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair House Environmental Committee

* Senate, House Democrats To Introduce Bill To Transition PA To 100% Renewable Energy By 2050

On April 21, a group of Senate and House Democrats will be introducing legislation to transition Pennsylvania to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 as a step toward putting the state on track toward a greener, more sustainable future.

* Senate Committee Meeting Provides Overview Of Chesapeake Bay Restoration Efforts

On April 6, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting providing an overview of restoration efforts across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and in Pennsylvania.

* Farm, Conservation Groups Applaud Bipartisan Senate Bill Setting Up Cost-Share Program To Support Clean Water Efforts By Farmers - If Funded

On April 7, farmers and other conservationists applauded Senate Bill 465 (Yaw-R- Lycoming, Comitta-D-Chester) that will offer financial support that farmers in Pennsylvania want and need in order to keep soil on the land, reduce runoff into local streams, and protect their long-term viability.

* PA Forestry Assn. Tells House Committee About Importance Of Sustainability, Forest Stewardship

On April 7, Mark Ott, President of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, told the members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee about the importance of forest stewardship and sustainability in the management of private and public forest land in the Commonwealth.

* Senate, House Environmental Committees Set Joint April 27 Hearing On Alternative Onlot Septic Systems & Land Development Planning

The Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committees will hold a joint hearing April 27 on DEP’s implementation of Act 34 of 2020 related to alternative onlot septic systems and land development planning.

* Agriculture, Conservation, Wildlife Groups Advocate For Robust Funding For Federal USDA Conservation Programs

On April 8, 70 leading agriculture, conservation and wildlife groups delivered a letter to Congress requesting robust funding for conservation programs and technical assistance in fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations.

* Chesapeake Bay Program 2019-2020 Bay Barometer Shows An Ecosystem In Mixed Recovery

By Rachel Felver, Chesapeake Bay Program

* U.S. Senators From Maryland, Virginia, Delaware Urge EPA To Ensure Pennsylvania's Compliance With Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction Standards

On April 5, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) joined by Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan, urging the EPA to use all tools available to meet the 2025 goals of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

* States Can Apply For New $67 Million Sewer Overflow, Stormwater Reuse Grants From EPA

On April 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $67 million in grant funding through the new Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant program.

* U.S. DOE Announces $35 Million In Grants Available For Technologies To Reduce Methane Emissions In Oil, Gas, Coal Industries

On April 8, the U.S. Department of Energy announced up to $35 million for a new Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) program focused on developing technologies to reduce methane emissions in the oil, gas, and coal industries.

* EPA Settles Alleged Clean Air Act Violations For Diesel Truck Aftermarket Devices With 3 Companies In Berks, Montgomery Counties

On April 8, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced settlements with three facilities in Pennsylvania that were involved in the illegal sale and installation of aftermarket devices that were designed to defeat the emissions control systems of heavy-duty diesel engines.

* USGS PA Water Science Center: Spring Pennsylvania Waters Newsletter Now Available

The Spring Pennsylvania Waters newsletter is now available from the USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center featuring articles on--

* Lebanon Valley Conservancy Needs Volunteers For April 16-17 Tree Plantings

Volunteers are needed to help the Lebanon Valley Conservancy plant more than 800 trees this spring in Lebanon County.

* Join People Of Faith Throughout Lancaster County In Planting Trees Of Peace

The Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake Bay are now offering free native Trees Of Peace to be planted at your religious congregation in Lancaster County.

* 2021 Virtual TreeVitalize Partners Conference Set For May 5 & May 12

The 2021 TreeVitalize Partners Virtual Conference – Envisioning a Just Future in Community Forests - will be held May 5 and May 12 to explore diversity, inclusion, and justice in community forestry.

* Lackawanna College Environmental Ed Center Offers Early Explorers Outdoor Program For Children

The Lackawanna College Environmental Education Center invites children ages three to six years old and their parents or guardians to attend Early Explorers, a program aimed at providing children with a lifelong, meaningful relationship with the natural world.

* PA County Conservation Districts Accepting Entries For National Student Conservation Poster Contest

Many county conservation districts are now accepting entries for the National Student Conservation Poster Contest for students K thru 12 in several categories.

* Call For Presentation Proposals: 16th Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum Nov. 4-5

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay issued a call for proposals to be presented at the 16th Annual (Virtual) Chesapeake Watershed Forum to be held November 4-5.  The deadline for submissions is May 14.

* Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Songs Of The Susquehanna Project CDs Are Available, Order Your Copy Now!

The Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Songs of the Susquehanna River project CDs are now available at the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association office located at 112 Market Street, Sunbury, PA or via mail.

* DEP Hosts 5th Round Of Regional State Water Plan Meetings Starting April 13

The Department of Environmental Protection will host a fifth round of public meetings of Regional Water Resource Committees to help get input into the 2022 State Water Plan UpdateRead more here.

* DEP: Draft Strategy For PA’s Coastal Resources Management Available For Public Comment

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice inviting comments on a draft Assessment and Strategy for Coastal Resources Management(formal notice)

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Releases 2020 Annual Report

On April 8, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission released its 2020 Annual Report presented in a new online format for the first time.

* PA Resources Council Hosts April 17 Household Chemical Collection In Allegheny County

The PA Resources Council will launch its 2021 household chemical collection campaign on April 17 by hosting a drive-thru event at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh to provide residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

* KPB: Join, Or Organize A Cleanup In Your Neighborhood With Help From Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful's Pick Up Pennsylvania Community Cleanup Initiative continues in full swing through May 31, offering help to volunteers interested in litter cleanups and beautification projects.

* DCNR, DEP Begin Plugging 12 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells In Cornplanter State Forest, Forest County

On April 7, the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection announced work is beginning to plug 12 abandoned oil and gas wells in the Cornplanter State Forest, Forest County.

* Sustainable Pittsburgh: 11th Annual (Virtual) Sustainability Conference May 6-7

Join Sustainable Pittsburgh and its partners May 6-7 for the 11th Annual (Virtual) Sustainability Conference - Building and Planning For A Healthy And Equitable Future.

* PA Solar Center: April 14 Update On Renewable Energy Legislation In PA

Join the PA Solar Center's executive director Sharon Pillar and Solar Ambassador Lead Phyllis Blumberg, PhD, on April 14 at 6:00 p.m. for an update about newly introduced legislation that will increase Pennsylvania's renewable energy goals.

* New Report: Electrifying Buildings Could Reap Major Health, Climate Pollution Reduction Benefits In PA

Pennsylvania ranks sixth in the nation for its potential to reduce global warming pollution by electrifying buildings, according to a new report released today by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, PennPIRG Education Fund, and Frontier Group.

* Natural Lands: PECO Green Region Grants Awarded To 19 Southeast PA Municipalities, Nonprofits

Recently, Natural Lands announced the award of PECO Green Region Grants to 19 municipalities and nonprofits in the PECO service territory totaling $150,000.

* Allegheny Land Trust Finalizes Acquisition Of 155 Acres In Girty's Woods, Allegheny County

Allegheny Land Trust recently finalized the acquisition of 155 acres of green space located in Reserve Township in Allegheny County.

* WeConservePA, Partners Host June 9 Forest Conservation Seminar

Join WeConservePA and speakers from Penn State University and the Center for Private Forests at PSU for a one-day training opportunity focused on forest conservation on June 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension: Introduction To Forests, Carbon Sequestration & Markets April 21 & 28

Penn State Extension will host An Introduction to Forests, Carbon Sequestration and Markets online program April 21 and 28 from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension Sustainable Timber Harvesting Online Program April 28

Penn State Extension will host an online Sustainable Timber Harvesting Program April 28 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

* Pennsylvania Forest 3-Part Online Seminar Series: Deer, Legacy Planning, Drying Wood Products Starting April 13

Penn State Extension will host a three-part Pennsylvania Forest online webinar series covering these topics--

* Sinnemahone Paddle Race In Cameron County, Part Of Triple Crown, Draws Competitors From Across PA And NY

The April 10 Sinnemahone Paddle Race in Cameron County drew competitors from across Pennsylvania and New York racing five miles instead of the usual eleven mile course, starting in Driftwood and finishing in Sinnemahoning, Cameron County.

* South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grant Program Funding Round Is Now Open

The South Mountain Partnership is now accepting applications for its Mini-Grant Program to assist local governments, nonprofits, and universities with on-the-ground projects that further the goals of the Partnership and to advance the capacity of partners to complete projects throughout the region.

* April 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The April 9 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* PA Chapter American Planning Assn. Accepting Nominations For Great Public Spaces, Greenways, Trails & Streets

The PA Chapter of the American Planning Association is looking for Great Places in three categories: Great Public Spaces, Great Greenways/Trails and Great Streets.  The deadline for submissions is May 7.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In March

The PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In March features articles on--

* Help Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Budget Manager

The Delaware County-based  Brandywine Conservancy is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Budget Manager responsible for the supervision of Conservancy budget and budget processes through coordination with internal staff and serves as the conduit for Conservancy information externally to the departments of Finance, Development and Facilities.

* 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.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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