Here are 51 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

While PA Environment Digest’s priority is to highlight positive examples of environmental and energy leadership, 2022 is an election year which demands accountability to voters.

PA Environment Digest Is Putting The Best Links To Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips Here.   Is Your Story Being Told?

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania's Constitution in 2021, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation hosted special initiatives to engage the public and raise awareness about this monumental accomplishment approved overwhelmingly by voters in 1971.

Think about this simple fact-- there is no limit on what the oil and gas industry can charge you for gasoline, diesel fuel or heating oil to heat your home and the spiking cost of natural gas is dramatically pushing up the cost of electricity for everyone because its price is determined on volatile foreign energy markets.

The European Commission proposes replacing natural gas from any source in key sectors of its energy economy, dramatically expanding energy efficiency, renewables “instead of funding the fossil fuel industry elsewhere.”  They want energy jobs in the EU.  This is the text of the EC announcement--

“This is exactly what many oil & gas executives and politicians are urging us to do.”

Republican Senators Doug Mastriano (R-Adams) [also a candidate for Governor] and Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) announced Friday they plan to introduce legislation to “stabilize energy costs” for Pennsylvanians and do away with “cumbersome taxes, regulations and restrictions” handicapping the state’s energy sector.

On March 10, the Associated Press reported PUC Administrative Law Judge Joel H. Cheskis issued an initial decision against Sunoco/Energy Transfer which found the company violated the Public Utility Code during the construction of the Mariner East Pipeline in Middletown Township, Delaware County with regard to fire hazards, noise levels and communications with the public at the Glen Riddle Apartment Complex.

On March 10, the PA Supreme Court heard oral argument in two cases challenging lower court decisions that shielded Sunoco Pipeline, LP from paying attorneys fees where public interest groups and land owners won legal victories related to Sunoco’s water permits for the Mariner East Pipeline Project.

The Public Utility Commission is inviting comments on a petition from ChargEVC-PA requesting the Commission to issue a Policy Statement on electric utility rate design for electric vehicle charging in PA. (formal notice)

On March 7, the Public Utility Commission continues encouraging consumers to monitor energy costs and explore ways to conserve and save – including comparing prices for electric generation and evaluating competitive supplier offers.

On March 9, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell celebrated the latest electric vehicle DC fast chargers installed with agency support in a ribbon-cutting event hosted by Wawa and EVgo in Philadelphia.

By John M. Dubaich, DCNR Bureau of Facility Design and Construction

On March 9, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the Green Energy Loan Fund has reached a milestone of $30 million invested in low-interest loans for high-impact energy efficiency projects on commercial properties.

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a draft Environmental Justice Policy for Reviewing DEP Permits.  (formal notice)

On March 11, the Department of Environmental Protection named Justin Dula as the Acting Director of the Office of Environmental Justice.

By Sister Pat Lupo, OSB, and Sister Dorothy Stoner, OSB, St. Benedictine Sisters of Erie

On March 10, the Department of Environmental Protection announced 12 projects in the state’s southwest region were awarded a total of $2,998,875 though DEP’s Growing Greener Plus Grant Program, which restores impaired waters and protects waterways from nonpoint source pollution. Statewide, this year’s awards exceed $20 million.

The Anthracite Region Independence Power Producers Association (ARIPPA) and the Western PA and Eastern PA Coalitions for Abandoned Mine Reclamation are again accepting applications for mine reclamation grants.  The deadline for applications is May 6.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is seeking volunteers for 11 tree plantings to take place in Centre, Franklin, Lancaster, Schuylkill and York counties starting on March 31.

By Codi Yeager, CBF Senior Writer

On March 9, Rodale Institute announced its intention to create a portfolio of five comprehensive economic farm case studies, in partnership with Kitchen Table Consultants (KTC) and with support from The GIANT Company.

The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are teaming up again this year to offer Healing the Planet Grants to support projects that improve the health and quality of waterways which will help protect water resources and improve the overall health of communities.

On March 10, the PA Resources Council announced the 2022 special collection events schedule for household chemicals, electronics waste and hard-to-recycle items in Eastern and Western Pennsylvania. A total of 30 collection dates in all.

Pennsylvanians experiencing “spring fever,” that perennial urge to venture outdoors to hike, hunt, fish and explore, should plan now to protect themselves and their families against potentially serious tickborne diseases.

On March 11, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined trail supporters and elected officials to announce the official designation of the September 11th National Memorial Trail as a Statewide Major Greenway.

On March 9, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the department had awarded a $754,300 grant for a major addition at White Clay Creek Preserve in Chester County.

The French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust, in a partnership with Charlestown Township, has protected 111 more acres in northern Chester County, through conservation easements on two properties owned by brothers Christopher, Nicholas and Geoffrey Crowell.

The March 11 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

Registration is now open for PA Council of Trout Unlimited’s 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Retreat to be held May 13, 14 and 15 at the GodSpeed Hostel in Port Matilda, Centre County

Join PA Council of Trout Unlimited for a free training webinar on Women, Diversity and Inclusion March 16 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Join Dickinson College students, staff, and faculty and Carlisle community members on March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a day of learning and action on climate change, climate justice, and equity at the Climate Justice Teach-In.

The Southwestern PA Commission's Water Resource Center is hosting a series of educational webinars on solar energy development, green infrastructure and water quality impacts.

DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks is offering environmental education activities and programs.  Here are just a few from their March newsletter.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is now accepting entries to the 2022 Save The Bay Photo Contest.  The deadline to enter is April 1.

The Living Landscape Observer will host a webinar on Pennsylvania Conservation Landscapes - A Story Of Success At Scale on April 1 starting at 1:00 p.m.

WeConservePA is hosting a webinar April 21 on Creating Landscape Connectivity - PA Land Trusts And The Eastern Wildway from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m.

The Winter 2022 Penn’s Stewards newsletter is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring a lengthy article on Pennsylvania’s role in the Underground Railroad.  A very good read.

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation’s 2022 Parks & Forests Thru The Seasons Photo Contest is now accepting entries.  The deadline is September 30.

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals has issued a call for presentations for its 2022 Annual Communities, Corridors and Connections Conference to be held October 5-7 in State College.  The deadline for submissions is April 1.

The Wildlife Leadership Academy is seeking qualified candidates for a seasonal position as our Summer Field School Supervisor.

The Clarence Schock Memorial Park At Governor Dick Forest in Lebanon County is seeking candidates to fill a part-time Environmental Educator and Nature Center Director position.

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Community, Economic and Recreation Development Committees are scheduled to hold a joint hearing March 21 on the economic impacts of the federal regulation establishing a Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

With the passage of the federal Fiscal Year 2022 omnibus spending package, Congress has failed to address one of the most pervasive and visible problems caused by abandoned mine operations in the country: acid mine drainage (AMD).

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

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

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the latest PA Bulletin--

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 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.