Here are 88 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.

Below are examples of going the WRONG WAY on environmental and energy issues from last week’s articles and NewsClips--

PA Environment Digest Put Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic.

On April 13, House Bill 170 (Otten-D-Chester) was introduced to expand safety zones around oil and gas wells and related natural gas infrastructure to help reduce their adverse impacts on public health and the environment.

By Alison Caldwell, PhD,  University of Chicago News

The Buckeye Environmental Network and Ohio Brine Task Force held a webinar on Hidden Dangers Of Oil and Gas Wastewater on March 28 that outlined research done in that state on the health and environmental hazards of conventional and unconventional oil and gas drilling wastewater.

On April 6, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan released proposed standards for the chemical manufacturing sector to protect people from the hazardous air pollution emitted by more than 200 of the largest, most toxic chemical and plastic manufacturing facilities in the country with at least three located in Pennsylvania.

PennWest University California will host an in-person and online program April 13 on the Norfolk Southern train derailment called Ask The Expert - Environmental Disasters at 11:00 a.m.

From April 1 to 7, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 488 inspection entries that resulted in reporting 34 violations of environmental regulations-- 31 violations by the conventional oil and gas industry and 2 violations by the unconventional shale natural gas industry.

During an April 4 routine inspection, the Department of Environmental Protection found two Repsol Oil and Gas USA LLC shale gas wells in Apolacon Township, Susquehanna County venting natural gas to the atmosphere through the well annulus at the Kropp Well Pad.

The following DEP notices were published in the April 8 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments. 

On April 5, township supervisors, concerned residents, and advocacy organizations submitted a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection calling on the agency to conduct a proper Public Participation Process for an oil and gas waste injection disposal well in Potter County.

On April 3, Homer City Generation, L.P. informed PJM Interconnection on March 31 it will decommission all of its Homer City coal units, with operations winding down over the next ninety (90) days.  Homer City will see tiered layoffs as a result.  

The York County-based Evangelical Environmental Network released this statement by Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman on EPA’s proposed mercury and air toxics standards for coal-fired power plants--

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 8 PA Bulletin inviting comments on its intent to issue a Title V Air Quality permit for the Monessen Coke (Coal) Plant in Monessen, Westmoreland County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1983)

On April 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Mid-Atlantic Region and the U.S. Department of Energy are honoring seven ENERGY STAR partners in Pennsylvania for their outstanding leadership in promoting energy efficiency and tackling climate change.

On March 29, the Electric Vehicle Rate Design Working Group recommended the Public Utility Commission move ahead with development of an EV charging rate design policy statement. 

The PA Solar Center will host an April 21 webinar providing an update on PA Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and Community Solar Legislation from Noon to 1:15 p.m.

What does it take to create a more sustainable region? The social and environmental challenges that southwestern Pennsylvania face are widely recognized, including uneven opportunity and health outcomes across race and gender, poor air quality, and the need for an inclusive transition to clean energy.

On April 5, Dickinson College in Cumberland County announced the Forum on Education Abroad has named Dickinson the 2022 recipient of the Award for Advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Education Abroad.

The Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program for business is highlighting upcoming energy and environmental educational opportunities--

On April 3, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced over $85,440,000 from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act for states, Tribes, and territories through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Funds (CWSRF) in the states that make up EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region.

On April 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $265,913,000 to Pennsylvania for upgrades to essential drinking water infrastructure.

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold two separate hearings at the same location on April 24 on water quality permits for two warehouse projects in Monroe County.

The Department of Environmental Protection invites comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load water quality plan for Johnston Run Watershed in Franklin County.  (April 8 PA Bulletin, page 2016)

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is now accepting applications for Groundwater Level Monitoring Grants.  The deadline to apply is June 30.

The Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed is now accepting proposals for the Delaware River Watershed to be held September 28-29 in Wilmington, DE.  The deadline for submissions is May 5.

The Environmental Quality Board is scheduled to hold its first meeting of 2023 on April 11 to consider three final rulemakings--

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 8 PA Bulletin that Chuwi Innovation and Technology is not in compliance with the state electronics waste recycling law and is prohibited from selling its products in Pennsylvania.  (PA Bulletin, page 2017)

On April 4, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced its newest affiliate will be housed in and become a program of Scranton Tomorrow.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council will launch its 2023 household chemical collection campaign on April 15 by hosting a drive-thru event at PPG Paints Arena to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides and other products containing potentially hazardous components.

The PA Environmental Council’s In Case You missed It In March is now available featuring articles on--

On April 6, Acting Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn urged Pennsylvanians to be mindful of high woodland fire danger as seasonal wildfire risk increases.

The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society is pleased to acknowledge outstanding achievements by agencies, boards, commissions, and individuals toward the advancement of community recreation and park services through its Recognition and Awards Program.

On April 4, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced permits for the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot Program in the northcentral region of the state are now available for purchase.

The April 7 Take Give Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

By Mary Fetzer, Penn State News

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

On April 6, the Department of Transportation announced vehicle owners will now be able to purchase a ‘Pollinator’ license plate. Sixty-five percent of the proceeds from the license plate will be deposited into the Pollinator Habitat Program Fund.

A new report was released from the Aquatic Invasive Species Commission calls on Congress to modernize laws, increase federal funding, and improve coordination at federal, state, local, and tribal levels to combat harmful aquatic invasive species.

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

The Stroud Water Research Center and its partners will host a four workshop series on becoming a Pennsylvania Certified Meaningful Watershed Education Experience Ambassador starting April 19.

The Carnegie Science Center will host a deeper look at Pittsburgh's three rivers as part of its Earth at H2Oh! River Weekend on April 22-23 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Lancaster Conservancy and its many partners will host the 7th Annual Lancaster Water Week June 2 to 10.

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

The Bucknell Center for Sustainability & the Environment will host its 10th Annual Sustainability Symposium April 14-15 at the Elaine Langone Center on the Bucknell Campus in Lewisburg, Union County.

The PA Council of Professional Geologists will host an April 20 webinar on the Basement Structure of the Appalachian Basin in PA from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

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

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

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 April 8 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.