Here are 75 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.

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

On July 5, House Democrats passed the $45.5 billion state General Fund budget bill agreed to be Senate Republicans and Gov. Shapiro --House Bill 611 (Harris-D-Philadelphia). 

By Lisa DePaoli, Center for Coalfield Justice

KDKA in Pittsburgh posted Part I of a report July 3, 2023 about the impact of the December explosion at the Energy Transfer natural gas processing plant and the plant’s continuing operations on a nearby Washington County farm family. 

The Department of Environmental Protection notified MarkWest Liberty Midstream its Act 2 Land Recycling notice on the proposed cleanup of a 10,000 gallon natural gas condensate spill in Robinson Township, Washington County at the Imperial Natural Gas Compressor Station was deficient.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 8 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a draft technical guidance document-- Guidelines for the Development and Implementation of Oil and Gas Well Site Integrated Contingency Plans for Unconventional Shale Gas Well Sites [DEP ID: 800-2200-001].

From July 1 to 7, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 459 inspection entries that resulted in reporting 12 violations of environmental regulations-- 5 violations by the conventional oil and gas industry and 7 violations by the unconventional shale natural gas industry.

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

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on proposed RACT 3 revisions to the Title V Air Quality Permit for the Artemas Natural Gas Compressor Station operated by the Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC in Mann Township, Bedford County.  (PA Bulletin, page 3604)

On July 7, following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force this week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will maintain a statewide drought watch.

The Department of Agriculture will begin accepting applications for the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credits on August 7.

The Pike and Wayne Conservation Districts will host a Homeowners Resource Fair July 21 at the Wallenpaupack Environmental Center at 126 Lamberton Lane, Hawley, Pike County from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

The June edition of The Catalyst newsletter from the Butler County-based  Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition features articles on summertime fun at Jennings Environmental Center and an overview of the 40th American Society of Reclamation Sciences in Idaho.

On July 3, the PA Resources Council announced the July schedule for the Traveling Glass Recycling Bin that provides free recycling service that rotates through a variety of locations in western Pennsylvania. 

In August, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will host two hard-to-recycle collection events to enable Allegheny County residents to responsibly recycle a wide variety of items not accepted in curbside collection such as e-waste, tires and small Freon appliances.

On July 6, the PJM Interconnection announced its new process for evaluating electrical generation or storage projects for connection to the regional electrical grid will begin July 10.

On July 3, the PJM Interconnection issued a Hot Weather Alert for July 5 for its entire footprint in anticipation of 90-degree temperatures.

By Julian Burnett, PosiGen Solar & Energy Efficiency

By Robert Donnan, McMurray, Washington County

By Karen Elias, Lock Haven

By Hanna Ryon, DCNR Intern to the Director of Outdoor Recreation

Estelle King of Hanover recently gifted a conservation easement protecting a 50-acre parcel in Conewago Township to the Land Conservancy of Adams County.

The July 7 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

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

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited is seeking a reliable and energetic person with strong communication and social skills to facilitate and improve our internal and external communications and help recruit, retain, and reactivate members across Pennsylvania.

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

WeConservePA is hosting an October 5 webinar on how to establish a Local Environmental Advisory Council to make recommendations on a wide variety of topics – stormwater management, pollinator gardens, recycling, and many other environmental issues from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Rodale Institute’s Annual Organic Field Day, which draws hundreds of visitors each year to Kutztown, Berks County, is slated to take place on July 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

On Friday July 14, North Branch Land Trust will host a “Botanical Drawing Basics” at the Back Mountain Bloomer’s Pollinator Garden at the Dallas Township Municipal Building, 105 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, Dallas, Luzerne County starting at 1:00 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 July 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.