Scrapbook Photo 11/11/24 - 79 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/5n7vxetu
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
August 5, 2024 - #1,046
(8/5/2024)
* 134 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 134 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.

* Stories You May Have Missed Last Week: PA Environment & Energy Articles & NewsClips By Topic

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

* Erie’s North East High School Team Places 8th In International NCF Envirothon Competition, Out Of 50 Teams!

The five-member Envirothon team from North East High School in Erie County placed eighth in the NCF International Envirothon Competition at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York last week.

* DEP Issues Violations To D & B Gas Prod LLC For Abandoning, Not Plugging 110 Conventional Gas, Coalbed Methane Wells In Indiana County; Total Abandonment NOVs 697 In 2024

On July 29, 2024, DEP declared 110 conventional wells owned by D & B Gas Prod LLC in Indiana County as abandoned and not plugged and issued violations for each one, according to DEP’s Oil & Gas Compliance Database.

* PA Oil & Gas Weekly Compliance Dashboard - July 27 to August 2 - 120 More Abandoned Conventional Wells; 3rd Pipeline Construction Spill; 1,260 Gallon Conventional Oil Spill

From July 27 to August 2, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 518 inspection entries and caught up posting inspection reports from the previous week.

* PA US Sen. Casey Cosponsors Bill To Find, Clean Up Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, Improve Detection, Plugging Tech

On July 26, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced he cosponsored the proposed bipartisan Abandoned Well Remediation Research and Development Act (AWRRDA) to advance methods for detecting and remediating abandoned conventional oil and gas wells, which put Pennsylvania’s environment and communities at risk.

* Eureka Resources Request To Terminate Its Water Quality Permit For A Proposed Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Facility In Dimock, Susquehanna County Approved By DEP

On July 15, Eureka Resources submitted a request to the Department of Environmental Protection to terminate the water quality permit for a proposed oil and gas wastewater treatment facility in Dimock, Susquehanna County due to changed “commercial factors.”

* PUC Seeks To Accelerate Removal, Replacement Of Older Plastic Pipe In Natural Gas Distribution Systems

On August 1, the Public Utility Commission moved to accelerate the process for identifying, removing, and replacing older plastic piping and components in Pennsylvania’s natural gas distribution systems.

* PA Oil & Gas Industrial Facilities: Permit Notices, Opportunities To Comment - August 3

The following notices were published in the August 3 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

* AG Henry/Gov. Shapiro: Federal Settlement Over Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Does Not Help Enough Pennsylvanians Impacted By The Incident

On August 2, Attorney General Michelle Henry and Gov. Josh Shapiro, in a letter to federal authorities, highlighted issues that Norfolk Southern still must address as a result of the train derailment last year in East Palestine, Ohio.

* House Committee Held 2nd Hearing On Governor’s Energy Plan To Diversify Energy Generation, Improve Grid Reliability, Lower Consumer Energy Costs

On July 29, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held its second hearing on House Bill 2277 (Otten-D-Chester), the PA Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) is the Governor’s Energy Plan that would diversify energy generation, improve grid reliability, lower consumer costs by avoiding energy price spikes and create energy-related jobs.

* USDA Announces $163 Million In Rural Energy For America Funding, Including 4 Projects in Pennsylvania

On July 26, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program.

* US Dept. Of Energy Awards Western PA/WV/OH ARCH2 Hydrogen Hub $30 Million

On July 31, the US Department of Energy awarded the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub—also known as the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), led by Battelle—with $30 million for the first tranche of funding (out of the total project federal cost share of up to $925 million) to begin Phase 1 activities.

* Appalachian Voices Urges Congress To Reject Proposed Changes To Federal Energy Permitting That Reduces Opportunities For Communities To Challenge Projects; Bill Clears US Senate Committee

On July 29, Appalachian Voices urged Congress to oppose proposed federal energy facility permitting legislation which reduces the opportunities for communities that would be directly affected by these projects and other stakeholders to challenge energy projects.

* PJM Electricity Auction Price 9 Times Higher Than Previous Auction-- $269.92/MW-Day For 2025/26 Delivery Compared To $28.92/MW-Day In 2024-25; Extreme Weather Risk Big Factor

On July 30, the PJM Interconnection reported its latest electricity auction produced a wholesale price of $269.92/MW-day for much of the PJM footprint for delivery in 2025-26-- 933% more than the  $28.92/MW-day cost for delivery in the 2024/2025 auction.

* Natural Resources Defense Council: The Cost Of Slow-Walking Clean Energy Can Be Seen In Latest PJM Electricity Prices

On July 30, the PJM Interconnection announced the results of its 2025/26 capacity auction, which revealed that costs will be roughly seven times greater than in 2024/25.   [Read more here.]

* PennFuture: Dramatic PJM Electricity Price Increases Due To Forced Outages Of Gas Power Plants; Huge Backlog Of New Generation Projects; Demand Growth Driven By Data Centers, Cryptocurrency Mining

On August 1, PennFuture released this statement related to the latest PJM Interconnection electricity auction that resulted in a dramatic increase in electricity prices in the PJM footprint for delivery in 2025-26.  Read more here.

* Kleinman Center For Energy Policy: The High Price Of Failing To Transition To Clean Energy In PJM Footprint; Next PJM Auction Is In December

By John Quigley, Senior Fellow, Kleinman Center

* Allegheny County Health Dept. Accepting Applications For $5 Million In Local Climate Resiliency And Adaptation Project Grants

Pittsburgh-based Group Against Smog and Pollution posted the Allegheny County Health Department notice on a new Allegheny County climate resiliency local project grant application solicitation--

* PA Solar Center, Philadelphia Solar Energy Assn., Partners Host Aug. 14 Webinar To Get Eligible Schools Ready To Apply For The New PA Solar For Schools Grants

This Philadelphia Solar Week, join the PA Solar Center, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, Philadelphia Energy Authority and the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp for an August 14 webinar on the new PA Solar For Schools Program starting at 9:00 a.m..

* DEP Awards $15+ Million In PA Electric Grid Resilience Grants To Prevent, Shorten Power Outages In Rural Electric Systems; Fall Grant Round Planned

On July 30, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of more than $15 million in grants to electric distribution companies to improve electric grid reliability and resilience through 2024 Pennsylvania Grid Resilience Grant funding.

* DEP Awards $2.3 Million To Schools, Businesses, Local Governments Switching To Zero- Or Low-Emission Vehicles; Now Accepting Applications

On July 30, the Department of Environmental Protection awarded $2.3 million to 25 recipients for 27 projects to improve air quality across the state through cleaner fuel transportation infrastructure through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) Program.

* PA Environmental Council In Case You Missed It In July Now Available

The PA Environmental Council’s In Case You Missed It In July features articles on--

* DEP To Hold Aug. 26 Hearing On Mining/Water Quality Permits For Proposed Maggie Lynn Underground Limestone Mine in Washington County

On August 2, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it will hold an August 26  hearing to take testimony from the public on a mining permit application and draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the proposed new Maggie Lynn underground limestone mine in Deemston Borough, Washington County.

* PennVEST Announces Purchase Of Up To $7.1 Million In Nutrient, Sediment Reductions From Farm Conservation Practices In Lancaster County

On July 30, the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority announced the purchase of up to $7.1 million in verified nutrient and sediment reductions in Lancaster County through competitive bidding under the Clean Water Procurement Program.

* Penn State Center For Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training Hosts 3-Part Conservation Cornerstone Webinar Series For Ag Professionals Starting Aug. 27

To help agriculture professionals who are beginning their journey in agricultural conservation, the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training administered by Penn State Extension is launching a new monthly webinar series-- Conservation Cornerstone-- that will take place in August, September and October.

* Penn State Extension Sept. 19 In-Person Gardening With Nature - Stormwater-Friendly Lawn Care Workshop In Cumberland County

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Cumberland County will host a September 19 in-person Gardening With Nature - Stormwater-Friendly Lawn Care Workshop in Cumberland County at the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library, 100 N. 19th Street in Camp Hill from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

* RiverStewards: Hughesville H.S. Students Learn Fly Fishing, Connecting With Nature At A Deeper Level In Lycoming County

Revitalization of fly fishing is beginning in Hughesville, Lycoming County under the guidance of David Weigle and a partnership with RiverStewards.

* Penn State Extension Aug. 28 Webinar - Iron, Manganese, Hydrogen Sulfide In Private Water Supply Systems

The Penn State Extension will host an August 28 webinar on Iron, Manganese, Hydrogen Sulfide In Private Water Supply Systems from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* Stroud Water Research Center: Small Actions At Home Can Make A Big Difference In Watershed Health

By Teresa Avery, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Volunteer

* TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Now Accepting Applications For Street, Park, Trail Tree Planting Grants In Pittsburgh + Allegheny County; Resources Also Available Outside The County

The TreeVitalize Pittsburgh Program is now accepting applications for Spring 2025 tree planting grants.  The deadline to begin the application process is October 1.

* Call For Presentations! Partnership For Delaware Estuary To Hold Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit Feb. 11-12

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is seeking abstracts for the 2025 Delaware Estuary Science & Environmental Summit to be held February 11-12 in Wilmington, Delaware.

* PA Resources Council: Traveling Glass Recycling Bins Will Be In Allegheny, Delaware, Lawrence, Mercer County Communities During August

The Pennsylvania Resources Council’s  Traveling Glass Recycling Bin Program provides a free recycling service that rotates through a variety of locations in Pennsylvania. 

* PA Resources Council/Allegheny County Health To Host Aug. 17 Household Chemical Collection Event In Allegheny County

In August, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will partner with Allegheny County Health Department to host a household chemical collection event to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely and cost effectively dispose of common chemicals such as cleaners, paints, batteries, automotive fluids, electronic cigarettes/vapes and pesticides.

* Keep PA Beautiful, PA Turnpike Commission Partner On Cigarette Litter Prevention At Up To 17 Service Plazas

On July 30, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced it will partner with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to implement the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program at up to 17 service plazas and interchange access buildings across the state with a $20,000 grant received from Keep America Beautiful. 

* Penn State City Semester Pittsburgh Students Learn Urban Sustainability, Community Engagement

For five years, Penn State students have engaged Pittsburgh communities by spending their summer working on urban sustainability and engagement through City Semester Pittsburgh.

* DCNR, Labor & Industry Secretaries Visit PA Outdoor Corps Crews At Codorus State Park In York County

On August 1, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited with crew members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps at Codorus State Park in York County.

* August 2 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The August 2 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Registration Open! Western PA Trails & Greenways Summit Sept. 4-5 In Clarion

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting registrations for the Western PA Trails and Greenways Summit to be held September 4-5 at PennWest University in Clarion.

* Call For Presentations! PA Recreation & Park Society Accepting Proposals For The 2025 Conference & Expo March 16-19 In Hershey

The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society Conference Committee is now accepting proposals for educational sessions to be presented at the 2025 Annual Conference & Expo.  The deadline for proposals is August 30.

* Feet First Philly Launches Fifth Year Of The Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program

On August 1, Feet First Philly, a pedestrian advocacy project of the Clean Air Council, in partnership with Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention launched the fifth round of their Public Space Enhancement Mini-Grant Program that funds projects aimed at improving Philadelphia’s pedestrian environment and public spaces.

* Western PA Conservancy Adds 122 Acres To State Game Lands In French Creek Watershed, Crawford County

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy recently announced the permanent protection of 122 acres in the French Creek watershed in Cambridge Springs Township, Crawford County.

* North Branch Land Trust Hosts Hiking Tour Of The George & Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary South Aug. 11 In Luzerne County

On August 11, the North Branch Land Trust will host “Friends in the Forest” at George and Lillian Picton Wildlife Sanctuary South in Foster Township, Luzerne County from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts Guided Walk Thru The Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve Aug. 17 In Monroe County

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host a guided walk on August 17 at the Tannersville Cranberry Bog Preserve in Monroe County starting at 10:00 a.m.

* DEP Names Nathan Houtz Acting Deputy Secretary For Active & Abandoned Mine Operations; Sharon Hill Named Acting Director Bureau of Mining

The Department of Environmental Protection has named Schuylkill County native Nathan Houtz, P.G. the Acting Deputy Secretary for Active And Abandoned Mine Operations.

* Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students & Adults

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

* Aug. 23 In-Person Managing Invasive Plants Full-Day Penn State Extension Workshop In State College

The Penn State Extension will host a full-day Managing Invasive Plants Workshop in State College on August 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at The Arboretum at Penn State.

* Penn State Extension Hosts Sept. 6 Webinar On Classic Biological Control Of PA Invasive Species

The Penn State Extension will host a September 6 webinar on Classic Biological Control of Pennsylvania Invasive Species from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension Hosts Sept. 24 Webinar On Community Forestry - TreeKeeper - A Tool For Tree Canopy Management

The Penn State Extension will host a September 24 webinar on Community Forestry - TreeKeeper - A Tool For Tree Canopy Management from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

* News From PA House & Senate

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

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* 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.

* PA Bulletin Public Notices

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the August 3 PA Bulletin--

* 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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