Here are 107 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 Puts Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic--

On November 12, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the investment of $79.4 million in grants to support 307 projects across Pennsylvania, aimed at expanding recreational opportunities, conserving natural spaces, and revitalizing communities.

On November 13, WeConservePA reported all five local referendums on the ballot November 5 were passed by voters contributing over $96 million for open space, farmland, forests and recreation.

By Ad Crable

On November 12, the Environmental Hearing Board issued a temporary supersedeas to stop the opening of the Catalyst Energy, Inc. oil and gas wastewater injection well near the town of Cyclone in Keating Township, McKean County until the Board can hold a hearing on the full supersedeas request by appealants.

On November 12, FracTracker Alliance announced five individuals will be recognized with the 2024 Community Sentinel Award for Environmental Stewardship to honor extraordinary individuals who have shown exceptional dedication in the movement for environmental justice.

On November 12, Moms Clean Air Force, Environmental Health Project, and Clean Air Council held a press conference at the Pennsylvania State Capitol calling on state leaders to safeguard Pennsylvanians from the impacts of a fossil fuel and plastic industry buildout.

By Rachel Sica Meyer, Beaver County Resident, Moms Clean Air Force

From November 9 to 15, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 463 inspection entries and delayed posted entries.

The following notices were published in the November 16 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

On November 8, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission sent an advisory to shale gas drillers, water systems and companies with water withdrawal approvals to begin "investigating or planning for alternative operation options" in the current low streamflow conditions, according to Stacey Hanrahan, SRBC Communications and Outreach Specialist.

On November 11, the Three Rivers Waterkeeper called on the Department of Environmental Protection to implement stronger measures  in their water discharge permit to address the recurring releases of oil from the U.S. Steel Irvin Plant into the Monongahela River.

On November 12, the Environmental Quality Board approved for public comment a proposed regulation on notification of spills and corrections to Air Quality regulations on RACT requirements for nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compounds.

The Department of Environmental Protection announced on its website it will no longer accept Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation ePermit applications while it pauses the program to evaluate and implement its IT modernization efforts.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notices in the November 16 PA Bulletin extending these Water Quality and Waste General Permits--

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the November 16 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment permit application covering activities related to the restoration of Pursley Creek damaged by longwall coal mining in Center Township, Greene County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7532)

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a December 17 hearing on the Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and Encroachment permit application for the Pocono Mountains Corporate Center North Warehouse located in Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7532)

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a December 17 hearing on the renewal of a Title V Air Quality Permit for the Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company LLC Bailey Coal Mine Prep Plant located in Richhill Township, Greene County, and East Finley Township, Washington County.  (PA Bulletin, page 7507)

On November 15, Utility Dive reported the North American Electric Reliability Corporation said in its Annual Winter Reliability Assessment natural gas electric generation “is threatened this winter by ongoing concerns with natural gas production and delivery in extreme conditions and a potential regional pipeline capacity issue in the US Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.”

On November 11, Energy Justice Advocates announced PECO has agreed to contract for 25 MW of solar energy as part of its default power procurement for electric customers from June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2029 as a result of a settlement recently approved by the Public Utility Commission.

Lara Fowler, chief sustainability officer at Penn State, director of Penn State Sustainability, and teaching professor of law, will give the talk, “Decarbonizing Penn State: How Does Law, Policy, and Financing Fit In?” at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus.

The Pennsylvania Solar Center will host a November 22 webinar from Noon to 1:15 p.m. on a New Guidebook For Municipalities On Large-Scale Solar Development co-authored with Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services.

By Katie Bohn, Penn State News

On November 13, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced President Biden has approved his request for Public Assistance to local governments and nonprofits following devastating flooding in the Commonwealth from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby on August 9-10, 2024.

On November 13, the Department of Environmental Protection awarded Coastal Zone Grants totaling more than $288,000 to seven projects in the state’s Northwest region.

On November 15, the Department of Environmental Protection announced the award of  $402,021 to support 10 local projects to protect and restore the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone.

On November 13, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the appointment of 18 new members and reappointment of 6 members to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee.

Interested in understanding how climate change affects our groundwater and what it means for the environment and economy?

By Ryan Davis, Senior Forests Projects Manager 

The Partnership For The Delaware Estuary is now accepting registrations for the 2025 Science and Environmental Summit to be held February 11-12 in Wilmington, Delaware.

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy will host a series of public meetings on the Perkiomen Mapping and Flood Mitigation Study covering the 362 square mile watershed which spans parts of Montgomery, Berks, Bucks, and Lehigh counties.

The latest UpStream newsletter from the Stroud Water Research Center features articles on--

On November 9, 30 volunteers organized by 2nd Century Alliance and Litter Lifters of West Vincent collected 168 bags of litter, 5 dumped TVs, 6 bikes, a baby stroller, a lawnmower, and over 300 political campaign and business yard signs in Coatesville, Chester County.

The DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on November 20 to discuss a draft Environmental Justice Plan, diverse community partnerships and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.

The November 15 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

On November 12, after nearly a decade of legislative efforts to conduct a study of wildlife  conservation corridors, Reps. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) and Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny) reviewed highlights from The Current Status of Conservation Connectivity in Pennsylvania report recently completed by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee.

The Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology (PSO), with statewide membership, is looking for businesses to apply as Sponsoring Partners in our annual PA Breeding Bird Blitz for Conservation (B4C) to be held June 6 – 16, 2025.

On November 14, Pennsylvania Sea Grant announced the launch of a new resource, “Choose Native – Pennsylvania’s Guide to Using Native Species in Landscaping and Water Gardening.”

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation seeks qualified candidates to fill the position of Office and Online Retail Facilitator to support the work of stewarding Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through fulfillment of online retail orders and supporting the work of staff and volunteer friends groups.

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

On November 8, Pennsylvania Sea Grant recently announced three Pennsylvania early-career professionals-- Nathaniel Edelheit-Rice, Sahara Rios-Bonilla, and Chelsea Russ-- have been selected into the 2025 class of the Sea Grant John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship program.

On November 19, PA Interfaith Power & Light will host a second webinar in the Wonderful Watersheds series on Watersheds and Their Problems from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals are hosting a December 10 webinar on PFAS 'Forever Chemical' Management - Philadelphia Water Department Approach starting at Noon.

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

Here are the new leadership teams for House and Senate Democrats and Republicans for the next legislative session--

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 November 16 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 Outdoor Writers Association, PA PA Council Trout Unlimited, Organization for Watersheds & Rivers and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.