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Energy, Winter Heating Costs Big Topics This Week
The Senate, House, Rendell Administration and EPA all took on energy and winter heating costs this week in a variety of actions, and any way you slice it costs will be going up significantly over the short term.
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On the Hill - House Environmental Committee Meets on Recycling Fee, Environmental Education
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will meet on October 25 to consider six bills—
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Environmental Issues Forum Features Discussion of State Recreation Plan
The October 24 Environmental Issues Forum sponsored by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation on implementing the State Recreation Plan.
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Uses for Excess Manure, Linking Local Farms & Schools, Hearing Topics
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee held a hearing this week on two important issues related to the future of farming—alternative uses for manure and creating new markets for farm products through farm to school programs.
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Natural Gas, Heating Oil Costs Could Increase by 30%+ This Winter
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware), held the first in a series of informational meetings this week to gather information for the development of short- and long-term energy policies for Pennsylvania.
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Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
Legislation to extend the farmland protection program to horse boarding farms was given final approval and sent to the Governor for his action this week and the House passed legislation eliminating the sales tax on purchases of EnergyStar appliances which now goes to the Senate. Here are the details on these and other bills moving--
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Other News - Stay Warm PA Initiative to Address Rising Heating Costs, Website Offers Tips
Gov. Rendell this week announced a Stay Warm PA program designed to make sure Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens are warm and protected as cold weather approaches and homeowner energy bills are expected to jump at least 30 percent.
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Help For Small Businesses Interested in Cutting Energy Costs – Ask EMAP!
The latest projections from the U.S. Energy Information Agency show energy costs will increase at least 30 percent this winter.
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Reduce Energy Costs - Optimize Compressed Air, Steam System Performance
Compressed air and steam systems are the heart of many manufacturing operations. Learn how to reduce energy costs from these systems in three upcoming workshops.
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Take Action to Save with Winter Energy-Efficiency Tips from EPA
In the face of higher energy bills this winter, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages everyone to take action in their home to be more energy efficient and here’s how.
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Special Energy Efficiency Resources from PA Environment Digest
We’ve gathered in one place just a few of the energy efficiency tips and resources from past articles and links in the PA Environment Digest for your convenience—
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Grants Available for Wind Energy Projects in Pennsylvania
The Sustainable Development Fund this week said it has available approximately $2 million in wind energy production incentive grants to support new wind projects in Pennsylvania.
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Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Recognized as a “Best Workplace for Commuters”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized 69 companies nationwide as Best Workplaces for Commuters for their commitment to reducing air pollution and their role in easing traffic congestion and among those recognized was Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in Collegeville, Montgomery County and Frazer, Chester County.
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Pittsburgh Clean Cities Coalition Joins “Beyond a Billion" Celebration
More than 8.35 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel have been displacement by alternative fuels used by school districts, transit authorities, local government agencies and private companies in Pennsylvania since 1994 thanks to federal and state agencies working with these local partners.
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Make Your Own Biodiesel at The First Biodiesel Revival November 12
The First Biodiesel Revival is scheduled for November 12 at the Robert A. Macoskey Center for Sustainable Systems Education and Research at Slippery Rock University.
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Harrisburg Green Building Tour – Highmark Data Center – November 16
The Green Building Association of Central Pennsylvania and the Central Pennsylvania Section of the International Facilities Management Association is sponsoring a tour of the new data center built by Highmark in Dauphin County on November 16.
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Conservation By Design Workshops Set for Cumberland, Westmoreland
“Putting Conservation in Local Codes” is the theme of two upcoming Conservation By Design workshops on November 1 in Enola, Cumberland County and November 3 in Belle Vernon, Westmoreland County.
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Mid-Atlantic Green Highways Forum Set for November 8-10
As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 Mid-Atlantic Green Highways Initiative, a Green Highways Forum will be held in College Park, MD November 8-10.
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PA Invests in Revitalizing 4 Former Industrial Sites
Four sites in Bucks, Butler, Chester and Lehigh counties have qualified for Brownfield Action Team Assistance the Department of Environmental Protection announced this week.
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Pittsburgh Mayor Appoints Clean Pittsburgh Commission Members
Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy held a swearing-in ceremony for new members of the Clean Pittsburgh Commission this week. The Commission was created to serve as a resource for community groups and individuals working to clean-up their neighborhoods, plant community gardens, and the implement litter prevention and awareness programs.
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Environmental Education and Higher Education Workshop November 9
The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is sponsoring another Environmental Education and Higher Education Workshop in State College on November 9.
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Environmental Question of the Week Returns for Students, Educators
The popular feature Environmental Question of the Week is back on the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education website.
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2006 EPA Environmental Education Grants Applications Due November 23
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting grant proposals for its 2006 Environmental Education Grant Program. Proposals are due November 23.
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New Book Outlines Documented Benefits of Coal Ash for Mine Reclamation
A new book highlights 20 years of research by scientists at Penn State’s Materials Research Institute and the Department of Environmental Protection that proves the benefits of using fly ash produced in Pennsylvania’s coal-fired power plants for controlling acid drainage, and for backfilling abandoned and working coal mines, water-filled mines and rock pits.
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Volunteers Needed to Plant 4,000 Trees along Brandywine Creek
As part of a TreeVitalize grant, Stroud Water Research Center needs to plant 4,000 trees along Taylor Run, a tributary to the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek, Chester County.
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Awards & Recognition - Northeast Environmental Partnership Recognizes Good Environmental Works
The Northeast Environmental Partnership recognized the accomplishments of seven individuals and organizations as part of its annual awards dinner this week. The award winners include:
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Quick Clips
A sampling of NewsClips from around the state on environmental topics
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Watershed NewsClips
NewsClips from around Pennsylvania on watershed topics
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Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board took action this week to adopt a proposed California car rule for public comment and published final regulations covering bituminous mining bonds, concentrated animal feeding operations and several lake redesignations. The Public Utility Commission also published formal notice of its requirements for implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. EPA also announced it would take additional comments on its mercury emissions reduction rule. Details below.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting comments on a new biofuel and biodiesel product general permit through November 30. DEP also published final guidance on underground coal mining and proposed guidance on permit coordination.
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
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Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .
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04/15/24 - 66 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/msuwtctm
