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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 31, 2005
(10/28/2005)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 10/31/05
* Going “Batty” for Halloween
Halloween is not only about tricks and treats, ghosts and goblins, it’s also about bats!
* On the Hill - On the Senate/House Agenda
The Senate and House Calendars and committee schedules include a number of environmental bills and issues. Here’s a rundown…
* Senate Environmental Committee Set to Consider Waste Tire, Forestry, Sewer Bills
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), is scheduled to meet on November 1 to consider several bills and resolutions—
* House Energy Policy Meeting To Focus on Energy Efficiency, Renewables
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) and Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield), will hold the second of their Energy Policy information meetings on November 1 to hear presentations on energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy. Presenters include—
* House Committee Extends Recycling Fee, OK’s Environmental Education Center
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out five bills—
* Attempts Made to End Emissions Inspection, Prohibit California Car Standards
The House Transportation Committee considered bills that were introduced just this week that would end the vehicle emissions inspection program and prohibit Pennsylvania from adopting California car emissions standards.
* House Republicans Unveil Fall Legislative Priorities
House Republican Leaders Speaker John Perzel and Majority Leader Sam Smith this week unveiled their Caucus legislative priorities for the fall.
* Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
Legislation moved this week involving land trusts, downtown relocation, and eminent domain. Here are the details…
* Next Environmental Issues Forum Nov. 14, New Environmental Synopsis Available
The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee’s next Environmental Issues Forum will be held on November 14.
* Bills Introduced
Several environmental bills were introduced this week in addition to legislation on deep mine safety resulting from the Quecreek Mine accident in 2002.
* Other News - Growth, Resource Conservation Principles Released by Rendell Administration
The Pennsylvania Governor's Economic Development Cabinet this week announced a set of principles and criteria that will be used by state agencies to guide investment and support local growth and economic development across the Commonwealth.
* Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Grants Available
The Department of Community and Economic Development announced it is accepting applications for a revised Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Grant Program. There is no specific deadline for applications.
* Farmland Preservation Program Adds 3,200 acres, 30 farms in October
Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program added 3,219 acres and 30 farms to the over 2,700 preserved so far through the program last week.
* Sustainable Agriculture – Community Forestry Symposium November 17
“Forestry Spin-Offs,” a Sustainable Agriculture and Community Forestry Symposium, will be presented at the Delaware Center for Horticulture on November 17. The event is cosponsored by the Valley Forge Chapter Society of American Foresters.
* EPA Green Power Partnership Tops 3 Billion Kilowatts, 13 PA Partners
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership with 600 partner organizations, including 13 companies, agencies and schools in Pennsylvania, are purchasing more than 3 billion kilowatt hours (KWh) of green power annually, enough to power 300,000 American homes each year.
* Green Power Awards to Be Given to Leaders in Clean Energy Policy, Practice
Thirty individuals, private industries, government agencies and public interest organizations will receive Green Power Awards at an awards luncheon November 2 sponsored by Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future.
* PECO Awarded Grant to Fund Prototype Hybrid Bucket Truck
PECO Energy was recently awarded a federal Clean Cities grant for more than $83,000 to support the production and testing of a prototype hybrid bucket truck in the Philadelphia region.
* Nominations Accepted for 2006 Presidential Green Chemistry Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting nominations for the 2006 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards through December 31.
* Watershed Mini-Grants Available From Western PA Conservancy, Dominion
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, in conjunction with Dominion, announced they are now accepting application for a Watershed Mini-Grant Program for Western Pennsylvania.
* Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Launches New Website
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary has recently redesigned and improved their web site to make it easier to find information, activities and events related to protecting the Estuary.
* Upper Merion Township Authority Wins National Clean Water Recognition
The Upper Merion Township Municipal Utility Authority, King of Prussia, Pa. won second place in the significant industrial users category for outstanding implementation and enforcement of its industrial pretreatment program.
* Adams Township, Mars, Carbon County Honored for Groundwater Efforts
Adams Township and Mars in Butler County and Carbon County were recognized for their efforts to protect groundwater supplies through groundwater education by the Groundwater Foundation.
* PA CleanWays Open Your Eyes to Litter – In a Watershed Book Available
PA CleanWays announced the fourth book in their Open Your Eyes to Litter series-- In a Watershed which is now available through the group’s online bookstore.
* Opinion - Consolidation of Water Systems in Pennsylvania, Jeffrey R. Hines, P.E.
Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 2,200 municipally owned or investor-owned community drinking water systems that provide high-quality water to homeowners and businesses.
* Quick Clips
A sampling of NewsClips from around the state on environmental topics
* Watershed NewsClips
NewsClips from around Pennsylvania on watershed issues
* Regulations
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission meets on November 2 to provide comments on Department of Agriculture's proposed Nutrient Management Certification regulations and the Environmental Quality Board's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation regulations at its December 1 meeting.
* Regulations - Mercury Toxicology, Deposition, Fish Advisories Topics of Work Group Meeting
The Mercury Rule Work Group met for the second time this week to continue the information gathering phase of the Department of Environmental Protection’s effort to develop a Pennsylvania-only rule to limit mercury emissions from power plants.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance was published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* 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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