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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
December 5, 2005
(12/2/2005)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 12/5/05
* More Environmental Gift Ideas from Readers
More environmental gift ideas and holiday waste reduction tips were sent in by Digest readers, and we have space for more!
* On the Hill - On the Senate/House Agenda
Both the Senate and House are in regular and special session again starting December 5. Here’s a rundown on what’s on their Calendars and committee agendas.
* House Environmental Committee to Hear From Energy Producers
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hear from energy producers during its fourth Energy Policy informational meeting on December 6.
* Other News - BP Forms BP Alternative Energy Low Carbon Power Business
BP this week announced it has formed BP Alternative Energy and will double its investment in alternative and renewable energies to create a new low-carbon power business.
* Offers of Free Energy Efficiency Assessments Extended for Businesses
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended the deadline for its “Save Energy Now” campaign offering mid-size and large businesses the opportunity for free energy assessments.
* Three Residential Energy Conservation Workshops Set for Lycoming
The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled three energy conservation workshops for homeowners in Lycoming County in cooperation with the Department of Public Welfare’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
* Find Energy Tax Savings to Become More Energy Efficient
The Alliance to Save Energy announced a new Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP) website that aims to help individuals and businesses cut their federal tax bills in 2006 and 2007 by becoming more energy-efficient.
* Multiple Announcements on Energy Issues This Week in Pennsylvania
Here’s a quick rundown on several energy related activities and announcements this week, including Gov. Rendell’s appearance at the National Press Club to talk about a national Energy Harvest Program.
* PA Clean Energy Expo Set for March 31 - April 1, 2006
Save the date! There will be a PA Clean Energy Expo in State College March 31 - April 1.
* Penn State Center for Sustainability Sets Up Renewable Energy Homestead
Penn State’s Renewable Energy Homestead is a living laboratory for using clean energy put together by the University’s Center for Sustainability.
* Are You Up-To-Date on LEED and the USGBC?
Join the Green Building Alliance in Pittsburgh for breakfast on December 14 to learn the latest about green building standards, LEED Application Guidelines, Online LEED documentation, LEED for Neighborhood Developments, LEED 2.2, Emerging Green Builders and more!
* PA Universities Win EPA Student Sustainability Design Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week awarded $410,000 to 41 student teams for the 2005-2006 academic year to research and develop sustainable designs through the People, Prosperity and the Planet (P3) competition, including four teams from Pennsylvania.
* Five States, District Agree on 2007 Farm Bill Conservation Agenda
Dozens of recommendations for strengthening and expanding the farm and timber conservation programs in the national Farm Bill set to be considered by Congress in 2007 were adopted this week by the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council.
* Chesapeake Bay Council Outlines Surplus Nutrient, Manure Management Strategy
A new Surplus Nutrient and Manure Management Strategy was adopted by the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council this week that is designed to develop options for handling the issue throughout the Bay drainage area.
* DEP Reminds Applicants of Deadlines Under Expanded CAFO Regulations
Due to the large number of anticipated permits under the recently revised rules for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Other Livestock Agricultural Operations regulations, the Department of Environmental Protection this week reminded potential applicants of several deadlines for the submission of applications.
* Reminder: Watershed Mini-Grant Applications Due December 15
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, in conjunction with Dominion, announced they are accepting application for a Watershed Mini-Grant Program for Western Pennsylvania through December 15.
* Forest Lands Beautification Grants Due January 27
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced this week Forest Lands Beautification Grant applications are due January 27.
* TMDL Public Meeting Set on Blue Run Watershed, Clearfield County
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting on January 25 in Clearfield to answer questions and hear comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load plan for Blue Run Watershed. (PaB page 6589)
* Pennsylvania Updates Fish Consumption Advisories
State officials this week made changes to site specific sport fish consumption advisories around the state, but the general advisory of eating no more than one meal a week of sport fish remains in effect.
* Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Seeks Individuals to Serve on Advisory Committee
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is putting together an advisory committee to help create an annual Chesapeake Bay-wide watershed conference and they need members to serve.
* Agricultural Land Conservation Assistance Grants Due February 17
The Department of Agriculture will accept applications for Agricultural Land Conservation Assistance Grant to establish or improve agricultural conservation easement purchase programs from January 2 through February 17.
* Family Pollution Prevention Poster Contest in Allegheny County
The Allegheny County Health Department is sponsoring its annual environmental poster contest for children in grades 6 through 8. This year's theme is "Pollution Prevention -- A Family Project."
* EPA Celebrates Birthday and 35 Years of Environmental Progress
President Richard Nixon created the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 35 years ago this month and over those decades the United States has seen major reductions in pollution in spite of a dramatic increase in the economy.
* Carl Roe Named to Head Game Commission
The Board of the Pennsylvania Game Commissioners this week selected Carl Roe to serve as the agency's new executive director.
* Kim Nelson to Leave Environmental Protection Agency CIO Position
Kim Nelson this week announced she will be leaving her position as CIO of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency January 2 after four years of service.
* Wyonna Coleman, West Brownsville Environmental Activist, Passes
Long-time environmental activist Wyonna Coleman passed away this week at the age of 73.
* Feature - Westmoreland Conservation Campus Expanding to Include “GreenForge”
The Westmoreland Conservation Districts’ conservation campus is growing again.
* Feature - The Nature Conservancy - Celebrating 50 Years in Pennsylvania
Committed locally. Connected globally.
* Opinion - A Pennsylvania Energy Harvest: Leadership for Pennsylvania and the Nation’s Energy Future
By Eric Thumma, Director, DEP Bureau of Environmental Sustainability
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state.
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Regulations
Regulatory activity this week came from the Department of Environmental Protection and its Mercury Rule Work Group, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the U.S. EPA on its New Source Review requirements.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published a formal notice extending the comment period for the Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Credit Trading Interim Final Policy and Guidelines through December 31 and notice of December 12 Listening Session on the Policy.
* 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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