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Senate Passes “Responsible Budget,” Rendell Presses for Initiatives Left Out
The Senate this week vote 49 to 1 to approve a state budget that reduces spending by $344 million from the governor's proposed budget. Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) was the only no vote.
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Lawmakers, Gov. Rendell Urged to Act NOW for Clean Water and Healthy Farms
Rarely does an opportunity arise that has farmers, environmentalists and business groups pushing in the same direction. But we have that opportunity now.
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Video Blog - NRCS Grant Supports Innovative Mine Reclamation Project Using Excess Manure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week announced the award of a grant to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council to support an innovative mine reclamation project that will use excess manure to reclaim an abandoned strip mine and grow switchgrass that will be used as a renewable fuel.
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On the Senate/House Agenda/Bills Introduced
The Senate and Senate return to voting session June 25. Here’s what’s on the agenda this week--
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Senate/House Bills Moving
Here’s the rundown on environmental bills moving in the General Assembly this week….
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Highway/Transit Funding Proposal Stalls In House
The House had extended debate on a proposal to provide additional funding for transit and highway improvements, but failed to take final action on the proposal after a five hour debate, even with voting down a motion to table 103 to 98.
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House Passes Two of Four Rendell Energy Proposals, With Amendments
The House this week approved two of four bills carrying Gov. Rendell’s Energy Independence Initiative by relatively wide margins. They dealt with renewable transportation fuels and expanding the role played by the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority.
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House Committee Narrowly Supports Fee for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted 15 to 14 to report out legislation that would impose a new $2.75/ton fee on municipal waste disposed in Pennsylvania to support the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program and partially fund debt service for the Growing Greener II bond issue.
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Senate Committee Lists Mine Families First, Transmisison Line Bills for Action
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a meeting for June 26 to take action on bills that would establish the Mine Families First Program and a resolution expressing opposition to electric transmission line routes. They include:
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House Committee Meets to Consider Waste Facility, Weatherization Bills
The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets June 27 to consider limitations on the siting of certain waste facilities and increased funding for Low-Income Weatherization Programs. The bills include:
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90% Strongly Support Clean Water, 95% Link With Economic Competitiveness
A new poll released by Mansfield University this week shows the public overwhelmingly supports clean water and links having clean water with continued economic competitiveness, far outscoring other environmental concerns.
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Presentations, Posters Wanted for 2008 Keystone Coldwater Conference
Proposals are now being accepted for presentations and posters for the 2008 Keystone Coldwater Conference on February 22-23 with the theme, “Headwater Ecosystems: Protection, Management and Research.”
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2nd Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum October 12-14
Mark the date in your calendars for the 2nd Annual Chesapeake Watershed Forum on October 12-14. This year’s theme is, "Sharing Strategies to Manage Growth and Protect Our Waters."
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Regional Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference Set for October 12-13
Individuals and organizations involved in volunteer water monitoring are invited to the Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Water Monitoring Conference in Winchester, Virginia on October 12-13.
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New Application Cutoff Dates for Water, Wastewater, Stormwater Funding
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority published revised cutoff dates for submitting applications for water, wastewater, stormwater and other project funding:
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New Farmer Network Project Promoting No-Till Set for June 26
A new “farmer-to-farmer” mentoring program has started in Lebanon County and on June 26, a series of field walk events will kickoff the Lebanon County Farmer Network Project.
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Farmland Preservation Board Protects 57 Farms in 18 Counties
Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Board this week approved the investment of $25.2 million to preserve 5,879 acres of farmland in 18 counties, including the Grove Farm in Adams County -- the first farm to be preserved under a unique county-township partnership.
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Lake Monitoring Program to Be Offered on Pymatuning Lake June 26
The Crawford County Conservation District and Pymatuning State Park will host the 5th annual “Pymatuning Lake Secchi Dip In” on June 26. The event will take place on the fishing pier at the Linesville Marina, just west of Linesville, Pa.
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Growing Native Plant Program Due Expansion in Centre County
The ClearWater Conservancy, the Morris K. Udall Foundation and the Penn State Center for Sustainability have begun building a facility for growing native riparian plants.
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ClearWater Conservancy Permanently Preserves 244 Acres, Important Bird Area
ClearWater Conservancy announced it has signed a conservation easement with Karl H. Striedieck to protect 244.63 acres of private forested mountain habitat on Bald Eagle Ridge in Patton, Huston, Worth, and Halfmoon Townships, Centre County.
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BP Solar, Universal Pictures Offers Free Solar System Sweepstakes
BP Solar has teamed with Universal Pictures in a sweepstakes offer to give one lucky winner a home solar system in promotion of Evan Almighty, in theatres nationwide June 22.
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Help Wanted: West Branch Susquehanna VISTA Volunteer
Trout Unlimited, a partnering organization of the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition, is seeking an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer through the federal Office of Surface Mining / VISTA program.
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In Memoriam - Robert W. McCullough, Lycoming County’s “Active Environmentalist”
This week a notice went out that Robert W. McCullough, Jr., 84, long-time Lycoming County Environmental Coordinator, advisor to the Department of Environmental Protection and Presidents as well as an advocate for local watershed protection, had passed away.
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Feature - 35th Anniversary of Hurricane Agnes Floods Commemorated
NOAA's National Weather Service and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week are marking the 35th anniversary of Hurricane Agnes, which caused the worst recorded flooding throughout the Susquehanna River Basin.
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Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
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Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
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Regulations
The Department of Environmental Protection published an updated list of credits available in the Emission Reduction Credit inventory. (PA Bulletin page 2890) The Environmental Quality Board met June 19 and approved drinking water, storage tank and air quality regulations on its agenda.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance was published this week.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. 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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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.
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04/22/24 - 117 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/9bh4zbtr
