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REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Applications Accepted Beginning January 2
The State Conservation Commission this week approved the guidelines and applications needed to apply for the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) farm conservation tax credit.
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Online Video - PA Resources Council Promotes Composting Fall Leaves on KDKA Pittsburgh
David Mazza and Corrine Ogrodnick from the Pennsylvania Resources Council appeared on the KDKA “At Home With the Environment” program this week to promote composting of fall foliage.
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On the Senate/House Agenda
The Senate and House have the following committee meetings scheduled next week and published voting Calendars for November 19—
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Senate/House Bills Moving/Bills Introduced
The following bills and resolutions moved in the Senate and House this week--
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Senate Energy Policy Committee Hearing on Renewable Energy Investments
The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policy this week held a hearing on Special Session Senate Bill 1 (MJ.White-R-Venango), the Alternative Energy Investment Act, outlining a proposal for state investments in renewable energy.
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House Sponsors of Clean Energy Bills Urge Action on Special Energy Session Bills
A bipartisan group of legislators and Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future this week urged action on Special Session Energy legislation to encourage renewable fuels, deal with the transition to market-based electric rates, install smart electric meters and encourage energy conservation.
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Senate Agriculture Committee Acts on Land Conservation Bills
The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee reported out a bill and resolution on the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, but rescheduled action on legislation updating the Conservation District Law.
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Rep. Phillips’ Lyme Disease Task Force Bill Subject of House Hearing
The controversial treatment of Lyme disease – and whether it should be covered by health insurance – was the topic of a public hearing held this week by the House Health and Human Services Committee.
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House Environmental Committee to Meet on Energy Session Bills
House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider several Special Energy Session bills on renewable transportation fuels, weatherization and home energy efficiency. They include:
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Senate Committee Hearing on Transition to Market-Based Electricity Rates
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee will hold a hearing November 20 on Senate Bill 1134 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) providing for a transition to market rates in the electric utility industry, providing for energy efficiency and demand-response initiatives.
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Environmental Issues Forum to Hear About Pittsburgh E-Waste Recycling Program
The November 19 Environmental Issues Forum will hear a presentation by Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh on its E-Waste Recycling Program.
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A Helping Hand for Appalachia in the Clean Streams Practicum
The Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team held part three of the highly successful Clean Streams Practicum training program the last weekend of October at Twin Falls State Park near Mullens, WV.
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PA American Water Accepting Entries for Watershed Art Contest
Pennsylvania American Water is accepting entries for its sixth annual Protect Our Watersheds art contest. Deadline for entries is February 8.
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Insurance Dept. Proposes to Double Fee on Gasoline Sales for Tank Cleanups
The Department of Insurance has proposed almost doubling the per gallon fee on gasoline to support underground storage tank cleanups, in spite of a statement from its actuarial consultant that no increase was needed for more than eight years.
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EPA Partners Recognized for Improvements to Environment, Balance Sheets
Members of two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partnership programs were recognized for reducing and recycling materials, and for cutting back or eliminating over 4 million pounds of priority chemicals, including two Pennsylvania companies--
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Recycled Electronics, Demanufacturing Forum Set for December 11
The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center will host a Recycled Electronics & Demanufacturing Economic Development Forum on December 11 in Harrisburg.
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Student Winners of Radon Poster Contest Announced
Three Pennsylvania students are advancing to national competition after winning the state's radon poster contest, which is designed to raise awareness about this potentially dangerous gas.
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$5.4 Million in Energy Harvest Grants Announced to Support 28 Projects
The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced $5.4 million in Energy Harvest Grants to support 28 projects. The grants will leverage almost $14 million in private investments and create or retain more than 100 jobs.
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Penn State: Clean, Carbon-Neutral Hydrogen on the Horizon
Hydrogen as an everyday, environmentally friendly fuel source may be closer than we think, according to Penn State researchers at the Hydrogen Research Center.
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Bayer Plants Trees With Chartiers Valley Intermediate School Students
Bayer employee-volunteers and Chartiers Valley Intermediate School third-graders rolled up their sleeves, grabbed their spades and planted trees on the school's campus, as the company announced that it has joined the United Nations Environment Programme's Plant for the Planet: The Billion Tree Campaign.
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Allegheny County Health Dept. Sponsoring Global Warming Poster Contest
The Allegheny County Health Department is sponsoring its ninth annual environmental poster contest for students in grades 6-8 with the theme of “Global Warming.”
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M&T Bank Launches $50 Million Municipal Energy Efficiency Loan Fund
M&T Bank this week announced a new financing program offering competitive interest rates and technical assistance for local governments and municipal authorities in Pennsylvania to implement energy saving improvements.
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Electric Competition Spurs Efficiency, Puts Risks on Investors, Not Consumers
Jonathan Lesser, a Ph.D. economist and nationally known expert on competitive electricity markets, this week said "Electric industry restructuring has provided real and measurable benefits to Pennsylvania consumers and businesses."
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DCNR Increases Fees for State Park Facilities in 2008
For the first time since 2001, fees for overnight accommodations, boating and picnic pavilions will be increased to help maintain the quality of State Parks and support their operation and maintenance.
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Lehigh/Berks Air Quality Partnership Honors Tom DiLazaro
The LehighValley/Berks County Air Quality Partnership, the American Lung Association of Pennsylvania and Woman’s Club of Allentown presented the 37th Annual R. Emmet Doherty Clean Air Award to Thomas DiLazaro, former DEP Air Quality program manager, during a ceremony yesterday at Cedar Crest College in Allentown.
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Larry Williamson to Be Honored as “Conservationist of the Year”
The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy will honor the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Larry Williamson as the 2007 Conservationist of the Year at their annual awards dinner on December 5 in Harrisburg.
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Spotlight - The REAP Program: New Conservation Dollars for PA Farms
By Lamonte Garber, Senior Agricultural Consultant, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs. NEW means from last week—
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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 notice of informational meetings and opportunity to comment on proposed designation of nonattainment areas for fine particulate.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of changes to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related activities (PaB page 6177)
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. 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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12/16/24 - 110 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3ubmzu7a
