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PA Fair Share Coalition Asks Gov. Rendell to Keep Commitment on Bay Cleanup
In a letter this week to Gov. Rendell, the PA Fair Share for Clean Water Coalition asked the Governor to keep his commitment to help sewer system ratepayers and farmers finance improvements needed to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution going to the Chesapeake Bay by supporting the PA Fair Share for Clean Water Plan.
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Senate Committees to Consider Water Infrastructure Bills, Great Lakes Compact
The Senate Appropriations and Environmental Resources and Energy Committees are set to consider legislation on June 9 and 10 that would provide funding for water infrastructure upgrades.
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New REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Applications Accepted in August
Pennsylvania farmers now have a second opportunity to apply for the next round of Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) tax credits that rewards farmers for installing conservation practices that reduce erosion and sedimentation.
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Ozone Action Days Forecast for Berks/Lehigh, Susquehanna Valley, Philadelphia
The Department of Environmental Protection and its regional air quality partnerships announced air quality action days are forecast for Saturday in the Philadelphia region and Monday in the Berks/Lehigh Valley and Susquehanna Valley regions.
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Online Video Feature - Appalachian Reforestation Initiative Showcased at Jennings Environmental Center
The Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative is a coalition of citizen groups, the coal industry, and government, dedicated to restoring forests on coal mined lands in the Eastern United States.
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Online Video Feature - Student Fish Art Inspires Watershed Awareness in Monroe County
Students in the East Stroudsburg University Student Art Association test out the proposed spot for a trout sculpture that will soon be joined by 14 other sculptures on display throughout Monroe County from June to September.
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On the Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here’s what’s coming up on the Senate and House agenda for next week, as well as the voting session schedule through June 30.
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On the Governor’s Desk
House Bill 1281 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) requiring municipalities to protect the Appalachian Trail was given final approval by the House and now goes to the Governor for his action.
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Senate/House Bills Moving
These bills of interest saw action in the House and Senate this week—
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House Committee Reports Out Adopt-A-River Bill
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out legislation to create an Adopt-A-River Program, but withheld action on bills to prohibit the sale of mercury thermostats and establish an Office of Environmental Advocate. The bills include:
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Rep. Freeman's Appalachian Trail Protection Measure Sent to Governor
The House this week concurred in amendments the Senate made to House Bill 1281 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) that would require local governments to better protect the Appalachian Trail sending the bill to the Governor for his action.
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House Committee to Consider Bills on Flooding, Dam Repair Funding
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets June 11 to consider legislation promoting nonstructural alternatives to control flooding and authorize PENNVEST to fund high hazard dam repair projects. The bills include:
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SRBC Notifies 23 Companies of Water Use Rules for Natural Gas Well Development
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission this week notified 23 natural gas operators currently using or planning to use water to develop wells in the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations in the Susquehanna watershed that they must have approval from SRBC.
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Natural Gas Industry Expected to Abide by State Environmental Laws, Regulations
Department of Environmental Protection this week advised oil and gas industry officials this week that developing the natural gas resources found in the Marcellus Shale formation must be done in accordance with the state’s environmental laws and regulations.
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Gas Operators Invited to Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Summit June 13
Current and prospective gas operators of the Marcellus Shale are invited to attend a Summit meeting on June 13 in Harrisburg to discuss Pennsylvania’s environmental rules and regulations and the future of the gas and oil industry in the Commonwealth.
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Game Commission Uses Remining to Reclaim Site in Cambria County
To demonstrate how current mining practices can be used to fix problems caused by past mining practices for the betterment of wildlife, officials from the Game Commission and E.P. Bender Coal Company Inc., of Carrolltown, this week showcased completed wildlife habitat enhancement and abandoned mine reclamation projects on State Game Land 108 in Dean Township, Cambria County.
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Group to Hold Public Meeting on Proposed Dam Repairs June 26 in Beaver County
The Hereford Manor Lakes Conservancy and Watershed Group will hold a public meeting June 26 to discuss the most cost effective measures to repair and rehabilitate area dams in Beaver County.
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Rep. Sturla Invites Volunteers to Conestoga River Cleanup June 14
Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) is inviting community volunteers to help him and local organizations clean up the Conestoga River from 8:30 a.m. to noon June 14.
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Fish & Boat Commission Celebrates Shad With Stocking, Fish Fry Events in June
The Fish and Boat Commission will hold a shad stocking event and fish fry on June 11 on Bald Eagle Creek near Lock Haven in Clinton County starting at 1:00 and on June 20 on the Schuylkill River in Reading.
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PUC Calls PJM's Reliability Pricing Model Unjust and Unreasonable
The Public Utility Commission this week announced it has joined the Maryland Public Service Commission, the Delaware Public Service Commission and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, state consumer advocates and a large group of wholesale and retail electricity customers in filing a complaint against PJM Interconnection, LLC, a public utility regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
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PA Gas Association Launches Campaign to Improve Natural Gas Infrastructure
The Pennsylvania Gas Association, a subsidiary of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, this week launched a public and legislative informational campaign focused on infrastructure replacement for the natural gas industry.
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Carnegie Mellon Names 'Green' Dorm in Honor of Its Fifth President
Carnegie Mellon has named its “green” first-year residence hall in honor of H. Guyford Stever, the university's fifth president. At the school's 1967 commencement, it was Stever who announced the formation of Carnegie Mellon University as a result of a merger between the Carnegie Institute of Technology and the Mellon Institute of Research.
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PA Recycling Markets Center is Founding Reporter of The Climate Registry
The PA Recycling Markets Center has become a Founding Reporter of The Climate Registry by being the 71st member to join the organization.
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Commerce Bank Encourages Greater Philadelphia to Pledge to Go Green June 8
Commerce Bank is encouraging Greater Philadelphia residents to "go green" during the final leg of the Commerce Bank Triple Crown of Cycling, the Philadelphia International Championship, on June 8.
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DEP Soliciting Coastal Land Acquisition Proposals, Applications Due July 7
The Coastal Zone Management Program of the Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting land acquisition grant proposals to submit to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program.
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Young Peregrine Falcons Prepare to Take Their First Flights in Harrisburg
The four young Peregrine falcons living in a nest on the 15th floor ledge of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg are progressing normally and should be ready to take their first flights next week.
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Pennsylvania's Unique Wildfire Camp Marks 25th Year of Training Volunteers
Because of Pennsylvania's Wildlands Firefighters Camp, thousands of Pennsylvania wildfire fighters are among the best-trained in the country.
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DCNR’s Geologic Survey GISers Receive Awards
DCNR’s Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey swept both awards at the 2008 Pennsylvania GIS Conference in May for maps prepared by their Geographic Information Systems staff.
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Spraying to Help Control the West Nile Virus Is Now Underway
The West Nile Virus Control Program has begun its annual surveillance and spraying program to help control the spread of the West Nile virus and protect vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
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Spotlight - National Get Outdoors Day Celebration Highlights Month-Long Observance
It’s not hard to step outside and enjoy the great outdoors when you live in a state blessed with 117 state parks and 2.1 million acres of state forestland. Still, many people are working very hard to make that experience even easier.
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Opinion - Green Collar Jobs in Pennsylvania
By Dr. Arthur M. Holst, Philadelphia Water Department
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Feature - Land Deal Will Allow Wild Stretch of Susquehanna to Stay That Way
By Cindy Ross
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Feature - State's Third Known Cliff Nest Buoys Peregrine Falcon Expansion From Cities
By Joe Kosack, Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist, Game Commission
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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
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin – June 7, 2008
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Governor’s Office of Administration published revised organizational charts for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission, (Pa Bulletin starting on page 2663).
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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. 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 Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.
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12/16/24 - 110 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3ubmzu7a
