In an effort to acknowledge the significant challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay restoration and nutrient reduction effort, Chesapeake Bay Commission Chairman, Rep. Arthur Hershey (R-Chester), sought to offer a realistic and rational tone to this week's Chesapeake Executive Council meeting in Washington, DC.

A gas well plugging project in Clarion County and an abandoned mine reclamation passive treatment system in Butler County are the latest projects to be featured as success stories on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council Northeast Office, in partnership with Earth Conservancy and Wilkes University, will be conducting a streamside tree planting project at the Penobscot property located in Newport Township on November 22 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Department of Environmental Protection this week presented Aqua Pennsylvania with awards for eight of its drinking water systems participating in the Partnership for Safe Water Program.

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania section of the American Water Works Association this week honored the Easton Suburban Water Authority for successfully completing Phase III in the national Partnership for Safe Water Program.

The Fish and Boat Commission is looking for sportfishing, boating, and aquatic education programs that could use some financial assistance. As part of its efforts to re-engage youth, the PFBC is offering grants to organizations and local agencies involved in providing these types of programs.

Three members of ClearWater Conservancy were recognized at ClearWater’s Annual Meeting on November 18 for their outstanding commitment and participation with the organization and in the community.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced an investment of nearly $44 million in 316 conservation and recreation projects designed to help revitalize communities and protect natural resources.

The House-Senate Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released a comprehensive review of the state Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program authorized by Senate Resolution 195 sponsored by Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster)(photo), Majority Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

Chester County invites municipal supervisors, township officials and waste/recycling coordinators to attend the Chester County Showcase on December 3 to learn more about operating a successful recycling program.

The Public Utility Commission this week released the agenda for the December 18 hearing on wholesale electricity markets and extended the comment period onalternative energy resources, energy conservation and efficiency, and demand side response measuresto December 2.

The Philadelphia Housing Authority has ushered in a new era of environmentally friendly public housing with the opening of Nellie Reynolds Gardens, a 64-apartment building for seniors with an adult daily living center in North Philadelphia.

PA Home Energy, a new program from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, will hold a Solar Energy Training Workshop on December 9 in State College for contractors, consultants and remodelers who want to take advantage of the growing demand for solar expertise.