At their conference this past weekend, the PA Association of Environmental Educators recognized outstanding contributions by individuals, programs and businesses to the field of environmental education.

The PA Association of Environmental Educators this week recognized the PA Environment Digest for its role in providing information on environment issues, legislation, programs and much more to the public.

In line with the request by Gov. Rendell, the Senate this week voted 33 to 17 to approve legislation-- Senate Bill 490 (MJ White-R-Venango)-- which transfers $174 million in natural gas leasing revenue from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to the General Fund to help fill a budget gap for this fiscal year (2008-09).

The following legislation was considered this week--

The House Consumer Affairs Committee this week held a hearing on House Bill 20 (McCall-D-Carbon) which would cap rate hikes at no more than 15 percent per year for a three-year period, allow customers to choose to pre-pay – and earn 6 percent interest on those payments – to reduce the impact of increased rates, and prohibit power companies from putting the burden of recovering long-term rate recovery costs on the consumer.

House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week reported out bills regulating prescribed burning and to establish an energy efficient home assistance program. The bills include:

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets Tuesday to hold a hearing on Marcellus Shale drilling and three bills dealing with bioenergy crops on reclaimed mine lands, State Park fees and extending the $2/ton Recycling Fee.

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a hearing on the nomination of John Hanger as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection on April 1.

As demand grows for Pennsylvania's water resources, the Commonwealth is offering comprehensive recommendations to help policymakers balance the demands of competing interests while protecting the quality and supply of water for residents and businesses, Environmental Protection acting Secretary John Hanger said this week in announcing the new State Water Plan.

The middle and lower Susquehanna River, a watershed that has shaped countless community lifestyles in central Pennsylvania and is emerging as a recreational treasure of the future, was recognized this week as Pennsylvania's River of the Year for 2009.

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority this week told the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Impact and Infrastructure it has set a May 18 deadline for applications for water infrastructure and green infrastructure projects funded using federal stimulus dollars.

Pennsylvania American Water announced this week they are accepting applications for its 2009 Environmental Grant Program to support innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds and community drinking water supplies.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service is requesting grant proposals from potential partners to enhance conservation outcomes on agricultural and nonindustrial, private forestland through the Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative.

Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) and Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) have reintroduced planning and implementation legislation to provide local governments greater resources to address stormwater impacts from existing and potential sources.

From Lower Burrell in the northern part of Westmoreland County to Scottdale in the south…and from Irwin in the western part of the county to Derry Township in the east…. citizens all across Westmoreland County are set to benefit from an investment of more than $1.35 million in six separate projects to improve water quality.

More than 1,000 Lehigh Valley residents experienced the thrill and passion of the Banff Mountain Film Festival hosted by Wildlands Conservancy on March 8. More than $8,000 was raised by the event to support the programs and services offered by the Conservancy.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council this week announced the launch of the Greater Philadelphia Green Business Program, a new initiative aimed at committing area businesses to reducing the impacts of their office practices on the environment.

The Rachel Carson Building has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's prestigious Energy Star rating, becoming the first state-owned building in Pennsylvania to receive the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection, Department of General Services Secretary James P. Creedon announced.

As part of its ongoing efforts to create a more level playing field in the retail natural gas market, the Public Utility Commission this week began the process of making regulatory changes to promote competition for natural gas suppliers.

The Department of Environmental Protection will sponsor seven workshops in April, May and June to help small- and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and increase profits.

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato this week thanked U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu and U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis for $8.1 million from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant program, which will fund energy efficiency and conservation projects in Allegheny County.

Philadelphia Gas Works this week announced it will file Pennsylvania’s largest natural gas energy conservation plan with the Public Utility Commission. The proposal, if approved by the PUC, will launch a portfolio of seven programs to help 85,000 PGW residential and business customers become more energy efficient.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Pollution Prevention Program, which supports technical assistance programs that help businesses identify environmental strategies and solutions to reduce or eliminate waste at the source, is announcing the availability of pollution prevention grants.

Recent state and federal economic incentives are improving the viability of solar power and brightening the prospect of solar business in Pennsylvania.

The Global Climate Change Education and Action Group at Montgomery County Community College will host two sustainability lectures in April.

Just a reminder that the Pennsylvania Outdoor Lighting Council is promoting Earth Hour this March 28 at 8:30 p.m. to raise awareness about energy usage and waste.

The Public Utility Commission's quarterly newsletter Keystone Connection is now available online featuring a summary of the "State of the Commission" report from Chairman James H. Cawley.

Neighborhood Interfaith Movement, a non-profit in Philadelphia, is one of 40 organizations across the country to get federal funding for community-based environmental work.

These projects are part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s multi-event celebration of Earth Month and of EPA’s 39 year history – filmmakers and photographers around the world to submit their own videos and photos documenting what steps they take to protect the water they drink, the air they breathe and the overall environmental health of their communities.

Throughout April 2009, during regular customer hours, Lancaster County residents can deliver mercury thermostats and/or thermometers from their homes to the Resource Recovery Facility in Bainbridge or the Household Hazardous Waste Facility in Lancaster and receive a $5 gift card to Lowe’s and a digital thermometer.

The Centre County Solid Waste Authority will hold a household hazardous waste collection event May 1-2 at the authority’s facility on Transfer Road near the Nittany Mall off Route 26.

The Department of Transportation is inviting Pennsylvanians to build on Adopt-A-Highway cleanup efforts by participating in "Pick It Up PA Days" from April 25 through May 9.

Pennsylvania's State Parks might not be ready for swimming yet, but there are lots of educational programs and activities you and your family can take advantage of before warmer weather arrives.

Officials toured a Cumberland County farm this week to see first hand how an Energy Harvest Grant is helping to reduce emissions and energy costs while generating power. The Mains Dairy Farm in Newville converts manure into electrical energy through the anaerobic digestion process.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of recent actions under the Nutrient Credit Trading Program and a notice approving the State Water Plan.