Gov. Rendell this week announced the awarding of $14.1 million in grants for 87 projects in 36 counties-- $8.13 million from Growing Greener Funds, $4.17 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and $1.8 million from forfeited bonds from mining companies.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition released this statement in response to the smallest-ever round of Growing Greener grant awards--

By Andy McAllister, Western Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation

In a series of end-of-term interviews this week, Gov. Rendell highlighted his Administration's environmental and energy accomplishments from 2003-2010. They included--

This week the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its report on accomplishments during 2010. The report starts with a message from DCNR Secretary John Quigley:

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango), who will take over as Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, this week said, "It's an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Venango and Butler counties.  I'm humbled by the trust they have placed in me to represent their interests in Harrisburg."

Rep. Camille "Bud" George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said he looks forward to working with Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) and other members from across the aisle to continue Pennsylvania's economic recovery.

Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) will take over as Majority Chair of the House Consumer Affairs Committee this session.  This is Rep. Godshall previously served as Republican Chair of the Committee.

Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. (R-Beaver) is the new Majority Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, succeeding Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) who became Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) this week said among here priorities for the new legislative session will be dealing with the economic benefits and environmental consequences of Marcellus Shale natural gas development.

The January 24 Environmental Issues Forum will feature a presentation on the Goddard Legacy Project.  The Forum is sponsored by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.

For the first time in the state's long history of mineral extraction, Pennsylvania's mines were free of fatalities last year—an achievement that Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger praised saying mines can be safe when there is an across-the-board commitment to safety.

A new poll of Pennsylvania voters this week found 63 percent support a tax on natural gas drilling with 56 percent of Republicans polled supporting a tax, according to a Tribune Review newspaper/ Susquehanna Polling & Research poll.

Following an extremely successful kick off in December, “Let’s Tackle Recycling” will continue in Heinz Field parking lots on Saturday, January 15, when the Pittsburgh Steelers host an NFL divisional playoff game.

Registration is now open for the 2011 PA Association of Environmental Educators Conference on March 17-19 in Ligonier.  For registration information, scholarship form and sponsorship information, visit the PAEE website.

January 15 is the deadline for submitting entries to the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership's 1st Annual "Treasured Towns and Landscapes" Photo Contest.

The Game Commission is seeking public input on a draft bald eagle management plan, which can be reviewed on the agency's website.

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

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