The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week amended and reported out Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling activities to provide a vehicle for the impact fee issue.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition expressed disappointment in amendments made by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to legislation sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson)-- Senate Bill 1100-- which establishes an impact fee on natural gas drilling, but fails to include funding for key programs to protect the environment.

In response to the action on Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale impact fee, the PA Association of Conservation Districts issued this statement--

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) said action this week by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee improved Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) by adding provisions creating a shale impact fee housing credit.

Reps. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe), Mike Peifer (R-Monroe) and Rosemary M. Brown (R-Monroe) have co-sponsored House Bill 1700 (Quinn-R-Bucks) that will create an unconventional well impact fee – applied to Marcellus Shale wells – that would be distributed to local governments, environmental programs and road and bridge repairs.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week commended Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) for proposing Marcellus Shale local impact fee legislation-- House Bill 1700-- that includes funding for the state’s Growing Greener program through the Environmental Stewardship Fund.  Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement:

A new poll released by Quinnipiac University this week shows voters support a new tax on companies drilling for natural gas 69 - 24 percent. Even Republicans support such a tax 59 - 33 percent. Support tops 60 percent among all other groups and in all regions.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) recently introduced Senate Bill 1108 to provide an expeditious and less costly way for property owners and drillers to settle disputes over well locations rather than taking the issue to court.

Sen. John Pippy (R-Allegheny) this week introduced Senate Resolution 143, which if passed, would direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the economic impact of recreational water trails in Pennsylvania.

By Dr. Robert M. Summers, Maryland Commissioner, Susquehanna River Basin 

September 22 is the date of the 2011 Port of Pittsburgh Ohio River Watershed Celebration, the largest gathering of individuals, groups, local governments and businesses concerned about restoring watersheds in Western Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Water Department is teaming with Roofmeadow to give Philadelphians something to look up to.  As part of its Green City, Clean Waters plan, the PWD has commissioned Roofmeadow to create a deployable prefab bus shelter green roof kit.

Showcasing the wild and scenic beauty that earned it River of the Year honors, the Delaware River again is expected to draw large numbers of paddlers, campers and other outdoors enthusiasts to the waterway's sojourn, which began June 18.

The 2011 Greenways and Trails Summit will be held in York this year on September 11-13 sponsored by the PA Recreation and Park Society and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is pleased to announce the newest affiliate to the growing Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network, Keep York County Beautiful.  

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy this week issued its 2010 Annual Report outlining its activities in land conservation, protecting and restoring rivers and streams, developing community gardens and greenspaces and more.  Click Here to read a copy online.

Sustainable Energy Fund will be hosting a nonpartisan fact based Marcellus Shale educational program as part of Energypath 2011 on June 30 at DeSales University.

The Senate this week unanimously confirmed Richard J. Allan, of Camp Hill, Cumberland County, as secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on plugging an abandoned gas well in Jefferson County.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.