Mingo Creek Park, Washington County. Contributed by Karen Hohman, PA CleanWays. Print your own copy from the file at the bottom of this webpage.

Spring came early to Harrisburg this week with the blossoming of several proposals on environmental spending.

House Republicans outlined their Green PA Plan to float an $800 million bond issue, plus provide funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund and farmland preservation.

Gov. Rendell called the proposal “real progress.”

Senate Republicans said they would have some of their own ideas to announce shortly.

The Green Ribbon Commission met to hear testimony on open space and abandoned mine reclamation funding needs along with presentations by the PA Fish & Boat and Game Commissions on their infrastructure needs.

Environmental groups held a press conference in the Rotunda to support additional funding.

Maybe the groundhog will tell us next week if this thaw will last!

Contents – On the Hill

· House Republicans Propose Green PA Plan, Rendell Says It’s Positive Step

· Green Ribbon Commission Hears More Testimony on Environmental Needs

· House Appoints Members of Environmental Resources Committee

· Environmental Synopsis Features Invasive Species, RecycleBank, New York Trash

Other News

· Comments Invited on Guidance to Implement Energy Portfolio Standards

· ‘Green Highway’ Certification Promoted By Transportation, EPA Region III

· Penn State Offering Workshops on Stream Health, Runoff Pollution Potential

· Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop Offered in Baltimore

· Comments Due to EPA on TMDLs in PA and Crossing into Delaware

· North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grants Available

· Watch for Details Coming Soon on the 2005 Great PA Cleanup!

· Adult Male Peregrine Falcon Will Not Be Released Into Wild

· Game Commission Adds 1,150 Acres in Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Dauphin

· Case Study: Roofing System Gives Londonderry School Extra Green Credit

· EPA’s List of Most Energy Efficient Buildings Nears 2000

· Applications Now Being Accepted for Heritage Parks Grants

· DCNR Adds Rivers to Conservation Registry

· DCNR Appoints Williamson, Dunn, Leslie to New Positions

· Watch Punxsutawney Phil's Weather Prediction Live Online Feb. 2

· Quick Clips: Winter Elk Watching, Breathe Easier, Recycling Awards, Land Use Honors, Farmland Preservation

Feature

· How to Clean 3 Miles of Stream Banks-- Let Eagle Scouts Lead the Way!

Opinion

· “Using Pennsylvania’s ‘Citizen Capital’ To Cleanup Our Abandoned Mine Legacy”

By Bruce Golden, Regional Coordinator, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Calendar of Events – Check out all the new items!

1/28/2005