January Fog Lifting on the Delaware River. Contributed by Paul Hartelius, P.E.. Print your own copy from the PDF file at the bottom of this webpage.

Both the Senate and House moved legislation out of committee this week to address several key parts of the Growing Greener II environmental spending initiative Gov. Rendell proposed in last year’s budget (see separate article in this Digest).

Rendell noted this progress in his budget address and called on the General Assembly to take action on a green plan in time for the Spring Primary.

The basic budget proposed by the Governor cut significantly into the operating funds of key agencies with environmental programs, including the departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources and Agriculture.

DEP alone said they would have to cut nearly $20 million from operating expenses this coming year.

The Senate and House are both set to consider environmental spending legislation when they return to session February 14 and 15.

Their next scheduled voting session days are the week of March 14, after four weeks of budget hearings.

Contents – On the Hill

· Growing Greener II Again Highlight of Governor’s Environmental Budget

· Alternatives to Rendell’s Growing Greener II Plan Move in Senate, House

· House Game & Fisheries Committee Hears Fish & Boat Annual Report

· Action on Other Environmental Bills

Other News

· Ask EMAP for Free, Confidential Small Business Environmental Assistance

· Grants Still Available to Help Cut Waste, Energy Costs of Small Businesses

· Solid Waste Management Assistance Funds Available from EPA Region III\

· EPA Small Business Green Technology Innovation Grant Apps Due in May

· Statewide Scientific and Research Projects Informational Meeting Feb. 23

· Comments Invited on Little Juniata River TMDL

· Schuylkill Senior Environment Corps Hosts Macroinvertebrate Training

· No-Cost Internet-Based Environmental Training Available

· Renewed Hope for 2005 Falcon Nesting Season in Harrisburg

· First Mid-Atlantic Highlands Biodiversity Conference in Johnstown

· Workshop on Natural Diversity Inventory Searches Feb. 23

· Fifth Goddard Forum - Putting the Market to Work for Conservation – April 5

· February Edition - Environmental Education & Higher Ed News Now Available

· National Environmental Education Week – April 10-16

· Westmoreland Looking for Smart Growth Award Nominees

· 100 Most Sustainable Global Companies Named

· Natural Heroes Public Television Series Wins 26^th Annual Telly Award

· Quick Clips: Carbon Credits, Walkable Communities, Recycling Pays, Wind Power OK’d, Corn to Fuel

Feature

· The New Math of Energy Production: Cows + Manure = Gas + Electricity

Opinion

· Averting the Coming Chesapeake Bay Crisis: The Forgotten Role of the Private Sector By Mark Gutshall

Calendar of Events – Check out all the new items!

2/11/2005