Sunset on Lake Erie. Print out your own copy by downloading the PDF file attached to this webpage

Appropriations Chairman Rep. Brett Feese (R-Lycoming) announced this week the House would take up Gov. Rendell’s budget proposal on April 11, giving members until April 4 to get their amendments together.

The Senate meanwhile moved the Growing Greener ballot question legislation – House Bill 2 – into position for a final vote, assuming the Senate, House and Rendell Administration can agree on a bond issue dollar amount. (More in this Digest.)

Since giving special recognition to people doing good work is a critical part of any environmental protection program, this issue of the Digest includes extensive coverage of the winners of two special awards programs—the Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence and the 2005 Environmental Advisory Council Achievement Awards.

Learn how you can better protect the environment and your community from these innovative companies, organizations and local governments.

Session Schedule

The House will be in voting session March 29, 30, then not until April 11.

The next voting day for the Senate is April 4. They cancelled March 21 & 22.

Contents – On the Hill

· Senate Moves House Green PA Plan Vehicle Into Position for Action

· Preston Offers Breaks for Environmentally Friendly Cars

· Joint Conservation Committee Hears How to Covert Coal to Jet Fuel

· Quick Update: Infrastructure Security, Watershed-Based Zoning, Conservation Easement, Open Space, Funding Watershed Assns., Ecoterrorism

Taking Positive Action

· 2004 Winners of the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award

· Environmental Advisory Councils Win Recognition at Annual Conference

Other News

· Local Government Groups Layout Priorities for Environmental Spending

· Cherokee Investments Looking for Brownfields Projects

· More Brownfield Projects Approved Under Business In Our Sites

· Grant Funds Coming to Reduce Pollution From School Buses

· EPA Proposes Rule to Reduce Mercury from Power Plants

· DEP Invites Auto Recyclers to Recycle Mercury Switches

· First Energy to Spend $1.1 Billion, Reduce Pollution 212,500 tons In Settlement

· EPA Extends Sign-Up Period for Air Quality Plans for Farms

· PennVest Offers Workshops on How to Apply for Infrastructure Financing

· Register Now for Watershed Academy for Boroughs

· Nature Tourism Workshop at Juniata College Lake Raystown – April 14

· Grants Available to Support Rural Firefighting Efforts

· EPA Issues Energy Star Challenge: Make U.S. Buildings More Energy Efficient

· 3 Rivers Wet Weather Project Receives $2.5 Million Grant

· First Meeting of the PA No-Till Alliance A Success, Next Meeting April 7

· TreeVitalize Partnership Planting 450 Trees in Southeast

· Black Bass Workshop on Habitat Management, Angling

· Historic Commission Workshop on Rural Landscapes, Barn Preservation

· Court Eliminates $4 Growing Greener Fee from Alternative Daily Cover

Calendar of Events – Check out all the new items!

Attachment:  Sunset on Lake Erie

3/18/2005