Stay Out! Stay Alive! Mine Safety Program

If the May 17 election was a test, the environment and Senate Democrats aced it.

Senate Democrats held on to their two seats in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, both it turns out, were blow outs. The Senate will now have 30 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

The other political test was on the environment with the $625 million Growing Greener bond issue on the ballot. Polling prior to the election showed support by likely voters to be 57 to 58 percent. The final 60 percent approval was another surprise to some given the very poor turnout in the election.

Now the task turns to passing legislation to say specifically how the new Growing Greener money will be spent and how it will be paid for in the context of a budget for next year that is already full of holes from increasing Medicaid costs, nursing home reimbursements and the need to replace hundreds of millions of dollars in one time general federal assistance.

There is also the matter of the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund running out of money about June 30. (More in this Digest)

Budget Clock Ticking

• 13 voting days are scheduled through the June 30 budget deadline in the House

• 14 voting days in the Senate

Contents – On the Hill

· On the Senate, House Agenda

Other News

· Over 60% of Voters Approve Growing Greener Ballot Initiative

· American Water Funds Three PA Watershed Protection Projects

· Public Meetings Set to Discuss Future Visions for the Clarion River Region

· Workshop on Encroachment and Obstruction Permits Set For June 14

· Water and Wastewater Plants Join Energy Star to Cut Electricity Costs

· EPA Region 3 Funds Database for Reuse of Building Materials

· Rechargeable Battery, Cell Phone Recycling Available Free to Businesses

· Reynoldsville Company Saves Over $77,000 Reducing Waste

· National Pollution Prevention Roundtable Award Nominations Due June 3

· Plaza at PPL Center Earns Energy Star for Efficiency

· Did You Miss a Green Building Conference or Workshop? Materials Now Online

· USA Patriot Act Changes PennDOT Process for Hazardous Materials CDL

· 15th Annual Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville

· Downtown Revitalization Conference Set for June 5-8 in State College

· Center for Environmental Ed Issues Special Teacher Workshop Newsletter

· Take a Hike – During Pennsylvania Hiking Week May 28-June 5

· Game Commission Accepting Deer Management Assistance Applications

· Looking for a Job? Western PA Conservancy Has 9 Positions to Fill

Taking Positive Action

· Gary Alt, Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Win Mason Award

· Winners of First Shades of Green Award Announced in Pittsburgh

· Keep PA Beautiful Awards Groups in Great PA Cleanup! Troy-Bilt® Yard Vacs

Feature

· Conservation Institute Revives Natural Science/Natural History Education

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

5/20/2005