What's This Expert's Winter Forecast? Look under Stories Invited Section.

The Senate, House, Rendell Administration and EPA all took on energy and winter heating costs this week in a variety of actions, and any way you slice it costs will be going up significantly over the short term.

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee heard projections from the U.S. Department of Energy and others that heating costs could go up a minimum of 30 percent this winter.

The House also passed legislation setting energy efficiency standards for certain appliances.

The Senate passed a resolution urging the federal government to put more funding into the low-income energy assistance program.

Gov. Rendell announced a new “Stay Warm PA” initiative that provides more funding for low-income energy and mortgage assistance, an educational campaign to lower heating costs and other conservation efforts.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also published a series of energy saving tips as part of their EnergyStar Program.

Even the Environmental Question of the Week from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education dealt with energy costs and renewable energy!

This Digest has a rundown on all these actions.

The Digest continues our series of special articles on how you can reduce your energy costs at home and work. This week we profile the EMAP Program run by the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center that helps small businesses reduce their energy costs.

If you have some energy conservation tips to pass along, or if you’re an expert at reading natural signs of how severe the coming winter will be, email your comments to: DHess@crisciassociates.com .

Session Schedule

The Senate and House both return to regular and special session October 24.

On the Hill

· House Environmental Committee Meets on Recycling Fee, Environmental Education

· Environmental Issues Forum Features Discussion of State Recreation Plan

· Uses for Excess Manure, Linking Local Farms & Schools, Hearing Topics

· Natural Gas, Heating Oil Costs Could Increase by 30%+ This Winter

· Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Other News

· Stay Warm PA Initiative to Address Rising Heating Costs, Website Offers Tips

· Help For Small Businesses Interested in Cutting Energy Costs – Ask EMAP!

· Reduce Energy Costs - Optimize Compressed Air, Steam System Performance

· Take Action to Save with Winter Energy-Efficiency Tips from EPA

· Special Energy Efficiency Resources from PA Environment Digest

· Grants Available for Wind Energy Projects in Pennsylvania

· Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Recognized as “Best Workplace for Commuters”

· Pittsburgh Clean Cities Coalition Joins “Beyond a Billion" Celebration

· Make Your Own Biodiesel at The First Biodiesel Revival November 12

· Green Building Tour – Highmark Data Center – November 16

· Conservation By Design Workshops Set for Cumberland, Westmoreland

· Mid-Atlantic Green Highways Forum Set for November 8-10

· PA Invests in Revitalizing 4 Former Industrial Sites

· Pittsburgh Mayor Appoints Clean Pittsburgh Commission Members

· Environmental Education and Higher Education Workshop November 9

· Environmental Question of the Week Returns for Students, Educators

· 2006 EPA Environmental Education Grants Applications Due November 23

· New Book Outlines Documented Benefits of Coal Ash for Mine Reclamation

· Volunteers Needed to Plant 4,000 Trees along Brandywine Creek

Awards & Recognition

· Northeast Environmental Partnership Recognizes Good Environmental Works

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

10/21/2005