PA Environment Digest Is Putting The Best Links To Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips Here. Is Your Story Being Told?
Links to all the articles and NewsClips in this week’s PA Environment Digest by topic in one place--
Senate/House ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- PennLive - Jan Murphy: Wolf Proposes $1.7 Bill Relief Program For Families, Small Businesses, Health Care, Conservation
-- AP: What To Watch For In Gov. Wolf’s Budget Proposal
-- Guest Essay: Commonwealth Budget Should Fully Fund Environmental Protection - By Rep. Greg Vitali, Minority Chair House Environmental Committee [PaEN]
-- House Environmental Committee To Hold Feb. 7 Information Meeting On DEP’s Oil & Gas Well Plugging Program For Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- AP: DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations; PA Could Lose Air Pollution Reductions, $283 Million [PaEN]
-- AP: Wolf Files Lawsuit To Force Publication Of RGGI Carbon Pricing Plan
-- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Alliance Wants To Make Western PA Hub For Hydrogen Production, Carbon Storage [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make this facility more expensive by requiring bonding. Read more here. ]
-- PG - Anya Litvak: On Track For A Zero-Carbon Locomotive, Wabtec Is On To Step 2 [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make these locomotives more expensive by specifically requiring bonding. Read more here ]
-- PA Lawmakers Join Other Elected Officials Calling On EPA To Prevent Chemical Disasters, Protect Workers, Prioritize Environmental Justice [PaEN]
-- WPost: Conor Lamb, Leading Democratic Candidate For U.S. Senate In PA Opposes Fracking Ban
-- Sen. Yaw: Virginia’s Exit From RGGI Should Be A Wake-Up Call For Pennsylvania
Top 10 Headlines From Harrisburg Last Week -----------------------------------
Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else--
-- Top 10 Stories: Harrisburg/PA Politics Reported By Local News Media Last Week [PaEN]
Articles & NewsClips By Topic -------------------------------------------------------
-- 47 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA [PaEN]
-- Environment & Energy Educational Opportunities For Students And Adults [PaEN]
-- This Week’s Examples Of Going The WRONG WAY On Environmental, Energy Issues [PaEN]
Priorities
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Spotlight PA: Gov. Wolf’s Final Budget Address Will Seek To Cement His Legacy
-- TribLive Guest Essay: Helping Pennsylvanians Means Putting Taxpayers First - Republican House Speaker, Majority Leader
Air
-- NextPittsburgh: How Will Pittsburgh Fare If New Studies Prompt EPA To Tighten Air Pollution Standards?
-- Allegheny County Health Dept: Air Quality Approves 10 Mon Valley Episode Rule Plans, Rejects 6
-- CitizensV: Wilkes-Barre Twp. Police Recover Catalytic Converters After Catching Suspects
-- AP: EPA Restores Rule To Limit Power Plant Mercury Emissions
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Clearing The Air Of Mercury
Alternative Fuels
-- PG - Anya Litvak: On Track For A Zero-Carbon Locomotive, Wabtec Is On To Step 2 [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make these locomotives more expensive by specifically requiring bonding. Read more here ]
-- ErieT: Wabtec Lands Largest Order Yet For New Battery-Electric Locomotives From Union Pacific Railroad
-- PA Cap-Star/City & State PA: The Future Is Electric: Can PA Switch Gears?
-- ErieT: Considering An Electric Car? What To Know About Getting A Charge In Erie And Down The Road
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Have A Question About Electric Vehicles? We’re Going To Rent One For A Week, Ask Us Anything
Awards & Recognition
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Asking Public’s Help To Evaluate Submissions To Songs Of Susquehanna Contest
-- SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA [PaEN]
-- PUC Chair Dutrieuille Recognizes Black History Month And Highlights Upcoming State Observance Program
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
-- ScrantonT: Outdoorsman Keeps Discovery Of Rare Hartford Fern Secret For 30 Years
-- Dept. Of Agriculture Adds 3 More Invasive Plants To Noxious Weed List [PaEN]
-- Dept. Of Agriculture: Bans Sale Of 3 More Invasive Plants
-- Manada Conservancy Online Native Plant Sale Now Accepting Orders
-- WESA: Warmer Springs Caused By Climate Change Are Bringing Migratory Birds Back To Pittsburgh Early
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: PA’s Livestreaming Bald Eagle Nests May See First Eggs Soon
-- LancasterOnline - Ad Crable: Will Bobwhite Quail Return To Pennsylvania?
-- Audubon: New Citizen Science Initiative - Climate Watch
-- Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, Audubon: Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 18-21
-- CitizensV: Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Feb. 18
-- Sharon Herald: Pymatuning Deer Park Forced To Move Endangered Species
American Rescue Plan Funding
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- PennLive - Jan Murphy: Wolf Proposes $1.7 Bill Relief Program For Families, Small Businesses, Health Care, Conservation
-- MCall: Wolf’s Proposal For $1.7 Billion For Pandemic Relief Funds Includes Families, Workers, Small Businesses
-- PA Cap-Star: ‘We Should Not Do Nothing:’ Wolf Unveils $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal Relief Money
-- AP: Wolf, Democrats Outline Propose For Investing $1.7 Billion In American Rescue Plan Funds
-- The Center Square: Republican House Speaker Pans Wolf’s Federal Relief Spending Plan
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- WilliamsportS: Initial American Rescue Plan Fundable Projects Narrowing, Includes Grafius Run Flood Project
-- ReadingE: Berks County Earmarks $30 Million In American Rescue Plan Funds For Grant Program
-- ReadingE: PA School Districts Trying To Figure Out How To Spend Federal COVID Money Amid Challenges [The ARP funding passed in March 2021, What’s Taking So Long?]
-- City & State: School Budget Report Details How Districts Spending Federal Relief Funds
-- YorkDR: York Council Plan Prioritizes Infrastructure, Tax Breaks With American Rescue Plan Funds
-- ErieT: City Of Erie Sees Nearly 120 Applicants For American Rescue Fund Money In First Week
-- Gov. Wolf Launches Nonprofit Security Grant Program With $5 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding
Build Back Better Budget Bill
-- YorkD Editorial: Our At-Risk Infrastructure Desperately Needs Help, But Are We Willing to Pay The Price?
Reuters: Analysis: Build Back Better Limbo Looms Over Biden’s Climate Leadership
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
-- DEP Receives First $25 Million From Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law For Plugging Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- PG - Laura Legere: PA Eligible For $104 Million In First Phase Of Grants To Plug Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Could Get $100 Million In Federal Money To Plug Leaky, Old Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- Sen. Casey: PA To Receive $104 Million To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- House Environmental Committee To Hold Feb. 7 Information Meeting On DEP’s Oil & Gas Well Plugging Program For Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- AP: U.S. Dept. Of Interior Approves Total Of $1 Bill To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Well Drillers
-- PG - Salena Zito: From Philly To Fayette, Water Woes Cross Geographic And Racial Lines
-- WHYY: The Average Water Main In Philadelphia Is 76 Years Old, January Sees An Average Of More Than 175 Breaks
-- Inquirer: 130-Year-Old Philly Water Main Broke In July, Businesses Owners Still Waiting For Repairs And Repayment
-- ScrantonT: PA American Water Crews Continue To Look For Water Main Break In Old Forge Since Thursday
-- WHYY: General Assembly Diverts $4.2 Billion In State Funding Meant To Pay For Highways & Bridges To Pay State Police Instead [2019] [Is There A Pattern Here?]
-- PG: Frick Park Reopens As Crews At Pittsburgh Bridge Collapse Pull Vehicles From Wreckage
-- Inquirer Guest Essay: A Pennsylvania Bridge Just Collapsed, Which One Is Next?
-- TribLive Editorial: Keystone State Built On Bridges
-- TribLive Editorial: PA’s Bridges Need Regular Attention
-- YorkD Editorial: Our At-Risk Infrastructure Desperately Needs Help, But Are We Willing to Pay The Price?
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
Budget
-- DEP To Report $4.7 Million, 17.6% Deficit, In Funding Oil & Gas Regulatory Program To EQB Feb. 15; Conventional Drillers Only Pay 0.4% Of Their Regulatory Costs [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- The Center Square: Republican House Speaker Pans Wolf’s Federal Relief Spending Plan
-- General Assembly Diverted $3.602 Billion From Environmental Infrastructure Projects And Programs Into State Budget Black Hole [PaEN]
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- Spotlight PA: Gov. Wolf’s Final Budget Address Will Seek To Cement His Legacy
-- AP: What To Watch For In Gov. Wolf’s Budget Proposal
-- Dept. Of Revenue: January State Revenue Collections $376.8 Million Over Estimate; $1.8 Billion Over Estimates Fiscal Year-To-Date
-- Independent Fiscal Office: January Revenue Collections $440.6 Million Over Its Estimate; $2.2 Billion Over Fiscal Year-To-Date
-- The Center Square: IFO: Revised Economic Forecast Shows Higher Revenue Estimate For PA [State Revenue Estimate Increases $3.3 Billion]
-- Guest Essay: Commonwealth Budget Should Fully Fund Environmental Protection - By Rep. Greg Vitali, Minority Chair House Environmental Committee [PaEN]
Chesapeake Bay
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- CBF Blog: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Create Unique Watershed Restoration Plan For Halfmoon Creek In Centre County [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supports EPA’s ‘No Confidence’ In Conowingo Dam Pollution Reduction Plan
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: Groups Build Off River Of The Year Nomination Momentum To Help Catawissa Creek Reach Its Potential
-- Cumberland County Planning Dept. Issues RFP For Farm Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance Services [PaEN]
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Lackawanna County Needs To Resolve Stormwater Management
-- Save The Date! Lancaster Conservancy Water Week June 3-11
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Citizen Action
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- CBF Blog: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Create Unique Watershed Restoration Plan For Halfmoon Creek In Centre County [PaEN]
-- Ducks Unlimited Celebrates 85 Years Of Wildlife Conservation, Restoring Or Protecting More Than 15 Million Acres Of Habitat In North America; Over 28,300 Acres In PA [PaEN]
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: Groups Build Off River Of The Year Nomination Momentum To Help Catawissa Creek Reach Its Potential
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- Standard-Speaker: Once Heavily Polluted By Mining, Black Creek Now Classified As Wild Trout Stream
-- DEP To Hold March 8 Virtual Hearing On Sunoco Pipeline Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion & Sedimentation Permit For Marsh Creek Lake Remediation, Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Sunoco Pipeline LNG Pumping Station Air Permit In West Goshen Twp., Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development [PaEN]
-- Villanova University On-Demand Webinar: Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Homeowners - Rain Gardens
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed Announces 13 Priorities For 2022
-- PG: Saving The Planet By Looking At What’s On The Plate At College Campus Like Slippery Rock
-- SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA [PaEN]
-- GreenPhilly: State Grant Secures Neighborhood Gardens Trust Brewerytown Garden As Community Green Space
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Environmentalists Say 'No' To Nacero Natural Gas To Gasoline Refinery [PaEN]
-- Manada Conservancy Online Native Plant Sale Now Accepting Orders
Climate
-- AP: DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations; PA Could Lose Air Pollution Reductions, $283 Million [PaEN]
-- AP: Wolf Files Lawsuit To Force Publication Of RGGI Carbon Pricing Plan
-- PA Cap-Star: Green Energy-Related Jobs Projected To Grow 6.4% In PA Over Next 5 Years
-- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Feb. 9 Webinar On Methane Emissions And Our Health [PaEN]
-- SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA [PaEN]
-- Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Feb. 16 Webinar On First in the World: An Airport That Generates Its Own Power [Spoiler, It’s Pittsburgh] [PaEN]
-- PA Solar Center Webinar: Feb. 11 Agrivoltaics And Dual-Use Solar Applications To Promote Food Production, Energy Generation, Grazing, Pollinator Habitats, More [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Solar Means Business in America: Here’s What that Looks Like in Pennsylvania - Scott Elias, Mid-Atlantic Director, Solar Energy Industries Association [PaEN]
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- PPL Utilities: Joins Energy Impact Partners’ Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund
-- Sen. Yaw: Virginia’s Exit From RGGI Should Be A Wake-Up Call For Pennsylvania
-- PG - Anya Litvak: On Track For A Zero-Carbon Locomotive, Wabtec Is On To Step 2 [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make these locomotives more expensive by specifically requiring bonding. Read more here ]
-- ErieT: Wabtec Lands Largest Order Yet For New Battery-Electric Locomotives From Union Pacific Railroad
-- PA Cap-Star/City & State PA: The Future Is Electric: Can PA Switch Gears?
-- ErieT: Considering An Electric Car? What To Know About Getting A Charge In Erie And Down The Road
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Have A Question About Electric Vehicles? We’re Going To Rent One For A Week, Ask Us Anything
-- PG: Saving The Planet By Looking At What’s On The Plate At College Campus Like Slippery Rock
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Climate Change Driving More Sharks To Waters Off Pennsylvanian’s Favorite Beaches
-- WESA: Warmer Springs Caused By Climate Change Are Bringing Migratory Birds Back To Pittsburgh Early
-- Stroud Water Research Center Hosts Feb. 22 Virtual Educator Workshop - Wild & Scenic Rivers In The Face Of Climate Change: An Immersion In White Clay Creek [PaEN]
-- PG/Inside Climate News: Overwhelmed By Solar Projects, PJM Interconnection Seeks A 2-Year Pause On Approvals
-- NPR: Climate-Driven Floods Will Disproportionately Affect Black Communities, Study Finds
-- NPR: Satellite Finds Massive Methane Leaks From Natural Gas Pipelines
-- PA Cap-Star: Lawmakers, Including Republican Cong. Thompson, Clash Over Climate In Early Federal Farm Bill Talks
-- PG: Toomey, Oil & Gas Industry Oppose Fed Nominee Over Climate Stress Test Concerns
-- S&P Global: Biden To Extend Solar Tariffs, With Key Exemption For First 5 GW/Year Of Solar Cells
-- Financial Times: The Nuclear Power Dilemma: Where To Put The Lethal Waste
Coal Mining
-- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- Danville News: Talen Moving Toward Converting Coal-Fired Montour Power Plant To Natural Gas
Compliance Action
-- AG Shapiro Charges Energy Transfer Partners With Environmental Crimes Over Revolution Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion [PaEN]
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Energy Transfer Charged With 9 Environmental Crimes Over Revolution Pipeline Explosion
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front - Reid Frazier: Energy Transfer Facing 9 Counts Of Environmental Crimes For 2018 Revolution Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion
-- AP: Company Faces Criminal Charges Over Revolution Pipeline Explosion
-- DEP Took Action On 694 Permits, 90% Within Permit Decision Guarantee Deadlines; Conducted 1,391 Inspections; Responded To 2 Environmental Emergencies Last Week
Conservation Districts
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
Dam Safety
-- ReadingE: Sense Of Urgency Heightened For Lake Ontelaunee Dam Upgrades In Berks County
DCNR
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DCNR Now Accepting Applications For ATV/Snowmobile Project Grants [PaEN]
-- DCNR Highlights Economic Impact Of Snowmobiling, Winter Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips In PA Wilds
-- TribLive: Cure Cabin Fever With Outside Activities In Western PA
-- DCNR State Parks Offers Environmental Education Activities & Updates For February [PaEN]
-- Feb. 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation [PaEN]
-- DCNR Names Bill Kocher New Manager For Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
-- DCNR Names Brian Heath New Park Manager For Delaware Canal State Park In Bucks, Northampton Counties
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- PennLive - Letter: Save Our Pennsylvania Wilds From ATV Trail Connector Project
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Boating Season In Doubt At Shikellamy State Park In Sunbury
-- ErieT: Winter’s Wonders Dazzle At Presque Isle State Park’s North Pier
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
DEP
-- DEP To Report $4.7 Million, 17.6% Deficit, In Funding Oil & Gas Regulatory Program To EQB Feb. 15; Conventional Drillers Only Pay 0.4% Of Their Regulatory Costs [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- DEP Receives First $25 Million From Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law For Plugging Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- PG - Laura Legere: PA Eligible For $104 Million In First Phase Of Grants To Plug Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Could Get $100 Million In Federal Money To Plug Leaky, Old Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- Sen. Casey: PA To Receive $104 Million To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- AP: U.S. Dept. Of Interior Approves Total Of $1 Bill To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Well Drillers
-- AP: DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations; PA Could Lose Air Pollution Reductions, $283 Million [PaEN]
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- USGS: PA Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network Finds 64% Of Wells Exceed Radon Standard, 36% Manganese, 32% Iron [PaEN]
-- DEP To Hold March 8 Virtual Hearing On Sunoco Pipeline Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion & Sedimentation Permit For Marsh Creek Lake Remediation, Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Sunoco Pipeline LNG Pumping Station Air Permit In West Goshen Twp., Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development [PaEN]
-- DEP Took Action On 694 Permits, 90% Within Permit Decision Guarantee Deadlines; Conducted 1,391 Inspections; Responded To 2 Environmental Emergencies Last Week
-- DEP Posted 64 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In Feb. 5 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Delaware River
-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed Announces 13 Priorities For 2022
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
-- Delaware RiverKeeper Feb. 4 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
-- PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2022 Environmental Grant Program [PaEN]
-- PG - Salena Zito: From Philly To Fayette, Water Woes Cross Geographic And Racial Lines
-- WHYY: The Average Water Main In Philadelphia Is 76 Years Old, January Sees An Average Of More Than 175 Breaks
-- Inquirer: 130-Year-Old Philly Water Main Broke In July, Businesses Owners Still Waiting For Repairs And Repayment
-- ScrantonT: PA American Water Crews Continue To Look For Water Main Break In Old Forge Since Thursday
-- TribLive: Water From Broken Pipe Gushing From Downtown Pittsburgh Parking Garage
-- PennLive: Easton Resident’s Front Stoop Falls Into 10-Foot Sinkhole After Water Main Break
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
Economic Development
-- PA Cap-Star: Green Energy-Related Jobs Projected To Grow 6.4% In PA Over Next 5 Years
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Solar Means Business in America: Here’s What that Looks Like in Pennsylvania - Scott Elias, Mid-Atlantic Director, Solar Energy Industries Association [PaEN]
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Alliance Wants To Make Western PA Hub For Hydrogen Production, Carbon Storage [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make this facility more expensive by requiring bonding. Read more here. ]
-- EQT, Marathon Launch Initiative To Support Low-Carbon, Hydrogen Industrial Hub In Ohio, PA, WV
-- PG - Anya Litvak: On Track For A Zero-Carbon Locomotive, Wabtec Is On To Step 2 [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make these locomotives more expensive by specifically requiring bonding. Read more here ]
-- ErieT: Wabtec Lands Largest Order Yet For New Battery-Electric Locomotives From Union Pacific Railroad
-- WHYY: As Hilco Tears Down Fmr Philadelphia Refinery, Questions Remain About The Site’s Future
-- Guest Essay: Environmentalists Say 'No' To Nacero Natural Gas To Gasoline Refinery [PaEN]
-- WV Daily News: WV General Assembly Moves Bill Clarifying Ownership Of Rare Earth Elements In Coal Waste, Mine Drainage
Education
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Feb. 9 Webinar On Methane Emissions And Our Health [PaEN]
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: Feb. 9 Webinar - Managing For Resilience. 10:00 a.m.
-- PA Solar Center Webinar: Feb. 11 Agrivoltaics And Dual-Use Solar Applications To Promote Food Production, Energy Generation, Grazing, Pollinator Habitats, More [PaEN]
-- Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Feb. 16 Webinar On First in the World: An Airport That Generates Its Own Power [Spoiler, It’s Pittsburgh] [PaEN]
-- PA Resources Council Hosts Feb. 17 Recycling & Waste Reduction Webinar [PaEN]
-- Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, Audubon: Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 18-21
-- CitizensV: Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Feb. 18
-- Stroud Water Research Center Hosts Feb. 22 Virtual Educator Workshop - Wild & Scenic Rivers In The Face Of Climate Change: An Immersion In White Clay Creek [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Asking Public’s Help To Evaluate Submissions To Songs Of Susquehanna Contest
-- DCNR State Parks Offers Environmental Education Activities & Updates For February [PaEN]
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- Save The Date! Lancaster Conservancy Water Week June 3-11
-- PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In January [PaEN]
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: PA’s Livestreaming Bald Eagle Nests May See First Eggs Soon
-- LancasterOnline: Snowy Owl Visiting Field In Lancaster County Attracts Bird Enthusiasts
-- Fox43: Preparations Underway For Return Of Snow Geese At Middle Creek
-- TribLive - Mary Ann Thomas: Mill Workers At U.S. Steel Irvin Plant Construct Peaceful Solution For Owl vs. Eagle Spat
-- WESA: Warmer Springs Caused By Climate Change Are Bringing Migratory Birds Back To Pittsburgh Early
-- Audubon: New Citizen Science Initiative - Climate Watch
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Everything You Need To Know About Groundhogs For Groundhog Day
-- DCNR Blog: Groundhogs - Just The Facts
-- PG: Saving The Planet By Looking At What’s On The Plate At College Campus Like Slippery Rock
-- Millersville University Engage For Change Journal - Environmental Justice Issue [PaEN]
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: February Pennsylvania Nature News
-- Western PA Conservancy: Water, Land, Life Newsletter Update
-- LancasterOnline - Erin Negley: 59 Plant And Garden Activities To Try In February, Including Maple Sugaring
-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Highlights Educational Events, Activities In February
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan -- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
-- Villanova University On-Demand Webinar: Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Homeowners - Rain Gardens
-- USGS: PA Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network Finds 64% Of Wells Exceed Radon Standard, 36% Manganese, 32% Iron [PaEN]
-- Penn State Master Gardener Program’s Latest Newsletter - What’s The Buzz
Emergency Response
-- TribLive: Power Outages, Flooding Hits SW PA As Storm Brings Rain, Snow
-- ErieT: 3 Taken To Hospitals After Fire At Erie County Propane Supplier
-- LancasterOnline: Fuel Tanker Truck Leaks Hundreds Of Gallons Of Oil Onto Township Road
-- PA Lawmakers Join Other Elected Officials Calling On EPA To Prevent Chemical Disasters, Protect Workers, Prioritize Environmental Justice [PaEN]
Energy
-- AP: DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations; PA Could Lose Air Pollution Reductions, $283 Million [PaEN]
-- AP: Wolf Files Lawsuit To Force Publication Of RGGI Carbon Pricing Plan
-- PA Cap-Star: Green Energy-Related Jobs Projected To Grow 6.4% In PA Over Next 5 Years
-- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Feb. 9 Webinar On Methane Emissions And Our Health [PaEN]
-- SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA [PaEN]
-- PA Solar Center Webinar: Feb. 11 Agrivoltaics And Dual-Use Solar Applications To Promote Food Production, Energy Generation, Grazing, Pollinator Habitats, More [PaEN]
-- Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Feb. 16 Webinar On First in the World: An Airport That Generates Its Own Power [Spoiler, It’s Pittsburgh] [PaEN]
-- PPL Utilities: Joins Energy Impact Partners’ Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- Danville News: Talen Moving Toward Converting Coal-Fired Montour Power Plant To Natural Gas
-- Sen. Yaw: Virginia’s Exit From RGGI Should Be A Wake-Up Call For Pennsylvania
-- Guest Essay: Solar Means Business in America: Here’s What that Looks Like in Pennsylvania - Scott Elias, Mid-Atlantic Director, Solar Energy Industries Association [PaEN]
-- PG/Inside Climate News: Overwhelmed By Solar Projects, PJM Interconnection Seeks A 2-Year Pause On Approvals
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Alliance Wants To Make Western PA Hub For Hydrogen Production, Carbon Storage [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make this facility more expensive by requiring bonding. Read more here. ]
-- EQT, Marathon Launch Initiative To Support Low-Carbon, Hydrogen Industrial Hub In Ohio, PA, WV
-- PennEnergy Resources Achieves Project Canary Responsibly Sourced Natural Gas Certification
-- Guest Essay: Environmentalists Say 'No' To Nacero Natural Gas To Gasoline Refinery [PaEN]
-- PUC Chair Dutrieuille Recognizes Black History Month And Highlights Upcoming State Observance Program
-- PUC Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Settlement With Columbia Gas Over 2018 Over-Pressurization Incidents
-- WHYY: Interfaith Leaders Allege Philadelphia Gas Works Left Vulnerable Families In The Cold
-- Inquirer - Andrew Maykuth: PECO Parent Exelon Completes Spinoff Of Its Power Generation Business
-- WPost: Conor Lamb, Leading Democratic Candidate For U.S. Senate In PA Opposes Fracking Ban
-- PA Cap-Star: Lawmakers, Including Republican Cong. Thompson, Clash Over Climate In Early Federal Farm Bill Talks
-- PG: Toomey, Oil & Gas Industry Oppose Fed Nominee Over Climate Stress Test Concerns
-- AP: EPA Restores Rule To Limit Power Plant Mercury Emissions
-- NYT: Natural Gas Shipments, Mostly From U.S., Ease Europe’s Energy Crunch
-- S&P Global: Biden To Extend Solar Tariffs, With Key Exemption For First 5 GW/Year Of Solar Cells
-- Financial Times: The Nuclear Power Dilemma: Where To Put The Lethal Waste
Environmental Justice
-- PA Lawmakers Join Other Elected Officials Calling On EPA To Prevent Chemical Disasters, Protect Workers, Prioritize Environmental Justice [PaEN]
-- WHYY: Covanta Renews Chester Incinerator Deal, Receiver Says City Missed Out On $10 Million
-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Philadelphia Names Environmental Justice Advisory Commission To Address ‘Racially Biased And Discriminatory Policies’
-- WHYY: Meet Philly’s New Environmental Justice Advisory Commission
-- WHYY: Philly Aims to Limit Environmental Hazards With New Legislation
-- Millersville University Engage For Change Journal - Environmental Justice Issue [PaEN]
Environmental Policy
-- PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In January [PaEN]
EPA
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supports EPA’s ‘No Confidence’ In Conowingo Dam Pollution Reduction Plan
-- PA Lawmakers Join Other Elected Officials Calling On EPA To Prevent Chemical Disasters, Protect Workers, Prioritize Environmental Justice [PaEN]
-- NextPittsburgh: How Will Pittsburgh Fare If New Studies Prompt EPA To Tighten Air Pollution Standards?
-- AP: EPA Restores Rule To Limit Power Plant Mercury Emissions
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Clearing The Air Of Mercury
Farming
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- Cumberland County Planning Dept. Issues RFP For Farm Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance Services [PaEN]
-- PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2022 Environmental Grant Program [PaEN]
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- PA Solar Center Webinar: Feb. 11 Agrivoltaics And Dual-Use Solar Applications To Promote Food Production, Energy Generation, Grazing, Pollinator Habitats, More [PaEN]
-- PG: Saving The Planet By Looking At What’s On The Plate At College Campus Like Slippery Rock
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
-- PA Cap-Star: Lawmakers, Including Republican Cong. Thompson, Clash Over Climate In Early Federal Farm Bill Talks
Flooding
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- WilliamsportS: Initial American Rescue Plan Fundable Projects Narrowing, Includes Grafius Run Flood Project
-- NPR: Climate-Driven Floods Will Disproportionately Affect Black Communities, Study Finds
Forests
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DCNR Highlights Economic Impact Of Snowmobiling, Winter Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips In PA Wilds
-- TribLive: Cure Cabin Fever With Outside Activities In Western PA
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- PennLive - Letter: Save Our Pennsylvania Wilds From ATV Trail Connector Project
-- Feb. 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation [PaEN]
Game Commission
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Survey: Saturday Opener, Sunday Hunting For Deer Important To Hunters
-- Game Commission: Bear Harvest 5th Best Ever
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: PA Hunters Turn In 5th Largest Bear Harvest, Including 722-Pounder In Central PA
-- Gant News: Game Warden Provides Lessons In Technology, Law Enforcement For DuBois Wildlife Tech Students
-- WESA: Warmer Springs Caused By Climate Change Are Bringing Migratory Birds Back To Pittsburgh Early
Grants/Funding
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Receives First $25 Million From Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law For Plugging Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- PG - Laura Legere: PA Eligible For $104 Million In First Phase Of Grants To Plug Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- DCNR Now Accepting Applications For ATV/Snowmobile Project Grants [PaEN]
-- PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2022 Environmental Grant Program [PaEN]
Green Infrastructure
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- CBF Blog: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Create Unique Watershed Restoration Plan For Halfmoon Creek In Centre County [PaEN]
-- Cumberland County Planning Dept. Issues RFP For Farm Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance Services [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: Groups Build Off River Of The Year Nomination Momentum To Help Catawissa Creek Reach Its Potential
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supports EPA’s ‘No Confidence’ In Conowingo Dam Pollution Reduction Plan
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- GreenPhilly: State Grant Secures Neighborhood Gardens Trust Brewerytown Garden As Community Green Space
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: Feb. 9 Webinar - Managing For Resilience. 10:00 a.m.
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: February Pennsylvania Nature News
-- Villanova University On-Demand Webinar: Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Homeowners - Rain Gardens
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Lackawanna County Needs To Resolve Stormwater Management
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
Land Conservation
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2022 Environmental Grant Program [PaEN]
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- GreenPhilly: State Grant Secures Neighborhood Gardens Trust Brewerytown Garden As Community Green Space
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: Feb. 9 Webinar - Managing For Resilience. 10:00 a.m.
-- The Nature Conservancy-PA: February Pennsylvania Nature News
-- Western PA Conservancy: Water, Land, Life Newsletter Update
-- Manada Conservancy Names Anita Pritchett Interim Executive Director [PaEN]
-- Central PA Conservancy Seeking Qualified Candidates For Executive Director
-- Help Wanted: Manada Conservancy Land Protection Director [PaEN]
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
Land Recycling
-- WHYY: As Hilco Tears Down Fmr Philadelphia Refinery, Questions Remain About The Site’s Future
Mine Reclamation
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- Standard-Speaker: Once Heavily Polluted By Mining, Black Creek Now Classified As Wild Trout Stream
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: Groups Build Off River Of The Year Nomination Momentum To Help Catawissa Creek Reach Its Potential
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- WV Daily News: WV General Assembly Moves Bill Clarifying Ownership Of Rare Earth Elements In Coal Waste, Mine Drainage
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
Oil & Gas
-- DEP To Report $4.7 Million, 17.6% Deficit, In Funding Oil & Gas Regulatory Program To EQB Feb. 15; Conventional Drillers Only Pay 0.4% Of Their Regulatory Costs [PaEN]
-- DEP Receives First $25 Million From Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law For Plugging Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- PG - Laura Legere: PA Eligible For $104 Million In First Phase Of Grants To Plug Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Could Get $100 Million In Federal Money To Plug Leaky, Old Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- Sen. Casey: PA To Receive $104 Million To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers
-- PA Interfaith Power & Light, Jewish Earth Alliance Host Feb. 9 Webinar On Methane Emissions And Our Health [PaEN] -- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- House Environmental Committee To Hold Feb. 7 Information Meeting On DEP’s Oil & Gas Well Plugging Program For Wells Abandon By Conventional Drillers [PaEN]
-- AP: U.S. Dept. Of Interior Approves Total Of $1 Bill To Clean Up Oil & Gas Wells Abandon By Well Drillers
-- WHYY: As Hilco Tears Down Fmr Philadelphia Refinery, Questions Remain About The Site’s Future
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Alliance Wants To Make Western PA Hub For Hydrogen Production, Carbon Storage [Sen. Yaw’s Senate Bill 284 would stifle innovation and make this facility more expensive by requiring bonding. Read more here. ]
-- EQT, Marathon Launch Initiative To Support Low-Carbon, Hydrogen Industrial Hub In Ohio, PA, WV
-- PennEnergy Resources Achieves Project Canary Responsibly Sourced Natural Gas Certification
-- Danville News: Talen Moving Toward Converting Coal-Fired Montour Power Plant To Natural Gas
-- Guest Essay: Environmentalists Say 'No' To Nacero Natural Gas To Gasoline Refinery [PaEN]
-- ErieT: 3 Taken To Hospitals After Fire At Erie County Propane Supplier
-- LancasterOnline: Fuel Tanker Truck Leaks Hundreds Of Gallons Of Oil Onto Township Road
-- WPost: Conor Lamb, Leading Democratic Candidate For U.S. Senate In PA Opposes Fracking Ban
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
-- PA Cap-Star: Lawmakers, Including Republican Cong. Thompson, Clash Over Climate In Early Federal Farm Bill Talks
-- PG: Toomey, Oil & Gas Industry Oppose Fed Nominee Over Climate Stress Test Concerns
-- NYT: Natural Gas Shipments, Mostly From U.S., Ease Europe’s Energy Crunch
Pipelines
-- AG Shapiro Charges Energy Transfer Partners With Environmental Crimes Over Revolution Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion [PaEN]
-- PG - Anya Litvak: Energy Transfer Charged With 9 Environmental Crimes Over Revolution Pipeline Explosion
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front - Reid Frazier: Energy Transfer Facing 9 Counts Of Environmental Crimes For 2018 Revolution Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion
-- AP: Company Faces Criminal Charges Over Revolution Pipeline Explosion
-- DEP To Hold March 8 Virtual Hearing On Sunoco Pipeline Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion & Sedimentation Permit For Marsh Creek Lake Remediation, Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Sunoco Pipeline LNG Pumping Station Air Permit In West Goshen Twp., Chester County [PaEN]
-- NPR: Satellite Finds Massive Methane Leaks From Natural Gas Pipelines
-- AP: Federal Appeals Court Throws Out Another Natural Gas Pipeline Permit [Mountain Valley Pipeline In VA]
Permitting
-- DEP To Hold March 8 Virtual Hearing On Sunoco Pipeline Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion & Sedimentation Permit For Marsh Creek Lake Remediation, Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Sunoco Pipeline LNG Pumping Station Air Permit In West Goshen Twp., Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development [PaEN]
-- DEP Took Action On 694 Permits, 90% Within Permit Decision Guarantee Deadlines; Conducted 1,391 Inspections; Responded To 2 Environmental Emergencies Last Week
-- DEP Posted 64 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In Feb. 5 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
Public Participation
-- DEP To Hold March 8 Virtual Hearing On Sunoco Pipeline Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion & Sedimentation Permit For Marsh Creek Lake Remediation, Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Invites Comments On Renewal Of Sunoco Pipeline LNG Pumping Station Air Permit In West Goshen Twp., Chester County [PaEN]
-- DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development [PaEN]
-- DEP Posted 64 Pages Of Permit-Related Notices In Feb. 5 PA Bulletin [PaEN]
PUC
-- PUC Chair Dutrieuille Recognizes Black History Month And Highlights Upcoming State Observance Program
-- PUC Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Settlement With Columbia Gas Over 2018 Over-Pressurization Incidents
-- WHYY: Interfaith Leaders Allege Philadelphia Gas Works Left Vulnerable Families In The Cold
Radiation Protection
-- Financial Times: The Nuclear Power Dilemma: Where To Put The Lethal Waste
Recreation
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- South Mountain Partnership: Sign On To Join Letter Asking Counties To Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Local Conservation, Recreation And Place-Based Revitalization [PaEN]
-- DCNR Now Accepting Applications For ATV/Snowmobile Project Grants [PaEN]
-- DCNR Highlights Economic Impact Of Snowmobiling, Winter Outdoor Recreation Safety Tips In PA Wilds
-- TribLive: Cure Cabin Fever With Outside Activities In Western PA
-- Feb. 4 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation [PaEN]
-- PennLive - Letter: Save Our Pennsylvania Wilds From ATV Trail Connector Project
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Boating Season In Doubt At Shikellamy State Park In Sunbury
-- ErieT: Winter’s Wonders Dazzle At Presque Isle State Park’s North Pier
-- Stroud Water Research Center Hosts Feb. 22 Virtual Educator Workshop - Wild & Scenic Rivers In The Face Of Climate Change: An Immersion In White Clay Creek [PaEN]
-- CentreDT: New Centre County Park Can Move Forward After Approval Of Master Plan
-- ReadingE: Sense Of Urgency Heightened For Lake Ontelaunee Dam Upgrades In Berks County
-- DCNR Names Bill Kocher New Manager For Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
-- DCNR Names Brian Heath New Park Manager For Delaware Canal State Park In Bucks, Northampton Counties
-- U.S. Dept. Of Interior: Comments Invited On American Conservation & Stewardship Atlas To Track Stewardship, Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
Recycling/Waste
-- PA Resources Council Hosts Feb. 17 Recycling & Waste Reduction Webinar [PaEN]
-- WHYY: Covanta Renews Chester Incinerator Deal, Receiver Says City Missed Out On $10 Million
-- CitizensV: Wilkes-Barre Twp. Police Recover Catalytic Converters After Catching Suspects
-- ScrantonT: Guarantee ‘Right To Repair’
Renewable Energy
-- AP: DEP Files Lawsuit Against Reference Bureau To Publish Final RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Regulations; PA Could Lose Air Pollution Reductions, $283 Million [PaEN]
-- AP: Wolf Files Lawsuit To Force Publication Of RGGI Carbon Pricing Plan
-- PA Cap-Star: Green Energy-Related Jobs Projected To Grow 6.4% In PA Over Next 5 Years
-- PA State Treasurer Garrity Calls On Biden To Withdraw Fed Nominee Because She Advocates For Sustainable Investments And Is A Threat To Oil, Gas, Coal Companies [PaEN]
-- SEEDS, Northern Poconos Chamber Name Highlights Foundation 2022 Green Business Of The Year In NE PA [PaEN]
-- PA Solar Center Webinar: Feb. 11 Agrivoltaics And Dual-Use Solar Applications To Promote Food Production, Energy Generation, Grazing, Pollinator Habitats, More [PaEN]
-- Washington & Jefferson College Hosts Feb. 16 Webinar On First in the World: An Airport That Generates Its Own Power [Spoiler, It’s Pittsburgh] [PaEN]
-- Guest Essay: Solar Means Business in America: Here’s What that Looks Like in Pennsylvania - Scott Elias, Mid-Atlantic Director, Solar Energy Industries Association [PaEN]
-- PG/Inside Climate News: Overwhelmed By Solar Projects, PJM Interconnection Seeks A 2-Year Pause On Approvals
-- PPL Utilities: Joins Energy Impact Partners’ Deep Decarbonization Frontier Fund
-- Sen. Yaw: Virginia’s Exit From RGGI Should Be A Wake-Up Call For Pennsylvania
-- S&P Global: Biden To Extend Solar Tariffs, With Key Exemption For First 5 GW/Year Of Solar Cells
Stormwater
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- Villanova University On-Demand Webinar: Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Homeowners - Rain Gardens
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Lackawanna County Needs To Resolve Stormwater Management
Susquehanna River
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Asking Public’s Help To Evaluate Submissions To Songs Of Susquehanna Contest
Technical Guidance
-- DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development [PaEN]
Water Quality
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- Standard-Speaker: Once Heavily Polluted By Mining, Black Creek Now Classified As Wild Trout Stream
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supports EPA’s ‘No Confidence’ In Conowingo Dam Pollution Reduction Plan
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Lackawanna County Needs To Resolve Stormwater Management
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
-- USGS: PA Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network Finds 64% Of Wells Exceed Radon Standard, 36% Manganese, 32% Iron [PaEN]
Watershed Protection
-- Gov. Wolf Proposes $450 Million Growing Greener III Initiative Funded By Federal American Rescue Plan; Bipartisan Support Building For Conservation Allocation [PaEN]
-- Gov. Wolf Announces $1.7 Billion Spending Plan For Federal American Rescue Plan Money
-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council To Hear Update On PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Cleanup Initiatives Feb. 15 [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- CBF Blog: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Partners Create Unique Watershed Restoration Plan For Halfmoon Creek In Centre County [PaEN]
-- Ducks Unlimited Celebrates 85 Years Of Wildlife Conservation, Restoring Or Protecting More Than 15 Million Acres Of Habitat In North America; Over 28,300 Acres In PA [PaEN]
-- Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper: Groups Build Off River Of The Year Nomination Momentum To Help Catawissa Creek Reach Its Potential
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supports EPA’s ‘No Confidence’ In Conowingo Dam Pollution Reduction Plan
-- DEP Announces $4.7 Million In Growing Greener Watershed Restoration Grants In Southcentral PA [PaEN]
-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Southcentral PA Watershed Protection Projects Get A Boost From Growing Greener Funding
-- Conservation Finance Network: Removing Sediment To Restore Wetlands Clears Revenue Paths - Sam Feibel, Franklin & Marshall College
-- Standard-Speaker: Once Heavily Polluted By Mining, Black Creek Now Classified As Wild Trout Stream
-- PA American Water Accepting Applications For 2022 Environmental Grant Program [PaEN]
-- The Express: Clinton Conservation District To Hold Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Workshop
-- Cumberland County Planning Dept. Issues RFP For Farm Conservation Planning & Technical Assistance Services [PaEN]
-- ScrantonT Editorial: Lackawanna County Needs To Resolve Stormwater Management
-- Pike Conservation District: Source Water Protection And The Pocono Source Water Protection Collaborative [PaEN]
-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed Announces 13 Priorities For 2022
-- Stroud Water Research Center Hosts Feb. 22 Virtual Educator Workshop - Wild & Scenic Rivers In The Face Of Climate Change: An Immersion In White Clay Creek [PaEN]
-- Villanova University On-Demand Webinar: Green Stormwater Infrastructure For Homeowners - Rain Gardens
-- Save The Date! Lancaster Conservancy Water Week June 3-11
-- Lancaster Clean Water Partners: Update On Implementing Lancaster County Clean Water Action Plan
-- USGS: PA Groundwater Quality Monitoring Network Finds 64% Of Wells Exceed Radon Standard, 36% Manganese, 32% Iron [PaEN]
-- WESA/The Allegheny Front: How Waste Coal Is Fueling Bitcoin In Pennsylvania
-- Delaware RiverKeeper Feb. 4 RiverWatch Video Report
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
-- Chesapeake Bay Magazine: Donegal Trout Unlimited Chapter, Lancaster County, Wins Award For Stream Cleanup Efforts
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal - Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN]
-- Ducks Unlimited Celebrates 85 Years Of Wildlife Conservation, Restoring Or Protecting More Than 15 Million Acres Of Habitat In North America; Over 28,300 Acres In PA [PaEN]
-- ScrantonT: Outdoorsman Keeps Discovery Of Rare Hartford Fern Secret For 30 Years
-- ReadingE: Sense Of Urgency Heightened For Lake Ontelaunee Dam Upgrades In Berks County
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Stocking Scheduled For PA’s 3.2 Million Trout Announced
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Survey: Saturday Opener, Sunday Hunting For Deer Important To Hunters
-- Game Commission: Bear Harvest 5th Best Ever
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: PA Hunters Turn In 5th Largest Bear Harvest, Including 722-Pounder In Central PA
-- Gant News: Game Warden Provides Lessons In Technology, Law Enforcement For DuBois Wildlife Tech Students
-- Cornell Lab Of Ornithology, Audubon: Great Backyard Bird Count Feb. 18-21
-- CitizensV: Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Feb. 18
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: PA’s Livestreaming Bald Eagle Nests May See First Eggs Soon
-- LancasterOnline: Snowy Owl Visiting Field In Lancaster County Attracts Bird Enthusiasts
-- Fox43: Preparations Underway For Return Of Snow Geese At Middle Creek
-- TribLive - Mary Ann Thomas: Mill Workers At U.S. Steel Irvin Plant Construct Peaceful Solution For Owl vs. Eagle Spat
-- LancasterOnline: How To Watch Middle Creek Snow Geese From Home, Stay Updated On Their Migration
-- WESA: Warmer Springs Caused By Climate Change Are Bringing Migratory Birds Back To Pittsburgh Early
-- Audubon: New Citizen Science Initiative - Climate Watch
-- Sharon Herald: Pymatuning Deer Park Forced To Move Endangered Species
-- DCNR Blog: Groundhogs - Just The Facts
-- CitizensV: Wildlife Art A Hit For Luzerne County Painter
-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Climate Change Driving More Sharks To Waters Off Pennsylvanian’s Favorite Beaches
-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Highlights Educational Events, Activities In February
Opportunities
-- Central PA Conservancy Seeking Qualified Candidates For Executive Director
-- Help Wanted: Manada Conservancy Land Protection Director [PaEN]
-- DCNR Names Bill Kocher New Manager For Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County
-- DCNR Names Brian Heath New Park Manager For Delaware Canal State Park In Bucks, Northampton Counties
-- Manada Conservancy Names Anita Pritchett Interim Executive Director [PaEN]
Other
-- Joel Burcat To Release Another Environmental Legal Thriller: Strange Fire [PaEN]
CLICK HERE to View or Print the February 7 PA Environment Digest.
[Posted: February 6, 2022]
|