Susquehanna River at Harrisburg

After four straight days of 2 and 3 a.m. adjournments, the General Assembly ended its two year session in the usual flurry of legislation, frustration and business left undone.

Heading the list was the adoption of Advanced Energy Portfolio Standards, a $350 million water and sewer funding program, authorizing a one-time $10 million transfer to the Energy Development Authority, creating a Watershed Education Program, establishing the Senior Environment Corps in law, increasing fishing license fees to better fund the Fish & Boat Commission, funding the Forestland Beautification Program, urging the PA Historical & Museum Commission to create a special Conservation Heritage Initiative and many others.

Here’s an overview of the final actions taken on bills, resolutions and more in this week's PA Environment Digest.

Contents

· Advanced Energy Portfolio Standards Adopted by General Assembly

· House/Senate Act on Two Other Alternative Fuels Initiatives

· General Assembly Finishes Water, Wastewater Funding Program

· Green Ribbon Commission Continues Work on Spending Proposal, Priorities

· Legislation Given Final Action/Sent to Governor: Senior Environment Corp Program; Fishing License Increase; Forestland Beautification; Dumping Penalties; Coal & Gas Coordination; National Energy Policy; GIS Planning.

· Left on the Table: Center for Environmental Education; Energy & Pollution Prevention Reduction Office; Appliance Energy Standards; Tire Recycling; Mine Subsidence Assistance; Farmland Preservation.

· Senate Adopts Resolution to Promote Recognition of PA Environmental Heritage

· Environmental Synopsis Focus on Recycling, Green Commission, Hardwoods

· PUC Seeks Comments on Connecting Alternative Energy Sources to Grid

· Guide to Help Businesses Make Energy Efficient Choices

· Energy Management Workshops for Small Businesses a Success

· Comments Due on TMDLs in Elk, Lycoming, Sullivan, Clearfield, Centre

· Water Resources Research Center Releases Summary of Research Needs

· Pennsylvania Game Commission Releases Statewide Fall Foods Survey

Taking Positive Actions

· Winners of 2004 Waste Watcher Awards Announced

· GE Transportation in Erie Joins EPA Climate Leaders Program

· EPA Recognizes Wirerope Works, Inc. in Williamsport for Reducing Waste

11/21/2004