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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
May 23, 2005
(5/20/2005)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 5/23/05
* Environment, Senate Democrats Ace Primary Test
If the May 17 election was a test, the environment and Senate Democrats aced it.
* On the Hill
The Senate and House return to voting session on June 6 and there are no scheduled meetings this week on environmental issues.
* Over 60% of Voters Approve Growing Greener Ballot Initiative
While turnout for the May 17 election might not have been stellar, the overwhelming support of the $625 million Growing Greener bond issue was.
* American Water Funds Three PA Watershed Protection Projects
American Water announced this week the organizations that will receive the first three grants under its new Environmental Grant Program-- the Indiana County Conservation District, PA Cleanways of Allegheny County and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
* Public Meetings Set to Discuss Future Visions for the Clarion River Region
Clarion River Greenway Partnership and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will host three public meetings as a part of the development process for the Clarion River Greenway.
* Workshop on Encroachment and Obstruction Permits Set For June 14
The Baltimore District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Environmental Protection are sponsoring a workshop June 14 on the permit process for encroachment and obstruction permits. The agencies are also seeking comments on their joint permit (PASPGP-2) for water obstructions.
* Water and Wastewater Plants Join Energy Star to Cut Electricity Costs
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has invited drinking water and wastewater plants to join a new EPA initiative to increase their energy efficiency and reduce municipalities' electric bills.
* EPA Region 3 Funds Database for Reuse of Building Materials
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 Source Reduction Assistance Program is helping the Mid-Atlantic Council of Recycling and Economic Development Officials (MACREDO) with funds to develop an access-based listing of businesses in the mid-Atlantic region as part of a waste/resource exchange.
* Rechargeable Battery, Cell Phone Recycling Available Free to Businesses
The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation announced this week that it will now provide its Call2Recycle rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling program to businesses nationwide completely free of charge.
* Reynoldsville Company Saves Over $77,000 Reducing Waste
Reducing waste, water and energy use can save companies real money, just ask the Reynoldsville Casket Co. Inc. in Jefferson County that saved over $77,000 by reducing the amount of paints and thinners they use.
* National Pollution Prevention Roundtable Award Nominations Due June 3
Nominations will be accepted until June 3 for the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable’s MVP2 Awards for innovation, measurable results, transferability, commitment and leadership and optimization of resources.
* Plaza at PPL Center Earns Energy Star for Efficiency
The Plaza at PPL Center has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star, which is reserved for the nation's most energy efficient buildings.
* Did You Miss a Green Building Conference or Workshop? Materials Now Online
The Green Building Alliance now has available online presentations and other background materials presented at several of its last conferences.
* USA Patriot Act Changes PennDOT Process for Hazardous Materials CDL
The Department of Transportation this week issued a reminder of the new federal requirements that will take effect on May 31 for drivers who wish to renew a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a HAZMAT endorsement.
* 15th Annual Native Plants in the Landscape Conference at Millersville
The 15th Annual Native Plants in the Landscape Conference will be held June 2, 3 and 4 at Millersville University in Lancaster County. The conference includes expert speakers, field trips, workshops, chat rooms and educational exhibits. Native plants and related books and merchandise will be offered for sale.
* Downtown Revitalization Conference Set for June 5-8 in State College
Cultivating a Greener Downtown” is the theme of this year’s annual conference in State College of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.
* Center for Environmental Ed Issues Special Teacher Workshop Newsletter
The Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education issued a special edition of its EE Connections newsletter to highlight upcoming teacher workshops for this summer. Below is a sampling of its contents.
* Take a Hike – During Pennsylvania Hiking Week May 28-June 5
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Keystone Trails Association are giving Pennsylvanians 83 ways to "take a hike" during Pennsylvania Hiking Week, May 28-June 5.
* Game Commission Accepting Deer Management Assistance Applications
The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program is now accepting applications until July 1 to help landowners manage deer on their properties.
* Looking for a Job? Western PA Conservancy Has 9 Positions to Fill
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is looking to fill nine positions with conservation professionals (a project coordinator, agricultural and watershed specialists, scientists, data and GIS staff) for the following open positions. Applications are due June 10.
* Gary Alt, Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Win Mason Award
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals this week announced two winners of the Karl Mason Award for 2005.
* Winners of First Shades of Green Award Announced in Pittsburgh
The Green Building Alliance announced the winners of its first Shades of Green Leadership Award that recognizes the contributions of individuals and organizations to sustainable building and community design.  The winners are:
* Keep PA Beautiful Awards Groups in Great PA Cleanup! Troy-Bilt Yard Vacs
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful this week announced groups in Bucks, Cambria, Delaware and Juniata counties were winners of Troy-Bilt yard vacs for their participation in the Great PA Cleanup! in April.
* Conservation Institute Revives Natural Science/Natural History Education
It may sound strange, but the Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education owes its creation, in part, to the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem.
* Quick Clips
A sampling of NewsClips from around the state on environmental issues.
* Watershed NewsClips
NewsClips on watershed issues from around the state.
* Regulations
No new regulations were published this week.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice this week of a final policy on Agricultural Land Preservation and a proposed policy for comment on underground coal mine shaft construction. The Public Utility Commission published a final order updating filing requirements for water and wastewater systems it regulations. The Historical and Museum Commission published notice of properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .

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