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Special Edition Next Week - PDF Version of This Digest
Due to the extended session schedule and budget discussions next week, the PA Environment Digest will publish a special edition whenever the Senate and House decide to go home for the week, for the July 4 holiday or for the summer, whichever comes first!
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Budget Discussions Coming Down To Wire… As Usual
The big news this week was the Supreme Court decision on gaming, but the Senate did pass the budget Gov. Rendell proposed for next year (with a few tweaks). Everyone knows it was just to get a vehicle in place. The House was doing the same.
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On the Senate, House Agenda
Senate and House have a variety of bills on their agendas for this week, in addition to the discussion of Growing Greener funding and the budget. Here’s a quick rundown--
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Senate and House Bills Moving/Bills Introduced
Here's a quick rundown on environmental bills moving in the Senate and House--
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Two Growing Greener Proposals Now on the Table
Two proposals are now on the table to implement the $625 million Growing Greener bond issue passed by voters in May-- the Green PA Plan proposed by House Republicans that passed the House in February (House Bill 3) and a new proposal that was circulated by Gov. Rendell’s staff.
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PA Center for Environmental Education Bill Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by state Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) to strengthen a successful statewide environmental education program based at Slippery Rock University has been approved by the Senate.
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$10 Million for Clean Energy Projects Awarded
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority this week awarded $10 million to help finance 17 clean energy projects. The funding represents the first awards by the newly revitalized PEDA.
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Energy Star Training Available to Schools, Universities
ENERGY STAR Program training workshop for K-12 schools and universities will be held on July 13 at the Regional Learning Alliance Center in Cranberry, PA sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 and the Department of Environmental Protection.
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Metlab Potero Reduces Oil Waste, Energy Costs
Metlab Potero, a heat treatment company located in Wyndmoor, Montgomery County, reduced its energy costs by $52,500 and its oily waste by 10,000 gallons a year.
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Environmental Awareness Marketing Grants Available
The Temper of the Times Foundation, Inc, Advertising for the Environment Program was created by the board of directors of The Moneypaper, Inc., in 1997 to provide grants that promote the use of standard marketing concepts to increase environmental awareness.
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Watershed Stewardship Toolbox Workshop In August at King of Prussia
On August 30 the Watershed Academy, in cooperation with Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, will hold a free, one-day workshop to introduce participants to the new Watershed Stewardship: A Planning and Resource Guide.
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American Shad Continue to Increase in Susquehanna River
Stocking efforts, a Chesapeake Bay moratorium on shad fishing, and fish passage improvements on the Susquehanna River have helped to increase the number of American shad at Conowingo Dam from several hundred per year in the early 1980s to an average of 101,140 per year in 2003-2005.
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Water Monitors Asked to Submit Data on Impaired Streams
The Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting water quality data from stream monitoring programs from across the state as part of its effort to identify impaired streams and water bodies under Section 303(d) of the federal Clean Water Act.
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EPA Extends Animal Feeding Operations Air Compliance Agreement Signup
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is extending the deadline for the Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) Air Compliance Agreement signup period to July 29 in order to provide more time for the AFOs operators to make informed decisions about participation.
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New Report on Building Financially Sustainable Recycling Programs
The Department of Environmental Protection this week released a report identifying options for raising revenues and reducing costs in local recycling programs and practical steps to move programs toward improving their financial sustainability.
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Re-Stor-York Recycles Construction Materials, Tools, Appliances
Re-Stor-York is a home improvement and building supply store that deals solely in donated materials that might otherwise be thrown away.
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National Environmental Ed Group Seeking Award Nominations
The North American Association for Environmental Education is seeking nominations for its “Outstanding Contributions to Research in Environmental Education” Award for 2005
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Harrisburg Falcon Loses Battle with Trichomoniasis
The Department of Environmental Protection announced this week the blue-banded male fledgling lost his battle with trichomoniasis and had to be euphonized.
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DCNR Providing Aerial Photography of 28 Counties in 2005
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will capture aerial photography for 28 counties in 2005 as part of the effort to create a seamless digital base map of the state.
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Feature: Mine Blowout Results in Cooperative Project That Is a Model for the Future
Families living in areas of Pennsylvania subject to mining before today's modern environmental laws too often have to put up with orange mine water, denuded hillsides and sudden, violent subsidence that can swallow houses.
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Feature: Schuylkill River Sojourn Diary By Alice M. Lang, Friends of Mingo Creek
I started paddling on the Schuylkill River by joining up on the sojourn in June 2000. I was so impressed by the beauty of the river, and learning about the history of the area.
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Award Winning Performances: Amerikohl, Collection Connection Show the Way for Others
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced the winners of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Program which were included in the May 30 Digest. But, the finalists selected in that program also deserve recognition for their good work. Here are two more for your consideration.
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In Memoriam: PRC Mourns Loss of Jim Kane (1929-2005)
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is not the only group in Pennsylvania that will sorely miss Jim Kane, who passed away on June 19, 2005. Kind words flooded in to the organization from fellow conservationists throughout the Commonwealth with such thoughts as:
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Quick Clips
A sampling of environmental NewsClips--
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Watershed NewsClips
NewsClips on watershed issues from around the state--
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Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board approved each of the regulations on its June 21 agenda and made two announcements—the July meeting is cancelled and DEP will report on the mercury rulemaking petition at the August 16 meeting.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published four final and nine proposed technical guidance documents for the coal mining, oil and gas, sewage facilities act, treatment plant operators, water quality, drinking water and noncoal programs. DEP also published notice of a water quality general permit for sewer extensions and pump stations.
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
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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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11/18/24 - 107 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3zb7jppr
