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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
December 2, 2019 Issue #805
(12/2/2019)
* Scorecard: Senate, House Come Up Very Short On Passing Bipartisan Environmental, Energy Bills

On November 11, PA Environment Digest listed more than a dozen bipartisan environmental and energy bills the Senate and House could do before 2019 ends.  How well did they do?

* Major Businesses, Higher Ed Institutions Write To Members Of House, Senate Urging Pennsylvania To Accelerate Transition To A Low-Carbon Economy

More than a dozen major businesses and higher education institutions across Pennsylvania wrote to members of the state Senate and House calling on state lawmakers to prioritize policies that will accelerate the Commonwealth’s transition to a low-carbon economy by increasing in-state investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transportation.

* Draft PA Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Shows Nearly 19% Reduction Between 2005 - 2016 From All Sectors

On December 10, DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee is scheduled to review an updated draft PA Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory which shows there was a nearly 19 percent reduction in emissions between 2005 and 2016 from all sectors.

* Columbia University Earth Institute Teams Up To Build Resilience In Johnstown, Cambria County

By Sarah Fecht, Columbia University Earth Institute Blog

* PA Social Studies Teacher Survey: 85.6% Believe Climate Change Is A Significant Issue For Human Society, But Many Aren’t Teaching It Because Of Political Controversy

By Matthew J. Long, Penn State News

* Op-Ed: Extend Federal Renewable Energy Tax Credits

By Ed Perry, National Wildlife Federation

* Youth #ClimateStrike To Hold Action Rally In Harrisburg Dec. 6

The Youth Sunrise Movement #ClimateStrike will hold a rally-action day in Harrisburg on December 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Capitol steps.

* Mel & Marc Lewis 2019 Joseph T. Rothrock Conservationist Of The Year Award Recipients From PA Forestry Association

Mel and Marc Lewis of Hillsgrove were recipients of the 2019 Joseph T. Rothrock Conservationist of the Year Award presented at the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Annual Symposium at the Toftrees Resort in State College on September 27.

* Rachel Reyna Receives Inaugural Mira Lloyd Dock Outstanding Woman Conservationist Award From PA Forestry Association

At the 2019 Pennsylvania Forestry Association Annual Symposium, the Association presented its inaugural Mira Lloyd Dock Outstanding Woman Conservationist Award to Rachel Reyna.

* Dr. Beth Brantley Receives 2019 Sandy Cochran Award For Excellence In Natural Resources Education From PA Forestry Association

At the 2019 Pennsylvania Forestry Association Annual Symposium, the Association presented the Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education to Dr. Beth Brantley who was a long-time professor at Penn State Mont Alto.

* DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Ryan Davis, Chesapeake Bay PA Forest Manager

Ryan Davis is the Pennsylvania Forest Program Manager for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.

* Ann Swanson Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Chesapeake Conservancy

Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission, recently received the Chesapeake Conservancy Champion of the Bay Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her 31 years of service in that position.

* New Purdue Study: Serious Precautions Need To Be Taken To Prevent Pollution From CIPP Plastic Liner Pipe Repair Process Believed Cause Of Letort Spring Run Fish Kill

Purdue University researchers have just completed a three-year study of two popular methods used to repair damaged culverts and pipes called spray-on lining and cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining.

* Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Blog: When It Comes To Protecting Streams, Sometimes What's In A Name Matters

By Derek Eberly, PA Field Representative, TRCP

* DCNR To Hold Jan. 29, Feb. 19 Webinars On Applying For Recreation & Conservation Partnerships Grants

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has scheduled to webinars for prospective applications of Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program applicants.

* PEC Now Accepting Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Mini Grant Applications

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for Laurel Highlands Conservation Mini Grant Program.  The deadline to apply is December 13.

* DCNR, Keep PA Beautiful See 48% Reduction In Cigarette Litter In Participating State Parks

Four state parks have seen a 48 percent reduction in cigarette litter at the midpoint of a joint Keep PA Beautiful and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources project to implement the national Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in participating parks.

* Help The 4th Pennsylvania Geological Survey Celebrate Its 100th Anniversary Dec. 6

DCNR’s Bureau of Geological Survey, also known as the Pennsylvania Geological Survey, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the fourth Pennsylvania Geological Survey!

* Game Commission: It’s Official, Expanded Sunday Hunting Coming To PA In 2020

On November 27, Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law Senate Bill 147 (Laughlin-R-Erie), which permits additional hunting on three Sundays per calendar year – one within the archery deer season, one within the firearms deer season and one selected by the Game Commission.

* Op-Ed: Sunday Deer Hunting Is Not The Apocalypse For Hikers

By Jim Foster, Active Hiker

* Additional State Forest Roads Remain Open For Opening Of Deer Hunting Season

On November 27, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn reminded hunters heading out in search of white-tailed deer Saturday they will find 516 miles of newly opened state forest roads available.

* Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action--

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule[Updated]/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

* 7 House Members Retiring, Not Returning; Legislators To Get 1.9467% Raise In 2020

Rep. Neal Goodman (D-Schuylkill), Democratic Caucus Administrator, announced last week he is retiring at the end of his term.  Also not seeking reelection in 2020 are-- Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Delaware),  Rep. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson) and Rep. Steve McCarter (D-Montgomery).

* EPA Proposes PFAS Chemicals Be Added To Toxics Release Inventory Reporting Program

On November 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it is asking the public for input on potentially adding certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the list of chemicals companies are required to report to the agency as part of the Toxics Release Inventory reporting program.

* EPA Now Accepting Applications For Research On PFAS Impacts In Rural Communities, Agricultural Operations; Dec. 5 Webinar

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for research on PFAS Impacts In Rural Communities and Agricultural Operations.  The deadline for applications is February 11.

* EPA Begins Accepting Diesel Emissions Reduction Grant Applications Dec. 9; Webinars Set

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is excited to announce it will begin accepting applications on December 9 for approximately $44 million in Diesel Emission Reduction Program Grants to support projects aimed at reducing emissions from the nation's existing fleet of older diesel engines.

* York Master Watershed Stewards Work With Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay On Buffer Project

By Jodi Sulpizio, York County Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Projects In Cambria, Lackawanna Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the opportunity to bid on mine reclamation projects in Cambria and Lackawanna counties in the November 30 PA Bulletin.

* Penn State Extension Outlines Benefits Of Large Woody Debris In Streams

By Danielle Rhea, Extension Educator

* Penn State Extension Project Provides Information On Lead, Copper In Rural Drinking Water Supplies

By Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Coordinator

* Eels And Mussels - An Unlikely Pair - Benefit Pennsylvania's River Ecosystems

By Kelly Arcieri, York County Master Watershed Steward

* PA Horticultural Society: Philadelphia’s Urban Agriculture Plan - Growing From The Root Public Meeting Dec. 3

The PA Horticultural Society is hosting a December 3 public meeting on Philadelphia’s Urban Agriculture Plan - Growing From The Root at the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street in Philadelphia from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

* Forest Farms Could Create Market For Ginseng, Other Medicinal Plants, Herbs

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* Award-Winning Water Education Tools For Youth Now Available From Penn State Extension

A bundle of award-winning water education tools from Penn State Extension is now available and designed to engage youth in learning opportunities about water, science, and technology, and will help to create a future generation of water stewards and innovators.

* PA Sea Grant Program Now Accepting Applications For 2021 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship

Pennsylvania Sea Grant is now accepting applications for the 2021 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship, sponsored by NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Program. The deadline for applications is February 21.

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Now Accepting Applications For Student Scholarships

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is now accepting applications for student scholarships.  The deadline for applications is February 7.

* PPL Electric Utilities Begins Accepting Applications For Future Environmental Leaders Student Scholarships Dec. 1

PPL Electric Utilities will start accepting applications for its Future Environmental Leaders Student Scholarships on December 1.  The deadline for applications is April 30.

* Book Swap Recycling Event Makes 22,000 Books Available To Residents In Pike, Wayne Counties

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) recently celebrated the most successful Free Book Swap in the event’s 8-year-history. Conducted at the Park Street Complex in Honesdale, Wayne County, the cherished community event achieved its highest numbers ever.

* Northeast Recycling Council Call For Papers For Spring Conference April 20-21

The Northeast Recycling Council has issued a call for papers for the Spring Conference to be held April 20-21 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.  The deadline for submissions is December 23.

* DEP Obtains $229,950 Civil Penalty Against Clarion Boards, LLC For Air Pollution Violations In Clarion County

On November 27, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Clarion Boards, LLC, a subsidiary of Kronospan, has agreed to a Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty in the amount of $229,950 for air pollution violations at its facility in Paint Township, Clarion County.

* Hearing Set For Jan.. 3 [If Needed] On Proposed Johnstown Area Ozone Attainment Maintenance Plan

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a January 3 hearing [if needed] on the proposed Johnstown Area Ozone Attainment Maintenance Plan. (Nov. 30 PA Bulletin)

* DEP Holds Hearing Jan. 14 [If Needed] On ArcelorMittal RACT II Air Quality Plan, Harrisburg

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a January 14 hearing [if needed] on the RACT II Air Quality Plan for ArcelorMittal Steelton, LLC facility in Steelton Borough, Dauphin County (Nov. 30 PA Bulletin, page 7107).

* CMU Study Finds Recent Increase In Fine Particulate Matter Pollution Associated With More Premature Deaths In U.S.

By Noelle Wiker, Carnegie Mellon University News

* Latest Environmental Justice Newsletter Now Available From DEP

The latest Environmental Justice newsletter is now available from the Department of Environmental Protection featuring articles on--

* Controlled Plant & Noxious Weed Committee Adds 5 Plants To Noxious Weed List

The Department of Agriculture’s Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee added five plants to the Noxious Weed List at its October 24 meeting (Nov. 30 PA Bulletin).

* PEC: Public Meeting Dec. 5 On Proposed Wilkes-Barre & Eastern Rail Trail Corridor In Lackawanna County

The PA Environmental Council will hold a public meeting on December 5 to gather input for a feasibility study for the proposed Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Rail Trail Corridor.

* Brodhead Watershed Assn. Hosts Dec. 14 Hike To Table Rock, Above The Delaware Water Gap In Monroe County

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host a December 14 Hike To Table Rock, high above the Delaware Water Gap from 10:00 a.m. to Noon in Monroe County.

* PA Land Trust Assn. Accepting Nominations For 2020 Lifetime Leadership & Land Conservation Government Leadership Awards

The PA Land Trust Association is now accepting nominations for its 2019 Lifetime Leadership and Land Conservation Government Leadership Awards.

* Nov. 27 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The November 27 Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--

* Nov. 29 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The November 29 Take Five Fridays With Pam from PA Parks and Forests Foundation features articles on--

* Help Wanted: Southwest PA Environmental Health Project Executive Director

The Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project is seeking qualified candidates to fill an Executive Director position.

* Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Pennsylvania Office Executive Director

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is now accepting applications for the position of Pennsylvania Office Executive Director based in Harrisburg.

* Help Wanted: Game Commission Land Research Survey Technicians Luzerne, Sullivan Counties

The Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management is seeking candidates to fill two, three-year full-time Land Research Survey Technicians in Luzerne and Sullivan counties.

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

* Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical guidance and permits.

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* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

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* Sponsor Keystone Coldwater Conference Feb. 28-29 In State College

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 Keystone Coldwater Conference February 28-29 in State College.  Click Here if you are interested in being a sponsor too.  Registration opening soon.

* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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