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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
March 16, 2020 Issue #820
(3/16/2020)
* Pennsylvania Takes Escalating Actions To Mitigate The Spread Of Coronavirus; Total Cases 63

Last week saw a rapid escalation of efforts to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, as Gov. Wolf took actions that affected everyone in the state, but especially in Southeast Pennsylvania. 

* DCNR Cancels ALL Organized Events, Programs, Volunteer Days In ALL State Parks, Forests Thru April 30

On March 13, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it has canceled ALL organized events, programs and volunteer days at ALL State Parks and State Forests in the state through April 30 due to coronavirus concerns.

* Keep PA Beautiful Suspends Pick Up Pennsylvania Thru The End Of April, Will Pick Up In May & June

On March 13, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced it is suspending its annual litter cleanup program-- Pick Up Pennsylvania-- through the end of April due to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

* PUC Prohibits All Utility Terminations During Coronavirus Disaster Emergency

On March 13, Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille signed an emergency order prohibiting electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunication and steam utility terminations for residential and business accounts. 

* Canceled Riparian Forest Buffer Summit To Be Rescheduled For 2021

On March 11, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the Riparian Forest Buffer Summit canceled due to concerns about the coronavirus will be rescheduled for February or March of 2021.

* Penn State Extension Has Canceled All Public Education Programs, Events Statewide Thru April 5

Due to coronavirus concerns, Penn State Extension has canceled all programs and public educational events through April 5, pending further developments.

* PA/NJ Chapter Of The American Chestnut Foundation Converts March 21 Growers Meeting To Webinar

On March 12, the PA/NJ Chapter of The American Chestnut Foundation announced its March 21 Spring Growers Meeting will be held as a webinar.  The in-person meeting at Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, Dauphin County is canceled.

* Postponed- Carnegie Mellon University Energy Week March 23-27 In Pittsburgh

This event postponed due to coronavirus concerns. Carnegie Mellon University's Wilton E. Scott Institute For Energy Innovation will host its 5th Annual Energy Week March 23-27 in Pittsburgh.

* 29 PA Conservation Districts Receive $67,000 For 41 Nonpoint Source Pollution Prevention Education Projects

On March 11, the PA Association of Conservation Districts awarded 29 conservation districts $67,000 to fund 41 non point source pollution prevention education mini-grants.

* PennDOT Announces District 6 & 12 Winners Of Student Innovations Litter Challenge From Montgomery, Westmoreland Counties

The Department of Transportation announced a team of students from the PA Virtual Charter School, headquartered in King of Prussia, Montgomery County has been selected as the PennDOT District 6 winner for its third Innovations Challenge.

* PA Resources Council In Pittsburgh Launches 100% Recycled, 100% Local Office Paper Cooperative With American Eagle Paper Mill In Blair County

The PA Resources Council has launched a new Recycled Paper Cooperative to make 100 percent recycled paper more affordable by purchasing large volumes of office paper directly from the American Eagle Paper Mill in Tyrone, Blair County and passing the savings on to co-op members.

* Wildlife For Everyone Foundation Awards 5 Students College Scholarships

On March 11, the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation announced the five recipients of its annual Wildlife Scholarship Fund-- Mary Ann Bogert, Luzerne County; Peter Livengood, Fayette County; Elijah DePaulis, Adams County: Richard Novak, Allegheny County; and Emily Ritter, Wayne County.

* PA Lake Management Society Recognizes Winners Of Lake Management Awards

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society recently recognized the recipients of the 2019 Lake Management Award-- Friends of Tamarack Reservoir in Crawford County and Barbara Still of the Fawn Lake & Lake Wynonah’s Lakes Committee in Schuylkill County

* Court: Indiana County Twp. Has Right To Defend Its Prohibition Of A Drilling Wastewater Injection Well Using The Environmental Rights Amendment

In a memorandum opinion dated March 2, Commonwealth Court upheld the right of Grant Township in Indiana County to defend its ordinance prohibiting the disposal of waste from oil and gas wells in an injection well within the municipality using the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment.

* Earth Day 50 PA: Marci Mowery: A Sense Of Place In This World

The Earth Day 50 PA website is collecting memories of the first Earth Day in 1970 and this is one of those stories...

* PA Environmental Council At 50: Taking The Lead

In just his second term in the state house, Rep. Franklin Kury wrote and fought for an amendment to the state constitution requiring the people’s right to clean air and water, a law now known as “Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment.”

* PA Capitol Report: Senate, House Come Back To Session To An Empty Capitol

Measures taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus last week mean Senate and House members are scheduled to come back to a Capitol Building closed to the public, lobbyists and anyone who doesn’t work in the building.

* 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]

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--

* House Committee Meets March 16 To Take Up Pretend Solution To Reducing Nutrient Pollution, Lets Regulated Entities Challenge Every DEP Document Without Public Involvement

The House State Government Committee is scheduled to meet March 16 on bills offering a pretend solution to reduce nutrient pollution to meet Chesapeake Bay milestones and legislation giving regulated entities new tools to challenge every document produced by DEP and other agencies with no opportunity for public involvement. 

* CANCELED: Senate Appropriations Committee Holds Hearing On Pipeline Investment Program March 24

CANCELED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Environment and Government Operation is scheduled to hold a hearing on the Pipeline Investment Program on March 24.

* CANCELED: Senate, House Policy Committees To Hold Hearing March 25 On Grow PA Infrastructure, Education, Health Care Innovations

CANCELED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: The Policy Committees of all four Senate and House Republican and Democratic Caucuses will hold a hearing March 25 on the Grow PA infrastructure, education and health care initiative by chambers of commerce, trade associations, business and civic leaders.

* Senate Environmental Committee To Hold Hearings April 8 & 14 On The Potential Impact Of Joining The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold hearings April 8 and April 14 on the potential impacts of joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce carbon pollution from power plants.

* House Democrats Support Redistricting, Campaign Finance, Ethics, Voting Reforms

On March 9, members of the House Democratic Caucus are urging passage of legislation designed to strengthen democracy by improving access to voting, reducing the power of big-money special interests, and ensuring lawmakers put the people’s interests first in Pennsylvania.

* Over 100 Groups Sign Letter Urging Congressional Action On Federal Mine Reclamation Fee, Black Lung Bills

On March 9, over 100 organizations have signed on to a letter urging Congressional House Leadership to support legislation critical to the communities and miners struggling with America’s declining demand for coal.

* Reminder: NRCS-PA Conservation Stewardship Program Renewals Due Now

On March 10, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA announced it is now accepting Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) renewal applications through March 20.

* Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Takes CEQ To Task Over Proposed Rollback Of Federal Project Environmental Reviews

On March 9, the Warren County-based Friends of Allegheny Wilderness submitted comments to the federal Council on Environmental Quality on proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act project environmental review procedures it considers harmful.

* Registration Now Open For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 24-25

Online registration is now open for the 2020 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference in State College June 24-25.

* Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Joins Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership To Clean Up PA's Waterways

On March 11, the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation announced it is joining the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership coordinated by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA.

* DEP Accepting Bids For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Projects In Allegheny, Clearfield, Fayette Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting bids for mine reclamation projects in Allegheny County, Clearfield County and Fayette County.

* Op-Ed: From Rooftops To Rivers, Solving The Big Problem Of Stormwater With Local Solutions

By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

* Op-Ed: Don't You Know Pennsylvania Doesn't Have Land On The Chesapeake Bay?

By Will Baker, President, Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA

* A Movement Grows To Help Farmers Reduce Pollution And Turn A Profit With Working Riparian Buffers

By Janet Marinelli

* Dept. Of Agriculture Now Accepting Applications For Grants To Help Transition To Organic Farming

On March 11, the Department of Agriculture announced it is now accepting applications for $1 million in Farm Vitality Grants to help producers transition to organic farming. The deadline for applications is April 3.

* Using Cover Crops With High Tunnels Can Suppress Soil Pathogens, Pests, Improve Soil Health

By Jeff Mulhollem, Penn State News

* POSTPONED: CBF-PA, Local Groups Host More Than A Dozen On-Water Experiences For Students In 8 PA Counties

POSTPONED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA and local groups are hosting 13 on-water watershed exploration events in eight central Pennsylvania counties to give students in grades 6 to 12 a hands-on learning experiences from April 1 to June 4.

* Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Applications For Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Watershed Expedition For High School Students

The Schuylkill Action Network is now accepting applications from high school students interested in participating in the Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Watershed Expedition.  The deadline for applications is April 24.

* DEP Environmental Ed Grant Helps Fund Algal Bloom Education In Erie

The Regional Science Consortium laboratory, located at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie, has been dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and educating people about harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the cyanotoxins they produce along the Lake Erie shoreline and Presque Isle Bay since 2014.

* Consider Creating A Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience For Students

If you want to take your water education program up another notch, consider creating a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) for your students.

* Latest Teaching Green Environmental Education Newsletter Available From DEP

The latest Teaching Green newsletter is now available from DEP’s Environmental Education Center featuring articles on--

* Pittsburgh Water Authority Submits Multi-Year Rate Increase Request To PUC

On March 6, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority filed a multi-year rate request with the Public Utility Commission. The PUC will evaluate the request, which includes revenue increases totaling $43.8 million in 2021 and $12.6 million in 2022, as well as a more robust customer assistance program. The PUC review process can take up to nine months.

* Fix A Leak Week Highlights Importance Of Not Wasting Water

On March 12, the Public Utility Commission highlighted the importance of water, including its safety, efficiency and conservation efforts in conjunction with National “Fix a Leak Week,” which is March 16-22, 2020.

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Air Quality Infrastructure Plan Revisions

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on proposed revisions to the Air Quality Infrastructure State Implementation Plan and has scheduled three hearings to take public comment [if needed].  (formal notice)

* GASP: Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Fined $13,000 For Air Pollution Violations In Allegheny County

On March 9, the Group Against Smog And Pollution announced the Allegheny County Health Department fined U.S. Steel $13,200 for a failed stack test at the Clairton Coke Works on February 21.

* Phipps Conservatory To Host April 14-15 One Health One Planet Symposium On Air Quality In Pittsburgh

The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will host another in its series of One Health One Planet Symposiums on April 14-15 entitled One Health and the Air We Breathe in Pittsburgh.

* Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Plant Owner Rescinds Closure Notice Based On Gov. Wolf's Proposal To Join RGGI Regional Climate Initiative

On March 13, Energy Harbor Corp. notified PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization, of its decision to rescind the March 28, 2018, Deactivation Notices for the Beaver Valley Nuclear Generating Station in Shippingport, Beaver County. 

* PUC To Invite Comments On Phase IV Of Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program

On March 12, the Public Utility Commission issued for public comment its proposed guidelines for the Phase IV of the state’s energy efficiency and conservation program (EE&C Program) established under Act 129 of 2008 (Act 129).

* CANCELED: DEP Has Scheduled 3 Hearings On Mariner East II Pipeline Erosion, Water Encroachment Permits In Chester, Delaware Counties

CANCELED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: Read PA Bulletin Notices For Other Ways To Submit Comments. The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled three public hearings to accept comments on changes to the Mariner East II Pipeline Chapter 102 (Erosion) and Chapter 105 (Water Encroachment) permits related to construction at three locations in Chester and Delaware counties.

* DEP Issues Water Quality Certification For Adelphia Pipeline Project

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 14 PA Bulletin it has issued the Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Adelphia Gateway Natural Gas Pipeline Project.  (PA Bulletin page 1618)

* Dueling Press Conferences For/Against Signing Bill Providing Taxpayer Funded Subsidies For Using Natural Gas In Manufacturing

Thirty-five environmental and other organizations and legislators filled the Capitol steps in Harrisburg urging Gov. Wolf to veto House Bill 1100 which would provide taxpayer funded subsidies to manufacturers who use natural gas in manufacturing.

* Rebates Still Available For Purchase Of Alternative Fuel Vehicles

The Department of Environmental Protection issued a reminder rebates are still available on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals for the purchase of all-electric, hybrid and hydrogen fueled vehicles.  Applications will be accepted at any time.  (formal notice)

* DEP Accepting Applications For Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates

The Department of Environmental Protection continues to accept applications for Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates.

* Solar Energy Farm Generation Reaches 35 Million Kilowatt Hours At Pocono Raceway

On March 9, the Pocono Raceway in Monroe County announced its 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm has produced 35 Million kilowatt hours (kWh.)

* Pocono Forests & Waters Conservation Landscape Program Now Accepting Mini Grant Applications

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting applications for Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants.  The deadline for applications is May 1.

* South Mountain Partnership Starts Accepting Recreation, Conservation Mini Grant Applications April 1

The South Mountain Partnership will begin accepting applications for the 2020 Recreation and Conservation Mini Grants on April 1.  The deadline for applications is May 29.

* State Parks Struggle To Safeguard Species Affected By Climate Change

By Julia Fraser, Pittsburgh Quarterly

* Stroud: Modeling Mayflies To Understand The Challenges Of A Warming Planet

The brown trout lurked patiently in a shady pool of White Clay Creek, eyes fixed on the water surface above where her favorite meal would soon appear.

* PA Environmental Council: In Case You Missed It In February

The In Case You Missed It In February is now available from the PA Environmental Council featuring articles on--

* March 13 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The March 13 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Wildlands Conservancy Protects 27 More Acres For South Mountain Preserve In Lehigh County

The Wildlands Conservancy announced the permanent protection of 27 acres, situated in Salisbury Township, Lehigh County. The recent acquisition will expand its Emmaus-based South Mountain Preserve to 402 acres.

* Penn State Extension Hosts Spotted Lanternfly Meetings In Blair, Lebanon, Montour, Perry Counties

Penn State Extension will host public meetings in Blair, Lebanon, Montour and Perry counties to help landowners recognize the spotted lanternfly and help stop its spread.

* CANCELED: Scott Weidensaul To Speak At April 3 Pennsylvania Wildlife For Everyone Gala In State College

CANCELED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: Scott Weidensaul, acclaimed writer, lecturer and field researcher on topics of ornithology and natural history, will be the guest speaker at the third annual Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala held at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College on Friday, April 3.

* CANCELED: Bluebird Society Of Pennsylvania Conference Set For March 27-28 In Bethlehem

CANCELED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: The Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania will hold its 22nd Annual Conference on March 27-28 at the Lehigh Valley Hotel and Conference Center in Bethlehem.

* POSTPONED: Register Now! PA Outdoor Writers Assn. Spring Conference May 14-17 In Dauphin County

POSTPONED Due To Coronavirus Concerns: The PA Outdoor Writers Association will hold its Spring Conference on May 14-17 at the Holiday Inn in Grantville, Dauphin County.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Names Jamie Dawson Director Of Education

On March 10, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County announced the appointment of Jamie Dawson as its next Director of Education. Jamie replaces Erin Brown who stepped down earlier last year.

* Help Wanted: Eckley Miners' Village Education Assistant

Eckley Miners' Village in Weatherly, Carbon County is seeking qualified individuals for an Education Assistant.  The deadline for applications is March 27.

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

Click Here: Week’s Worth Of PA Environment & Energy NewsClips - Support Local Journalism

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

NOTICE: Due To Coronavirus Concerns, Please Call Ahead To Make Sure The Event You Are Going To Is Still Being Held

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

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

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* PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 24-25 In State College

The PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2020 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 24-25 in State College. Registration Now Open!

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

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