Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
March 15, 2021 Issue #872
(3/15/2021)
* 10 New Stories - What REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership Looks Like In PA

There are 10 new stories in this week’s PA Environment Digest that show the leadership of farmers, bipartisan members of Congress, a RiverKeeper, a media outlet, farmers, state agencies, a nonprofit group and company CEOs to restore, protect and put the spotlight on the state’s pollution problems and leaders and significant events from our past.

* David Wise, Stroud Center, Recognized With Watershed Forestry Leadership Award

On March 10, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the recognition of David Wise, Stroud Water Research Center, with the Watershed Forestry Leadership Award at the 2021 Riparian Forest Buffer Summit.

* Land O’Lakes Dairy Farmers Working With The Hershey Company, Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay On Water Quality, Climate Initiatives

On March 11, Land O’Lakes Inc. announced new on-farm sustainability commitments to be adopted by its more than 1,600 member-dairy farms by 2025, including in Pennsylvania.

* PA Historical & Museum Commission Approves 23 Historical Markers, Including 2 Related To PA's Environmental Heritage

On March 10, the PA Historical and Museum Commission approved 23 new historical markers recognizing people and events as varied as  Chinese Workers in Beaver Falls, the first large workforce of Chinese in Pennsylvania; Dr. James Oscar Cooper, a founder of one of America’s first Black fraternities; Ephrata Female Composers and the classic Christmas song Winter Wonderland.

* Sen. Browne Urges DCNR To Monetize Its Assets; Questions Continued Need For DEP’s Dedicated Environmental Funds

Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), a key player in the budget process as the Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, raised several fundamental issues about the way the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources are funded in their budget hearings this week.

* Sen. Yaw: DCNR Should Raise Money By Leasing More State Forest Land For Natural Gas Drilling; Fails To Deal With $1 Billion DCNR Infrastructure Needs

On March 9, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) suggested again the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources lease more state forest land for natural gas drilling, this time not to balance the state budget or pay for DCNR’s operating budget, but to pay for needed infrastructure improvements in state parks and forests.

* DCNR Budget Testimony: Outdoor Recreation Helped Millions Of Pennsylvanians Cope With COVID Pandemic

This is the written testimony by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn submitted to the Senate Appropriations Committee in advance of its hearings on Gov. Wolf’s FY 2021-22 budget request.  The House has not held a hearing on DCNR’s budget request.

* PA Members Of Congress Introduce Bipartisan Bills To Reclaim Abandoned Mine Lands, Create Jobs

On March 10, Pennsylvania members of Congress Matt Cartwright (D) and Glenn Thompson (R) announced the introduction of two pieces of legislation to reauthorize and accelerate federal funding to reclaim abandoned mine lands in Pennsylvania and across America.

* U.S. House Subcommittee On Energy & Mineral Resources To Hold March 18 Hearing On Restoring Abandoned Mine Lands

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources is scheduled to hold a hearing March 18 on the issue of Restoring Abandoned Mine Lands, Local Economies and the Environment starting at Noon.

* Bay Journal: What Will It Take To Clean Up Abandoned Mine Land In Chesapeake Bay Watershed? - Part I

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* DEP: 2nd Round Of PFAS Sampling At 114 Public Water System Sites: 65% No PFAS, None Of Sites Above Federal Limits

On March 12, the Department of Environmental Protection released the second round of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl-- PFAS-- testing at 114 public water system locations around the state which found no PFAS at 65 percent of the sites and none of the remaining sites were above federal limits.

* DEP Announces Equity Principles To Guide Investments Thru Proposed Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

On March 10, the Department of Environmental Protection announced a set of guiding equity principles to help inform the public on the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and investments of the program’s proceeds.

* DEP To Hold Public Input Sessions On Environmental Justice Policy Revision March 22, 31

The DEP Office of Environmental Justice will hold two virtual public sessions to hear comments and suggestions from a variety of stakeholders on revising the existing Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy.

* Governor’s Office Posts Updated Agency-By-Agency Agenda Of Regulations In Development

On March 13, the Governor’s Office published an updated agency-by-agency agenda of regulations in development and an estimated schedule for future actions.  (formal notice)

* DEP Posts Update To Non-Regulatory Agenda Showing Status Of Technical Guidance In Development

On March 13, the Department of Environmental Protection posted an update to its Non-Regulatory Agenda showing the status of technical guidance in development.  (formal notice)

* DEP Works Thru Pandemic: 795 More Permits, 2,407 More Inspections Since Last Week

From March 16, 2020 to March 9, 2021 Department of Environmental Protection employees have been teleworking and using COVID-19 mitigation measures to continue to fulfill its mission.  DEP staff have--

* GreenPort Users! Who Access DEP, DCNR And Agriculture Applications

The Department of Environmental Protection posted an advisory on its website that individuals and companies that access applications through GreenPort will see changes to the login and layout of the system in the near future

* 16 Members Of PA Senate Democratic Caucus Filed Motion To Intervene In PA Senate Republican Caucus Legal Challenge To Delaware River Basin Commission Natural Gas Fracking Ban

On March 12, a group of 16 PA Senate Democratic Caucus members filed a motion to intervene in the lawsuit brought by the entire PA Senate Republican Caucus to overturn the ban on natural gas fracking adopted by the Delaware River Basin Commission.  Read more here.

* AG Shapiro: $5.3 Million Natural Gas Royalty Restitution From Chesapeake Energy For PA Property Owners

On March 8, Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced a settlement agreement with Chesapeake Energy that provides for better payment of royalties for Pennsylvania landowners with Chesapeake leases going forward; improved protections for landowners through appointment of an Ombudsman to investigate individual claims, OAG compliance and inspection rights, and annual reporting; and $5.3 million in restitution for Pennsylvania landowners with Chesapeake leases.

* PUC Issues Cybersecurity Advisory On Threats To Utility Systems

On March 10, the Public Utility Commission announced it has issued a Cybersecurity Advisory to water utilities across Pennsylvania with specific cybersecurity information following a February cyberattack on a water system in Florida.

* Keep America Beautiful Recognizes DEP And PennDOT With National Partnership Awards

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation recently received national Keep America Beautiful State Agency Partner Awards from Keep America Beautiful.

* Agriculture Adds 8 More Counties To Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area

On March 10, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that eight counties have been added to Pennsylvania’s Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone ahead of the 2021 spring hatch. With this addition, the quarantine for this invasive pest is now at 34 counties.  (formal notice)

* Penn State: U.S. Census Of Agriculture Found Pennsylvania Lost 425,776 Acres Of Farmland Between 2012 - 2017

By Chuck Gill, Penn State News

* PA Capitol & COVID Weekly Report: Federal COVID Aid Saves State, Local Budgets; No More Gasoline Tax?

[ Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else ] The federal COVID relief bill signed into law by President Biden last week lifted a huge burden from Senate and House Republicans on how they were going to balance the state’s FY 2020-21 state budget.

* Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/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--

* Senate Environmental Committee Hears About Using Carbon Capture Technology To Reduce PA’s Carbon Footprint

On March 10, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an information meeting on the deployment and utilization of carbon dioxide capture and management technologies.

* House Environmental Committee Holds March 15 Info Meeting On Hydrogen Power, Carbon Capture

On March 15, the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold an information meeting on “embracing Pennsylvania’s energy potential - hydrogen power and carbon capture.”

* House Committee Meets March 16 On Bill To Exempt Restaurants That Bottle & Sell Water From Safe Drinking Water Act

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on March 16 to consider legislation to exempt restaurants that bottle and sell water to the public from the Safe Drinking Water Act.

* Sen. Yaw Hosts March 23 'Honest Conservation About Energy, The Economy, The Environment' With State Geologist From Texas

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, invited interested persons to tune into a March 23 online program by Dr. Scott W. Tinker Texas State Geologist entitled "An Honest Conversation About Energy, Economy and The Environment" from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

* Gov. Wolf Commits To Phasing Out Gasoline Tax, Announces Commission To Develop Funding Solutions

On March 12, Gov. Tom Wolf reiterated his commitment to phase out Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax, which is becoming an unreliable source for funding Pennsylvania’s vast transportation network.

* NRCS-PA: Healthy Forest Reserve Program Funding Available For PA Landowners In 12 Counties To Help Protect Indiana Bat

The USDA/NRCS in Pennsylvania has $300,000 in Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP) funding available for permanent forest easements with habitat restoration.  The deadline for applications is April 30.

* PACD Still Has $350,000 Left For Conservation District Multi-Functional Riparian Buffer Grants

The PA Association of Conservation District reminded districts $350,000 is still available to conservation districts to support the planting of multi-functional riparian buffers.

* DEP Invites Comments On Proposed TMDL Plan For Plum Creek Watershed, Blair County

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load Plan for the Plum Creek subwatershed in Blair County.  (PA Bulletin, page 1423)

* Penn State Extension: 3-Part Webinar Series For New Farmers - Find, Lease, Purchase Land

Penn State Extension is hosting a new three-part webinar series for new and beginning farmers on How To Find, Lease  and Purchase Land starting March 29.

* Penn State College Of Agricultural Sciences Hosts April 21 Webinar On Advancing Adaptability & Sustainability

The Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences will host an April 21 College Connections webinar on Advancing Adaptability and Sustainability from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

* Master Watershed Steward Program Now Forming In Erie, Crawford, Warren Counties

Penn State Extension is now launching the Master Watershed Steward Program in Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties.

* Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper Hosting HERYN - Helping Engage Our River's Youth With Nature Program This Summer

The Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper is hosting the HERYN - Helping Engage Our River's Youth With Nature Program summer sessions June 21 to 26.

* PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Accepting Applications For College Science Scholarships

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is now accepting applications for its two $1,000 college science scholarship programs--

* Chesapeake Bay Foundation Accepting Entries To Save The Bay Photo Contest

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation 2021 Save The Bay Photo Contest is now accepting entries from youth, amateur and professional photographers to highlight the beauty and character of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed's rivers and streams through the eyes of those who enjoy them. 

* Gov. Wolf Promotes Free Testing For Lead In Drinking Water For Schools, Child Care Programs Thru PennVEST Funding

On March 9, the Wolf Administration advised all schools and child care programs in Pennsylvania of the Voluntary Lead in Child Care and School Drinking Water Testing Program, which will provide $1.74 million from a federal grant for testing lead in drinking water and with PA Infrastructure Investment Authority funding.

* PUC Recognizes Fix A Leak Week, Highlights Importance Of Safe Drinking Water, Efficiency, Conservation

On March 11, 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 15-21, 2021.

* Southwest PA Air Quality Partnership, PA Resources Council Extends Deadline For Teachers To Register For Let's Clear The Air Student Poster Challenge

The Southwest PA Air Quality Partnership and PA Resources Council are extending the deadline for teachers to participate in the Let’s Clear the Air Student Poster Challenge to March 22.

* DEP To Hold April 15 Virtual Hearing On Tri-County Landfill Water Quality Permit, Mercer County

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a virtual hearing for April 15 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on the NPDES Water Quality Permit Application of the Tri-County Landfill in Liberty and Pine townships, Mercer County. (PA Bulletin page 1419)

* PA Resources Council Recycled Paper Co-op Offers Consumers 100% Recycled Paper At Significant Savings In Pittsburgh

On March 12, the PA Resources Council Recycled Paper Cooperative – launched last spring to provide local businesses and nonprofits with recycled paper at significant savings – is currently accepting orders through April 1, for its Spring 2021 distribution.

* CBF Op-Ed: As We Learn More About Tiny Bits Of Plastic In The Water, There 'R' Things We Can Do

By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

* Dickinson College Clarke Forum Hosts Renowned Poet, Award-Winning Photographer To Discuss Project Documenting Fracking On March 25

Dickinson College’s Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues will host a virtual event exploring fracking in Pennsylvania through a creative lens. “Shale Play: Poems and Photographs from the Fracking Fields,” will take place via a public YouTube livestream on March 25, at 7 p.m.

* Registration Now Open For 2021 Shale Network Workshop May 13-14

The Shale Network is now accepting registrations for the 2021 Shale Network Workshop to be held virtually on May 13-14.

* Better Path Coalition Hosts Environmental Health News ‘The Body Burden Of Living Near Fracking’ Reporter In March 24 Webinar

The Better Path Coalition is hosting a March 24 webinar with Environmental Health News investigative reporter Kristina Marusic, one of the authors of “Fractured: The Body Burden Of Living Near Fracking,” a series of articles reporting on Western Pennsylvania families living near shale gas fracking operations.

* PUC Fully Lifts Utility Service Termination Moratorium, Adds Safeguards To Help Households, Small Businesses Address Past-Due Utility Bills

On March 11, the Public Utility Commission approved a plan that establishes an array of extended payment plan options to help residential and small business utility customers stay connected to service while gradually paying-down past-due balances.

* DMI Companies President & CEO Raymond Yeager Appointed CEOs For Sustainability Co-chair

On March 9, the Pittsburgh-based CEOs for Sustainability executive network announced it has selected Raymond Yeager, president and CEO of DMI Companies, as its new co-chair effective immediately.

* PennDOT New Scenic Byway Designation For The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway In Chester, Delaware Counties

On March 11, the Department of Transportation announced the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway in Chester and Delaware counties has received a National Scenic Byways Designation from the Federal Highway Administration.

* March 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The March 12 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

* Registration Open! PA Council Of Trout Unlimited 5-Part Webinar Series On Implementing Women, Diversity, Inclusion Programs

PA Council of Trout Unlimited’s Women, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is hosting a five-part series of webinars on How To Plan, Coordinate And Implement Women and Diversity Programs from April 13 through May 20.

* Fish & Boat Commission Accepting Applications For Education Grants To Increase Number Of Anglers, Boaters In PA

On March 12, the Fish and Boat Commission announced it is now accepting applications for grants to support the development and delivery of education programs that contribute to the Commission's efforts to increase the number of anglers and boaters in Pennsylvania. 

* Invasive Zebra Mussels Found In 'Moss Ball' Aquarium Products Sold In PA

The Fish and Boat Commission is joining fish and wildlife agencies nationwide to alert consumers about aquarium products that may be infested with invasive Zebra Mussels.

* Interns Wanted: Trout Unlimited; Alliance For Watershed Education Of The Delaware River

The Alliance For Watershed Education Of The Delaware River and Trout Unlimited are looking for summer interns.  Here are the details--

* Help Wanted: Northumberland Conservation District; PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The Northumberland County Conservation District and the PA Parks & Forests Foundation are looking to fill positions.  Here are the details--

* Environment & Energy NewsClips

Click Here: Week’s Worth Of PA Environment & Energy NewsClips

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* 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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* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

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

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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