Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 1, 2021. Issue #902
(11/1/2021)
* 42 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 42 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* All Articles & NewsClips In This Week’s Digest By Topic

Links to all the articles and NewsClips in this week’s PA Environment Digest by topic in one place--

* The Science Says: Spreading Conventional Drilling Wastewater On Dirt & Gravel Roads Can Harm Aquatic Life, Poses Health Risks To Humans - And It Damages The Roads

Millions of gallons of conventional oil and gas drilling wastewater is being dumped indiscriminately on Pennsylvania’s dirt and gravel roads every year.

* DRBC Posts Draft Regulations Covering Discharges Of Wastewater From High Volume Hydraulic Fracking Oil And Gas Drilling Operations; Bans Road Dumping Of Wastewater & Co-Products

On October 28, the Delaware River Basin Commission posted draft changes to its Water Code regulating wastewater from high volume hydraulic fracking oil and gas drilling operations.

* The Future Of Pennsylvania’s Parks and Forests Is in Our Hands; New Online StoryMap Describes Critical State Park, Forest Funding Needs

By Marci Mowery, President, PA Parks & Forests Foundation

* Guest Essay: Communities Should Invest Federal American Rescue Plan Funds In Conservation

By Andy Loza, Executive Director, WeConservePA

* PA Environmental Council: Now Is The Time To Protect PA Against Climate Threats

By: Lily Jones, PA Environmental Council

* Guest Essay: Faith And Science Mandate A More Aggressive Plan To Address Climate Change

By Brandon Hoover and David Foster, Ph.D., Messiah University

* Guest Essay: Heed The Warning - A Few Extremists Threaten PA's Energy Leadership

By PA Manufacturers Association

* Nacero To Build A Natural Gas - Renewable Natural Gas To Gasoline Production Plant in Luzerne County

On October 29, Nacero Inc. announced plans to build a $6 billion manufacturing facility on the site of a former coal mine in Newport Township and Nanticoke, Luzerne County that will bring thousands of jobs and produce tens of thousands of barrels per day of low and zero lifecycle carbon footprint gasoline made from natural gas and renewable natural gas.

* PJM Adopts Temporary Manual Changes To Address Global Fuel Supply Issues With Coal

PJM, the regional electric grid operator, reiterated concerns for potential fuel supply issues if the region were to experience an extreme winter based on recent global fuel availability challenges heading into winter, at its Markets and Reliability Committee meeting on October 20.

* Stourbridge Project Solar Installation In Wayne County Wins Environmental Award

The Wayne County Commissioners, Sustainable Energy Education & Development Support (SEEDS) and the Clean Energy Co-op Inc. are pleased to announce the solar installation at the Stourbridge Project has been awarded an Environmental Partnership Award from the Northeast PA Environmental Partners.

* PA Solar Center Hosts Nov. 4 Online Lancaster County Lodestar Awards Program

The PA Solar Center is hosting another in its series of Lodestar Awards to recognize solar visionaries across Pennsylvania, this time in Lancaster County on November 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

* Philadelphia, Partners Open Solar Training Lab At Frankford H.S. To Launch Young People Into Clean Energy Careers

On October 29, Mayor Jim Kenney, Superintendent William Hite, PECO CEO Mike Innocenzo and others joined the Philadelphia Energy Authority to celebrate the opening of a new Solar Training Lab at Frankford High School to help launch young people into careers in clean energy.

* New Poll: 65% Of PA Voters Want To Help Communities Affected By Transition To Clean Energy; 59% Would Vote For Candidates Supporting Reductions In Carbon Emissions

By more than a 2-to-1 ratio, Pennsylvania voters agree that it gives them a sense of pride to see Pennsylvania taking proactive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its harmful effects on the environment, according to a new poll released by the Clean Air Council.

* DEP Sets Final Deadline To Apply For Fast Charging, Hydrogen Fueling Grants Under Driving PA Forward

The Department of Environmental Protection is accepting grant applications for DC Fast Charging and Hydrogen Fueling vehicle supply equipment projects under the Driving PA Forward initiative.  (formal notice)

* ReImagine Appalachia: Updated Build Back Better Framework Sets Stage For Job-Creating Investment in Healthier, More Prosperous Future for Appalachia

The newly unveiled Build Back Better Framework and the bipartisan infrastructure framework that passed the Senate in August will make the largest ever investments in job-creating climate action in Congress’ history, according to ReImagine Appalachia.

* Gov. Wolf, Legislative Black Caucus Members Announce Actions To Prioritize Environmental Justice

On October 28, Gov. Tom Wolf and members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus and local environmental advocates announced executive and legislative actions that will ensure that all Pennsylvanians, especially disadvantaged communities, are included in conversations and decisions to protect our environment.

* Ed Wytovich Discusses Catawissa Creek's Unique Potential, Threats It Faces, What's Needed

By John Zaktansky, Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper

* DEP Healthy Waters Newsletter Highlights Profiles Of 40 Clean Water Funding Programs, Local Clean Water Leadership

DEP’s latest Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan newsletter Healthy Waters Pennsylvania Partnership, Program highlights profiles of over 40 clean water funding programs and clean water leadership throughout Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

* Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Announces 2021 Environmental Award Winners; Nov. 1-8 Celebration

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy announces the organization’s 2021 Environmental Award Recipients in conjunction with their annual A Night for Conservation: Benefit & Virtual Silent Auction.

* Lancaster Clean Water Partners Announce Over $2 Million In Grants To Support 15 Projects

On October 27, the Lancaster Clean Water Fund, administered by the Lancaster County Community Foundation and managed by the Lancaster Clean Water Partners, awarded $2,051,560 to 15 clean water projects for the 2021 grant round.

* Lancaster Clean Water Partners Host Tree Planting In Manheim Township Park

On October 28, Lancaster Clean Water Partners hosted a streamside planting of native trees, shrubs, and pollinator plants in celebration of Riparian Buffer Month at Manheim Township’s Overlook Park.

* Ducks Unlimited, Coalition For Delaware River Watershed Celebrate $3 Million Tidal Marsh Habitat Restoration Project In John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

On October 27, Ducks Unlimited was joined by others in the conservation community to tour John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia and celebrate the tidal marsh habitat restoration project, funded by the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund.

* Delaware River Basin Commission Virtual Hearing Nov. 10; Business Meeting Dec. 8

The Delaware River Basin Commission will hold a virtual hearing November 10 on water withdrawal, discharges and other requests and a virtual business meeting December 8 to consider those requests and other issues. (formal notice)

* Opportunity To Bid On DEP Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project In Luzerne County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 30 PA Bulletin of an opportunity to bid on a abandoned mine reclamation project in Luzerne County.

* PA Resources Council Partners With Construction Junction In Pittsburgh To Provide 100% Recycled Office Paper On Demand

The PA Resources Council Recycled Paper Cooperative is now partnering with Construction Junction in Pittsburgh to provide paper on demand.

* DEP Invites Comments On How To Calculate Medium-Specific Standards For Lead In Land Recycling Program Cleanups

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the October 30 PA Bulletin inviting comments on how to calculate medium-specific standards for lead in Land Recycling Program Cleanups.

* Agriculture: Every Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass Not Destroyed Is 50 More Next Spring - ‘That’s Scary’

On October 28, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvanians of the importance of vigilance against the Spotted Lanternfly as the bugs begin laying eggs on flat surfaces to overwinter and hatch in the spring.

* DCNR’s 5th Fall Foliage Report: Weather Conditions Lengthening Peak Fall Color

On October 28, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued its fifth Fall Foliage Report that gives a preview of next week’s leaf viewing. 

* PA Parks & Forests Foundation Invites Nominations For 2022 Parks & Forest Awards

On October 27, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation is seeking nominations for its 2022 Annual Parks and Forests Awards which recognize the exemplary programs, services, staff and volunteers that have made a positive impact on the state’s parks and forests.

* October 29 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The October 29 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* DCNR Invites Trail Users To Fill Out Survey

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources looking for ideas on how it can improve information about its trails for trail users.

* Keystone Trails Association Names Brook Lenker Executive Director

On October 25, Keystone Trails Association announced David “Brook” Lenker will serve as the organization’s Executive Director.

* Educational Opportunities for Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* Register Now! PA Forestry Association Virtual Annual Symposium Set For Nov. 2 & 4

The PA Forestry Association will hold a virtual Annual Symposium on November 2 and 4.  This special event is in place of the in-person Annual Symposium postponed after the sudden passing of Dr. Jim Finley.

* Call For Presenters - Joint Keystone Goldwater Conference & American Fisheries Society Meeting Feb. 25-26

The PA Council of Trout Unlimited and Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program have issued a call for presenters for the February 25-26 Joint Keystone Goldwater Fisheries Conference and PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society meeting in State College.

* Governor’s STEM Team Competition Now Accepting Registrations

On October 26, the Department of Education announced registrations are now being accepted for the virtual 2021 Governor’s STEM Competition. All Commonwealth public and non-public high schools, career and technical centers, charter schools, and home-schooled students are invited to participate.

* PA Municipal League, Sustainable Pittsburgh’s Virtual 2021 Fall Sustainability Conference Nov. 16

The Pennsylvania Municipal League, Sustainable Pittsburgh’s partner on the Sustainable Pennsylvania performance program for municipalities, is hosting the virtual Fall 2021 Sustainability Conference on November 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

* PA Resources Council Hosts Backyard Composting Webinars November 3 & 18

The PA Resources Council will host online environmental education webinars on November 3 and 18 to teach residents the importance and process of backyard composting.

* PennTAP Hosts Nov. 3 Southwest PA Energy Efficiency Roundtable Webinar

The Penn State Technical Assistance Program is hosting the November 3 Southwest PA Energy Efficiency Roundtable webinar from 11:00 a.m. to Noon on utility incentive programs.

* PA Parks & Forests Foundation Fall Newsletter Features Native Peoples, Paths, Places In State Parks & Forests

The Fall 2021 Penn's Stewards newsletter from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation features an article by Angie Jaillet-Wentling and Ashley Barry from DCNR's Bureau of State Parks-- Paths, Like People, Persist-- on Native Peoples, Paths and Places in Pennsylvania's State Parks and Forests.

* WeConservePA: Seeking Proposals To Host 2025 PA Greenways & Trails Summit

WeConservePA in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking proposals from organizations (or partnerships) to host the statewide Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit in Fall 2025.

* Hawk Mountain Sanctuary: Meet Eagles Up Close Nov. 6; Peak Golden Eagle Migration Time

On November 6, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary visitors in Berks County will have a guaranteed opportunity to see both a bald and a golden eagle up close during the Eagle Day event.

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* Senate Republicans Pass Bill To Prohibit Communities From Promoting Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency; House Republicans Move Companion Bill

On October 27, Senate Republicans passed Senate Bill 275 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which would limit the ability of communities to offer new and clean energy sources and energy efficiency programs by locking in the status quo, in particular natural gas.

* Senate Passes Resolution To Block Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Regulations; Now Goes To House

On October 27, the Senate voted 32 to 18, just short of a veto-proof margin, to adopt a concurrent resolution to block final DEP regulations from going into effect setting limits on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

* House Committee Moves Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf

On October 27, the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee unanimously amended and reported out Senate Bill 251 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which sets standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, provides for the certification of professional fertilizer applicators and for labeling and an education program.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Chesapeake Bay Program: Unusual Weather Conditions Continue To Impact Chesapeake Bay Water Quality

On October 26, the federal Chesapeake Bay Program announced an estimated 33 percent of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries met water quality standards attainment during the 2017—2019 assessment period.

* EPA Recognizes 2 PA Companies With Top Environmental Performers and Leaders For Freight Supply Chain Efficiency

On October 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized two Pennsylvania companies-- Pittsburgh-based Armada Supply Chain Partners, and Reading-based Penske Logistics LLC-- as industry leaders in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.

* 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.

* PA Bulletin

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the latest PA Bulletin--

* 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.

* PA Statewide Watershed Conference - Nov. 7-8, Webinars Nov. 10-11

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Statewide Watershed Conference hosted by the PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers on November 7-8, with special webinars on November 10-11.

* Keystone Coldwater Conference + PA Chapter Of American Fisheries Society Feb. 25-26

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2022 Joint Meeting of the Keystone Coldwater Conference and PA Chapter of the American Fisheries Society on February 25-26, 2022, at the Ramada Conference Center in State College.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; 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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