Here are 36 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.

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

This year, the youth conservation program, Wildlife Leadership Academy awarded five teens their Ralph Abele Excellence in Outreach Award which includes a $500 college scholarship. 

The Allegheny County Conservation District accomplished its goal of planting its 3,000th tree during its 75th anniversary year. These trees will help reduce flooding and water pollution.

By: Jodi Sulpizio, York County Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

By Cindy Rogers, Master Watershed Steward Volunteer, Armstrong, Indiana & Westmoreland Counties

Elizabethtown College in Lancaster County is partnering with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to participate in a lawn conversion program that will help Pennsylvania meet its Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals.

By B.J. Small, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA

By: Jodi Sulpizio, York County Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

By American Rivers

By Erin Frederick, Statewide Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

"Sentinels of the Susquehanna: Volume 1," a 285-page paperback book featuring more than 50 stories from the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association is now on sale.

On November 10, the U.S. Geological Survey released an analysis of nitrogen pollution in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed which examines the greatest opportunities for nitrogen reduction through 2050.

On November 15, the Heritage Conservancy announced it has partnered with John Nierer to place a conservation easement on the 14+ acre Nierer Farm in Moore Township, Northampton County.

On November 22, the Public Utility Commission alerted consumers and small businesses that most utilities will be adjusting their price to compare for electric generation on December 1st – with potentially large winter energy cost increases in some areas for non-shopping (default service) customers.

On November 22, the Independent Fiscal Office reported there was a 187.1 percent increase in the Pennsylvania price for natural gas since the third quarter of 2020, even higher than the 120.1 percent increase in the industry referenced Henry Hub price during the same period.

On November 23, the Public Utility Commission released 2021 Winter Reliability Overview Reports from the state’s major natural gas distribution companies (NGDCs), along with a related Readiness Report from the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP).

On November 22, Gov. Tom Wolf, the state secretaries for the departments of Transportation and Environmental Protection, joined other administration and community stakeholders in Lancaster to highlight innovative local anti-littering measures and called for action to combat Pennsylvania’s litter-problem at all levels statewide.

On November 22, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources invited vendors to participate in an open forum discussion on December 16 to determine the most cost-effective and successful way to operate a four-season recreation center at Denton Hill State Park in Potter County.

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

Penn State Extension is now accepting registrations for its 9-part webinar series Woods In Your Backyard education program starting January 19 and learn how landowners can positively influence the environment by implementing simple stewardship practices.

In December, the Pennsylvania Resources Council will conduct two online environmental education webinars to teach residents the importance and process of backyard composting.

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

On November 23, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) introduced Senate Bill 945 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which directs state government to sell all its Renewable Energy Credits and deposit the proceeds in the Marcellus Legacy Fund for use to plug oil and gas wells abandoned by the industry and left to taxpayers to pay for plugging costs  (sponsor summary).

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

On November 23, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced fiscal year 2022 assistance opportunities for agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs, such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

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

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

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

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 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.

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.