Here are 46 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.

Below are examples of going the WRONG WAY on environmental and energy issues from last week’s articles and NewsClips-- 

PA Environment Digest Put Links To The Best Environment & Energy Articles and NewsClips From Last Week Here By Topic.

On January 26, the Environmental Defense Fund and Taxpayers for Common Sense released a new economic analysis which found oil and gas companies operating on U.S. public and tribal lands wasted over $500 million worth of natural gas in 2019— 157 billion cubic feet— the most recent year of data available that is reflective of the industry.

From January 28 through February 3, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 640 inspection reports that resulted in reporting 23 violations of environmental regulations-- 7 violations by the conventional oil and gas industry and 11 violations by the unconventional shale natural gas industry.

The following DEP notices were published in the February 4 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

On February 2, the Environmental Integrity Project and Clean Air Council filed a notice of intent to sue Shell Chemical Appalachia for repeated violations of air pollution permit limits at its petrochemical plant in Beaver County.

On February 1, Acting Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against the Dallas Area Municipal Authority in Shavertown, Luzerne County for allegedly discharging untreated sewage into Toby’s Creek.

On February 3, the Fish and Boat Commission said they took no separate enforcement action in the case of pesticide runoff from the Valley Brook Country Club that killed an estimated 122,586 fish in Chartiers Creek, Washington County.  It was decided DEP would take the lead on any penalties assessed.

On January 31, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2023-07 to improve the Commonwealth’s licensing, permitting, and certification processes, beginning a comprehensive review of how long it takes agencies to process applications and how workers and businesses apply online.

By Holly Smith, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator, Adams, Cumberland & Franklin Counties

The PASA Sustainable Agriculture Association recently honored several agriculture, community, and business leaders who serve as examples for advancing sustainable agriculture through innovation and collaboration.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to open the sixth request for proposals for the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund.  Proposals are due March 16.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the February 4 PA Bulletin inviting comments on draft stream evaluation reports for Slab Cabin Run in Centre County and Lycoming Creek and Lycoming, Tioga and Sullivan Counties.

Organizers of the 2023 Watershed Congress are now accepting registrations for the in-person session to be held on March 25 at the Montgomery County Community College in Pottstown and for the online programs March 27-31.

Mark your calendars!  The 2023 Choose Clean Water Conference is set for May 23-24 in Harrisburg at the Hilton Hotel. 

The Tulpehocken Creek Watershed Association, a program of Berks Nature, located in Berks County, is actively recruiting new members to assist in our multidimensional environmental activities.

By Jimi Werner, Penn State News

By Beth Yount, Master Watershed Steward Coordinator In Philadelphia

The February newsletter from the Pike County Conservation District puts a spotlight on the link between forests and healthy watersheds as part of their forestry month focus.

On February 1, the Game Commission and Ducks Unlimited announced they have partnered to improve 1,600 acres of wetland habitats on 61 state game lands across Pennsylvania.

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

On January 31, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania collaborated on a School Recycling Study Survey that shows Pennsylvania K-12 students have increased their knowledge and awareness of recycling over the past fiscal year.

The PJM Interconnection, the regional electric grid operator that includes Pennsylvania, has issued a Cold Weather Alert and declared Conservative Operations throughout the PJM footprint for February 3–4 in anticipation of frigid temperatures.

On February 3, the Department of Transportation announced it has postponed the opening of the grant application period for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant Program.  It was to have started February 24.

The Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program can help rural businesses apply for USDA Rural Energy for American Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency loans and grants. The application deadline is March 31, 2023.

The PA Solar Center will host a webinar on February 17 on how to apply for the USDA Rural Energy For America Program and the G.E.T. Solar Communities Programs.

The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund is now accepting applications for financial assistance from businesses and nonprofits to continue building its diversified portfolio of sustainable energy and energy efficiency investments in the West Penn Power service territory.

On January 31, Acting Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the Mount Jewett to Kinzua Bridge (MJ2KB) Trail in McKean County has been named Pennsylvania’s 2023 Trail of the Year.

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers is now accepting applications for 2023 PA River Sojourn Grants.  The deadline for applications is March 31.

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, in partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and DCNR are now accepting applications for the Ohio Basin Access for Canoes and Kayaks Mini Grant Program.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Trust for Public Land are hosting the first of several webinars on February 14 on Strategies to Advance Park Equity In Rural Areas starting at 11:00 a.m.

The February 3 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation--

The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania and Delaware recently announced it has closed on the purchase of 1,071 acres in Pennsylvania’s Shohola Township, Pike County, linking two state game lands to create a 43-mile corridor of protected lands.

By Carol Hillestad for the Pocono Heritage Land Trust

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

The University of Pittsburgh is hosting a webinar on February 6 on Reaping What We Spill, Leak and Spew from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Harrisburg area teachers and students will engage in hands-on learning around local environmental issues and solutions, and the unique nature of their communities thanks to a grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), acquired by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

DEP and the Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program will hold the next Pennsylvania Lake Erie Environmental Forum online February 21 on Education and Volunteerism in Pennsylvania from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.

By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County

By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County

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

On January 31, the Senate Appropriations Committee posted the schedule of agency budget hearings starting March 20, after Gov. Shapiro’s March 7 budget address.  

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

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 February 4 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 supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.