Here are 68 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 April 16, Inside Climate News published a comprehensive article by Stacey Burling on issues surrounding the disposal of 2.6 billion gallons of conventional and shale gas drilling wastewater generated in Pennsylvania annually that included a statement from Gov. Shapiro’s office supporting “key recommendations” in a 2020 Grand Jury Report that concluded DEP’s oil and gas regulatory program failed to protect public health and the environment.

On December 27, 2022-- Christmas week-- a malfunction at the CNX Oak Springs Natural Gas Pipeline Pigging Station in South Franklin Township, Washington County resulted in the release of an estimated 1.1 million cubic feet of natural gas and hazardous air pollutants.

On April 13, the Department of Environmental Protection and Equitrans filed a settlement with the Environmental Hearing Board resulting in the withdrawal of DEP’s December enforcement order against Equitrans to correct violations at the Rager Mountain Underground Natural Gas Storage area related to the release of an estimated 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas that was visible from space.

From April 8 to 14, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 614 inspection entries that resulted in reporting 56 violations of environmental regulations-- 18 violations by the conventional oil and gas industry and 38 violations by the unconventional shale natural gas industry.

Examples pulled from DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database this week provide a more indepth view of how unconventional shale gas drillers create new brownfield sites wherever they go-- in this case Chesapeake Appalachia in Bradford County.

The following DEP notices were published in the April 15 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission is scheduled to meet April 20 on final EQB emergency regulations setting emission limits on conventional oil and gas operations.

On April 14, The Express reported Bechtel Corp will discontinue development of the 1,000 MW natural gas-fired Renovo Energy Center in Clinton County.

On April 3 and 6, the Department of Environmental Protection issued a total of three more Air Quality notices of violation to the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County.

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

The Ohio River Valley Institute will host an April 19 webinar on Policy Action In Response To The Norfolk Southern Train Derailment and Beyond from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

On April 14, Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Rich Negrin joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 Administrator Adam Ortiz, PennVEST Chairman Dr. Brian Regli, and local government partners to celebrate Earth Month and highlight the partnership between federal, state, and local governments to fight climate change.

On April 11, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center unveiled a new interactive map highlighting one renewable energy or energy efficiency project in each county of the Keystone State, showing the vibrancy and growth of the clean energy sector across Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Solar Energy Association will host a May 4 webinar on Solar Schools: New Incentives Make Now The Best Time To Go Solar from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

On April 10, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has selected Allegheny County’s Targeted Airshed Grant for funding. This grant will directly address environmental and health inequities in the Mon Valley through the replacement of diesel buses with new zero-emission vehicles for Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT).

The Ohio River Valley Institute will host an April 17 webinar on “Green Steel in the Ohio River Valley: The Timing is Right for the Rebirth of a Clean, Green Steel Industry” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

On April 14, City & State PA announced it is hosting the 2023 PA Energy Summit on May 11 at the Sheraton Pittsburgh from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

On April 11, the Environmental Quality Board approved these three final rulemakings--

On April 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the National Wildlife Federation has been selected to serve as an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (EJ TCTACs) that will receive at least $10 million to help communities across the EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Region access funds from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

DCNR and the Western PA Conservancy are now accepting applications from college students, recent graduates, beginning professionals, small watershed groups staff/volunteers, or others in need of financial assistance to attend the Watershed Forestry Summit on June 14-15 in Altoona, Blair County.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Program. Proposals are due by May 26, 2023.

The Chester County-based Stroud Water Research Center just released its 2022 Annual Report which not only looks back on the Center's many accomplishments with its partners, but includes a collection of Profiles in Stewardship fostered by the Center.

On April 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the Delaware Estuary Program will receive $1.8 million in restoration funds to support a comprehensive conservation and management plan for the program as part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding to estuaries of national significance.

The Audubon Society of Western PA and the Buffalo Creek Coalition will host a Workshop on Grants and Funding May 9 at the Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Sarver, Butler County from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.

On April 13, Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor released a performance audit of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, reviewing the agency’s processes in awarding and monitoring grants and loans for nonpoint source management program projects.

In an effort to combat food waste, the Pennsylvania Resources Council is launching an initiative funded by the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh to empower individuals to EAT WELL, SAVE MONEY and WASTE LESS by implementing easy, practical, and strategic methods for preventing and reducing food waste. 

On April 13, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful thanked the over 900 Pennsylvania youth who participated in the 2023 Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is partnering with America250PA to offer mini-grants to existing America250PA partners (must have been a partner as of December 31, 2022) conducting projects that improve the community and engage volunteers.

The Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for Agriculture Research Grants on a variety of research areas.  The deadline to apply is May 15.  (formal notice)

On April 14, the Department of Agriculture announced Pennsylvania protected 2,038 acres of farmland on 22 farms in 13 counties from future residential or commercial development.

On April 14, the Lancaster Conservancy announced plans to acquire over 300 beautiful and forested acres along the Susquehanna River in York County, protecting old growth forests, important plants and wildlife, and outlooks with stunning views, as well as the viewshed from Lancaster County’s Chickies Rock County Park, Marietta, and Route 30.

On April 14, the U.S. Forest Service announced that the Allegheny National Forest River Road Wildfire in Elk County was 95 percent contained and approximately 447 acres in size as of 2:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023.

The South Mountain Partnership is now accepting applications for 2023 Mini-Grants to further the Partnership's mission to conserve landscape resources that enrich the quality of life and a sense of place of the citizens and communities.

The April 14 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks and Forests Foundation featuring articles on--

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently announced the availability of funding for its America the Beautiful Challenge grants.   The deadline to apply is April 20.

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

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is now accepting applications for its college scholarship program.  The deadline to apply is May 30.

New and experienced paddlers of all ages are invited to register for the 28th Delaware River Sojourn taking place June 17-23.

The PA Interfaith Power and Light, the PA Jewish Earth Alliance and Lower Merion Carbon Pollution Reduction Initiative will host an April 19 webinar on How To Source Clean Renewable Energy starting at 7:00 p.m.

ReImagine Appalachia Faith In Action hosted an April 13 webinar on Solar-Powered Faith Community & Houses Of Worship - Saving Money & Ethical Labor from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

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

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 April 15 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.