Here are 118 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.

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

This article first appeared on the Discover NEPA website September 23, 2025--

This article is part of a Loving The Land - Landowners Tell Their Stories series published by the Crawford County-based Foundation for Sustainable Forests that appeared in their Summer 2025 newsletter.

This article is part of the Every River Needs A Champion feature that appeared in the Trout Unlimited September 2025 magazine--

On September 24, Michelle Stonemark told the story of what she and her family experienced living 500 feet away from a shale gas well pad in Cecil Township, Washington County for the last 8 years.

The Protective Buffers PA Coalition is asking the public to urge the Environmental Quality Board to take action on a rulemaking petition to increase the minimum setbacks from shale natural gas wells from 500 feet to 3,281 feet.

On September 19, TribLive.com reported CNX Resources will apply for new shale gas well permits at the controversial Drakulic well pad site in Penn Township, Westmoreland County.

On September 18, 2025, a DEP follow-up inspection of the Seneca Resources Vandergrift shale gas well pad in Charleston Township, Tioga County found multiple areas that were still contaminated and wastewater was still seeping out of a fill slope from a large spill discovered during a May 13, 2025 complaint inspection.

From September 20 to 26, DEP’s Oil and Gas Compliance Database shows oil and gas inspectors filed 667 inspection entries and previous inspection reports. 

On September 24, the US Environmental Protection Agency announced it has issued Sandstone Development, LLC a permit for an oil and gas wastewater injection well in Cycle, Lafayette Township, McKean County.

The following notices were published in the September 27 PA Bulletin related to oil and gas industry facilities.  Many of the notices offer the opportunity for public comments.

On September 22, Gov. Josh Shapiro opened a 13-state Summit on changing how the PJM Interconnection regional electric grid operator functions saying-- "It's not working anymore."

On September 25, the PJM Interconnection announced it had filled two vacant positions on its Board of Managers to serve three-year terms on the Board.  PJM added a third new member to the Board in May.  Read more here.

The House Energy Committee is tentatively scheduled to hold an October 22 hearing on House Bill 1834 (Matzie-D-Beaver) to provide for the regulation of A.I. data centers by the Public Utility Commission.

Here are Articles and NewsClips on A.I. and data center issues from last week you may have missed--

The PA Technical Assistance Program is now accepting applications for $40 million in round 2 RISE PA small and mid-sized industries decarbonization, energy efficiency grants.  The deadline is December 15.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the September 27 PA Bulletin announcing it will hold three hearings on the proposed implementation plan for the Reasonably Available Control Technology Guidelines for the 2008 and 2015 National Ozone Pollution Standards.

By Dana E. Flowers, Center For Ag Conservation Assistance Training

The Department of Environmental Program just released its 2024 Annual Report on Pennsylvania Nonpoint Source Management Program summarizing accomplishments and activities across the state to reduce sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, metals and iron pollution.

The State Conservation Commission has launched a new farm conservation certification program for farmers going above and beyond their baseline environmental requirements.

On November 14, the Penn State Extension hosts a Water Quality Insights webinar on Floodplain Wetlands from 11:00 a.m. to Noon.

The 2026 PA Aquatic Resource Restoration Conference will be held March 3-4 at the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College.

On September 22, the US Environmental Protection Agency finalized the rule revising outdated water quality standards for the 38 miles of the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Wilmington. 

DCNR’s latest Resource newsletter highlights efforts to grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor economy, a new toolkit to connect seniors to the outdoors and an invitation for trail enthusiasts to join the PA Trails Advisory Committee.

On October 8, DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council will host another in its series of CNRAC Conversations, this webinar will discuss strategies and programs to develop the workforce needed to support DCNR's mission.

The Appalachian Trail Community Conservation Collaborative is an exciting new initiative led by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy dedicated to amplifying local voices and supporting community-led conservation efforts while strengthening economies and sense of place in Pennsylvanian communities.

The Keystone Trails Association invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to experience the breathtaking landscapes and rich conservation history of the Pennsylvania Wilds during the Keystone Hiking & Outdoor Weekend, October 17–19 in Clarion County.

The Susquehanna River Trail Association will host Shippensburg University history professor Dr. Allen Dieterich-Ward October 16 for a presentation on Pennsylvania's environmental history during their Fall Dinner & Celebration at Fort Hunter Park Centennial Barn in Harrisburg starting at 6:00 p.m.

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

The latest DCNR State Parks Environmental Educator newsletter celebrates the Autumnal Equinox-- September 22 -- the official beginning of the fall season.

The Penn State Extension hosts an October 6 webinar to train natural resource professionals advising woodland owners on forest carbon markets 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 September 27 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 Outdoor Writers Association, PA PA Council Trout Unlimited, Organization for Watersheds & Rivers and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

PA Environment Digest is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as essential to fostering a positive work, organizational and volunteer culture.