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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 7, 2005
(11/4/2005)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 11/7/05
* DEP Reorganizes Website, Offers New Web Address
The Department of Environmental Protection unveiled a new look and a new address for its website this week that it said would make it easier to navigate and find information.
* On the Senate/House Agenda
The House returns to session November 7 and the Senate may come back in session later in the week depending on what the House does with the pay raise issue. Otherwise both are scheduled to be in session again November 14.
* Senate Committee Reports Waste Tire, Forestry, Sewer, ATV Bills
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) and Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne), reported out these bills and resolutions this week—
* House Energy Policy Meeting Focuses on Energy Efficiency, Renewables
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) and Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield), held the second of its Energy Policy information meetings on November 1 to hear presentations on energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.
* Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
Legislation moved this week involving land trusts, downtown relocation, the recycling fee, eminent domain and more. Here are the details…
* Other News - First Environmental Bond Grants for Brownfield, Watershed, Energy Projects
Gov. Rendell this week announced the first 140 grant awards from the environmental bond issue approved by voters in May totaling $65 million in 50 counties. Projects included measures to clean up rivers and streams, improve parks, revitalize abandoned industrial sites and protect open space and preserve farmland.
* New Environmental Bond Grant Funds Watershed Project Repairs Statewide
The Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation received a $350,000 environmental bond grant to fund a program to make emergency repairs to restore existing watershed restoration projects funded by the original Growing Greener Program.
* DEP to Hold Public Meetings on Proposed Nutrient Trading Program
The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced two public meetings for the purpose of collecting public input on Pennsylvania's Nutrient Trading Program.
* Open Rivers Initiative Grant Applications Due January 13
The NOAA Open Rivers Initiative is now accepting applications to fund projects to remove dams and other barriers in streams and rivers through January 13.
* Capital Region Senior Environment Corps Wins Watershed Protection Award
The Cumberland County-based water monitors of Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps -- Capital Region were awarded the Watershed Protection Award by the Cumberland County Conservation District.
* Over 450 Attend Premier of “Looking to the River” Documentary by WVIA-TV
Over 450 people from up and down the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania attended the premier of the WVIA-TV’s documentary about the cultural, economic and environmental history of the Susquehanna River November 4 in The Campus Theater in Lewisburg.
* Schuylkill River Heritage Recognizes Partners for Preservation, Water Trail Efforts
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area presented awards to five of its partners in recognition of their achievements in preserving the cultural heritage of the area.
* Five Communities Receive Flood Hazard Mitigation Funding
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency announced five communities will receive $2.8 million Flood Hazard Mitigation funding to help them reduce the loss of life and property damage in the event of future flooding.
* Pitt Laboratory Earns Gold Green Building Designation
The U.S. Green Building Council this week presented the gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating to the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Laboratory Building.
* Keystone Profiles, Ltd. Saves Over $41,000 a Year in Energy, Waste Costs
Keystone Profiles, Ltd. of Beaver Falls is a manufacturer/supplier of precision cold drawn products that reduced its annual operating costs by over $41,000 by becoming more energy efficient and reducing waste with the help of a Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account loan.
* Conestoga Wood Specialties Wins Businesses for the Bay Award
Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. of East Earl, Lancaster County was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award for Pollution Prevention in the Large Business Category at the Businesses for the Bay annual meeting November 3.
* Deadline Extended for 2005 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards
The deadline to submit applications for the 2005 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence has been extended to December 19.
* New Website Helps Residents Learn if They Need Mine Subsidence Insurance
Property owners will be able to quickly check a new website to see whether their property is above or near an abandoned mine, and if it is they can get information instantly on how they can protect their property with mine subsidence insurance.
* DEP Landfill Permitting Regulations Upheld By Pennsylvania Supreme Court
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has upheld Department of Environmental Protection regulations that went into effect in 2000 and 2001 which require landfill operators to show proposed landfill construction or expansion will generate social and economic benefits that clearly outweigh potential environmental harms.
* Feature - A Year of Changes for Wolf Creek, Grove City, by Anna McAnnich
A lot can happen in a year… and it has for the section of Wolf Creek that flows through Grove City, Butler County.
* Quick Clips
A sampling of environmental NewsClips from around the state
* Watershed NewsClips
A collection of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania
* Regulations
Delaware River Basin Commission published notice of hearing on proposed changes to Water Supply Charges and Comprehensive Plan related to certificates of entitlement.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of changes to the noncoal mining compliance policy and a minor revision to coal exploration requirements.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
* Stories Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com or go to www.PaEnvironmentDigest.com .

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