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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
May 29, 2006
(5/26/2006)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 5/29/06
* Environmental Funding Needs Highlighted by Chesapeake Bay Foundation
The Pennsylvania Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) urged state legislators to continue vital conservation funding programs in their upcoming 2006-2007 budget deliberations. CBF encourages legislators to continue support for agricultural conservation, conservation district support, and environmental restoration and protection, particularly related to water quality protection.
* On the Senate, House Agenda/Bills Introduced
Here's a quick rundown on what will be waiting for the Senate and House when they return to session on June 5, plus new environmental legislation introduced.
* May Environmental Synopsis Now Available from Joint Conservation Committee
The May issue of Environmental Synopsis is now available online from the Joint Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.
* Tom Ridge Environmental Center Now Open at Presque Isle in Erie
Gov. Rendell this week said the public will get a unique look at nature at Presque Isle State Park in Erie now that the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is open.
* Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award Winners Recognized
An organization that helped to protect public fishing rights, a group of school children that conducted field-testing and research on local waterways and a business that took steps to minimize pollution were among the 11 finalists in the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards, co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion.
* John Dawes, Wild Resource Program Receive PAEP 2006 Karl Mason Awards
The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals presented its prestigious 2006 Karl Mason Award to John Dawes, of the Western Pennsylvania Watershed Program, and the Wild Resource Conservation Program.
* Delaware, Greene, York High Schools Take State Envirothon Honors
The champions of the 23rd Annual State Envirothon were crowned this week and first place went to the Penncrest High School in Delaware County, second to students from Carmichaels Area High School in Greene County and third to Northern High School in York County.
* Finalists Named for 2006 Commonwealth Design Awards by 10,000 Friends
Fifteen projects in 10 counties make-up this year’s finalists for 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania’s annual Commonwealth Design Awards.
* TreeVitalize Sweeps Montgomery County Environmental Awards
The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy has recognized TreeVitalize and its partners with five of its annual awards to individuals or organizations who have committed their time and energy to help protect the land and water resources of the Perkiomen Watershed.
* Nearly $17 Million Awarded to Protect PA’s Natural Resources, Open Space
Pennsylvania residents in 23 counties will benefit from a near $17 million investment in land conservation projects announced this week by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that are designed to protect open space and the state’s natural resources. Funding for the grants comes from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Growing Greener II and Keystone Fund, a DCNR fund generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax.
* Over 325 Attend Land Conservation Conference, Materials Available Online
More than 325 people attended the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Land Conservation Conference to learn more about how they can permanently protect and manage sensitive areas, farmland and open space around the state.
* Over 600 Attend 2nd Annual Wild Resource Festival at French Creek
Blustery weather only inflated the enthusiasm of the more than 600 people that attended the 2nd Annual Wild Resource Festival on May 20 at French Creek State Park.
* $52 Million in Wastewater, Drinking Water, Brownfields Projects Funded
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority this week announced the investment of $52 million in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and brownfields projects in 17 counties.
* Electric Generation Retirements, Environmental Rules Forcing Electric Costs Up
Electric distributors, generators and regional grid managers told members of the Public Utility Commission and staff this week that while they project ample power will be available to meet summer demands, presenters noted the retirement of electric generating capacity is outpacing on new capacity coming online in the region.
* Applicants for Energy Grants/Loans Invited to June 13 Workshop in Southeast
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a workshop for applicants for Energy Harvest Grant Program and Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority financing
* PPL Joins FutureGen Alliance to Advance Clean Coal Power Plants
The FutureGen Industrial Alliance announced this week that PPL Corp has joined the non-profit consortium of global electric utilities and coal companies working with the U.S. Department of Energy to site and develop FutureGen, an advanced clean coal power plant.
* Metal Recovery Firm Uses Pollution Prevention Loan to Reduce Waste/Energy Costs
Royal GreenCorp., a Berks County-based metal recovery company used a state Small Business Pollution Prevention Assistance Account (PPAA) loan to install equipment that has not only paid for itself in cost savings in two years, but also eliminated tons of waste.
* Colleges, Universities Can Still Sign Up for June 8 Energy Efficiency Workshop
The Department of Environmental Protection is sponsoring a workshop to teach colleges and universities the nuts and bolts of reducing energy costs June 8 in Cranberry, PA.
* Automobile Makers Launch “Discover Alternative Fuel Autos” Campaign in PA
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a trade association including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen, has launched www.DiscoverAlternatives.org, an initiative to encourage the use of alternative fuel automobiles in Pennsylvania.
* Property Management for Cleaner Streams Workshops set for June 8, 21
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, in affiliation with the Philadelphia Water Department, Pennypack Environmental Center and Bucks County Conservation District, are hosting two workshops in June entitled “Property Management for Cleaner Streams.”
* Volunteers Sought for Annual June 17 Ohio River Sweep
Volunteers are needed for the 17th Annual River Sweep, the largest organized volunteer river cleanup effort in the country, set to take place from 8 a.m. to noon June 17 in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
* POWR’s Watershed Listservs a Good Source for Information
The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers provides a number of different listservs to facilitate networking and discussion amongst watershed groups across the state.
* Recycling Program Grant Applications Due October 20
The Department of Environmental Protection announced this week applications for grants to set up Section 902 recycling and composting programs were due October 20.
* Santorum, Casey to Speak at PA Environmental Council Dinner June 6
Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and his Democratic challenger State Treasurer Bob Casey, Jr. will be keynote speakers at the 36th annual dinner of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in Philadelphia on June 6.
* DEP Citizens Advisory Council to Hold Regional Meeting in Indiana
The Citizens Advisory Council to DEP will travel to Indiana, Pennsylvania, for this year’s regional trip on June 26 – 28.
* Whole Foods, PA Resources Council, Pittsburgh Partner on Paper Recycling June 9
Whole Foods Markets, the PA Resources Council and the City of Pittsburgh are sponsoring a special paper recycling event on June 9, 10, and 11.
* Breinich Elected to American Planning Association’s Professional Institute
Anna M. Breinch, AICP, was elected to serve as Region I Commissioner for the American Planning Association’s Professional Institute. Breinch now serves as a community planner for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
* Michael Pyles Receives National Award for Radon Work
Michael A. Pyles, who heads up the Department of Environmental Protection’s Radon Program recently received the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors Award for Meritorious Service
* AASHTO Looking for Transportation/Environmental Experts
The AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence Technical Assistance Program is currently recruiting to expand its team of highly qualified and experienced experts to assist transportation and environmental agency officials in improving environmental performance and program delivery.
* Help Wanted: Penn State Opening for PA No-Till Coordinator
The Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences announced it is seeking candidates to fill a statewide position to promote no-till agricultural systems.
* See & Hear - A Day in the Life of Energy – Getting from Generator to Your Home
Ever wonder where your electricity comes from and how it gets to your home, office, school or farm? Watch “Wired – A Day in the Life of Energy” online.
* Opinion - 2010: An Electricity Odyssey
By John Hanger, Former Commissioner, Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
* Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state.
* Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
* Watershed Awareness Month Activities
This special Calendar section is devoted to activities going on in and around Watershed Awareness Month in May. If you have events to add, send them to: DHess@crisciassociates.com.
* Regulations
The Environmental Quality Board published a notice that it had accepted a petition on the proposed redesignation of Gallows Run Watershed, Bucks County and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission published its comments on DEP’s proposed California Car regulations.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance documents were published this week.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. 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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