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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
August 6 & 13, 2007
(8/3/2007)
PDF Version - PA Environment Digest 8/6-13/07
* * * * Next PA Environment Digest Will Be Published August 20 * * *
The next PA Environment Digest will be published August 20.
* Chesapeake Bay Foundation to Feature New REAP Tax Credit at Ag Progress Days
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days on August 14-16 will showcase programs related to crops, soils and natural resources and a special presentation on the newly enacted REAP Tax Credit Program that provides farmers with incentives to install farm conservation practices.
* Video Blog Feature - Quecreek Mine Rescue Anniversary Renews Call for Mine Safety Legislation
Gov. Mark Schweiker called on the General Assembly to adopt legislation to update Pennsylvania’s over 45-year old mine safety law as part of the 5th anniversary celebration of the Quecreek Mine Rescue in Somerset on July 28.
* On the Senate/House Agenda
The House has these committee meetings scheduled this week…
* Governor Outlines Topics for Special Energy Session Starting September 17
Gov. Rendell this week formally notified Leadership in the Senate and House of the special energy session agreed to as part of the budget settlement and outlined what legislative topics will be the focus of the session.
* Senate Hearings Set on Proposed Alternative Fuel Mandate in September
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled two public hearings to discuss a proposed alternative fuel mandate for gasoline and diesel fuel sales within the Commonwealth. The hearings are scheduled for:
* House Environmental Committee Sets Hearing on Drilling for Coal Bed Methane
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has scheduled a public hearing on House Bill 1735 (Yewcic-D-Cambria) related to the rights of surface property owners related to drilling for coal bed methane.
* EPA Recognizes Erie’s Edward Kissell for Environmental Volunteerism
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson presented Erie resident Edward Kissell with the President’s Volunteer Service Award this week for his outstanding work to improve public health and create a healthier environment.
* EPA Lauds Infrastructure Success at Erie Drinking Water Facility
U.S. Environmental Protection Administrator Administrator Stephen L. Johnson joined federal, state and local officials this week to mark the completion of major improvements to the Sigsbee Pump Station – a key facility supplying drinking water to the city of Erie and surrounding communities.
* First PA Private Water Well Symposium Set for October 2
The Penn State Master Well Owner Network is hosting the first Pennsylvania Private Water Well Symposium at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, Pa on October 2.
* Local Source Water Protection To Get Boost From New Program
The Department of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with Spotts, Stevens and McCoy Inc., has established the Source Water Protection Technical Assistance Program to enhance development of voluntary local source water protection programs.
* Conservation Districts/State Conservation Commission Conference “Electric”
The county conservation district community and its partners met in Scranton from July 15-18 for the 60th annual Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. / State Conservation Commission Conference under the theme of “Conservation is Electric.”
* Small Business Centers Launch New PA Manure Trader Website
What can you do with 4.4 million tons of manure? Plenty, according to the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers who created the Pennsylvania Manure Trader website.
* Hard Work, Local Involvement Improves Vintondale Flood Protection
After what was deemed an exceptional turnaround, the South Branch Blacklick Creek Flood Protection Project in Vintondale, Cambria County, now boasts the highest rating in the federal levee rating system after a joint inspection by the state Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
* Gov. Rendell Announces PA Wilds Conference for September 13-14
To increase public knowledge of the 12-county region and highlight current progress and future plans, Gov. Rendell this week announced a Pennsylvania Wilds Conference will be held September 13-14 in Williamsport.
* The Beauty of Pennsylvania’s State Parks Captured in New Calendar
Beautiful photography of Pennsylvania’s State Parks is featured in a new calendar being offered for sale by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
* PA CleanWays, DCNR Partner in Swatara State Park Cleanup
PA CleanWays, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and many volunteers spent the last 12 months in a large-scale cleanup of Swatara State Park in Lebanon County.
* Clearwater Conservancy Endorses Allegheny National Forest Wilderness Plan
ClearWater Conservancy has endorsed a proposal for expansion of Congressionally designated wilderness in the Allegheny National Forest.
* PA Center for Environmental Ed August EE Connections Newsletter Now Online
The August issue of the EE Connections newsletter from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education is now available online. The highlights from this month’s issue include--
* U. of Pennsylvania, Other PA Companies Among Top Green Power Purchasers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the University of Pennsylvania as one of the Top 25 Green Power Purchasers in the country.
* Bioenergy: From Fields to Wheels Crossover Set for September 4-5
Bioenergy: From Fields to Wheels” is the theme of this year’s Crossover event at Penn State which brings together faculty in the life sciences and the physical sciences along with key stakeholders from industry and government in an effort to strengthen this important research bridge.
* Green Building Alliance Offers Grants for Innovative Product Development
The Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance will award Product Innovation Grants to projects that seek to develop and introduce green building products to the marketplace.
* Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance Sponsors Early Fall Educational Events
The Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance and its partners are sponsoring a series of educational workshops, breakfasts and other events this fall to promote awareness of green buildling techniques with homeowners, contractors and building owners.
* Save the Date: PA Green Growth Forum-Green Building Products September 27-28
The Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership is sponsoring a Green Growth Forum with the theme of “Focus on Manufacturing Green Building Products as a Stimulus for Economic Development” on September 27-28 in Hershey.
* Auditor General Wagner Calls on DCED to Improve Weatherization Assistance
Auditor General Jack Wagner this week said a special performance audit found that the Commonwealth's deficient administration of the federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program that reduces home energy costs failed to prioritize the needs of low-income Pennsylvanians, placing some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens at greater risk.
* EPA Releases the Draft Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends
The draft 2007 Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends was released this week for public comment and independent review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
* Spotlight - Watershed Program Wins Governor's Environmental Excellence Award, Apply Now
The Department of Environmental Protection this week honored the Green Woods Charter School for its demonstrated commitment to environmental education as a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award winner, and encouraged others to apply for the award.
* Opinion - Pennsylvania Has the Opportunity to be a Leader on Climate
By Brian J. Hill, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Environmental Council
* Opinion - Invasive Pests Attack Species and Economy
By Bill Kunze, Pennsylvania State Director, The Nature Conservancy
* Feature - Eagle Recovery Continues In Berks Thanks to Game Commission Employees
Thanks to Game Commission employees' efforts, a rescued eaglet has spread its wings and flown from its adopted nest in Berks County.
* Feature - Game Commission Elk Survival Study Begins Wrap-up Year
One of the ways Game Commission biologists currently are accomplishing elk population management goals is through a multi-year elk calf study, which is providing more details and insight into elk calf movements, dispersal, habitat usage and survival.
* 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.
* Regulations
The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of an addition to the List of Class A Wild Trout Waters.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a final policy on incidential coal extraction and a draft policy for comment for the Land Recycling Program.
* 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 .
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.

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