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Over 400 Learn About REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program – Video Blog
Several events designed to educate farmers, agri-businesses and others interested in learning more about the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) Tax Credit Program attracted over 400 interested people this week.
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On the Senate/House Agenda
The Senate and House have the following committee meetings scheduled next week and published voting Calendars for November 13—
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Senate/House Bills Moving/Bills Introduced
The following bills saw action in the Senate and House this week--
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House Passes PA Climate Change Action Plan, Senate Moves Companion Bill
The House this week amended and passed House Bill 110 (Vitali-D-Delaware) that would require the Department of Environmental Protection to create a Climate Change Action Plan with the help of an advisory board.
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Third Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funding Proposal Passes Senate
Legislation to provide funding for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program passed the Senate unanimously this week, making it the third Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program funding plan the Senate has unanimously approved.
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Detergent Ban, Energy Efficiency Bills OK’d By House Environmental Committee
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee reported out legislation to increase energy efficiency in state buildings and vehicle fleet and prohibiting dishwasher soaps with phosphates. The bills include:
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Solobay Introduces Bill To Study Impact of Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
As the issue of reducing greenhouse gases continues to capture the headlines, Rep. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) wants to make sure Pennsylvania's efforts to help the environment are not hurting the economy.
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Wansacz Introduces Plan to Fund Flood Prevention, Recovery
Aiming to prevent recurrent floods in northeastern Pennsylvania and help victims recover, Rep. Jim Wansacz (D-Luzerne) has introduced a plan to generate and provide funding for flood mitigation projects across the state.
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Fayette County Mine Reclamation Project Wins Federal Award
For the second straight year, a Pennsylvania mine reclamation project has been named the most outstanding in the eastern United States by the federal government.
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Pilot Project Encourages Private Firms to Treat Acid Mine Drainage
The cost of treating the acid mine drainage that has damaged more than 6,000 miles of Pennsylvania streams has kept many companies from getting into the cleanup business, but that may change with the state’s support of innovative technology now being used in Cambria County.
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Farmers Can Benefit from New USDA Technical Assistance Services
Pennsylvania Farmers and Technical Service Providers have an opportunity to work together to develop Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans under a new USDA initiative.
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F&M Professors Present Legacy Sediments Webinar on November 13
Dr. Robert Walter and Dr. Dorothy Merritts of Franklin & Marshall College will present a webinar on November 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. on their work demonstrating the importance of considering the impact of 18th and 19th century mill dams and legacy sediments on stream restoration in the Eastern U.S.
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Grants Available to Upgrade Municipal Sewage Facilities, Drinking Water Systems
The Department of Environmental Protection announced this week that municipalities, municipal authorities and public school districts have until December 15 to apply for Growing Greener Innovative Technology Grants.
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Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Dominion Seek Watershed Grant Applications
Proposals for the 2007-2008 Watershed Mini Grant program are now being accepted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Dominion.
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Fish and Boat Commission Invites Applications for Sportfishing/Aquatic Ed Grants
The Fish and Boat Commission is looking for fishing and aquatic education programs that could use some financial assistance and invites applications under its Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Education Program.
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Apply Now for Schoolyard Wetland Habitat Grants
Environmental Concern, a non-profit wetlands education and restoration organization, is now accepting applications for grants of up to $2,000 for schoolyard wetland habitat construction and training under the WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands & POW! Program.
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Wildlands Conservancy Dinner Celebrates PA’s River of the Year – The Lehigh
Wildlands Conservancy invites you to celebrate the Lehigh River being proclaimed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as the “2007 River of the Year” and other preservation pursuits at the 26th Annual Dinner Auction to be held on November 16.
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Delaware Estuary Partnership Names Jennifer Adkins New Director
After serving as interim executive director for almost four months, Jennifer Adkins has been appointed to the position of executive director of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
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PA Land Trust Assn. Conservation Leadership Award Nominations Due December 7
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is soliciting nominations to honor individuals for decades of leadership and dedication in conserving our special places and landscapes with its annual Conservation Leadership Award.
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Green Building Alliance Grant, New Directory to Promote Green Building Products
Green Building Alliance received a $750,000 grant from the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority for Year Two of its Green Building Product Initiative and its role with the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership.
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Mount Carmel Saves Money, Electric With New LED Traffic Lights
The Borough of Mount Carmel, Northumberland County, will save over $1,300 a year in electric costs by installing LED (light emitting diode) traffic lights in just five intersections.
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PPL to Give Away 120,000 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
PPL is giving away two free energy efficient fluorescent light bulbs to the first 60,000 customers visiting their Energy Analyzer webpage designed to help homeowners save energy.
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Energy Theft Kills, Costs Innocent Pennsylvanians Millions
Energy theft is one of Pennsylvania's most dangerous and costly crimes. It occurs when home and business owners tamper with meters, or use other means to steal electricity and natural gas.
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Governor Asks U.S. DOE to Reconsider Electric Transmission Corridor Decision
Gov. Rendell this week asked the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider its decision to designate a vast swath of the northeast — including 52 counties in Pennsylvania — as part of the National Interest Electric Transmission Corridor.
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Erie Insurance Issues Warning on Deer-Vehicle Collisions
Erie Insurance this week issued a warning that November 3 to 14 is most dangerous time for deer-vehicle collisions.
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EPA Offering Graduate, Undergraduate Environmental Research Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for its Greater Research Opportunities Student Grants. The deadline is December 14.
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Hard to Recycle Collection Event Set in Robinson for November 17
The Pennsylvania Resources Council, the Mall at Robinson, Appliance Warehouse, Reclamere and Abitibi Consolidated are sponsoring a collection event for hard to recycle items on November 17 from 10-2 p.m.
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U.S. Composting Council Invites Entries for Composting Poster Contest
The International Compost Awareness Week Committee is inviting entries into the Compost Awareness Week Poster Contest with the theme, “The Possibilities Are Endless…Compost!”
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PA Historical and Museum Commission Grant Applications Due December 3
Non-profit organizations and local governments have until December 3 to apply for history and museum project grants from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
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Thomas Richard to Head Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment
Thomas L. Richard, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering and director of the Biomass Energy Center, will become the new director of the Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment, effective January 1.
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Help Wanted: McKeever Environmental Learning Center
Slippery Rock University is seeking applicants for a full-time, environmental educator at the McKeever Environmental Learning Center (a State University Administrator I position), located in Sandy Lake, Pa, approximately 70 miles north of Pittsburgh. Starting salary $34,093 plus competitive benefits package.
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Candidate Sought for Game Commission Board in District 6
The Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation is seeking a qualified candidate to represent the District 6 on the Game Commission's board of directors.
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Transition: Friends Mourn Passing of Mazie Mohney
Former Executive Deputy Secretary for the Department of Mines and Mineral Industries Mazie Mohney passed away on October 28 at her Camp Hill home.
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Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for grants and financial assistance as well as nominations for awards and other recognition programs. NEW means from last week—
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Quick Clips
Here’s a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state
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Watershed NewsClips
Read a sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics from around Pennsylvania.
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Regulations
The Public Utility Commission proposed a regulation for comment requiring electric distribution companies and active electric generation suppliers to file electricity choice activity reports.
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Technical Guidance & Permits
No new guidance documents published this week.
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Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW indicates new from last week. Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page
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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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Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Association
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association.
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04/15/24 - 66 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/msuwtctm
