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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
November 17, 2008
(11/14/2008)
CLICK HERE To Print This Week's Digest
* PRC Recognizes Michael DiBerardinis, Philadelphia Eagles, 8 Others At Awards Dinner
The Pennsylvania Resources Council this week honored Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Philadelphia Eagles and eight other organizations at their “Going for Green: Going for Eco-Friendly Choices” annual awards dinner on November 13th.
* 2008 Chester County Green Business Award Winners
The Chester County Board of Commissioners, through the Chester County Solid Waste Authority and the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, recognizedAll4 Inc.and Dansko, Inc. withthe 2008 Green Business Award at this year’s Annual Chamber Dinner.
* Video Blog - Game Commission Delivers More Information About Deer
Continuing its ongoing outreach and educational efforts to heighten the understanding of deer management and whitetails, Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe this week announced the agency has expanded its website's deer management section, created a new deer periodical and posted a deer management video on YouTube.
* Online Video - Wetlands & Wonder: Reconnecting Children With Nearby Nature
As more Americans dwell in cities and suburbs, our society becomes increasingly distanced from the natural world. This absence of everyday connections to nature has many negative effects-especially for children.
* On the Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule
The Senate and House committee schedules and floor calenders are listed here--
* Senate/House Bills Moving
The following environmental bills of interested moved in the House this week--
* Senate Republican Policy Committee Holds Hearing On Marcellus Shale Drilling
On November 18 the Senate Republican Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on the issues surrounding drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale formation.
* Chesapeake Bay Program Partners Launch 'Forestry for the Bay' Efforts
To show how their well-managed woodlands can lead to cleaner streams and rivers, and the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is encouraging private landowners to join the "Forestry for the Bay" program.
* Online Training - Watershed Forestry Resource Guide Webinar on December 2
The Center for Watershed Protection and the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area will use an upcoming December 2 webinar beginning at noon to launch the Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, a new online resource for all things related to forests and their role in watershed and stormwater management.
* U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Provides Habitat Restoration Grants To PA Wildlife Foundation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is providing the PA Wildlife For Everyone Foundation with $88,000 in grants to restore fish and wildlife habitat in six watersheds around the state in a special cooperative agreement.
* Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Promotes Success Stories
Rick Thompson, an AmeriCorps volunteer, has been hired to increase the outreach and education efforts of the Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation by developing success stories and creating WPCAMR Video Diaries.
* Allegheny Enterprises Mine Reclamation Project Approved In Cameron County
The Department of Environmental Protection this week issued a surface mining permit to Allegheny Enterprises Inc. of Corsica, Jefferson County, to mine and reclaim 293 acres of abandoned mine lands in Lumber and Shippen townships, Cameron County.
* PA American Water Completes $10.2 Million Rehabilitation of Lackawanna Reservoir
Pennsylvania American Water last week commemorated the completion of the approximately $10.2 million rehabilitation of its Watres Dam and Reservoir in Spring Brook Township, Lackawanna County.
* PA Land Trust Assn. Seeking Nominations For Conservation Award
The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association is now accepting nominations for its 2009 Pennsylvania Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award.
* PA CleanWays Surpasses 10,000 Tons Of Waste Removed From PA Landscape
PA CleanWays announced this week they have removed over 10,000 tons of waste from Pennsylvania’s landscape through local chapters and affiliates whohave done 829 illegal dump cleanups and 525 special collection events with over 47,000 volunteers who donated almost 200,000 hours of service.

* Volunteers Needed for November 20 Cleanup In Elk County
PA CleanWays of Elk County and PA CleanWays will partner with Ridgway Township and local residents to remove and properly dispose of illegally dumped trash along a power line right-of-way on Meadowbrook Road on November 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and volunteers are needed.

* Sustainable Energy Fund Announces Solar Scholars Grant Awardees
The Sustainable Energy Fund announced the winners in the 2008 Solar Scholars grant competition, acollaboration with PPL Electric Utilities which provided $180,000 in matching grants to 12 Pennsylvania colleges.
* Daniel Boone School District Builds Energy-Saving Annex to Accommodate Growth
After major renovations to update a 30 year-old school building, students in the Daniel Boone Area School District now attend one of Pennsylvania's leading energy efficient school buildings, the Daniel Boone High School Annex.
* PUC Solicits Comments On Phase II Of Energy Conservation Law, Forms Working Group
The Public Utility Commission this week solicited comments on the experience and qualification requirements the Commission must establish for conservation service providers as the Commission begins Phase II of its implementation of Act 129.
* $500 Hybrid Electric Vehicle Rebates Still Available From DEP
A $500 rebate is still available forthose who purchase a eligible hybrid vehicle in the past six months from the Department of Environmental Protection.
* Auditor General Wagner- Deficiencies Still Exist In Low Income Energy Assistance Program
Auditor General Jack Wagner said this week, more than one year after he cited the Department of Public Welfare for lax oversight and systemic weaknesses of the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that permitted more than 1,000 applicants of potential fraud and abuse, the department still had not provided documentation to prove that the potential for fraud and abuse had been eliminated from LIHEAP.
* Southwest Air Quality Partnership Members To Meet December 5
Pittsburgh, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will be the keynote speaker at annual breakfast meeting of the Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership Inc. at 8:15 a.m. December 5, at the DEP’s Southwest Regional Office on Washington’s Landing, Pittsburgh.

* EPA Region's Fall Land Revitalization Update Newsletter Now Online
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 3's Land Revitalization Update is distributed via e-mail to more than 1,500 stakeholders interested in the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties in the mid-Atlantic region.
* Spotlight - Celebrating America Recycles Day - November 15
Pennsylvanians were encouraged this week to participate in events taking place around the state to celebrate America Recycles Day by the Department of Environmental Protection.
* RecycleBank's Valuable Recycling Reward Program Celebrates America Recycles Day
Days prior to America Recycles Day and on the heels of overwhelming successes across East Coast cities likeWilmington, DE, Fairfax, VA and Cherry Hill, NJ, the popular RecycleBank recycling rewards program announces plans to strategically expandoperations.
* American Beverage Association Encourages Americans to 'Think Inside The Bin'
The American Beverage Association is marking America Recycles Day by again encouraging consumers to "Think Inside the Bin" and recycle their empty beverage containers. A founding sponsor of America Recycles Day, the ABA and its members know the value of recycling and the lasting benefit it can have on communities and the environment.
* 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—
* 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 Environmental Quality Board published final Water Resources Planning and radiological health fee  regulations and a notice withdrawing proposed diesel vehicle idling regulations.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published a proposed policy on reviewing local comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances in connection with permit applications and a change to the Nutrient Credit Trading Program policy. Changes to radon certification list was also published (Pa Bulletin page 6335)
* 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
* 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.
* Guide To The PA Environment Digest Family Of Websites
Crisci Associates is pleased to provide our clients and the public with the latest, most comprehensive news on environmental issues, legislation and accomplishments through a family of websites. Sign up now to get the latest news, whether you want it daily, weekly or in video form--
* Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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