Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
October 11, 2004
(10/8/2004)
PDF Version PA Environment Digest 10/11/04
* Green Ribbon Commission Sets First Meeting - Fall Voting Schedule
The 26-member Green Ribbon Commission will begin its work next week to shape an environmental funding proposal that will pass the Senate, House and meet the objectives of the Rendell Administration. (See the article below for more details.)
* Green Ribbon Commission Set to Meet Next Week
The 26-member Green Ribbon Commission is set to meet for the first time October 13 to begin discussions on an environmental funding proposal. The Commission is made up of members of the Senate, House and the Rendell Administration. Senator Mary Jo White and Rep. Bill Adolph will chair the meeting.
* Bill Extending Multi-Municipal Land Use Planning Goes to Governor
The Senate this week gave final approval to House Bill 796 (Marsico-D-Dauphin) which extends multi-municipal land use planning to municipalities that are not contiguous, but are contained within one school district.
* Commonwealth Court Upholds Governor’s Veto of Farm Bill
Commonwealth Court unanimously ruled this week House Bill 1222 dealing with exempting large farming operations from certain local regulations was properly vetoed by Gov. Rendell in the waning days of 2003. Press reports say the decision will be appealed.
* Quick Updates - Bills Introduced
Here's an update on environmental legislation that's moving--
* New York City Proposing Major Changes to Disposing of Its Trash
New York City Mayor Bloomberg unveiled a 20-year plan for handling the City’s 50,000 tons of daily trash that shifts from using trucks to barges and railcars, eliminating a major source of complaints inside and outside the New York about the City’s waste management program.
* Farmland Preservation Board Preserves 3,098 More Acres
Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Board voted this week to include an additional 30 farms, totaling 3,098 acres, in the Farmland Preservation Program. These farms join the more than 2,400 other farms already preserved in perpetuity through the program.
* Chesapeake Bay Group Says Livestock Feeding Rules Fall Short
Recently proposed Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations to curb pollution from livestock production in Pennsylvania fall far short of both the goal and federal requirements, according to comments being filed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
* Pennsylvania Celebrates Earth Science Week with 'PA Rock Hound' Kits
As teachers and students across the country celebrate this year's Earth Science Week from October 10-16, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is once again offering "Pennsylvania Rock Hound" kits for a nominal fee to schools and students across the Commonwealth.
* Gov. Rendell Convenes Task Force on Pennsylvania Wilds
Gov. Rendell and members of his Task Force on the Pennsylvania Wilds this week outlined a new vision for encouraging growth in tourism and related businesses throughout Northcentral Pennsylvania by spotlighting the unique outdoor experiences available on the 2 million acres of public lands in the region.
* Environmental Education Grants Due
Applications Now Available for Environmental Education Grants
* Governor's Awards Applicatons Due
Deadline Approaching for Governor’s Environmental Awards
* Pennsylvania Receives Wetland Monitoring, Assessment Grant
Pennsylvania received a $260,000 grant from EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds to develop a comprehensive wetlands monitoring protocol for the state.
* Green Power Partnership Grows to 500 Members + PA Award Winner
EPA announced this week the Green Power Partnership has grown to include 500 Partner organizations, collectively purchasing almost two billion kilowatt-hours each year of renewable electricity.
* EPA Promotes October as Children’s Health Month
During October, EPA has joined with the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children to celebrate Children’s Health Month to help educate the public, parents and teachers about how to protect children from environmental health risks.
* EPA Recognizes Achievements in Water Treatment and Pollution Reduction
This week EPA announced the 29 first and second place winners of the 2004 National Clean Water Act Recognition Awards during the Water Environment Federation's Technical Exposition and Conference in New Orleans, La.
* Game Commission Essay Contest, 2005 Calendar, Recipes, Bird Song Identifier
Young hunters ages 12 to 18 from throughout Pennsylvania are reminded all entries for the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Youth Essay Contest must be postmarked no later than October 31.
* Quick Clips
NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state-
* Taking Positive Action - Protecting Our Children's Health
There’s an old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to environmental threats to our children’s health, prevention makes a considerable amount of sense. Visit the GreenTreks Network Children's Health webpage.
* Watershed NewsClips
A sampling of NewsClips on watershed issures from across the state-
* Regulations
The latest on proposed and final regulations--
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection invited public comments on one proposed policy change and notice of one final policy this week:
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, meetings, events, plus links to other calendars-
* Contributions Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com .

Previous PA Environment Digests