John Quigley was unanimously confirmed as the third Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, but not before hearing the Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Committee say more natural gas drilling on State Forest land may be needed to balance the budget.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, Pennsylvania Audubon and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation this week wrote to Gov. Rendell and every member of the Senate and House urging them to suspend any further leasing of State Forest land for Marcellus Shale drilling until the environmental impact of the drilling can be assessed.

The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds is pleased to announce the unveiling of the Growing Greener III Strategy. Andrew Heath, renew Growing Greener Coalition Leader, will provide the reauthorization strategy to attendees of “What’s Next for Water Quality in Pennsylvania?” 

Growing Greener is nearly out of money. Very few Growing Greener grants will be awarded in the coming years unless the state invests new money in the program. That is unlikely to happen unless the new governor is seriously committed to renewing Growing Greener.

Did you know you can search nearly 6 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

Rep. Camille George (D-Clearfield), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, this week said money and misinformation are the hallmarks of a gas industry attack titled, "Rep. George's fact-free fact-finding mission."

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced this week the 16 winners of the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence will be celebrated at a special awards dinner in Harrisburg on April 20.     

The Senior Scientist in Pennsylvania for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation this week recommended state environmental and wildlife agencies conduct a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of the cumulative environmental and quality of life impacts from Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling in the state.

The Department of Environmental Protection this week issued a second order to Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. requiring the company to take extensive actions and help the residents of Dimock Township, Susquehanna County, affected by the company's drilling activities.

The Department of Environmental Protection will offer its annual filter workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 20 in Brackenridge, Allegheny County.  

This year we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, the nationwide teach-in that kick-started many of the major environmental programs we have today. In this section each week the PA Environment Digest will highlight upcoming Earth Day events.  Submit your events for this page to:  DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PA CleanWays will hold a litter and illegal dump cleanup on Hemlock Road, South Bend Township in Armstrong County on May 1.

The Rendell Administration this week issued its third annual Report on State Performance which tracks the accomplishments of 31 state agencies in FY 2008-09.

The Public Utility Commission this week released its quarterly comparison between current market prices for electric generation and capped rates currently paid by consumers.  The PUC said the numbers validate the importance of current and future steps to mitigate potentially significant electricity rate increases.

In an effort to garner appreciation for wildlife, especially the state's bluebird population, the Game Commission launched this year's webcasting of a live video feed from a bluebird nestbox on the grounds of its Harrisburg Headquarters.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a well plugging project in Elk and Venango counties.

by Diane Husic and Dan Kunkle

The following is a guest essay by Jill Ercolino, Managing Editor of Pennsylvania Township News, published by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors. This originally appeared in the April 2010 issue of their publication, Pennsylvania Township News.

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of nutrient trading actions, a correction notice on comments related to the Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report and a revised list of firms certified to perform radon-related activities (Pa Bulletin, page 2059).  The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice executing gas lease in Clearfield County.

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week.  Go to the online Calendar webpage.

Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to:  DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.