Energy development in Pennsylvania over the next 20 years could transform the Commonwealth’s iconic forests and impact several hundred thousand acres of key habitat for songbirds, salamanders and trout, according to a new study released this week by The Nature Conservancy.

The Environmental Quality Board this week approved a $7.8 million increase in Air Quality permit fees and approved for public comment $8.1 million in Drinking Water permit fee increases.
            DEP finalized $27.7 million in fee increases over the last year to make up for dramatic cuts to the agency's staff and General Fund budget over the last 8 years.  Over $11 million in fee increases have been proposed, but not finalized.

By Amy G. Wolfe, Director, Eastern Abandoned Mine Program, Trout Unlimited

That earthquake you felt this week was the power shifting from East to West in the House and Senate Caucus elections for Leadership. This on top of the election of a new Governor from Pittsburgh.

The emergence of the gas drilling industry in Northeast Pennsylvania has brought a huge magnitude of economic and workforce opportunities to the area, according to those testifying at a public hearing held this week at Penn College by the Senate Republican Policy Committee.

Pennsylvania hunters venturing out this fall may be surprised by the level of disturbance and activity on public lands in the northcentral, northeastern and southwestern regions of the state, according to a wildlife expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

A set of new standards that will make natural gas wells safer were approved unanimously this week by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.

The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry this week called Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger’s recent comments on how Gov.-elect Tom Corbett will handle regulation of the Marcellus Shale industry unfair and unnecessary.

As part of his campaign platform, Gov.-elect Tom Corbett laid out a series of commitments on protecting the environment, developing Pennsylvania's energy resources, enhancing agriculture and promoting sportsmen's  issues.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week published notice it has approved four Watershed Conservation Plans.  They include--

Aqua America, Inc. Chairman Nicholas DeBenedictis said this week investor-owned water and wastewater companies like Aqua America are leading the way in solving America’s water and wastewater utility infrastructure needs.

ClearWater Conservancy, along with their friends at Tait Farm Foods, is pleased to offer the community a wonderful gift giving opportunity this holiday season.  

The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for anglers to get a jump on the 2011 sporting season. Anglers can purchase a 2011 license beginning December 1, which gives them a bonus month for free.

The Friends of the Wissahickon are looking for volunteers to work as Trail Ambassadors in Wissahickon Valley Park. The application deadline is January 7.

As part of his campaign platform, Gov.-elect Tom Corbett laid out a series of commitments on protecting the environment, developing Pennsylvania's energy resources, enhancing agriculture and promoting sportsmen's  issues.

Franklin & Marshall recently introduced food-waste composting to three locations on campus in the College’s latest initiative to encourage sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The Philadelphia Eagles this week announced a plan to power Lincoln Financial Field with a combination of onsite wind, solar and dual-fuel generated electricity, making it the world’s first major sports stadium to convert to self-generated renewable energy.

The Environmental Quality Board published notice of final regulations implementing and setting fees under the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act and setting emission standards for certain coating processes.

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