In August Gov. Rendell said he would use $70 million in revenue from a Marcellus Shale natural gas severance tax to help make up for the $280 million shortfall caused by reduced federal appropriations for Medicaid Funding.
            Since the severance tax did not pass, the state budget has a $70 million hole which needs to be made up by Gov. Rendell or Gov.-elect Tom Corbett when he takes office January 18.

The General Assembly and Gov. Rendell left dozens of environmental initiatives on the table when they finished the legislative session last week, chief among them reneging on a commitment in law to adopt a Marcellus Shale natural gas severance tax.
           But there were also dozens of other environmental initiatives which passed either the House or the Senate during the last two years which failed to see final action, including an expansion of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and transportation funding.  Many of those bills are likely to return next January when all legislation must be reintroduced and start over.

House Bill 708 sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) establishing a recycling program for computer equipment and televisions, was signed into law by Gov. Rendell as Act 108.

By Sen. Mary Jo White, Majority Chair, Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee

The November issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.

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.

There are nearly 10,000 fewer pounds of litter in northern Erie County after a record 1,321 volunteers pitched in for this year's Pennsylvania-Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup effort, according to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and the Department of Environmental Protection.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is offering holiday gift ideas to help conserve and protect Pennsylvania's natural resources. As an extra bonus, buyers can beat the crowds and save fuel by shopping online.

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.

In 2004, after several years of a dedicated funding source for conservation and recreational programs, grants, infrastructure and other projects, a proposal went to the General Assembly to place a ballot initiative before the citizens of Pennsylvania. The ballot initiative, set at $625 million and dubbed Growing Greener II, was approved overwhelmingly in the May 2005 primary election.

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 PA Council of Trout Unlimited is seeking a full-time position to oversee the Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program, whose mission is to protect the health and productivity of the state’s most outstanding coldwater ecosystems. 

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

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.

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