Two major environmental organizations in Pennsylvania have joined forces in submitting a legislative proposal to the Corbett administration and state lawmakers that is designed to help ensure safe and responsible Marcellus Shale drilling and gas extraction in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Corbett this week signed legislation into law to establish adequate and safe spacing between natural gas well clusters and workable coal seams.

Sen. Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia) and several southeastern Pennsylvania lawmakers this week called on the governor and the General Assembly to enact a natural gas extraction tax that benefits all Pennsylvanians.

The U.S. Geological Survey this week reported nutrient and sediment levels in many tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay region have improved over the last twenty- five years.

Renew Growing Greener Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath this week applauded the York County Commissioners for adopting a resolution calling for the renewal of Growing Greener, the state’s primary source of funding to help local communities preserve open space and farmland, protect water quality, provide parks and recreation, and clean up abandoned mines.

Chesapeake Energy late Friday announced it has resumed fracking operations on its 105 Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania after an investigation by the company and the Department of Environmental Protection showed the impact to nearby waterways was minimal.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week directed six natural gas drillers to disclose how and where the companies dispose of or recycle drilling process water in the region.

Litter and dumping in Pennsylvania continues to be an issue effecting water quality.

The Wildlands Conservancy is now accepting registrations for the 2011 Lehigh River Sojourn to be held on June 24-27.

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania this week reminded potential applicants the deadline for 2011 Waste Watchers Recognition applications is May 18.

The Department of Environmental Protection this week asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a temporary waiver of the low RVP (reid vapor pressure) gasoline requirement in the seven county Pittsburgh region due to shortages of fuel meeting the requirement that developed over the last week.

iConservePA this week started a new online educational series this week offering suggestions on how to live a low-carbon lifestyle by saving energy, planting smartly and living locally.

A small group of business owners, citizens and organizations from across the Pennsylvania Wilds region in Northcentral Pennsylvania have earned awards for their contributions in sustainable tourism development.

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Newsmanstown, Pa will be hosting a series of educational, wildlife art and other programs from now through October.  Here's a quick summary of the events scheduled so far.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is seeking candidates for a surface water mid-level hydrologist position. Click Here for the details.

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

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - May 14, 2011

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