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Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
July 12, 2004
(7/9/2004)
PDF Version PA Environment Digest 07/12/04
* General Assembly Done, But Still Working
Members of the General Assembly have all but gone home for the summer, except for signing some bills, holding committee hearings and informational meetings, but the discussion over the Governor’s environmental spending plan continues.
* “Green Ribbon Commission” to Help Develop Environmental Funding Proposal
A special “Green Ribbon Commission,” basically a conference committee without legislation, will be appointed in the next few weeks to work with the Rendell Administration to develop an environmental funding proposal for the fall.
* Follow-Up Comments On Growing Greener II Offer Mixed Reviews
After the dust settled on the budget, slots and property tax reform, folks had several different views of what happened on the Governor’s environmental funding initiatives.
* Funding for Odor-Reducing Compost Technology Included in Budget
Rep. Art Hershey (R-Chester), chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, this week provided more details on the $250,000 in DEP’s 2004-05 state budget for the research and implementation of new technologies that will help to reduce the odors caused by composting.
* Quick Updates
Short updates on final legislative issues.
* DEP Secretary Outlines Administration’s Priorities for DEP
DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty this weekreleased a statement of priorities for DEP that she said was the Governor’s vision for the agency called, “Greater Environmental and Public Health Protection As a Driver of Economic Growth: The Rendell Administration’s Agenda for DEP.” Some key excerpts from the statement…
* EPA Offers New Tool for Achieving Smart Growth and Water Quality Goals
EPA this week released a new report that will help communities protect water resources and achieve smart growth. Some of the adverse effects of growth and development include: loss of woodlands, meadowlands, and wetlands, and increased polluted run-off. Smart growth is development that is good for the economy, public health and the environment.
* Energy Portfolio Standards
DEP Energy Advisory Board Discusses Advanced Portfolio Standard
* Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances
Rendell Administration Asks End State Preemption of Energy Efficiency Standards
* “Better Roads, Cleaner Streams” Workshop a Success
The Center for Dirt & Gravel Road Studies held its 4th Annual Maintenance Workshop and awards program in Coudersport on June 28-30. The 3-day titled “Better Roads, Cleaner Streams,” brought together 225 conservation district, state & national forestry, municipal elected officials, municipal road maintenance professionals and road industry vendors to participate in both classroom and field exercises aimed at “how-to” demonstrations of environmentally sensitive maintenance practices and techniques.
* Communities, Groups Can Now Apply for DCNR Conservation Partnership Grants
This week the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced an open application period for the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants. Applications are due October 13.
* Groundwater Workshops
SRBC to Hold Groundwater Management Plan Workshops
* Izaak Walton League Issues Revamped Clean Water Action Kit
The Izaak Walton League has issued its all-new, totally revised and updated Watershed Stewardship Action Kit for clean water advocates and activists.
* New Volunteer Program Seeking Well Masters
Rural homes and farms in Pennsylvania rely on private wells, springs and cisterns for their drinking water. Currently, there are over 1 million of these private water systems in the state and approximately 20,000 new wells are drilled each year.
* Reclamation Advisory Board Releases 2003 Annual Report
The Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board sent a copy of its 2003 annual report of activities to the General Assembly this week outlining the accomplishments of DEP’s reclamation and remining programs.
* Pennsylvania Game News Is 75 Years Young!
Pennsylvania Game News, the Pennsylvania Game Commission's monthly magazine, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month.
* DEP Seeks New Director of Land Recycling & Waste Management
DEP is recruiting nationally to fill the position of Director of the Bureau of Land Recycling & Waste Management.
* Taking Positive Action- Prevent Pollution
“Pollution Prevention”GreenWorks for Pennsylvania This show features individuals, businesses and communities doing their share to prevent pollution before it starts.
* Wood Products Manufacturer Becomes More Efficient, Environment Friendly
Pennwood, a small wood products manufacturer in East Berlin, Adams County, reduced its operating costs, increased throughput and eliminated air pollution, all by adopting a new way to coat and cure their products with the help of the Electrotechnology Applications Center at Northampton Community College.
* Northeast Award Nominations Due
Call for Nominations for Northeast Environmental Partnership Awards
* Watershed NewsClips
A sampling of NewsClips on watershed topics.
* Regulations
The latest on proposed and final regulations, comment deadlines that are now open.
* Technical Guidance & Permits
The latest on proposed and final technical guidance, general permits and water quality claffications.
* Calendar of Events
Upcoming conferences, workshops and meetings, plus links to other calendars
* Contributions Invited
Send your stories about environmental issues, programs and positive actions to PA Environment Digest - DHess@crisciassociates.com .

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