Harrisburg, PA
Twitter Feed
November 28, 2016
Delaware River Basin Commission OKs Drought Watch, Special Drought Mgmt. Permits
At a special meeting Wednesday, the Delaware River Basin
Commission issued a special permit for coordinated
operation of regional reservoirs, out-of-basin diversions,
and Delaware River flow objectives in response to
persistent dry conditions.
The special permit unanimously approved today
provides for enhanced coordination of operations of
regional reservoirs, diversions, and flow objectives during
the ongoing, extended period of below-normal
precipitation, said DRBC Executive Director Steve
Tambini. Todays action also makes clear that the entire
basin is currently deemed to be in a drought watch stage.
The DRBCs primary drought management objective, which complements the basin
states drought response efforts, is to provide for conservation of regional reservoir storage for
purposes of water supply and flow augmentation in the Delaware River and salinity control in
the Delaware River Estuary.
The special permit issued under section 10.4 of the compact that created the DRBC in
1961 provides a single set of water resource management responses to address dry conditions
both basinwide and in the lower basin, which is the portion of the basin downstream of
Montague, N.J.
Under the special permit, the transition from one possible drought stage to another from
watch to warning to drought and back again to normal will be based on the combined
storage in three reservoirs located in the Catskill Mountains at the headwaters of the Delaware
River in New York State.
Releases from these New York City reservoirs provide about half of the citys water
supply and support a minimum flow target in the Delaware River at Montague established by the
U.S. Supreme Court Decree of 1954.
Combined storage in the three reservoirs is now approximately 40 percent of capacity.
In accordance with the provisions of the compact, the resolution has also been
unanimously approved by the parties to the decree, which include Delaware, New Jersey,
passing by the gauge has steadily decreased until the water flows first fell below 700 cubic feet
per second (cfs) for three consecutive days.
That flow condition triggered initiation of the releases and supplemental water was
released for six days.
The Commission is also concurrently researching the effects of the environmental release
on the aquatic habitat downstream from the lake.
Since 2009, the Commission has led efforts to annually document chemical and
biological conditions at numerous stream locations throughout the area. Since late September,
Commission staff have been documenting the critical low flow conditions and monitoring the
effects of the release.
DEP declared Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton counties in drought warning
status on November 2.
For more information, visit the SRBC Drought Coordination Center webpage.
Related Story:
Delaware River Basin Commission OKs Drought Watch, Special Drought Mgmt. Permits
[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]
PA Environment - The Feds Blog: New Resource To Track Changing Federal Policy
In response to the demand for more information about coming
changes in federal environmental policy, PA Environment Digest is
building a new blog: PA Environment - The Feds.
We all know changes in federal environmental policy can have a
huge impact on state environmental programs.
The PA Environment - The Feds site is intended to be a single
point of reference for changing federal environmental policy and
personnel that have an impact on Pennsylvania environmental issues and programs.
Check out the daily NewsClips, names floated for U.S. EPA, Agriculture, other positions,
regulations the President can repeal, formal policy statements (new and from the campaign),
climate, energy, water policy statements and ideas on how to take advantage of changing federal
policies.
More information will be added all the time!
And you can help! Make suggestions on links or other resources or stories to add to PA
Environment - The Feds. Email them to: dhess@CrisciAssociates.com.
Posts from PA Environment - The Feds will also be included in the regular PA
Environment Twitter feed, the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog and the PA Environment
Digest weekly newsletter so you wont miss a thing.
Thanks for your help in building this resource!
NewsClips:
WSJ: Donald Trumps Environmental Reset
The Economist: What Happens If Trump Tears Up Environmental Laws
Regulations Trump Administration Can Repeal
Video: Trump Promises Action On Trade, Energy Regulation
Names Floated For Trumps Cabinet Positions, EPA
Outgoing EPA Chief Maintains Optimism
issues and programs. Check out the daily NewsClips, names floated for U.S. EPA, Agriculture,
other positions, regulations the President can repeal, formal policy statements (new and from the
campaign), climate, energy, water policy statements and ideas on how to take advantage of
changing federal policies. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items
posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government,
including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily
email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol.
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Session Schedule [Updated]
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate [Updated]
January 3 (swearing in day), 23, 24, 25, 30, 31
February 1, 6, 7, 8
March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House [Updated]
January 3 (swearing in day), 23, 24, & 25.
February 6, 7, & 8.
March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, & 22.
April 3, 4, 5 , 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26.
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, & 24.
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
impaired by the DEP Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report.
The new MS4 requirements GIS website gives municipalities with regulated small MS4s
an interactive, georeferenced map that visually integrates urbanized areas, waterways flowing
through and near those areas, and pollutant reduction responsibilities that municipalities may
need to address for waterways that are impaired and receive stormwater discharges from their
MS4s.
The new MS4 GIS website is a great supplement to the MS4 Requirements Table of the
specific requirements for the MS4 application.
For more information, visit DEPs MS4 Requirements webpage.
NewsClips:
Applications Sought For Growing Greener Plus Grants
Monocacy Creek Restoration To Create More Inviting Habitat
York: Trout In The Classroom
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
[Posted Nov. 21, 2016]
Sign Up Now: 10 Philadelphia Water Rain Check Residential Stormwater Workshops
The Philadelphia Water Department Rain
Check Program is hosting a series of
workshops for residents interested in
participating in its program to help residents
manage stormwater at their homes. The
workshops will be held--- November 29: Overbrook Park Library,
7422 Haverford Avenue, 5:30;
-- December 5: Oak Lane Library, 6614 N. 12th Street, 5:30;
-- December 7: Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, 6:00;
-- December 12: Fumo Family Library, 2437 S. Broad St., 6:30;
-- December 15: PA Horticultural Society Boardroom, 100 N. 20th St. 5th Floor, 5:30;
-- January 11: PA Horticultural Society Town Hall Room, 100 N. 20th St. 5th Floor, Noon;
-- January 12: PA Horticultural Society Town Hall Room, 100 N. 20th St. 5th Floor, 5:30;
-- January 14: PA Horticultural Society Town Hall Room, 100 N. 20th St. 5th Floor, 11:00;
-- January 21: Fishtown Library, 1217 E. Montgomery Avenue, 2:00; and
-- January 30: Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Avenue, 6:00.
Click Here for details on the workshops and to register.
Rain Check supports Philadelphias Green City, Clean Waters Program which is working
in neighborhoods across the City, adding green features to keep excess stormwater out of sewers.
The program is funded by Philadelphia Water and managed by the PA Horticultural
Society in partnership with the Philadelphia Sustainable Business Network.
For more information, visit Philadelphia Waters Rain Check Program webpage.
NewsClips:
Comments are due December 26. Electronic comments should be submitted using the
Department's eComment website.
Written comments can be submitted by email to: ecomment@pa.gov or by mail to the
Policy Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson State Office Building,
P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063. Use ''PENNVEST SRF-Environmental
Assessment'' as the subject line in written communication.
For more information about the approval of the following Environmental Assessments or
the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Programs contact Richard Wright by
sending email to: riwright@pa.gov, DEP Bureau of Clean Water, by calling 717-772-4059 or
visit DEPs Infrastructure Finance webpage.
NewsClips:
Drought Watch For Entire Delaware River Basin
Wayne County Water Well Study Discussed
Op-Ed: Its Time To Get The Lead Out Of Philadelphia Schools
Pittsburghs New Ordinance On Reporting Energy Efficiency, Water Usage
$20M Plainfield Twp. Plant To Turn Sludge Into Reusable Products
[Posted Nov. 25, 2016]
Nominations Now Being Accepted For National Wetlands Awards
The Environmental Law Institute is now accepting
nominations for the 2017 National Wetlands Awards to
honor individuals who have excelled in wetlands protection,
restoration, research or education. Nominations are due
December 21.
There are six award categories--- Conservation and Restoration: This award is given to an
individual who has accomplished the conservation and/or
restoration of significant wetland resources through the use
of on-the-ground restoration, management, or conservation methods on public or private lands.
For example, this may be an individual who has used an innovative approach to restore a wetland
ecosystem, or someone who has contributed to the protection of a regionally significant wetland
area through the use of tried-and-true conservation methods.
-- Education and Outreach: This award is presented to a teacher, nonprofit organization staffer,
state/local government employee, artist/film maker, reporter, or other individual involved in
hands-on wetland education. For example, this may be an inspirational educator who has
developed a wetland course that brings children into the field to learn about wetland ecology.
-- Landowner Stewardship: This award is presented to a private landowner who, while using
his or her private land for farming, forestry activities, ranching, or development, voluntarily
helps restore, protect, or minimize impacts to wetlands. For example, this may be a farmer
involved in wetland restoration or conservation on his or her land or enlisting nearby landowners
in such efforts, or a residential developer who provides significant protection or restoration of
wetlands associated with a subdivision.
Please note that this Award is presented to a private landowner who is using at least part
of his or her land for farming, ranching, development, etc. (i.e. entire parcel is not enrolled in a
Gov. Wolf: SBA Federal Disaster Assistance OKd For Centre, Lycoming Counties
Tom Wolf Monday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his request to
declare Centre and Lycoming counties a disaster area after severe flooding caused significant
damage to homes and businesses on October 21.
After my trip there right after the flooding, I understood that the devastation in North
Central Pennsylvania is more significant and widespread than we have seen recently in the
Commonwealth, Gov. Wolf said. These loans will help these areas rebuild and I thank all the
state and local officials who worked so hard to make sure they would be available.
Homeowners, renters and businesses in Centre and Lycoming counties, as well as
neighboring counties Blair, Bradford, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Huntingdon, Mifflin,
Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union may be eligible for low-interest
disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.
After the storms, staff from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, along
with local and SBA officials, conducted damage assessments within Centre and Lycoming
counties. The governor used the damage assessment results to support his assistance request to
the SBA.
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
based on each applicants financial qualifications.
The SBA has established Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in both Centre and
Lycoming counties. The centers are located in the following communities and are open as
indicated:
-- Centre County, Office of Emergency Services Willowbank Office Building, 420 Holmes
St., Bellefonte, PA 16823: Opens November 29 at 10 a.m. Hours: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Closed: Dec. 4 and is closing Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
-- Lycoming County, Department of Public Safety Lysock Complex, 542 County Farm
Road
Montoursville, PA 17754: Opens:T Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. Hours: Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4
p.m., Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Closed: Dec. 4 and is closing Dec. 8 at 3 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBAs Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by sending email to:
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded at the SBA Disaster webpage. Applicants may
apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBAs secure website.
Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 17, 2017.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 18, 2017.
Related Story:
Gov. Wolf Requests Federal Disaster Assistance For Flooding In 4 Midstate Counties
[Posted Nov. 21, 2016]
EPA Recognizes Food Recovery Challenge Participants, Ursinus College In PA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday
recognized the accomplishments of 13 organizations and
businesses participating in EPAs Food Recovery Challenge.
In Pennsylvania, Ursinus College in Montgomery County
was recognized for its efforts.
Ursinus College started composting food scraps from the
Wismer Dining Hall in the Fall of 2009.
The Ursinus Environmental Studies faculty and students
collaborated with Andy Feick Director of Facilities Services,
Ron Wood General Manager of Dining Services, and a local
composting site to create a compost program that helps reduce campus waste, support local
sustainable business and transform a raw material such as food waste into a renewable resource,
compost.
Food waste is ground up, drained of water, and then sent to a local compost facility - Two
Particular Acres family farm. A more recent development is the expansion of the compost
program into Zacks- the student center a la carte dining area.
All leftover food and disposable products from Zacks are compostable, and can be tossed
into any of the four compost bins located in Wismer.
Composting efforts at Ursinus are part of a nationwide Food Recovery effort lead by the
EPA.
In 2015, more than 800 governments, businesses and organizations participated in EPAs
Food Recovery Challenge. Participants include organizations such as grocers, restaurants,
educational institutions and sports and entertainment venues, who together kept more than
690,000 tons of food from being wasted.
These efforts reduced carbon emissions equivalent to taking approximately 86,000 cars
off the road for a year and saved businesses up to $35 million in avoided waste disposal fees.
For more information, visit EPAs Food Recovery Challenge and Sustainable
Management of Food webpages.
NewsClips:
$20M Plainfield Twp. Plant To Turn Sludge Into Reusable Products
Can King Of Prussia Firm Help Save The Planet?
Another Leachate Spill At Keystone Landfill Probed
Editorial: Keystone Landfill: DEP: Drip, Drip, Drip
Related Story:
Weis Markets, Ahold USA, PepsiCo Among EPAs First Food Loss & Waste Champions
[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]
New Methane Rules Coming For PAs Oil And Gas Industry
Related Story:
DEP Suspends Enforcement Of Stage II In Southeast Due To Diminishing Benefits
[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]
Dec. 15 Meeting, Hearing On Shell Ethane Plant Air, Water Permit Changes In Beaver
Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on December 15 regarding
both the Departments intent to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit amendment as well as its intent to authorize a modification to the existing Air
Plan Approval for the Shell Chemical Appalachia Petrochemicals Complex located at 300
Frankfort Road in Monaca.
The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. followed by a public hearing from 7
p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Central Valley High School, 160 Baker Road Extension in Monaca.
DEP will record testimony and receive written comments throughout the hearing and will
also accept written statements until December 26, 2016.
Those wishing to testify in person should contact Environmental Justice Coordinator
Nora Alwine at 412-442-4137. Each individual will have up to 3 minutes to present testimony.
Written statements regarding the draft NPDES permit amendment may be sent to the
Clean Water Program, at the Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Written statements regarding the modification to the Air Plan Approval may be sent to
the Air Quality Program, at the Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
More information about these pending authorizations, as well as other documents relating
to the Shell facility can be found on DEPs website.
All documents pertaining to these pending authorizations are available for review by
appointment between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400
Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 412-442-4000.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Nora Alwine at 412-442-4137.
[Posted Nov. 23, 2016]
Comments Invited On Equitrans Pipeline Replacement Project In Armstrong/Indiana
Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the
November 26 PA Bulletin (page 7481) inviting public comments on its
proposed Section 401 Water Quality Certification of a replacement
project for the 21 miles of the Equitrans Pipeline in Armstrong and
Indiana counties.
The project involves replacing the existing 12-inch line with a
21-inch pipeline along the same route for 91.4 percent of its length.
The pipeline is located in Conemaugh and Young Townships and
Borough of Blairsville, Indiana County and Burrell, Cowanshannock,
9:15.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Air Quality Technical
Advisory Committee webpage. Or contact Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, 717-783-9269 or
send email to: nherb@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
New Methane Rules Coming For PAs Oil And Gas Industry
Trump Says He Has Open Mind On Climate Change Accord
FactCheck: Trump On Climate Change
Do Trumps Climate Comments Mean U.S. Will Remain In Paris Accord?
NYT: Trump Has Options For Undoing Obamas Climate Legacy
What Businesses Want Trump To Know About Climate Change
PA Academics Find Inspiration At U.N. Climate Conference
What A Trump Presidency May Mean For Climate-Change Education
Editorial: Trump Keeps Changing His Tune, This Time On Climate
Editorial: Paris Climate Accord Will Be First Flashpoint
The Economist: What Happens If Trump Tears Up Environmental Laws
Cities, States Poised To Take On New Role In Climate Diplomacy
What Businesses Want Trump To Know About Climate Change
AP: Trumps Vow To Revive Coal Country Is Met With Measured Hope
Coals Decline May Continue Even Under Trump
Canada To Phase Out Coal-Fired Electricity By 2030
U.S. Direct Action Carbon Reduction Policy Running Out Of Steam
[Posted Nov. 23, 2016]
PAEP Pollution Prevention And Energy Efficiency Roundtable Visits Lutron Center
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals
Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency (P2E2)
Roundtable held its quarterly meeting at the Lutron World
Headquarters Experience Center, Coopersburg, Lehigh
County.
Jan Warnick, DEP Northeast Regional Office Office of
Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance Manager was
one of the panelists representing DEP.
Lutron has been providing energy-saving light control solutions for more than fifty years
and offers solutions to reduce energy costs.
The Experience Center allows visitors to see first-hand the demonstrated energy savings
inherent with lighting control.
Lutron offers dimmers, occupancy/ vacancy sensors, light control systems, and shading
solutions to reduce lighting energy use, optimize system performance, and enhance the visual
environment.
Upper Saucon Township Wastewater Treatment Plant participated in the meeting and
were encouraged to become energy ambassadors on their Pretreatment Information Exchange
Group, a Lehigh Valley group of wastewater treatment plants that share experiences, successes
understand their actual energy usage. That information can help evaluate the potential savings
related to conservation and efficiency projects, such as switching to LED lighting,
weatherization, programmable thermostats and other improvements.
Conservation and efficiency steps undertaken now can help save money and provide
greater comfort and safety during the coldest and darkest months of the year.
The PUCs PAPowerSwitch and PAGasSwitch websites also include interactive tips and
videos explaining ways to conserve energy, save money and stay more comfortable during the
winter or summer.
-- Ask For Assistance: Information about various energy assistance programs also is available
on the PUCs website, as part of the Commissions annual Prepare Now campaign. Consumers
on limited or fixed incomes are encouraged to call their utility company about programs to help
heat their homes or pay their energy bills, such as Customer Assistance Programs and Low
Income Usage Reduction Programs.
Other aid also may be available, such as grants under the federal Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program which is administered by the Department of Human Services.
-- Monitor Energy Bills: Consumers should carefully monitor their monthly utility bills, along
with the financial accounts used for bill payment. Any questions or concerns about pricing,
payment processing, meter readings or changes in energy consumption should be raised with
utilities as soon as possible.
-- Report Problems: The PUCs Bureau of Consumer Services is available to help consumers
resolve disputes with utilities, but it is important that any potential issue be immediately brought
to the attention of the utility. In most cases issues are quickly resolved but more challenging
problems may require intervention through the informal or formal complaint process. The
Bureau of Consumer Services can be reached toll-free at 1-800-692-7380.
For more information, visit the PUCs Prepare Now, PAPowerSwitch and PAGasSwitch
websites.
NewsClip:
PUCs Powelson Takes Help Of National Utility Regulatory Group
[Posted Nov. 23, 2016]
PUC Releases Winter Reliability Reports From Natural Gas Distribution Companies
The Public Utility Commission Tuesday released 2016 Winter Reliability Overview reports from
the states major natural gas distribution companies along with a related Readiness Report from
the Energy Association of Pennsylvania.
The reports provide insights regarding preparations for conditions that may affect service
reliability, supply and prices for the winter months, including topics such as system readiness;
employee safety/readiness; communications outreach; gas supply and planning; and natural gas
demand for electric generators.
With winter fast approaching, at the top of our states preparedness list is ensuring the
reliability and safety of our utilities distribution systems, said PUC Chairman Gladys M.
Brown. These reports enable the public to see the steps taken, and the level of preparedness
achieved, by their utilities in maintaining safe and reliable service to homes and business across
our Commonwealth in the event of extreme cold and severe winter weather conditions.
The Energy Association of Pennsylvania reported, "Members are well prepared to
accommodate the conditions forecasted in their winter season planning design" and
"underground storage and peak shaving inventories will be adequate to handle design
conditions."
The winter readiness overviews are available online:
-- Columbia Gas of PA
-- National Fuel Gas
-- PECO Energy
-- Peoples Natural Gas & Peoples TWP
-- Philadelphia Gas Works
-- UGI Utilities/UGI Penn Natural Gas/UGI Central Penn Gas
-- Energy Association of PA
Consumers also are reminded to prepare now for higher bills associated with winter
heating. The PUCs Prepare Now campaign educates consumers about the availability of
low-income programs; increases consumer awareness of ways to reduce winter heating costs;
and educates consumers on energy conservation.
It also encourages consumers to check electric and natural gas bills and supplier
contracts, while informing consumers about PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com as
resources to shop for services.
NewsClips:
Coal May Outpace Natural Gas Electric Power Generation Nationally This Winter
WSJ: A Trump U.S. Energy Boom
NYT: A Bleak Outlook For Trumps Promises To Coal Miners
AP: Trumps Vow To Revive Coal Country Is Met With Measured Hope
Coals Decline May Continue Even Under Trump
Report: Trump Taps Sago Coal Mine Owner As Commerce Secretary
Canada To Phase Out Coal-Fired Electricity By 2030
Trump Impact On U.S. Electric Power Sector Still Unclear
[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]
U.S. Clean Energy Businesses Commit To Implementation Of Paris Climate Agreement
U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Energy President Lisa Jacobson Saturday offered the
following statement on the conclusion of the 22nd Conference of the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change:
"U.S. clean energy industries are committed to action on climate change and welcomed
the progress made in Marrakech to implement the Paris Agreement. The adoption of the
Marrakech Action Proclamation by 200 countries affirms strong global government leadership to
reduce emissions and to prepare for the adverse impacts of climate change.
"The business case for climate action both at home and abroad is clear. It is rooted in
market forces and policies that are incentivizing investment in clean energy and delivering
greenhouse gas emissions reductions worldwide.
"Clear and sustained leadership from governments is critical to adopt policies at national
and subnational levels that will direct the trillions of dollars of private sector investment in
energy and infrastructure investments anticipated in the years ahead.
"The Council applauds the action-focused efforts demonstrated in Marrakech, including
the announcement by the United States and other countries to provide $23 million additional
funding to the Climate Technology Center and Network; and also the creation of the NDC
Partnership, both of which are practical efforts designed to help countries with implementation.
"Looking ahead, there is great opportunity to make deep gains in mitigation and
increased resilience by sharing best practices, policies and investment frameworks that we know
work for deployment of existing clean energy technologies.
"The decisions taken at COP22 sharpen the focus and set a direction towards establishing
a rulebook for implementation of the Paris Agreement by 2018. The rulebook will provide clarity
in the key areas of transparency, measurement, reporting and verification, finance, technology
deployment, and new market-based mechanisms.
"With a clear pathway forward, the private sector will continue to direct investments in
low-carbon sectors."
The BCSE is an organization dedicated to implementing market-based approaches to
reducing pollution and providing a diverse, secure mix of energy resources, including natural
gas.
Through its extensive national and international network, the Council works on issues
pertaining to climate change, international financing, clean energy tax equity and global market
development at the state, national and international levels.
For more information on clean energy businesses in Pennsylvania and the U.S., visit the
U.S. Business Council for Sustainable Energy website and the BCSE COP22 webpage.
NewsClips:
Trump Says He Has Open Mind On Climate Change Accord
FactCheck: Trump On Climate Change
Do Trumps Climate Comments Mean U.S. Will Remain In Paris Accord?
NYT: Trump Has Options For Undoing Obamas Climate Legacy
What Businesses Want Trump To Know About Climate Change
PA Academics Find Inspiration At U.N. Climate Conference
What A Trump Presidency May Mean For Climate-Change Education
Editorial: Trump Keeps Changing His Tune, This Time On Climate
Editorial: Paris Climate Accord Will Be First Flashpoint
The Economist: What Happens If Trump Tears Up Environmental Laws
New Methane Rules Coming For PAs Oil And Gas Industry
Cities, States Poised To Take On New Role In Climate Diplomacy
What Businesses Want Trump To Know About Climate Change
AP: Trumps Vow To Revive Coal Country Is Met With Measured Hope
Coals Decline May Continue Even Under Trump
Canada To Phase Out Coal-Fired Electricity By 2030
U.S. Direct Action Carbon Reduction Policy Running Out Of Steam
Related Stories:
Report: Pennsylvania Is Part Of American Clean Energy Transformation
Report: Investment Case For Energy Efficiency In PA, EE Already Employs 66,000 People
Natural Gas Power Plants Reviewed By DEP Could Replace All Coal-Fired Plants In PA
[Posted Nov. 20, 2016]
Exelon: Illinois House Takes Action To Support Nuclear Power Plants In Energy Jobs Bill
Exelon Generation and ComEd Tuesday announced significant progress toward achieving a
streamlined version of the Future Energy Jobs Bill that will reduce costs and preserves 4,200
jobs at Exelons Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants and create thousands of new clean
energy jobs by advancing renewable energy development and expanding energy efficiency
programs.
Exelon announced in June the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants would be closed in
2017 and 2018 respectively without support from the state.
The bill was introduced and conditionally passed by a 9 to 1 vote at last weeks Illinois
House Energy Committee hearing.
The changes also reflect feedback received from the governors office, legislative staff
and through continuing discussions and collaboration among environmental groups, renewable
energy developers, faith organizations, consumer advocates, business groups, utilities,
community leaders, policymakers and legislative staff, among others.
Though the legislation continues to be refined, proposed changes include:
-- Eliminating the demand based rates provision
-- Eliminating the Fixed Resource Adequacy Plan, or FRAP, but reserving for discussion a
proposal to achieve a solution sometime in the near future
-- Ensuring that the Zero Emissions Standard proposal will preserve Exelons Illinois nuclear
plants for at least 10 years and include even stronger consumer protections
-- Reducing the number of proposed microgrids from five to three
-- Expanding rebates for community solar, and commercial and industrial solar installations
ComEd and Exelon continue to address in earnest an open item of concern among some
business community members about the impacts this legislation will have on competitive rates in
Illinois.
We have said from the beginning that we wanted the Future Energy Jobs Bill to bring
diverse ideas and constituents together to arrive at a comprehensive plan to address the states
complex energy and economic challenges, said Joe Dominguez, Exelons executive vice
president, Governmental and Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy. In the past week, we have
heard from groups and individuals representing a broad cross-section of interests. We have
listened to what they had to say and have made changes to the bill based on their input. The
proposals emerging today will strengthen Illinois commitment to clean energy, deliver billions
of dollars in savings from energy efficiency, provide needed support for low-income residents,
retain $1.2 billion in economic activity associated with the Quad Cities and Clinton nuclear
plants and create thousands of jobs to support our economy.
We have been working for more than a year and a half on this legislation with
stakeholders representing government, environment, consumers, communities and businesses,
said Fidel Marquez, senior vice president, government and external affairs, ComEd. We have
listened and heard the issues presented at the recent hearing and worked with staff to make
revisions to the bill so that it is better for everyone. Were encouraged by the progress we have
made toward achieving a clean, reliable and affordable energy future for our customers. We look
forward to continuing this work so that we can deliver innovative solutions that bring value to
our customers, state, business community and environment.
The legislation will continue to undergo revisions prior to the start of the Veto session,
which begins November 29.
For more information on the Illinois action, visit the Future Energy Jobs Bill website.
Information on Pennsylvanias response to climate change is available on DEPs Climate
Change webpage.
For more information on coming changes to federal environmental and climate policy,
visit the PA Environment - The Feds blog.
NewsClips:
Exelons Legislative Effort To Save Illinois Nuclear Plants Moves Forward
Bill To Save Exelon Nuclear Plants Proposes Vast Rewrite Of Illinois Law
Links:
U.S. Submits Mid-Century Strategy For Deep Decarbonization To Meet Climate Goals
Related Stories:
FirstEnergy Wants PA State Help To Keep Coal, Nuclear Plants Going
New York PSC Approves 50% Clean Energy Standard, Nuclear Subsidies
Cuomo Accepts Nuclear Is Clean For Upstate New York
Exelon Retires 2 Illinois Nuclear Plants Early, Is Three Mile Island Next?
U.S. Submits Mid-Century Strategy For Deep Decarbonization To Meet Climate Goals
On November 16 the Obama Administration submitted its
Mid-Century Strategy for Deep Decarbonization to achieve
an 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by
2050.
The Paris Climate Agreement invited countries to
develop by 2020 mid-century, long-term low greenhouse
gas emission development strategies. This Strategy
answers that call, laying out a strategy to deeply decarbonize
the U.S. economy by 2050.
The mid-century vision described in this report is
grounded in decades of research and analysis by the U.S.
government. It draws heavily on peer-reviewed academic literature and is informed by a wealth
of studies on the decarbonization of energy systems and land sector carbon dynamics.
The Strategy was informed by the input received at a series of stakeholder listening
sessions with non-governmental and private sector organizations in the summer of 2016 and by
ongoing collaboration with Canada, Mexico, and other nations that are developing mid-century
strategies.
The purpose of the Strategys analysis is not to predict near-term policy making, model
the future U.S. energy and land sectors with precision, or encompass the full range of possible
low-GHG pathways, but rather to describe key opportunities and challenges associated with our
illustrative pathways, and highlight ndings that are robust across scenarios.
The Strategy scenarios include numerous pathways to an 80 percent reduction below
2005 levels in 2050 (including an MCS Benchmark scenario that we use as a basis for
discussion and comparison throughout this report), and a Beyond 80 scenario that shows
deeper emissions reductions enabled by the innovation prompted by greater global climate
action.
The report said achieving deep economy-wide net greenhouse gas emission reductions
areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest
roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to
reduce potential safety hazards.
Also, certain areas of Loyalsock State Forest were heavily impacted by recent flooding
and access to some areas may be difficult for some.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
S.O.N.S. Of Lake Erie Files Another Appeal On Bayfront Walkway
York: Trout In The Classroom
Crable: Rare Tropical Kingbird In Southern Lancaster County
New Falcon At Tarentum Bridge Raises Hopes
New Law Allows Use Of Semi-Automatics To Hunt
AP: Preliminary Figures Point To Lower Bear Harvest
[Posted Nov. 21, 2016]
Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area By 25 Municipalities, Adds
Northampton County
Department of Agriculture officials Saturday announced the
Spotted Lanternfly quarantine has been expanded to 25
additional municipalities and has added a municipality in
Northampton County to the quarantine area. (formal notice)
The new municipalities now in the quarantine area include:
-- Berks County: Centre, Maiden Creek, Richmond, Robeson,
Ruscombmanor, Union townships, Birdsboro, Centreport and
Fleetwood boroughs;
-- Bucks County: Richland Township, Quakertown, Richlandtown boroughs;
-- Chester County: East Coventry, East Vincent, North Coventry townships, Spring City
Borough;
-- Lehigh County: Bethlehem City;
-- Northampton County: Bethlehem City; and
-- Montgomery County: Limerick, Lower Fredrick, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper Providence,
Upper Salford townships, Pottstown, Royersford boroughs.
Areas where the pest has been found are now under quarantine. The general quarantine
restricts movement of any material or object that can spread the pest.
This includes firewood or wood products, brush or yard waste, remodeling or
construction materials and waste, packing material like boxes, grapevines for decorative
purposes or as nursery stock, and any outdoor household articles like lawnmowers, grills, tarps
and other equipment, trucks or vehicles typically not stored indoors.
All Quarantine Areas
All areas quarantined now include:
-- Berks County: Alsace, Amity, Centre, Colebrookdale, Douglass, District, Douglass, Earl,
Exeter, Hereford, Longswamp, Maiden Creek, Maxatawny, Oley, Pike, Richmond, Robeson,
Rockland, Ruscombmanor, Union and Washington townships and the boroughs of Bally,
Bechtelsville, Birdsboro, Boyertown, Centreport, Fleetwood, Kutztown, Lyons, St. Lawrence
and Topton;
-- Bucks County: Richland, Milford township, Quakertown, Richlandtown and Trumbauersville
Borough;
-- Chester County: East Coventry, East Vincent, North Coventry, South Coventry townships,
Spring City Borough;
-- Lehigh County: Allentown City, Bethlehem City, Lower Milford, South Whitehall, Upper
Macungie, Upper Millford, Upper Saucon, Whitehall townships and Alburtis and Emmaus
Borough;
-- Montgomery County: Douglass, New Hanover, Limerick, Lower Fredrick, Lower
Pottsgrove, Marlborough, Upper Frederick, Upper Hanover, Upper Pottsgrove, Upper
Providence, Upper Salford and West Pottsgrove Township townships and the boroughs of East
Greenville, Pennsburg, Pottstown, Red Hill and Royersford; and
-- Northampton County: Bethlehem City.
Since receiving additional funding from the United States Department of Agriculture,
survey work began May 1, 2016 to identify additional challenges and improvements with the
invasive species.
Residents can help with this eradication effort. Download the Spotted Lanternfly
Quarantine Checklist or contact a local municipality or extension office.
The checklist provides guidelines for inspection of vehicles and other items stored
outdoors, each time they move them out of the quarantine area.
Businesses in the general quarantine area need to obtain a Certificate of Limited Permit
from the department in order to move articles. Local Department of Agriculture inspection staff
can work with businesses to ensure they are complying with quarantine restrictions.
Criminal and civil penalties of up to $20,000 and prison time can be imposed for
violations by businesses or individuals.
The Spotted Lanternfly is an inch-long black, red and white spotted pest and is native to
China, India, Japan and Vietnam. Its an invasive species in Korea, where it has attacked 25 plant
species which also grow in Pennsylvania.
The pest had not been found in the United States prior to its initial detection in Berks
County in the fall of 2014.
Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula, attacks grapes, apples, pines and stone fruits. It
often attaches to the bark of Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive species similar to
Sumac that can be found around parking lots or along tree lines.
Adults often cluster in groups and lay egg masses containing 30-50 eggs that adhere to
flat surfaces including tree bark. Freshly laid egg masses have a grey waxy mud-like coating,
while hatched eggs appear as brownish seed-like deposits in four to seven columns about an inch
long.
Trees attacked by the Spotted Lanternfly will show a grey or black trail of sap down the
trunk.
All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to watch for the Spotted Lanternfly and offered the
following suggestions:
-- During the months of July through December, when the adults are active, conduct a quick
inspection of your vehicle any time you move in or near a quarantine area, to find any spotted
lanternfly hitchhikers.
-- If you see eggs on trees or other smooth outdoor surfaces: Scrape them off, double bag them
and throw them in the garbage, or place the eggs in alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.
-- If you collect a specimen: First, place the sample in alcohol or hand sanitizer in a leak proof
container. Then, submit the specimen to your county Penn State Extension office or to the
departments Entomology Lab for verification. Dont move live specimens around, even within
the quarantined area. There are many places under quarantine that do not yet have active
populations of spotted lanternfly you do not want to help them establish a new home base.
-- If you take a photo: Submit photo of adults or egg masses to: badbug@pa.gov.
-- If you want to report a site: Call the Invasive Species report line at 866-253-7189 and provide
any details of the sighting and your contact information.
Suspect specimens can also be submitted directly to the departments headquarters in
Harrisburg or to any of its six regional offices. Specimens can also be submitted to county Penn
State Extension offices as well.
For more information, visit the Department of Agricultures Spotted Lanternfly webpage.
NewsClip:
Cooperative Extension Provides Update On Mean Weeds
[Posted Nov. 25, 2016]
Bald Eagle Schools Forest Mgmt. Project Connects Students, Community In Conservation
Bald Eagle Area School District in Centre County has long
recognized the linkage between conservation and education.
The district recently launched a Cooperative Forest
Management Project for the schools forested land that
directly will connect students to the forest and provide
opportunities to engage in caring for the woods while
exploring potential careers in forestry and natural resources.
With more than 400 wooded acres of forest located at the
gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds Region and a short
distance from Penn State University, the school district is
uniquely positioned to promote responsible stewardship of its natural resources and demonstrate
the dynamic values the forests can produce to students, staff, and the community.
Partners in the project include Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bureau of Forestry, Penn States Center for Private Forests, The Nature Conservancy-PA, and
Domtar Paper Company.
Domtar Paper Company, the largest manufacturer of uncoated paper in North America,
has committed $10,000 to support the project (photo), which will result in the development of a
custom forest management plan and access to the Forest Stewardship Councils (FSC) stamp of
green certification, which ensures long-term, responsible management of forest resources.
To meet the requirements of FSC-certification and to best quantify the natural resources
within the school districts property, a comprehensive, multi-faceted forest inventory will be
performed this fall.
Data collected through traditional forest measurements, using variable radius point
sampling, fixed area plots, and photo-stations will generate forest and wildlife habitat
summaries, timber stand volume and value estimates, along with an overall Forest Condition
Report Card.
All other elements required for the management plan and to prepare for FSC-certification
will be derived through landowner interviews, community stakeholder engagement, and
consultation with natural resource agency professionals.
This project also ties in with the newly released recommendations of Gov. Wolfs Green
Ribbon Task Force on Forest Products, Conservation, and Jobs. The recommendations from the
recently released task force report include:
-- Creating partnerships between education and industry;
-- Broadening discussion and inclusion of forestry and forest occupations in education;
-- Developing demonstration areas to showcase best practices in forest management; and
-- Expanding public awareness and education efforts to promote the importance of forests to
clean water.
A ceremony was held at the school district during the end of October to recognize the
launch of the project. Attendees included Mark Ott, a retiree of the Bald Eagle School District
and an active member of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, who was the driving force in the
initiation of the project.
Also on hand were Jeff Miles, the schools superintendent; Mike Eckley of the Nature
Conservancy-PA; Luke Dillinger of Domtar Paper out of Johnsonburg; Dr. James Finley of the
Penn State Center for Private Forests; U.S. Representative Glenn Thompson; and DCNR Bureau
of Forestry staff.
Service forester Tim Cole of the Rothrock State Forest District and Service forester
Gerald Hoy of the Bald Eagle State Forest District (who is himself a Bald Eagle Area School
District alum) will be actively involved, providing advice and guidance to the school district.
DCNRs Bureau of Forestry is eager to track the progress of this project, as it could serve
as a model for other efforts.
During the ceremony announcing the work, Dr. Finely said, This project demonstrates
true care for the resource. It provides a host of opportunities, one of which is to serve as an
example. Stewardship of the land is fundamental to many values people appreciate-clean water,
clean air, and healthful places to recreate.
In closing, the schools superintendent, Jeff Miles, summed it up best when he said, This
project is on the cutting edge of education and we are proud to be partnering with a great group
and getting students and faculty actively engaged.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Why Is This Fall Such A Busy Wildfire Season?
Crable: Dry Conditions, Wind Touch Off 30 Brush Fires In Lancaster
AP: DCNR Officials Say Reading Forest Fire Was Arson
Crews Battle Mountain Fire In Reading
Forest Fire In Reading Now Under Control
Wind Hampers Efforts To Contain Fulton County Forest Fire
Logging Effort In Lower Burrell A Labor Of Love
(Reprinted from the November 23 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your
own copy.)
[Posted Nov. 23, 2016]
Fall/Winter Newsletter Available From Foundation For Sustainable Forests
The Fall/Winter newsletter from the Foundation for
Sustainable Forests is now available featuring articles on--- Loving The Land - Landowners Tell Their Stories
-- A Message To Our Supporters
-- Fundraising News & Updates
-- Video: Mission Of The Foundation For Sustainable
Forests
For more information on programs, initiatives and
upcoming events, visit the Foundation for Sustainable
Forests website.
NewsClips:
Why Is This Fall Such A Busy Wildfire Season?
Crable: Dry Conditions, Wind Touch Off 30 Brush Fires In Lancaster
AP: DCNR Officials Say Reading Forest Fire Was Arson
Crews Battle Mountain Fire In Reading
Forest Fire In Reading Now Under Control
Wind Hampers Efforts To Contain Fulton County Forest Fire
Logging Effort In Lower Burrell A Labor Of Love
[Posted Nov. 22, 2016]
Op-Ed: Where Do We Go From Here? Science May Have Rough Go Next 4 Years
By: Gale C. Blackmer, State Geologist, PA Geological Survey
Wow. Im writing this in the second week of November 2016, so you all
know what I mean. We have completed one long national odyssey, and are
about to begin another.
The resultant hopes and fears that each one of us feels are real,
whether or not they seem to be rational or grounded in fact. The only way
through is to address the fears without dashing the hopes.
So be kind, be understanding, and listen, really listen. You might
be surprised at what you hear.
We dont know what will happen over the next four years.
However, based on things that have been said and names that have been
floated for key positions, it looks like science may have a rough go.
As scientists, then, how can we react?
First, I would say, we continue to do our work and to report the
results accurately and honestly. If we lose our credibility, we lose everything.
Second, take every opportunity to talk and to educate.
Most people get their science from less-than-knowledgeable sources. Make yourself
the knowledgeable and accessible source. Talk to your friends, community groups, kids, and
adults. Explain things in a way a non-scientist can understand.
The scientific issues we face are complex, but no one has the time to sit through long,
nuanced explanations. Perhaps it would behoove us all to mentally prepare a few elevator
speech responses.
Maybe we cant explain the whole process of hydrofracturing a shale well, but we can
say quickly that the cracks are the width of a sand grain, or that the gas companies work very
hard to keep the cracks within the shale layer because otherwise they risk losing the gas and the
profits.
This approach wont provide a full education, but it might put a few tears in the veil of
ignorance.
As an aside, I wish we could educate people about risk, because we all worry about
things that dont do us much harm, while the things that can really hurt us are right under our
noses without raising alarm. But thats a discussion for another time.
Third, stick to observable facts.
Its easy to argue about whether human-produced carbon dioxide is changing the climate.
It is harder to argue about the fact that the Pentagon considers climate change a threat to national
security.
Or that coastal cities in Virginia and Florida are experiencing regular and worsening
flooding, not from storm events but from normal high tides.
Or that in September, a cruise ship took 1,000 tourists through the Northwest Passage;
yes, the same Northwest Passage that had been blocked by ice since European exploration of the
New World began.
Finally, we must look ahead.
Politics is concerned with the short term. Certainly science works in the present, but it
also looks to the future.
The powers that be might not recognize the utility of good science, but that does not
negate the fact that humanity needs science.
As it has since the days of cracking stones to make tools and the discovery of fire, our
survival depends on science.
As scientists, we must continue to look ahead and ensure that we establish a base of
knowledge to serve future needs.
Dr. Gale Blackmer is Director of DCNRs Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey and the
State Geologist since November 2015. She can be contacted by sending email to:
gblackmer@pa.gov or calling 717-702-2065.
(Reprinted from the Fall 2016 Pennsylvania Geology Magazine.)
NewsClips:
WSJ: Donald Trumps Environmental Reset
The Economist: What Happens If Trump Tears Up Environmental Laws
Regulations Trump Administration Can Repeal
Video: Trump Promises Action On Trade, Energy Regulation
Names Floated For Trumps Cabinet Positions, EPA
Outgoing EPA Chief Maintains Optimism
November 26-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Holiday Open House. Sanctuary Visitor Center in
Berks County. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
November 28-- Capital Resource Conservation & Development Council Small Farm Business
Marketing: Measuring your Return-on-Investment (ROI) Webinar. 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
December 1-- Westminster College/Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition Student Symposium On
The Environment. Westminster College, New Wilmington, Lawrence County.
December 1-- PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop. Ann Jones Gerace Center
(formerly CCI Center), South Side, Pittsburgh. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
December 1 to 17-- Gifford Pinchots Grey Towers National Historic Site Holiday Programs.
Milford, Pike County.
December 3-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Volunteer Training. Upper
Delaware Visitor Center, 176 Scenic Drive, Lackawaxen, Pike County. 9 a.m to 1 p.m.
December 3-- PA Resources Council Backyard Composting Workshop. Construction Junction,
Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 10:30 Noon.
December 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Charles Swokel, Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and
Brownfields, 717-772-5806 or send email to: cswokel@pa.gov.
December 6-- DEP Hearing on Hazardous Sites Cleanup action at the Hoff VC Site, New
Hanover Twp., Montgomery County. Boyertown Junior High East School, located at 2020 Big
Road, Gilbertsville, PA 19525. 7:00 p.m. DEP Contact: Virginia Cain at 484-250-5808 or send
email to cowade@pa.gov.
December 7-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee
meeting. DEP Laboratory Building, Conference Room 206, 2575 Interstate Dr., Harrisburg.
9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger at 717-346-822 or send email to: aaalger@pa.gov.
-- Discussion of proposed changes to Chapter 252 accreditation program
-- Click Here for available handouts
December 7-- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
Businesses For The Bay Chesapeake Bay Business Forum. Lancaster County Conservancys
Susquehanna Riverlands Research and Education Center at Climbers Run Preserve, 226
Frogtown Road in Pequea.10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
December 7-- Delaware Valley Green Building Council Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Webinar: Plant Performance In Green Stormwater Infrastructure Part II. Noon to 1:00.
December 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality,
717-783-9269 or send email to: nherb@pa.gov.
-- Proposed General Permits To Control Methane From Oil & Gas Operations: GP-5, GP5A
-- Final Ozone Designation Recommendations To EPA
-- Overview Of 2014 Emissions Inventory For Unconventional Natural Gas Wells, Other
Sources
-- Update On Rulemakings Related To State Implementation Plan Revisions
-- Click Here for available handouts
December 8-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting. Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126
West Street, Annapolis, MD. 9:00. Click Here for more on the agenda. (formal notice)
December 8-- Chesapeake Conservancy Webinar On New High-Resolution Land Data In
Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
December 8-- NEW. Wildlands Conservancy Project WET Educator Workshop. Pool Wildlife
Sanctuary, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, Lehigh County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December 8-9-- Ohio River Basin Alliance 2016 Summit. EPAs Andrew W. Breidenbach
Environmental Research Center, 26 West Martin Luther King Drive in Cincinnati, Ohio.
December 10-- PA Resources Council Vermicomposting Workshop. Construction Junction,
Point Breeze, Allegheny County. 10:30 Noon.
December 12-- Chesapeake Conservancy Webinar On New High-Resolution Land Data In
Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
December 13-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, Bureau of Mine Safety,
724-404-3147, agaida@pa.gov.
December 13-- NEW. PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop. Lehigh Valley
Planning Commission, 961 Marcon Boulevard, #310, Allentown. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
December 14- DEP Citizens Advisory Council and DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer,
Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693,
khethering@pa.gov. Click Here to join the meeting by Webex. (formal notice) (formal notice)
December 14-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg,
PA 17101, 717-772-5158, csansoni@pa.gov.
December 14-- Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting. Washington Crossing
Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, in Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30.
(formal notice)
December 14-- Chesapeake Conservancy Webinar On New High-Resolution Land Data In
Chesapeake Bay Watershed. 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
December 15-- NEW. DEP Meeting, Hearing On Shell Ethane Plant Air, Water Permit Changes.
Central Valley High School, 160 Baker Road Extension in Monaca, Beaver County. Meeting
will be held from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. followed by a public hearing from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
December 15-- NEW. PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop. DEP Northeast
Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
December 15-- PennTAP Webinar: E3 Overview: Economy-Energy-Environment. Noon to
1:00.
December 20-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
December 21-- DEP State Board for Certification Of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen
Szwajkowski, Bureau of Point Non-Point Source Management, 717-772-2186 or send email to:
kszwajkows@pa.gov.
January 3-- Opening Day Of 2017-18 Legislative Session.
January 9-- NEW. PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop. East Marlborough
Township Building, 721 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, Chester County. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
January 11-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grant Writing Webinar. 10:00.
January 11-- NEW. PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop. DEP Southcentral
Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
January 17-- NEW. PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop. Bedford County
Courthouse, Room 101, 200 South Julianna St., Bedford. 9:30 a.m. to Noon.
January 19- Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Training Program In Berks
County. Berks County Ag Center, 1238 County Welfare Road in Leesport. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m.
February 16-- PennTAP Webinar: Pollution Prevention: Lean Manufacturing With A Focus On
Food Manufacturing. Noon to 1:00.
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
meeting after a finding of no significant adverse environmental impact. The projects are in Erie,
Lawrence, McKean, Westmoreland (3) counties. Comments are due December 26.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process
Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2016) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
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of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
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companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
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