PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
1,000 Pound Butter Sculpture

Harrisburg, Pa

January 9, 2012

Sen. Scarnati Pushes Governor, House Republicans To Agree On Marcellus Bill Shortly after being sworn in as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) told reporters, "I would strongly recommend that we have this (Marcellus Shale legislation) wrapped up before the budget address (February 7). The people want it done. If it isn't done, it's going to be an issue for 2012." Otherwise, he said, reconciling the different Senate and House versions of the drilling fee and environmental protection measures would be "complicated" by debates over the state budget. "What we saw last year was the fact that Shale could've held up this budget greatly," said Sen. Scarnati. "We respected the wished of the Governor to wait for the (Marcellus Shale) Commission." Sen. Scarnati noted the decision by five Republican Senators from Southeast Pennsylvania last month to vote for an amendment offered by Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, for a higher $75,000 per well fee shows the degree of support in the Senate for a higher fee and using some fee revenue for statewide needs. In December, the House unanimously non-concurred in changes made by the Senate to House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling. The Senate earlier amended House Bill 1950 to include the provisions of its own version of a drilling fee and environmental protection provisions from Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-RJefferson). The House-passed version of House Bill 1950 contains an optional, county-adopted drilling fee favored by Gov. Corbett while the Senate Bill includes a uniform, higher stateimposed fee. The House version, however, includes transfers from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to the award-winning Growing Greener Program. In addition to providing funding to deal with the local impacts of drilling, fee income also supports other statewide environmental programs and county conservation districts.

The Senate drilling fee would also support local programs designed to deal with the impacts of drilling and conservation districts, but would give money to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for infrastructure and watershed restoration projects. A summary, the Senate Fiscal Note and the House Fiscal Note are available for the bills. The Senate is expect to insist on its amendments to House Bill 1950 when they and the House return to session on January 17 and name members to the conference committee, however, Senate and House Republicans and representatives of the Governor's Office continue to meet to work on a compromise measure. NewsClips: Senate Leader Sees Crunch Time On Shale Bill Sen. Scarnati Urges Action On Drilling Fee In January Drilling Fee Deadline: Before Corbett's Budget Address Fair Tax On Gas Drillers Could Help Alleviate Shortfall Corbett Orders Freeze Of Nearly $160 Million In State Spending With Commonwealth revenues continuing to come in below estimate for the 2011-12 fiscal year, Gov. Tom Corbett has directed his Budget Office to freeze nearly $160 million in state spending, including $8.3 million more in cuts to General Fund appropriations for environmental agencies, mostly for personnel. The governor also has asked government entities not under his jurisdiction to reduce their spending by nearly $66 million. "Until revenue collections improve, we must take precautions to ensure that the commonwealth budget remains in balance," Gov. Corbett said. Midway through the state's fiscal year, revenues are $486.8 million below estimate, the state Department of Revenue reported Tuesday. Gov. Corbett has directed most agencies to reduce their overall 2011-12 spending by 3 percent. Some individual appropriations will see spending reductions of up to 10 percent. The state-related universities Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple and Lincoln universities will see a reduction of 5 percent, or $25.7 million, in state funding. Public safety agencies, such as State Police and the Department of Corrections, will freeze approximately 1 percent of their spending. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is not being directed to freeze any funds because of the numerous disaster-related emergency response activities that agency has coordinated this fiscal year, the governor said. Basic education subsidy funds paid to school districts will not be affected, and the Department of Public Welfare will see a spending reduction of less than 1 percent, or $55 million. The funds being placed into budgetary reserve across all agencies represent less than 1 percent of the total $27.2 billion General Fund budget. "We did not make the decision to freeze these funds lightly. If the revenue picture improves in the months ahead and we determine these funds no longer need to remain frozen, we may be able to free up some or perhaps even all of the funds we are now placing into budgetary reserve," Corbett said. Additional cuts to General Fund appropriations for environmental agencies for mostly personnel costs include: Agriculture: $2.6 million (2 percent), but no cuts to conservation districts; DCNR: $1.5 million (2.8 percent); and DEP: $4.2 million (3.1 percent).

A list of funds placed into budgetary reserve is available online. NewsClips: Senate Leader Sees Crunch Time On Shale Bill Sen. Scarnati Urges Action On Drilling Fee In January Drilling Fee Deadline: Before Corbett's Budget Address Fair Tax On Gas Drillers Could Help Alleviate Shortfall Governor Freezes Some State Spending Due To Shortfalls Corbett Freezes $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Orders Austerity In Face Of Weak Revenue Corbett Reduces $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Freezes Pay For Cabinet, Management State Revenue Far Below Estimates In December PA's Income Running Behind State Budget Shortfall Nearing $500 Million House Dems Ask Corbett To Push Transportation Funding Democrats Ask Corbett To Make Road Funding A Priority House Dems Call For Action On Highway Funding House Dems Call For Transportation Funding Fixes A Nudge For Transportation Funding State Collects $141.5 Million Less Than Anticipated In December, $486 Million Less For Year Pennsylvania collected $2.3 billion in General Fund revenue in December, which was $141.5 million, or 5.9 percent, less than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported Tuesday. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $11.6 billion, which is $486.8 million, or 4 percent, below estimate. Click Here for more details. NewsClips: Senate Leader Sees Crunch Time On Shale Bill Sen. Scarnati Urges Action On Drilling Fee In January Drilling Fee Deadline: Before Corbett's Budget Address Fair Tax On Gas Drillers Could Help Alleviate Shortfall Governor Freezes Some State Spending Due To Shortfalls Corbett Freezes $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Orders Austerity In Face Of Weak Revenue Corbett Reduces $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Freezes Pay For Cabinet, Management State Revenue Far Below Estimates In December PA's Income Running Behind State Budget Shortfall Nearing $500 Million House Dems Ask Corbett To Push Transportation Funding Democrats Ask Corbett To Make Road Funding A Priority House Dems Call For Action On Highway Funding House Dems Call For Transportation Funding Fixes A Nudge For Transportation Funding Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. 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 Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest 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. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate January 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 February 6, 7, 8 Governor's Budget Address: February 7 Budget Hearings: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and March 1 March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 House January 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Budget Hearings: Feb. 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, March 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 4, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Bill Calendars House (January 17): House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation partnerships; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (January 17): Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) allowing the use of preserved agricultural land for agricultural composting. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a hearing on closings of Sunoco and ConocoPhillips refineries in Southeast PA; the Consumer Affairs Committee holds two hearings, one on House Bill 1855 (Miller-R-York) setting standards for water well construction and a second hearing on House Bill 1580 (Ross-R-Chester) increasing the solar share in the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards; the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on transportation funding issues in Pittsburgh. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this weekDrilling Air Emissions: House Bill 2113 (Vitali-D-Delaware) further providing for the regulation of air emissions from drilling operations. Utility Cutoffs: House Bill 2114 (Petri-R-Bucks) further providing for the termination of utility service.

News From The Capitol

House Appropriations Committee Announces 2012 Budget Hearing Schedule The House Appropriations Committee will hold its hearings on Gov. Corbett's budget proposal from February 21 to March 8. The Governor's budget address is scheduled for February 7. Here is a list of key budget hearing dates and times. All hearings are in Room 140 Main Capitol.

February 21: 9:30 - Global Economy; 11:00 - Independent Fiscal Office; 1:30 - Department of Revenue. February 27: 10:00 - Public Utility Commission; 11:00 - Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate. February 28: 9:30 - Department of Agriculture; 10:30 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; 1:30 - Department of Environmental Protection. February 29: 9:30 - Department of Transportation. March 1: 10:00 Department of Labor & Industry; 1:00 - Department of Community and Economic Development. March 6: 9:30 - State Police/Office of Homeland Security; 11:00 - PA Emergency Management Agency; 1:30 - Department of Corrections, Board of Probation and Parole; 3:00 - Department of General Services. March 8: 10:00 - Budget Secretary; 1:00 - House Member Testimony. Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair. House Democrats Introduce Transportation Funding Plan Reps. Mike Hanna (D-Centre) and Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) have introduced a comprehensive legislative package to deal with the state's transportation funding crisis in House Bill 2099 (Hanna), House Bill 2101 (Hanna) and House Bill 2112 (Frankel). "It has been five months since Gov. Tom Corbett's handpicked Transportation Funding Advisory Commission issued its report. The governor has chosen to say little about the group's recommendations, other than he is assessing them," said Rep. Hanna. "Pennsylvania's deteriorating roads and bridges deserve a higher priority than the governor has given them. And if he is choosing not to lead on this issue, then it's time for the legislature to take action." The Democrats' plans resemble that of Senate Appropriations Majority Chair Jake Corman (R-Centre), who introduced a funding proposal modeled after many of the $2.5 billion in TFAC recommendations. The TFAC report urged PennDOT to consider a number of measures including adjusting outdated vehicle driver fees for inflation, increasing fines, uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax over five years and modernizing many PennDOT services for cost savings. The proposal also carries specific recommendations to ensure adequate funding for mass transit. Rep. Frankel is sponsoring a proposal that would provide money from the Pennsylvania Turnpike for mass transit.

"Mass transit is a critical component of our transportation network, said Rep. Frankel (D-Allegheny). "A well-functioning public transit system creates vibrant cities, takes cars off the roads, and gives freedom of movement to all our residents who cant drive. "Rural areas that dont see much daily traffic still deserve upkeep, just as urban centers deserve buses and trains to get people to work," he added. "Its not either/or. We need both." Rep. Hanna continued: "By working in a bipartisan, bicameral manner, it is my hope that we can reach a consensus on this priority in the coming weeks. "Given the governor's recent support for a levy on Marcellus Shale, as well as the supportive tax votes of Republican legislators on that issue; it doesn't appear that the Americans for Tax Reform no-tax pledge should be holding anyone back from voting for appropriate funding mechanisms for our state's infrastructure needs." The lawmakers said all funding generated by the proposals will go toward transportation projects. "The long-term viability of our roads, bridges and mass transit systems, as well as the thousands of jobs for Pennsylvania workers that will be created through these projects, are critical to the Commonwealth's economy," Rep. Hanna said. NewsClips: House Dems Ask Corbett To Push Transportation Funding Democrats Ask Corbett To Make Road Funding A Priority House Dems Call For Action On Highway Funding House Dems Call For Transportation Funding Fixes A Nudge For Transportation Funding Senators Pileggi And Erickson To Introduce Environmental Remediation Legislation Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) Friday announced plans to introduce legislation which will require that the owners of certain commercial properties conduct environmental remediation at those sites. "In Delaware County, we are seeing dramatic changes in the way some very large commercial properties such as the refineries in Trainer and Marcus Hook are expected to be used," said Sen. Pileggi. "Ideally, new owners will be found for those sites and they will continue to be used as refineries. But if that doesn't happen, and the owners significantly change the use of those sites, there should be strong environmental cleanup requirements." "When the owner of a commercial property significantly changes the use of that site, or discontinues productive use of the site, it is good policy to require that owner to meet certain baseline environmental standards," said Sen. Erickson. "This will help ensure that the site is left in a condition such that it can be redeveloped for productive use if the owner decides to sell or abandon the property." Senators Pileggi and Erickson said the bill will require the owners of commercial properties to conduct such remediation when the use of the site changes significantly, including one or more of the following: -- A change which results in a workforce reduction of at least 65 percent; -- A change which involves the idling and/or removal of at least 65 percent of the equipment and/or machinery on the property; and -- A change which results in the number of square feet of improved, enclosed space on the property currently in productive use being reduced by at least 65 percent.

This legislation will only impact properties with no ownership change. Existing law adequately addresses environmental remediation standards when a property is sold, such as the refinery owned by Sunoco.

News From Around The State

CBF: Report Debunks Myth Environmental Regs Cost Jobs, Kill Business A new Chesapeake Bay Foundation report, titled Debunking the Job Killer Myth; How Pollution Limits Encourage Jobs in the Chesapeake Bay Region, examines claims that environmental regulations hurt the economy and finds them to be false. In addition, the report looks at the jobs that have been and will be created as a result of the Bay pollution limits, and finds that, especially during economic downturns, these regulations will stimulate job growth while cleaning the water, restoring fish and shell fish, and creating a healthy environment for our children. For years opponents of environmental regulations have argued that they cost jobs and hurt businesses. That is not borne out by the facts, said CBF President William C. Baker. Whether the target is EPA or the Bay pollution limits, it is essential that the public understand that environmental regulations will create jobs to reduce pollution, and sustain jobs that depend on clean water. There have been many examples of industries crying wolf over new environmental regulations. In the 1970s Henry Ford II warned that clean air and fuel efficiency standards would shut down the Ford Motor Company. Twenty five years later, Ford not only remains in business and makes cleaner cars today that it did then, it showed a profit of $6.5 billion in 2010. One of the strengths of the American economy is our ability to innovate, Baker said. Complying with regulations that reduce pollution has spurred advances in technology that actually improve products that we all take for granted every day. Another example of inflated rhetoric about jobs and regulation was the debate over federal Clean Air Act amendments in 1990. Opponents .said it would produce a quiet death for businesses across the country. In fact, those predictions were not true, and in 2003, President George W. Bushs Office of Management and Budget found that the benefits outweighed the investments by more than 40 to 1. Dr. Eban Goodstein, Director of the Center for Environmental Policy at Bard College found no support for a net loss of jobs because of environmental regulations a result of his study of economic literature on jobs and regulations. He said, Virtually all economists who have studied this jobs-environment issue agree.There has simply been no trade-offs between jobs and the environment. Since the passage of federal clean water and air laws in the 1970s, a burgeoning new industry has sprouted that creates jobs and stimulates the economy through pollution reduction, including improvements to sewage and power plants. This environmental industry is now worth $312 billion a year nationally and employs almost 1.7 million people, with roughly 75 percent of job growth in this field driven by government regulation. Close to home, when Maryland considered the Healthy Air Act to control pollution from coal-fired power plants in 2006, critics said it would force closure of power plants, cause layoffs,

and cripple the reliability of the regions electric system. In fact, none of those claims occurred, and at Constellations Brandon Shores power plant, in Anne Arundel County, 1,300 construction workers were employed on the renovation, and 32 people were hired in part to run the pollution control equipment. While too early to be specific about the number of jobs that will be created by the Bay pollution limits, between 1990 and 2009, the number of environmental clean-up and monitoring jobs increased by 43 percent across the region. A projection by the Economic Policy Institute found that stormwater projects could provide work for 178,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the region over the next five years. Maryland and Virginia plan to invest a total of $3 billion to upgrade sewage treatment plants over more than a decade, creating an estimated 60,000 construction related jobs. If history is any guide, regulations that reduce pollution will create jobs, strengthen local economies, and restore the health of our national treasure, Baker said. A clean environment and a vibrant economy are two sides of the same coin. One supports the other. Clean water regulations will create jobs, strengthen the economy, and save the Bay. We will have more fish, crabs, and oysters, and fewer health impacts from dirty water. A copy of the report is available online. NewsClips: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Study Refutes Job-Killer Myth Report Links Chesapeake Bay Cleanup, Job Creation Report: Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Will Create Jobs DEP Committee Considers Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plan, Using Mine Drainage For Fracking The Department of Environmental Protection's Water Resources Advisory Committee will meet on January 11 to consider the Phase II Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan and the issue of using acid mine drainage for Marcellus Shale fracking. The Committee will meet at 9:30 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building. PA Sustainable Agriculture Brings Sustainability Schools To Pennsylvania The PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture Friday launched a new effort aimed at providing courses for consumers interested in living more sustainably. Through its Good Food Neighborhood program, PASA is partnering with organizations, groups and individuals to provide Sustainability Schools throughout the Commonwealth. Living more sustainably is something we can all do to contribute not only to the viability of our own families, but increasingly of our local communities, says Hannah Smith who heads up PASAs community outreach efforts. Smith designed the program which parallels PASAs very popular peer-to-peer farmer education program. PASA is well-known for its farm-based education programs which highlight the skills and experience of our farmers to farm sustainably. Likewise, our local communities are gaining strength by the networking of folks who have much to offer in the way of living sustainably. Our Sustainability Schools draw on these community resources.

Smith points to a wide range of courses available from composting to backyard poultry and beekeeping, from home energy efficiency to food preservation, and even home brewing and fermentation. She also notes that a taste of Sustainability School subject matter will be available during the Good Food Neighborhood workshops at PASA's 21st Annual Farming for the Future Conference in State College, February 1-4. PASA is currently partnering with Dickinson College Farm in Carlisle, Greener Partners in Collegeville and the Spring Creek Homesteading Fund in State College and is in negotiations with other potential partners to bring Sustainability Schools to every region of the Commonwealth and surrounding states Contact Hannah Smith if you or your organization might be a good fit for the program. Katherine Watt, an organizer with Spring Creek Homesteading, offers, "These courses are about learning how to do more things for ourselves. In this time when families are feeling so stretched from a contracting economy, rising energy prices and the impacts of extreme weather conditions, building a safety net using local resources of time, skill and land can make all the difference." For more information, visit the Sustainability Schools Program webpage. To become a Sustainable School partner, contact Hannah Smith by calling 717-250-0725 or send email to: hannah@pasafarming.org. Penn State Helps Rural Residents Manage Water Sources With the state's largest rural population, Westmoreland County has "a huge need" for the kind of information and services that only Penn State can provide, says Greg Phillips, CEO and district manager of the Westmoreland Conservation District. If Penn State wasnt here to back us up wed have to cover it with our existing staff, and theyre already stretched to the max, Phillips says. One service Penn State provides the county is the expertise of a Cooperative Extension water-quality specialist, who educates residents on safe practices and helps landowners deal with contaminated water supplies. Find out how Westmoreland County is taking advantage of Penn States resources, research, and reputation for high-quality expertise by watching this online video. Penn State for PA (PSU4PA) tells the stories of Pennsylvania residents whose businesses, communities and lives have been transformed by Penn State teaching, research and service. For more firsthand accounts of Penn States positive impact on the Commonwealth, visit the PSU4PA website, like the Facebook page and follow PSU4PA on Twitter. DEP Fines Talisman Energy For Tioga County Well Control Incident The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Talisman Energy USA Inc. of Warrendale, Butler County, $51,478 for a January 2011 gas well control incident at the companys Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 587 #8 well pad in Ward Township, Tioga County. Equipment failure during fracking on January 17 caused about 21,000 gallons of hydraulic fracturing fluid and sand to be released for about three hours, DEP Northcentral

Regional Director Nels Taber said. Fortunately, Talisman responded quickly and most of the release did not escape secondary containment. The fluid discharged from the head of the well under high pressure, tearing the well pads secondary containment liner for several yards. Vacuum trucks recovered the fluid on the well pad. No streams, wetlands or private drinking water wells were impacted by the spill. A department inspection conducted Jan. 25 confirmed that Talisman staff had repaired the damaged liner, replaced the failed equipment and removed contaminated soil beneath the liner. An investigation by DEPs Oil and Gas Program and Talisman staff determined that the cause of the incident was a needle valve that had failed and could not be shut off. To regain control of the well, the hydraulic valve above the master valve was remotely closed and fluid was allowed to flow back through the production test separator. A new pipe connector called a hammer union was also installed and closed. Goddard Symposium Features Future Of Energy In PA Discussion Feb. 15 A panel of energy experts will discuss The Future of Energy in the Commonwealth A 21st Century Gold Rush? at the Second Annual Goddard Symposium. This is free event, which is open to the public, will be held on February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the Grace Milliman Pollock Center in Camp Hill, Cumberland County. This years symposium will explore the future of Pennsylvanias energy by discussing some of the various energy options in the state, including natural gas, solar and geo-thermal sources. The panel will include: Barb Sexton, Director-State Government Relations, Chesapeake Energy Corporation; Charles Kupfer, Ph.D, Associate Professor of American Studies, Penn State University; Peter G. Robelen, P.G., President of GeoServices LTD; Julien Gaudion, Business Development Manager, Petra Solar; and Tony Davis, Ecologist / Botanist, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. The symposium will highlight the historic opportunity in Pennsylvania to develop these energy resources in a way that ensures our environment is protected, our economy is strong, and our nation is more secure. The panel will provide perspectives on this opportunity and will welcome discussion from attendees. Students are also encouraged to attend this symposium as the panel will discuss career opportunities in the various energy sectors. Development of new energy resources in Pennsylvania has created a demand for engineers, technicians, and geologists with expertise in new areas. This is the 2nd Goddard Symposium sponsored by Camp Hill School District. Maurice Goddard (1912-1995) served for five governors from 1955-1979 in an extraordinary career as Secretary of the former Departments of Environmental Resources and Forests and Waters. Goddard significantly expanded the State Park system, established state forest natural and wild areas, and professionalized forestry and environmental management in state government. A leader in air and water resource management, he inspired environmental awareness nationwide. The symposium is dedicated to his incredible and inspiring legacy. For more information concerning this symposium, contact Mark Ziegler at 901-2500 ext 2492.

DEP Sets Feb. 15 Hearing On Proposed Compressor In Sullivan County The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on Wednesday, February 15, to discuss an Air Quality plan approval application from Central New York Oil and Gas LLC for construction of a compressor station in Davidson Township, Sullivan County. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Muncy Valley Area Volunteer Fire Co., 11997 Route 42, Muncy Valley. Staff from DEPs Air Quality program will explain the application review process and applicable regulations, and company officials will review the project with the audience, DEP Northcentral Regional Director Nels Taber said. These presentations will be followed by a question-and-answer session, so that DEP and the company can hear about residents concerns and provide needed information. Central New York Oil and Gas LLC submitted the Air Quality Plan Approval application to DEP on December 14, 2010. The plan includes two natural gas-fired engines to provide power to natural gas compressors, which would increase the pressure of the incoming natural gas to the facility and discharge the gas at a higher pressure for transport to a network of pipelines. It would also include controls for the new engines. DEP published a notice of intent to issue the plan approval in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on October 1, 2011, and asked for public comment. A significant number of citizens requested that the agency hold a public meeting or public hearing to discuss the application. During the public hearing, slated to begin at 8 p.m., the public will have an opportunity to present up to five minutes of oral testimony about the application. Written testimony of any length will also be accepted. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document, and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony provided during the public hearing. Those who wish to present oral testimony may register that evening prior to the hearing. For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted by the close of business on February 27 to DEP Air Quality Program Manager, 208 West Third St., Ste. 101, Williamsport, Pa 17701. Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Daniel Spadoni at 570-327-3659 or through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD). PRC Energy Education Staff Attend School Science Fairs On December 1, the PA Resources Council Smart Ideas energy education team, sponsored by PECO, visited the Marshall Street Elementary School in the Norristown Area School District in Montgomery County. Over 700 students and their parents attended the fair and stopped at PECO's education table, which featured two lessons; electricity use in the U.S. vs other countries and the electric draw of ordinary household appliances.

Because it was the holiday season, seasonal lights were used for part of the demonstration. The watt meter registered a 78 watt draw for the old-style lights and 1.2 for a string of LED lights. The students eagerly shared all they learned during the day with their parents that visited the evening fair. The Smart Ideas team was thrilled to learn the students had been listening! For more information, contact Jayne Young at 610-353-1555 x222 or send email to: young@prc.org. Nominate Your School For The Pathways To Green Schools Program The Department of Education is encouraging nominations to the Commonwealth's Pathways to Green Schools Program to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for energy efficiency, healthy students and environmental literacy efforts. Pennsylvania will submit up to four schools as Green Ribbon Schools. The deadline for submissions is February 23. For all the details visit the Pathways to Green Schools Program website. Sign up for iConservePA.org emails for lots of other useful conservation information. You can also sign up for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' monthly Resource online newsletter (go to the bottom of the page). Pocono Raceway Solar Farm Hits Milestone: 5 Million Kilowatts Of Electricity Slightly more than 16 months after the dedication of Pocono Raceways solar farm, the total amount of electricity produced by the 25 acre facility reached the 5,000,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) mark. The Pocono Raceway solar installation consists of 39,960 American made photovoltaic modules that will produce more than 72 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy over the next 20 years. The environmental attributes associated with the system will offset more than 3,104 Metric Tons of carbon dioxide annually and will generate enough power to provide the electricity needs for over 500 homes beyond the power needs of Pocono Raceway. Check out live monitoring of the solar farm here. This is another important milestone for Pocono Raceway, said Brandon Igdalsky, President and CEO of Pocono Raceway. Pocono Raceway strongly believes in the commitment to operate in a more environmentally responsible way and is proud to be the first race track to power our sport with clean, renewable sunlight with the worlds largest renewable energy project to power a sports facility. This solar power system, built with timber, steel and solar panels made in the U.S., satisfies all our Raceways energy needs, while helping to power local homes. This project demonstrates real sustainability and proves that any business that truly wants to Go Green, can do it. The 5,000,000kWh produced has already impacted the environment. The total energy generated equals the use of more than 30,000 60Watt light bulbs for one year at eight hours per day and represents a savings of more than 400,000 gallons of gasoline with a carbon dioxide (CO2) offset equaling that of 90,000 trees or 143,000 Propane BBQ Grills.

The Raceway has been awarded a number of environmental awards for its sustainable energy efforts including the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Awards, Readers Choice Award presented by RenewableEnergyWorld.com and the 2011 Governors Award for Environmental Excellence, presented each year by the Department of Environmental Protection. These awards highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise. DEP Urges EPA To Dismiss Clean Air Council Petition, Act On Plan Pending For 3 Years Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer Thursday urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to dismiss a petition that the Clean Air Council filed with EPA in November 2011. The petition claimed that Pennsylvania is failing to implement requirements in its State Implementation Plan and asked EPA to impose sanctions on Pennsylvania. "This petition lacks merit and based on longstanding and documented facts in this matter, the EPA should promptly dismiss this," Krancer said in letter to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "As the EPA and Clean Air Council are well aware, Pennsylvania is implementing and acting in full compliance with our latest state regulation of 2008. "The latest State Implementation Plan (SIP) submittal of 2009, embodying that 2008 regulation, was submitted to EPA for its approval in April 2009, but has not yet been approved by EPA. This petition takes the bizarre position that Pennsylvania is guilty of not acting in conformance with a prior 1996 regulation that is no longer even on the books in Pennsylvania." In 2007, the state's Environmental Quality Board proposed changes to expedite permitting of what are considered to be minor air emissions sources. To aid in crafting the final rulemaking, there were several public hearings held around the state, as well as a public comment period that included correspondence with Clean Air Council and consultation with the Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee. That committee is made up of representatives from government, environmental organizations and industry. In April 2009, DEP submitted the final rulemaking as a revision to its SIP and because of EPA's failure to respond, it was deemed administratively complete in October 2009. To date, EPA has not responded and was recently sued by several environmental groups for lack of action on Pennsylvania's and other states' plans. "As EPA should be painfully aware, EPA has been sued over this situation and shoulders the blame for what Clean Air Council is complaining about," the letter notes. "DEP and EPA should not be unnecessarily distracted by this contrived and irrational petition from the important and serious work our agencies perform," Krancer said. "Perhaps Clean Air Council's time would have been better served by suing EPA for ... failing to perform one of its basic functions in a timely manner, rather than submitting this frivolous petition against Pennsylvania. Krancer noted that DEP has expanded the public participation process to include public meetings and public hearings when appropriate, and that Clean Air Council has been present at such hearings. The council has also complimented DEP on this effort. Krancer sent Administrator Jackson a recent letter from CAC that praises DEP for holding one of several public hearings on plan approvals for compressor stations at natural gas operations. In addition to such hearings and public comment periods on major sources, notices of

permit applications for minor sources are made public and comments are considered in DEP's decisions. A copy of the letter sent to EPA is available online. NewsClip: PA Wants EPA To Reject Air Quality Complaint Ben Franklin, Partners Open $50,000 Big Idea Business Plan Contest The Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum in partnership with the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA announced Thursday the BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest is back! The deadline for entries is February 29. A grand prize of $50,000 will be awarded to one tech-based start-up company to further develop and grow a business in the 32-county footprint served by the program in Pennsylvania. Its easy to qualify for the contest. An applicant must: -- Be located in the 32 counties served by the program; -- Have a new, marketable business idea that includes a commercialization plan; -- Have no significant sales if a product has already been developed; -- Have less than 50 employees if a company has been formed; and -- Not have received previous Ben Franklin funding. Preferred industry sectors include, but are not limited to, nanotechnology, green technologies, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, medical devices, information technology and software. Jill Edwards, Executive Director of Ben Franklins Venture Investment Forum, commented, We are very pleased to once again be able to co-sponsor the BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest. Supporting entrepreneurs and helping them to develop their ideas into a viable business is at the very core of what the Ben Franklin Program has been about for nearly thirty years. In our eyes, the folks who participate in our contests are all winners in some capacity. They have the courage to let a panel of strangers evaluate and criticize their idea - and this is often the first step in turning that idea into a business, said Stephen Brawley/CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners/CNP. Entrepreneurs can visit the BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest webpage for a complete description of the rules, entry forms, and FAQs. 1,000 Pound Butter Sculpture Will Generate 65 Kilowatt Hours Of Electricity Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley Thursday unveiled the PA Farm Show butter sculpture made from nearly 1,000 pounds of butter. The sculpture is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and the PA Dairy Promotion Program. The butter was donated by Land O' Lakes in Carlisle and sculpted by by Jim Victor of Conshohocken, Montgomery County, who also creates sculptures using chocolate and cheese.

The sculpture depicts a young 4-H member showing his prized calf at a county fair pays tribute to the 100th anniversaries of the Pennsylvania 4-H and PA State Association of County Fairs. At the close of the eight-day show, the butter will be given to a Juniata County dairy farm. The butter will be put through a digester that will convert it to 65 kilowatt hours of electricity to operate the farm. NewsClips: Today's Butter Is Tomorrow's Energy Butter Sculpture Unveiled At PA Farm Show Western PA Conservancy Permanently Protects 1,600 Acres In Bedford County On December 21 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy acquired more than 1,600 acres on Evitts Mountain in Bedford County to permanently conserve a major expanse of mountainside forest over a key tributary to the Potomac River. This property, called Hardwood Trails, is one of the most magnificent properties we have acquired and protected for several years, said Tom Saunders, president and CEO of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Weve protected nine other properties over the past year, but this is one of our most exciting ones. This is a key conservation property, a huge mountainside parcel in Bedford County, and for the first time it creates one large linkage of protected lands from Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland up into Pennsylvanias Buchanan State Forest. The acquisition helps to protect Evitts Creek and the lakes formed by the creek, Lake Koon and Lake Gordon, which are just below it. The lakes supply drinking water for the City of Cumberland, Md. The hillsides above them are important to protect, both for their own conservation values and for the benefit of the drinking water. WPC will transfer the Hardwood Trails property to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry to become a new addition to Buchanan State Forest. As part of the state forest system, the property will be managed according to the highest standards of forest stewardship and will be permanently open to the public for outdoor recreation. The propertys remote setting on the forested slopes of Evitts Mountain provides vital habitat for diverse plant and wildlife species. It has rocky outcrops, both gentle and steep slopes, extensive forestland and old logging roads that can be used for hikes into the property. There are also several seasonal pools on the property, which provide uncommon habitat for amphibians and host several rare plants. Also, because of its large size and location, and its mountain ridge character, the property serves as a breeding ground for a variety of birds and as a stopover site for raptors and songbirds migrating through the Appalachian Mountains. Bedford County is an important place for land protection for the Conservancy. The area is remote and has natural and historic character. It is a part of Pennsylvanias ridge and valley area, and has a different natural character than places farther west. On the ridgetops of Hardwood Trails, you can hike to the steepest parts near the top and look west over as many as four mountain ridges, with farming valleys between each one, said

Michael Knoop, WPCs land protection specialist. As you drive from Bedford south toward Maryland on U.S. Route 220, the view you see off to the west will be protected forever. There were many key partners to make this land protection effort happen. DCNRs Community Conservation Partnership Program, the family of B. Kenneth Simon and a bequest from the estate of Helen Katz supported this acquisition. The City of Cumberland, which owns the property that borders Hardwood Trails, was an important partner and provided a right-of-way over their property to allow access to the property. It often involves a combination of lots of generous donors and partners to complete ambitious projects like these, Saunders said. DCNR was both generous with its funds and very helpful with many technical issues on this acquisition. The Simon family made a generous gift or we would never have been able to get this done, and another individual donors bequest helped complete the funding. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has conserved more than 232,000 acres of natural lands in Western Pennsylvania, more than 3,500 acres of which are in Bedford County. The Conservancy has protected quite a number of properties around Bedford County over the years, but never one as large as this 1,600-acre tract, said Knoop. Watch The Latest Video From The Coolidge's: Nature Inn At Bald Eagle The Coolidges are back on the semi-big screen for a look at the energy efficient Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park. Join the Coolidges in their final episode as they journey to the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle. The new inn, located in Bald Eagle State Park, is energy efficiency nirvana for Sam, an outdoor recreation paradise for Becca, and a nature-rich respite for Pam. Click Here to watch this video. iConservePA.org produces the Coolidge Family low carbon lifestyle series featuring Sam Coolidge and his family doing what they does best, being passionate about saving energy, planting smartly and living locally. Sign up for iConservePA.org emails for lots of other useful conservation information. You can also sign up for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' monthly Resource online newsletter (go to the bottom of the page). Land Ethics Symposium: Creative Approaches For Ecological Landscaping February 16 Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, Bucks County and their partners will present its 12th annual Land Ethics Symposium on February 16 in Langhore, Pa with the them of Creative Approaches for Ecological Landscaping. The Land Ethics Symposium focuses on ways to create low-maintenance, economical and ecologically balanced landscapes with native plants and restoration techniques. This daylong Symposium is geared toward professionals, including landscape architects, designers, contractors and the green industry, environmental consultants, land planners, managers and developers, and state/municipal officials. The Symposium features presentations by regional and national experts. Continuing Education Credits are available. A selection of topical books are for sale throughout the event. For more information and to register, visit the Land Ethics Symposium webpage.

Penn State Extension Sponsors PA Forests Web Seminar Series The PA Forests Web Seminar Center is providing web-based educational programs and materials for forest owners, extension educators, and natural resource professionals starting January 10. The centers goal is to offer live seminars on forest resource related topics. Webinar topics include: Emerald Ask Borer, Regenerating a High-Graded Stand, Early Successional Wildlife Habitat, Oak Management and Regeneration and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. A listing of scheduled seminar topics and dates is available on the Upcoming Seminars link. You can view previously recorded seminars and educational material by clicking the Previous Seminars link. Previous programs include a series on Wildlife Damage, White-tailed Deer Management and Forest Stewardship. To view a webinar you must first register online. For more information, contact your county office of Penn State Extension or use this contact form. TreeVitalize-Pittsburgh Connects With Communities Thru Facebook In an effort to connect better with the Pittsburgh areas neighborhoods, TreeVitalize-Pittsburgh has joined Facebook. This popular social media tool will be updated on a regular basis with important information about tree planting locations and volunteer opportunities. The TreeVitalize partnership was recognized in November by the Pennsylvania Urban and Community Forestry Council. They granted TreeVitalize a Community Forestry Award for advancing urban forestry through local groups. Facebook will be another tool used to enhance TreeVitalizes connection with community members. If you haven't joined Facebook yet, you can go to Facebook.com and sign up. Then just go to Facebook.com/TreevitalizePGH and click the "like" button near the center-top of the page. Locate other TreeVitalize Programs across the state by going to TreeVitalize.net. Wildlife In Your Backyard Woods Workshop January 27 Penn State Extension along with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Game Commission and DCNR Bureau of Forestry are sponsoring the Wildlife in Your Backyard Woods workshop January 27 at the Morgantown Holiday Inn, Morgantown, Berks County, starting at 8:30 a.m. Pennsylvanias vast forests have always supported an abundance and variety of wildlife. Although a majority of Pennsylvanias woodland owners now own less than 10 acres, these small landscapes can make a positive difference for the states wildlife. By enhancing your existing woods or creating natural areas on your land, you can attract and support wildlife while also reducing your energy costs, cleaning our water and filtering our air. For more information, download the workshop brochure or contact Julianne Schieffer, Penn State Extension, 610-489-4315 or send email to: jxs51@psu.edu or Craig Highfield, Alliance for the Chesapeake, 410-267-5723 or send email to: chighfield@chesapeakebay.net.

Do Something Wild On Your State Tax Form: Support The Wild Resource Conservation Fund Its a new year, so why not do something Wild? Check the box on your tax form to donate all or a portion of your refund to the Wild Resource Conservation Fund. Since 1982, the fund has been helping to protect our threatened and endangered species, and it needs your support to carry on its important work. Click Here for how you can check your tax form or make a donation to the Fund. You can also download a new 2012 Calendar full of information on Pennsylvania's threatened and endangered species. Sign up to receive electronic copies of Keystone Wild! Notes, the quarterly newsletter from the Wild Resource Conservation Fund Program. You can also sign up for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' monthly Resource online newsletter (go to the bottom of the page). Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Project In Clarion County The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a mine reclamation project in Clarion County. Senate, House Procedures For Complying With Open Records Law The Legislative Reference Bureau published notice of procedures for complying with Pennsylvania's Open Records Law.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. January 13-- NRCS Farm Conservation Stewardship Program January 15-- Endless Mountains Region Mini-Grants January 23-- EPA Urban Waters Program January 30-- Ben Franklin Marcellus Shale Innovation Prizes January 30-- Governor's Environmental Excellence Award January 31-- Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grants February 3-- PALTA Government Conservation Leadership Awards February 12-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants February 15-- Delaware Valley Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn. Student Scholarships February 17-- PA Legislative Black Caucus Student Scholarships February 16-- County Agricultural Land Conservation Grants February 23-- NEW. PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations

February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants February 29-- NEW. Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan Contest March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants April 15-- NEW. Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget Senate Leader Sees Crunch Time On Shale Bill Sen. Scarnati Urges Action On Drilling Fee In January Drilling Fee Deadline: Before Corbett's Budget Address Fair Tax On Gas Drillers Could Help Alleviate Shortfall Governor Freezes Some State Spending Due To Shortfalls Corbett Freezes $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Orders Austerity In Face Of Weak Revenue Corbett Reduces $160 Million In State Spending Corbett Freezes Pay For Cabinet, Management Op-Ed: PA Budget Crisis Fixes Can Be Found State Revenue Far Below Estimates In December Editorial: Share Costs Of Drilling Inspections PA's Income Running Behind State Budget Shortfall Nearing $500 Million House Dems Ask Corbett To Push Transportation Funding Democrats Ask Corbett To Make Road Funding A Priority House Dems Call For Action On Highway Funding House Dems Call For Transportation Funding Fixes A Nudge For Transportation Funding Corbett's First Year Called A Mixed Bag Corbett Memo Points Out Other Governor's Failures Marcellus Shale, Jobs Top 2012 Local Lawmaker Agenda Corbett Gets Mixed Reviews Editorial: Let's All Resolve To Do Better In 2012

Other Nominees Sought For Governor's Environmental Award Students Highlight Environmentally Sustainable Communities Erie Students Learning Effect Of Pharmaceuticals On Environment NE Municipalities Noncommittal On Regionalizing Landfill Inspectors Judge: Erie Casino Must Pay $705K In Dirt Dispute PA Wants EPA To Reject Air Quality Complaint Today's Butter Is Tomorrow's Energy Butter Sculpture Unveiled At PA Farm Show Closed Refineries To Hike Gasoline Prices Gasoline Prices Begin To Creep Up Again Unions Make Another Push For Delco Refinery Workers Editorial: Delco Looking For Leadership From Corbett 2 Appeal Crawford County Tire Plant Approval LIHEAP Heating Assistance Has Less Money To Give Out Columbia Gas Quarterly Gas Costs Decrease National Fuel Gas Quarterly Gas Costs Increase NFG: Erie Will Pay 10.2 Percent More For Gas This Summer Solar Panels Compete With Cheap Natural Gas PECO Customers Target Of Scammers PGW Chief Disappointed With PUC Gas Leak Allegations Court Won't Take Another Look At Allegheny Forest Ruling State Grants Aimed At Improving Local Parks, Recreation Bridge Over Turnpike To Reconnect Hikers With Adventure Outdoors: Volunteers Continue 112-Year Bird Count Tradition Wildlife: Border Fences Keep Out Illegal Wildlife Flooding Closes Presque Isle State Park

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Senate Leader Sees Crunch Time On Shale Bill Sen. Scarnati Urges Action On Drilling Fee In January Drilling Fee Deadline: Before Corbett's Budget Address Fair Tax On Gas Drillers Could Help Alleviate Shortfall Editorial: Share Costs Of Drilling Inspections Wayne County Gas Leaseholders Calls For End Of DRBC Delays CDC Scientist: Tests Needed On Gas Drilling Impact Editorial: Fracking Still Big Unknown Op-Ed: Will PA Pay For The Next Energy Boom? Local Monitoring Of Gas Well Called Right Thing EPA May Retest PA Water Near Fracking Driller Can Use Private Roads

Court Won't Take Another Look At Allegheny Forest Ruling Gas To Flow In Dallas Twp Pipeline Parents Question School District On Close By Pipeline Work Dimock Resident Accuses Supervisors Of Secret Meeting With Cabot Gas Company Lawyers Challenged For Representing Dimock Family Cabot: Dimock Water Deliveries Stopped Without Exception DEP Left Some Marcellus Firms Off Air Emissions Reporting List Bevy Of Gas Processing Plants Skirt Law Rep. Vitali Proposes Marcellus Air Rules North Abington To Wait On Taking Action On Drilling Pine Township Drafting Drilling Regulations Lock Haven Begins Marcellus Shale Class New Truck Fleet Helps Company Compete In Shale Era Gas Industry Drove Jobs, Wages Development In SW PA Radnor Firm Buys Frack Sand Operator For $200 Million Flood Recovery Charitable Efforts Recorded By Shale Gas Industry When Wells Blow Out In PA, Texans Step In Columbia Gas Quarterly Gas Costs Decrease National Fuel Gas Quarterly Gas Costs Increase NFG: Erie Will Pay 10.2 Percent More For Gas This Summer Other States/Financial Earthquake Jolts Youngstown Area Felt In Mercer County Expert: Drilling Wastewater Well Triggered Ohio Quake Ohio Closes Drilling Wastewater Disposal Well After Earthquakes Drilling Wastewater Well Closed After New Quake In Ohio More Evidence Ties Ohio Quakes To Well Site How Fracking Wastewater Can Cause Earthquakes Editorial: Caution Is Warranted At Frackwater Disposal Sites French Company Buys Stake In Chesapeake Energy Ohio Shale Enterprise To Build Marcellus Ethane Pipeline To SW PA Texas Firm To Build Ethane Pipeline From PA To Gulf 200 Pipeline Workers In WV, PA To Walk Off Job PA Fighting To Host Ethane Cracker PA, Ohio, WV Vie For Shall Ethane Plant Cabot Finishes 2011 As S&P's Top Performer Cabot Sets New Marcellus Production Milestone Chesapeake Energy Plays Shell Game With Shale Gas Industry Launches National Ad Campaign Solar Panels Compete With Cheap Natural Gas Op-Ed: Natural Gas, Let's Do It Right

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Flooding Closes Presque Isle State Park Flood Recovery Charitable Efforts Recorded By Shale Gas Industry PennDOT Receives $40.6 Million For Storm Damage Repairs Other Watershed NewsClips Chesapeake Bay Foundation Study Refutes Job-Killer Myth Report Links Chesapeake Bay Cleanup, Job Creation Credit Trade Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Milestone EPA Cites Scranton Sewer Authority For Violations Editorial: Necessary Investment In Great Lakes Cleanup Program To Monitor Monongahela River Tributaries 2011 Wettest Year In History Opponents Question Economic Analysis Of Dredging

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Public Utility Commission formally published its utilities' service outage response and restoration practices. Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 7, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Legislative Reference Bureau published notice of procedures for complying with Pennsylvania's Open Records Law. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
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.

Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of its advisory committee and board schedule for 2012. Click Here for the complete list. January 10-- House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a hearing on closings of Sunoco and ConocoPhillips refineries in Southeast PA. Room 140. 1:30. January 10-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1855 (MillerR-York) setting standards for water well construction. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 1:00. January 11-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1580 (Ross-RChester) increasing the solar share in the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. Room 140. 10:00. January 11-- NEW. House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on transportation funding issues. Point Park University, Pittsburgh. 10:00. January 11-- Agenda Released. DEP Marsh and Rock Creek Watersheds Critical Area Resource Advisory Committee. Ag Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. 1:00. January 11-- Agenda Released. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. On the agenda is discussion of the Phase II Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. January 11-- Agenda Released. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Mining Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. January 12-- Agenda Released. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. January 12-- DEP Southwest Regional Office Roundtable meeting. DEP Southwest Regional Office, Waterfront A & B, 500 Waterfront Dr. 10:30. Contact Holly Cairns at 412-442-4116 or send email to: hcairns@pa.gov. (formal notice) January 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is February 21. (formal notice) January 23-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring a discussion of Pennsylvania's Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon. February 21-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Global Economy; 11:00 - Independent Fiscal Office; 1:30 - Department of Revenue. Room 140.

February 27-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Public Utility Commission; 11:00 - Office of Consumer Advocate, Small Business Advocate. Room 140. February 28-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Agriculture; 10:30 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; 1:30 - Department of Environmental Protection. Room 140. February 29-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - Department of Transportation. Room 140. March 1-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 Department of Labor & Industry; 1:00 - Department of Community and Economic Development. Room 140. March 6-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 9:30 - State Police/Office of Homeland Security; 11:00 - PA Emergency Management Agency; 3:00 - Department of General Services. Room 140. March 8-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee budget hearings: 10:00 - Budget Secretary; 1:00 - House Member Testimony. Room 140. March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. (Location to be determined) Noon. DEP Calendar of Events 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 House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500

companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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