Pa Environment Digest Sept. 18, 2017

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed
Issue #690 Harrisburg, PA Sept. 18, 2017
House Republicans Pass Budget That Cripples Community-Based Environmental

Protection, Recreation Efforts
The General Assembly and various Governors have

spent more than 10 years cutting environmental agency
budgets-- DEPs General Fund budget alone has been
cut 40 percent and its staff by more than 25 percent--
now with the action by House Republicans Wednesday
to pass a budget that transfers over $317 million out of
environmental and energy special funds, House
Republicans are directly attacking support for local,
community-based environmental protection projects.
House Republicans, in a 103 to 91 party-line vote,
amended and returned House Bill 453 (Ryan-R-
Lebanon) to the Senate containing the House
Republican plan to transfer over $317 million out of
environmental and energy special funds to the General Fund to help balance the states budget.
Each member who voted for the Republican budget was responsible for cutting over $3
million in environmental funding for local, community-based environmental restoration,
protection, recreation and other projects.
The proposal would transfer a total of $630.5 million from special funds, which means
environmental transfers make up more than half of the total transfers.
There is no natural gas severance tax in the proposal.
The intent behind the House Republican budget was made clear by one Republican
member-- Were erasing 30 years of a lot of peoples work around here, and Im sure a lot of
people are upset about that.
Here are the cuts (and yes, they are real cuts as an increasingly tall mountain of evidence
shows-- see below) included in the House Republican plan--
-- Recycling Fund - $70 million
-- Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund - $70 million
-- Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund - $50 million
-- Multimodal Transportation Fund - $50 million
-- Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund - $100 million
-- County Conservation District Fund - $2.5 million
-- Industrial Sites Cleanup Fund - $10 million
-- Industrial Sites Environmental Assessment Fund - $7.5 million
-- Energy Development Fund - $3.96 million
-- Environmental Education Fund - $500,000
-- Coal Lands Improvement Fund - $2 million
-- Highway Beautification Fund - $500,000
-- Solid Waste-Resource Recovery Development Fund - $448,000
Other Provisions
The bill includes other provisions related to the environment, including--
-- NEW. Extends, Not Repeals Newark Shale Moratorium: Extends the existing ban on
drilling in the Newark Shale natural gas deposits in the Southeast to January 1, 2024 from 2018.
-- Stays: Air Pollution Act Transfer: $30.4 million from a settlement by the Attorney General
relating to violations of the Air Pollution Control Act by Volkswagen received during the fiscal
year to the General Fund.
-- Stays: Oil and Gas Lease Fund: Annually transfer $20 million [supposed to be $35 million]
from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund for distribution to the
Environmental Stewardship Fund and $15 million transferred to the Marcellus Legacy Fund to
transfer to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.
-- Stays: Small Water And Sewer System Funding: $15 million available for small water and
sewer projects with a cost of not less than $30,00 or more than $500,000. Transfers an additional
$10 million from Building PA Program to small water and sewer projects.
-- Stays: Susquehanna and Delaware River Basin Commissions: Authorizes the Auditor
General to audit the river basin commissions and no more than 25 percent of the appropriations
to the commissions may be spent in any quarter and the commissions shall reimburse the Auditor
General for the cost of the audit.
-- Stays: Farm Succession Planning Grants: Allows the Department of Agriculture to use
funds from the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund for succession planning
grants to continue agricultural operations.
-- Stays: Funding For Washington Crossing Historical Park: Requires $2.25 million of
DCNRs State Parks Operations line item to be expended on maintenance for Washington
Crossing State Park.
-- Taken Out: Natural Gas Pipeline Fund: $6 million transfer from the Building Pennsylvania
Program to the Natural Gas Pipeline Fund
-- Taken Out: Funding Sewer/Water Laterals: Allows public municipal authorities to use
funds to replace private water and sewer laterals.
-- Taken Out: Temporary Cessation Of Oil & Gas Wells: Provisions relating to payments of
royalties during periods of nonproduction.
The remainder of the package includes--
-- Tobacco Settlement Fund monetization $1 billion (was $1.3 billion)
-- Gaming Expansion - $225 million
-- Additional LCB Transfer - $50 million
-- Joint Underwriting Association Transfer - $200 million
Click Here for a list of all special fund transfers. Click Here for General Fund Financial
Statement. Click Here for a House Fiscal Note.
Gov. Wolf has already said the House Republican plan is nonsense and irresponsible.
Senate Republican staff have said there isnt near the amount of unused money in the
accounts House Republicans plan to use and certainly not to balance the budget. They did give
them points for trying.
Needless to say House and Senate Democrats are opposed to the plan calling it a phoney
budget and fake news.
Consequences
As promised, Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced the state will delay paying over $1.7
billion owed to managed care organizations ($1.169 billion) and the PA School Employees
Retirement System ($581 million) until at least September 21.
State Treasurer Joe Torsella Tuesday released a statement regarding Treasurys Short
Term Investment Pool (STIP), and warned that on September 15, the General Funds balance is
projected to fall to zero.
As a result, without corrective action, $860 million in scheduled expenditures would be
delayed until the General Fund has received sufficient revenue, which, of course, came true.
The Other Shoes
Remember, this is only the Fiscal Code bill, there is still the Tax Code-- House Bill 542
(Thomas-D-Philadelphia) and Administrative Code -- H ouse Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne)-- bills
that both have troublesome provisions.
Whats Next
The House is not scheduled to be back in voting session September 25, although the
House Speaker could call them in before that date.
The Senate is due back in Harrisburg September 18.
The Senate Rules Committee has scheduled an off the floor meeting for Monday,
September 18 to consider the bill, which means it could meet at any time after the Senate
convenes at 1:00.
NewsClips:
Kummer: PA Agency Leaders Protest GOP Plan To Divert Environmental Funds
Op-Ed: Cumberland County Commissioners Object To Budget Funding Proposal
Legere: PA Could Finally Have A Severance Tax, In Name Only
Cusick: House Panel Rebrands Impact Fee Calling It Severance Tax
Rep. Christiana: Severance Tax Would Be Horrendous Public Policy
Editorial: System Rigged For Gas Drillers
Requests For Luzerne County Impact Fee Recreation Funding Exceed Available Amount
AP: PA Delays $1.7 Billion In Medicaid, School Payments Amid Budget Stalemate
Esack: Wolf Postpones More Than $1 Billion In Medical, Pension Payments
With Budget Impasse, Gov. Wolf Delays More Than $1B In Medicaid Payments
Delco Legislators Split Mostly Along Party Lines On PA Budget Fix
AP: House GOP OKs Borrowing, No New Taxes Plan To Plug Deficit
Thompson: House Passes $2.2B Special Funds Transfers, Borrowing Plan To Fill Budget Hole
House Passes Budget Plan Gov. Wolf Calls Irresponsible
House Cobbles Together New Budget Plan, Light On Recurring Dollars
Meyer: House Narrowly Passes A Tax-Free Budget Funding Plan
Murphy: How The House Would Raise $2.2 Billion To Balance The Budget
PA Budget Limbo Has Everybody On Edge: 5 Things To Know Today
Esack: PA Lacks Money To Pay Bills Due Friday Officials Warn
AP: House Returns With Fight Over $2.2 Billion Revenue Plan Unresolved
Thompson: Budget Talks Reopen At Capitol After A Summer Pause
Esack: House To Vote On Bill To Plug $2.4 Billion Deficit
Sen. Alloway Warns House GOP To Leave Transportation Money Alone
Pittsburgh Transit Would Slash Routes Under House GOP Budget Proposal
Pittsburgh Transit Urges Legislators To Spare Public Transit From Cuts
Editorial: Pittsburgh Transit Cuts From State? Not This Again
U.S. House Passes EPA, Interior Spending Bill
Related Stories:
PEC: House Approves Largest Cut To Environmental, Energy Programs In PA History
Analysis: Why Everyone Else Says There Are No Unused Environmental Funds, Except Some
House Republicans
Gov. Wolf Delays Over $1.7 Billion In Payments Due To Failure To Pass Revenue Package
House Environmental Committee Changes Name Of Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee To Severance
Tax
More And More Opposition Piling Up:
-- PEC: House Approves Largest Cut To Environmental, Energy Programs In PA History
-- PA Environmental Council: House GOP, Senate-Passed Budget Plans Will Dramatically Harm
Communities, Citizens And The Environment
-- House Republicans Ignoring Evidence Piling Up There Are No Unused Environmental Funds,
Latest From PA Land Trust Assn
-- County Commissioners Identify Over $1 Billion In Cuts Proposed By House Republican Raid
On Special Funds That Will Hurt Counties
-- House Republicans Hit With Opposition From Local Officials On Plan To Raid Special Funds,
This One A Bipartisan Letter From Cumberland County Commissioners
-- Township Supervisors Oppose House Republican Proposal To Raid Special Funds: Dont
Make Your Problem Our Problem
-- DEP Earns ECOS Innovation Award For Brownfields to Playfields Program, House GOP
Budget Proposal Jeopardizes This Program
-- Analysis: There Are No Unused Environmental Funds, Heres Why
-- Growing Greener Coalition: 125 Organizations+ Oppose Raid On Special Environmental
Funds
-- CBF-PA: House GOP Plan To Raid Funds Puts PA Even More Behind In Meeting Clean
Water Commitments
-- DEP: House GOP Raid On Funds Threatens Environment, Breaks Promises To PA
Communities
-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation: Environmental Funds Proposed To Be Raided By House
GOP Are NOT Surplus
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Raiding Special Funds Is Counterproductive To A Prosperous
PA
-- PA Land Trust Assn: Oppose House GOP Efforts To Strip Money From Environmental Funds
-- Lancaster Conservancy: Plan To Take Back Funds Would Harm Recreation, Clean Water,
Farmland Preservation In Lancaster County
-- Bicycling Groups Express Opposition To House GOP Efforts To Cut Multimodal
Transportation Funding
-- Act Now: Save Trail Funding In Pennsylvania
-- DCNR: House GOP Raid On Funds Threatens State, Local Park Contracts, Related Jobs
-- PA Conservation Districts On House GOP Plan To Raid Funds: These Funds Are Not Extra
Funding, If Taken Projects, Programs Will Be Canceled
-- Lancaster Farmland Trust: House GOP Stopgap Budget Would Hurt County Farms
-- Dept. Of Agriculture: House GOP Budget Plan Threatens Agriculture, Reneges On Promises
To Farmers, Counties
-- PennFuture: House GOP Raid On Special Funds Like Burning Your Furniture To Heat The
House
-- PennDOT Warns Lawmakers Raiding Funds Jeopardizes Transit, Infrastructure Projects
[Posted: Sept. 13, 2017]
The following analysis of the budget proposal passed

by House Republicans Wednesday was posted on the
PA Environmental Council website Friday
Late Wednesday the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives passed legislation (House Bill 453)
that, if enacted as part of the state budget, would
constitute the largest cut to environmental and energy
program funds in the states history.
What does this legislation not do? It doesnt solve Pennsylvanias ongoing structural
deficit.
Here is the roll call vote on the legislation. Yea votes were in support of the cuts.
Theres a lot to take in.
First, lets take a look at the cuts. Thanks to the PA Environmental Digest, we have a
breakdown of where monies are being diverted out of special funds to balance the general fund:
-- Recycling Fund: $70 million
-- Environmental Stewardship Fund (aka Growing Greener): $70 million
-- Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund (aka Key 93): $50 million
-- Multimodal Transportation Fund: $50 million
-- Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund: $100 million
-- County Conservation District Fund: $2.5 million
-- Industrial Sites Cleanup Fund: $10 million
-- Industrial Sites Environmental Assessment Fund: $7.5 million
-- Energy Development Fund: $3.96 million
-- Environmental Education Fund: $500,000
-- Coal Lands Improvement Fund: $2 million
-- Highway Beautification Fund: $500,000
-- Solid Waste-Resource Recovery Development Fund: $448,000
Total = $317 million
A more complete breakdown by the PA Environmental Digest of the legislation itself can
be found here. We encourage you to read it, but the numbers speak for themselves.
How did this happen? Thats a good question, and there is no easy or single answer.
Part of it falls to misinformation and misunderstanding. These special fund balances have
been characterized by some as surplus or unnecessary. That is completely untrue as with
any governmental account, special funds ebb and flow with revenue collection, agency and
program expenditures, grant reimbursement, and other factors.
Anyone who manages personal finance knows that a financial account can look flush one
day, only to drain once bills and other commitments come due.
Part of it is failure to recognize what these funds do and why their use is essential. These
funds address mandatory legal and statutory requirements.
They help local communities tackle problems that cannot be solved alone clean
drinking water, remediation of pollution from abandoned industrial lands, and much more.
Many of these are funds were directly approved by the voters of Pennsylvania for specific
purposes and public benefit, only now to be taken away.
And with that withdrawal, all of the corresponding locally-driven activity stops.
All of the leveraged resources and private investment stops. Jobs are affected, people are
affected, and communities are affected. The problems and costs wont disappear with fund
diversions, its just that now the burden falls even more on local communities.
The Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors had a very clear message to
House on this dont abandon your responsibility at expense of local government.
The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania made similar remarks.
In other words, there are, and will be, real consequences to these diversions.
Part of it falls to desperation the states structural deficit has been a lingering issue for
many years.
So far, past and current Governors and iterations of the General Assembly have been
unable, or unwilling, to find and agree upon solutions that actually fix long term and very steep
financial short falls.
But diverting monies from special funds is a temporary band aid on a systemic issue, and
only deepens the financial and political challenges in the years ahead.
In short, these diversions are only temporarily dodging a problem that wont go away
until it is met head on.
And part of it falls to an ideology from some corners of the General Assembly that have
little regard for the environment, or the true impact of forsaking decades of environmental
progress forged through strong public investment and bipartisan political effort.
One legislator made that view clear when he said were erasing thirty years of a lot of
peoples work around here .
That intent is now clear.
Lawmakers have difficult jobs. The budget challenges facing our state are not merely
ideological, nor are they straightforward.
But that said, this fiscal reality does not excuse decisions being justified through the
facade of misunderstanding or misinformation.
It does not validate sacrificing critical program funding, needed by communities and
widely supported by the citizens of the Commonwealth for their intended purposes, to
temporarily mask the state deficit.
We have an inescapable budget problem, but the Houses actions last night are merely a
reprise of the same recurring, and misfired, response.
The fact that so many in the House are willing to allow impacts to communities and the
environment for what they know is not a real solution is beyond troubling.
That vote is now cast, and those House members now stand accountable to it in the days,
weeks, months, and years to come.
Follow PECs ongoing commentary on the 2017-2018 state budget process here.
[Note: The Senate Rules Committee has scheduled an off the floor meeting for Monday,
September 18 to consider the bill, which means it could meet at any time after the Senate
convenes at 1:00.]
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
Related Stories:
PA Environmental Council House GOP, Senate-Passed Budget Plans Will Dramatically Harm
House Republicans Pass Budget That Cripples Community-Based Environmental Protection,
Recreation Efforts
House Republicans
Tax
Analysis: Why Everyone Else Says There Are No Unused Environmental Funds, Except
Some House Republicans
Much of the over three hours of debate on the

Republican budget plan Wednesday night was over
whether any of the $630.5 million (over $317 million
from environmental and energy funds) was actually real
unused or reserve funds that could be taken without
harming the underlying programs.
Everyone who is anyone-- except some House
Republicans-- all said the money was NOT real.
The 103 Republicans who voted to pass the budget plan
all sided with the fake money crowd and are each responsible for cutting over $3 million from
environmental and energy programs.
For those who doubt where the House Republicans are really coming from, this quote
from one member made it very clear-- Were erasing 30 years of a lot of peoples work around
here, and Im sure a lot of people are upset about that.
Here are several very practical reasons why there arent unused or slush funds--
1. Monies Have To Be Spent For The Purposes Outlined In Law: Each of the environmental
funds was created by law for a purpose and the individuals, businesses and local governments
contributing to those funds through permit fees or special assessments want those monies to be
spent in specific ways and not lost in the General Fund. As a result, the laws creating the funds
spell out specifically what they are to be used for and almost all funds require a local match by
communities-- the original public-private partnerships-- if they fund community environmental
projects. I should know, because Ive been involved, one way or another, in enacting every major
state environmental law over the last 34 years. The fact is, there are no slush funds or
reserves and these monies cannot be legally used for purposes for which they were not
intended by law.
2. Funds Have To Be In Interest-Bearing Accounts At Treasury: The laws creating the
environmental funds I am familiar with require monies in those funds to be held in
interest-bearing accounts by the State Treasurer. Thats just good money management. The fact
there are these accounts at the Treasury has no relationship to the status of the funds. The fact is,
there are only two kinds of money in environmental special funds that fund community projects
or cleanups-- monies committed to pay already approved grants or contracts to vendors and
contractors for projects that may last 2 or 3 years or monies available for new grants or projects.
The fact is, the proposed raid on these funds will, without question, affect one or both of these
kinds of monies.
3. Secretaries Want To Fund The Maximum Number Of Projects Possible: It is the natural
inclination of any agency Secretary and any Governor to want to get the most money they are
appropriated by the General Assembly out the door to fund the most community environmental
projects within the limits established by law for these funds-- I certainly did when I was DEP
Secretary. And many of those projects are requested by Senate and House members. The fact is,
at Senate and House budget hearings every year, the current DEP and DCNR Secretaries are
frequently asked if they are using one or more of their special funds as effectively as they can.
The fact is, if I, or any Secretary, thought there was unused money approved to be spent by my
agency, it would be out the door fast, many times to fulfill a request by a legislator.
4. How Could Advocacy Groups Have Possibly Missed This? Groups advocating for funding
one or another kind of community environmental projects almost all have former DEP or DCNR
officials working with them with a lifetime of experience working in these programs. They
would be very vocal about lobbying agencies and the General Assembly to spend any unused
or reserve funds on community projects, if that money existed or was building up. The fact is,
that has not been the case and the fact these groups are saying there are no unused funds should
carry weight.
5. Cuts To DEPs Budget Have Forced Spending Every Nickel: The 40 percent cut in General
Fund support and 25 percent reduction in DEPs staff over the last decade have forced the
agency to use every nickel they can, especially from special funds, to keep their critical
environmental protection programs running. Most funds have limits on their use for
administrative costs, but you can bet the agency is right up against those limits. Even trying to
make up those funds with cuts to programs, staff and permit fee increases, DEP is still behind.
The fact is, there is a growing list of DEP programs-- like the one protecting our drinking water--
that dont even meet minimum federal standards any more because of these cuts.
The fact is, there are no unused or reserve monies in environmental funds.
You can choose to believe a handful of House Republicans, or everyone else.
Heres everyone else--
-- House Republicans Pass Largest Cut In Environmental Funding In History-- Over $317
Million
-- House Republicans Ignoring Evidence Piling Up There Are No Unused Environmental Funds,
Latest From PA Land Trust Assn
-- County Commissioners Identify Over $1 Billion In Cuts Proposed By House Republican Raid
On Special Funds That Will Hurt Counties
-- House Republicans Hit With Opposition From Local Officials On Plan To Raid Special Funds,
This One A Bipartisan Letter From Cumberland County Commissioners
-- Township Supervisors Oppose House Republican Proposal To Raid Special Funds: Dont
Make Your Problem Our Problem
-- DEP Earns ECOS Innovation Award For Brownfields to Playfields Program, House GOP
-- Analysis: There Are No Unused Environmental Funds, Heres Why
-- PA Environmental Council: House GOP, Senate-Passed Budget Plans Will Dramatically Harm
-- Growing Greener Coalition: 125 Organizations+ Oppose Raid On Special Environmental
Funds
-- CBF-PA: House GOP Plan To Raid Funds Puts PA Even More Behind In Meeting Clean
Water Commitments
-- DEP: House GOP Raid On Funds Threatens Environment, Breaks Promises To PA
Communities
-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation: Environmental Funds Proposed To Be Raided By House
GOP Are NOT Surplus
-- PA Recreation & Park Society: Raiding Special Funds Is Counterproductive To A Prosperous
PA
-- PA Land Trust Assn: Oppose House GOP Efforts To Strip Money From Environmental Funds
-- Lancaster Conservancy: Plan To Take Back Funds Would Harm Recreation, Clean Water,
Farmland Preservation In Lancaster County
-- Bicycling Groups Express Opposition To House GOP Efforts To Cut Multimodal
Transportation Funding
-- Act Now: Save Trail Funding In Pennsylvania
-- DCNR: House GOP Raid On Funds Threatens State, Local Park Contracts, Related Jobs
-- PA Conservation Districts On House GOP Plan To Raid Funds: These Funds Are Not Extra
Funding, If Taken Projects, Programs Will Be Canceled
-- Lancaster Farmland Trust: House GOP Stopgap Budget Would Hurt County Farms
-- Dept. Of Agriculture: House GOP Budget Plan Threatens Agriculture, Reneges On Promises
To Farmers, Counties
-- PennFuture: House GOP Raid On Special Funds Like Burning Your Furniture To Heat The
House
-- PennDOT Warns Lawmakers Raiding Funds Jeopardizes Transit, Infrastructure Projects
Related Stories:
Recreation Efforts
Tax
(Written By: David E. Hess, Former DEP Secretary under Governors Ridge and Schweiker.)
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York Approve Resolution To Permanently Ban Fracking In

Delaware River Watershed
The Governors of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York,

comprising a majority of the Delaware River Basin
Commission, announced Wednesday they had voted in favor of
a resolution put forward by the commission to issue draft
regulations to permanently ban hydraulic fracturing for oil and
gas in the Delaware River Basin.
The DRBC vote was three to one with one abstention in passing
the resolution for promulgating regulations that would prohibit
any water project in the Delaware River Basin proposed for
developing oil and gas resources by high-volume hydraulic
fracturing.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf said he was pleased to see the DRBC take a step forward
after years of study. Today, we are acting to protect a watershed that supplies drinking water to
more than 15 million people in one of the most densely populated areas of the country. I believe
this resolution preserves water quality and water supply for the residents of the watershed, and
will protect this precious resource for generations to come, said Gov. Wolf. I have supported
this resolution since I was a candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, and I am proud that we
have worked collaboratively to move this process forward after almost a decade of work at the
DRBC.
Delaware Gov. John Carney said that the DRBC resolution is consistent with the
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act, a bill introduced by Carney and passed by Congress in
2016, by helping to ensure that the water resources of the basin will be protected for present and
future generations.
Fracking could diminish water resources in the Delaware River Basin, both through
consumption and degraded water quality, said Gov. Carney. We are pleased to join both New
York and Pennsylvania in voting in favor of this resolution, which will protect public health, and
a precious water supply. This action will guarantee that fracking for oil and gas will not threaten
water resources in the Basin.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, Protecting and preserving our water resources is
paramount to ensuring the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers and of all residents living within
the Delaware River Basin, Gov. Cuomo said. With this resolution, the DRBC builds on New
Yorks leadership to protect the environment and public health from hydraulic fracturing, while
protecting this vital water source that millions of people depend on every day. I am proud to
stand with my colleagues from Delaware and Pennsylvania in approving this critical resolution
and we will continue to work on developing the necessary regulations to codify this
commonsense resolution.
The Delaware River Basin, which drains from portions of New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, and Delaware, supplies drinking water to more than 15 million people.
Governors of the four basin states and a federal representative serve as Delaware River
Basin Commissioners, tasked with overseeing a unified approach to managing the river system
without regard to political boundaries.
The Commission has oversight in the basin for water quality protection, water supply
allocation, regulatory review (permitting), water conservation initiatives, watershed planning,
drought management, flood loss reduction, and recreation.
The DRBC resolution comes after Congressional passage last December of the Delaware
River Basin Conservation Act.
As jointly authored by then-Congressman Carney and Delaware US Senators Tom Carper
and Chris Coons, the Delaware River Basin Conservation Act requires federal, state and local
partners to work together and preserve the basin. Congress passed the Act as part of a larger
national legislative package known as the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.
Development of oil and gas using hydraulic fracturing in the Delaware River basin has
been an issue since 2010, when the DRBCs five commissioners voted unanimously to postpone
consideration of well pad dockets until regulations are adopted.
This action effectively placed a de facto, temporary moratorium on drilling for natural
gas in several Pennsylvania counties and parts of southern New York.
Since 2011, the DRBC and the signatory parties have undertaken extensive discussion
and research efforts related to unconventional shale gas drilling which resulted in the resolution
passed today.
Click Here for a copy of the resolution.
Reaction
The Delaware RiverKeeper and other groups issued a statement Monday saying while
they were happy over the prospective of action on a fracking ban, the group said it was
disappointed there could still be drilling wastewater disposal and water withdrawals from the
Delaware Watershed to support fracking.
With this resolution, the DRBC is poised to roll back the high level of protection from
drilling and fracking for shale our watershed now enjoys. While posturing the possibility of a
ban on fracking in some parts of our watershed, the resolution opens the door wide to many of
the most devastating impacts that drilling and fracking for shale brings to waterways and
communities. As a result, we must oppose it, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware
Riverkeeper.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition and the PA Chamber of Business and Industry sent a joint
letter to Gov. Wolf prior to the vote which said in part, prohibiting the development and
enjoyment of ones property rights based solely on which watershed a citizen may live or own
property in is arbitrary, and sends a chilling message far beyond the reaches of just the natural
gas sector to those who may be contemplating investing capital and creating jobs in the
Commonwealth. Click Here for a copy of the letter.
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson): For nearly a decade,
natural gas development in Pennsylvania has taken place in a safe and environmentally
responsible way, while contributing to our economy, creating good-paying jobs and reducing our
dependence on foreign fuel. This decision is arbitrary, overreaching and will hurt landowners in
northeast Pennsylvania who have already lost hundreds of millions of dollars in lease and royalty
payments. Why should their mineral rights be invalidated but their neighbors outside the basin
are not? This decision is based on faulty data and will hurt our economy and our workers.
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre): The Governor has long claimed
that he supports natural gas development in a safe and responsible manner. In the last year, the
state has significantly enhanced its regulations governing unconventional wells. The strong
regulations were designed to better protect our natural resources while encouraging shale
development, which translates into a stronger economy, increased employment opportunities and
lower energy prices. Joining this moratorium instead shows his willingness to pander to special
interests.
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Majority Chair Gene Yaw
(R-Lycoming): Its disappointing that DRBC, with the support of the Governor, is using New
Yorks failed policies to institute a ban on Marcellus Shale development in the Delaware River
Basin. We have robust rules and regulations in place to protect our environmental resources
which have allowed for the safe development of natural gas in Pennsylvania. This action serves
to undermine economic development and job growth in the region and statewide.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), issued the following statement regarding Governor Tom
Wolfs decision to support draft regulations to impose a natural gas drilling ban in Wayne and
Pike counties:
Across a wide area of northern and southwestern Pennsylvania, natural gas drilling is
providing jobs, boosting the prospects of small communities, lowering energy costs, and giving
our state an energy advantage in the competition for keeping and bringing in jobs. State
regulations have been stiffened, enforcement strengthened, and impact fees are being collected
and distributed to affected communities. There is certainly more to be done, but we have
recognized and responded to concerns about environmental impact and community safety.
Given this reality, to assert that drilling is an intolerable threat to water supplies just
over the hill is remarkably inconsistent and contradictory. For the governor to so enthusiastically
support a ban in one watershed is impossible to reconcile with his statements or justify in any
economic or policy terms. Why would Pennsylvania cast a deciding vote to move forward
toward a ban when there is active litigation filed by its citizens to lift the moratorium? The only
explanation left for people is politics.
This decision appears to be another example of state government having a severe
disregard for rural areas. It is essential that the commission convene public hearings in Wayne
and Pike counties to hear from those whose lives and livelihoods will be diminished by this
action, and those who have consistently demonstrated that they are good stewards of the land, the
water, and the environment. They have a deep appreciation of the principles of fairness and
equality.
There will likely be an argument made that this action constitutes a taking that would
require considerable compensation to landowners. I intend to explore and pursue any available
legislative remedy in this direction.
There is also a legitimate concern that this is the beginning of an assault on other
economic enterprises. The impact here is not necessarily limited to natural gas drilling. The
anti-economic activity wording in the resolution could be applied to agricultural enterprises and
many other activities that have an impact on water supplies.
Senators Scarnati, Baker and Yaw attempted to intervene in a landowner court challenge
to the DRBC de-facto moratorium on drilling, but the request was denied by a federal court
judge in January.
The landowner challenge itself was thrown out by a federal judge, but the landowners
have appealed.
Natural gas development background information can be found on DRBCs Natural Gas
webpage.
NewsClips:
Kummer: DRBC Puts Fracking Ban On Agenda This Week
AP: Delaware River Basin Commission To Vote On Fracking Ban Resolution
DRBC Confirms It Will Consider Banning Fracking In Delaware Watershed
Twist In Proposed DRBC Fracking Ban Angers Environmentalists
Kummer: 35 Groups Get $17M From William Penn Foundation For Delaware Watershed
Protection
U.S. House Approves Funding For Delaware River Restoration Program
Sustainable Pittsburgh Announces Winners Of The 2016-17 Green Workplace Challenge
Sustainable Pittsburgh Thursday revealed the top

scorers of the 2016-2017 Pittsburgh Green
Workplace Challenge during an evening celebration
at the Senator John Heinz History Center in
Pittsburghs Strip District.
A yearlong, friendly competition, the GWC enables
businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and
universities to track and measure improvements in
energy, water, waste, and transportation.
More than 90 employers from throughout
southwestern Pennsylvania completed the competition, twice the number from the previous
GWC. In total, these participants took 2,009 green and sustainable actions, each of which
earned them points in the challenge.
Point-earning actions include: switching out less efficient light bulbs, implementing a
recruitment policy to encourage diversity and inclusion, offering employees paid time off to
volunteer in the community, establishing recycling programs, and encouraging carpooling.
Energy/Water Savings This Year
Several participants focused on water saving tactics this year, including installation of
low flow faucets and toilets, waterless urinals, and being proactive about fixing leaks.
These strategies, in part, led to water savings greater than the three previous GWC
competitions combined.
Participants saved more than 33 million gallons of waterenough to cover the playing
surface of PNC Park to a depth of 46.3 feet.
Participants also saved enough energy to power 1,562 average U.S. homes for a year
(16,889,806 kWh of energy), translating to $1.3 million in cost savings. Factoring in the social
cost of carbon, the savings are between $1.45 - $2 million.
The amount of energy saved equates to more than all the owner-occupied homes in the
15219 zip code, including Polish Hill, Uptown, Hill District, North Oakland, and parts of
Downtown.
In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, participants reduced carbon dioxide emissions by
11,662 U.S. tons and prevented 1.22 U.S. tons of PM 2.5 from entering the atmosphere.
Methane was reduced by 2,537 pounds.
Autumn Secrest, Green Workplace Challenge Program Manager for Sustainable
Pittsburgh, said, The results of this years Green Workplace Challenge are further
demonstration of growing commitment to sustainable business practices. With more active
participants than ever, representing thousands of employees in southwestern Pennsylvania,
employers are showing just how every sustainable action adds up to make a difference. We all
can be humbled and inspired by the commitment of these organizations.
The evenings keynote speaker, Bob Nutting, Principal Owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates
and member of CEOs for Sustainability, shared bottom-line benefits of sustainable business
practices at organizations as diverse as PNC Park, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and Ogden
Newspapers.
He described the competitive edge sustainability offers with advantages ranging from
differentiation in the market to operational savings, employee engagement, and product
innovation.
Winners Are
The 2016-2017 GWC top scorers in each category are as follows:
-- Micro Business Category Winner: Rolling Pepperoni, with a stunning come-from-behind
victory 446 points.
-- The micro business runner up is Botero Development with 165 points.
-- Third place in the micro business category is Pashek + MTR at 133 points.
-- Small Business Category Winner: AE Works (by a slim margin) 560 points.
-- The small business runner up is evolveEA with 518 points.
-- Third place is IKM Incorporated with 408 points.
-- Medium Business Category Winner: WESCO International (by a slim margin) 258 points.
-- The medium business runner up is: The Mall at Robinson 216 points.
-- Third place in the medium business category is IKEA Pittsburgh 162 points.
-- Large Business Category Winner (for a second year in a row): Highmark 1,737 points.
-- The large business runner up is FedEx Ground 976 points.
-- Third place in the large business category is: BNY Mellon 695 points.
-- Micro Nonprofit Category Winner: Millvale Community Library (a come-from-behind
victory) 1,131 points.
-- The micro nonprofit runner up is PA Resources Council 576 points.
-- Third place is Cribs for Kids at 312 points.
-- Small Nonprofit Category Winner: Conservation Consultants Inc. (by a slim margin) 625
points.
-- The small nonprofit runner up is Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy 618 points.
-- Third place in the small nonprofit category is Green Building Alliance 517 points.
-- Medium Nonprofit Category Winner: ALCOSAN 1,097 points.
-- The medium nonprofit runner up is Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh 245 points.
-- Third place in the medium nonprofit category is Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh 184
points.
-- University Category Winner: University of Pittsburgh 1,001 points.
-- The university runner up is Chatham University 465 points.
-- Third place in the university category is Carnegie Mellon University 447 points.
-- Small Municipality Winner: Township of Upper St. Clair (a come-from-behind victory)
323 points.
-- The small municipality/local government runner up is Borough of Monaca 250 points.
-- Third place in the small municipality/local government category is Moon Township 218
points.
-- Large Municipality Winner : Allegheny County (despite some heroic last-minute effort by
City of Pittsburgh) 1,851 points.
-- The large municipality runner up is City of Pittsburgh 793 points.
Top Energy Saver - Millvale Community Library
The Top Energy Saver Award was presented to the organization that achieved the highest
percentage of measured reduction in workspace energy consumption from this competition year
compared to the prior year, as measured using the U.S. EPAs Energy Star Portfolio Manager.
Sustainable Pittsburgh presented Millvale Community Library with the Top Energy Saver
award. The Library reduced energy usage 27.8 percent over the course of the year.
Top Water Saver - Highmark
Similarly, the Top Water Saver award is presented to the organization that achieved the
highest percentage of measured reduction in workspace water consumption from this
competition year compared to the prior year, also measured using EPAs Energy Star Portfolio
Manager.
Highmark received the Top Water Saver award, having reduced water usage 20.7 percent
Top Legacy Energy Saver, Water Saver Awards
Sustainable Pittsburgh presented two additional awards this evening: Top Legacy Energy
Saver and Top Legacy Water Saver. These awards are for the organizations that demonstrated
the most energy savings and water savings, respectively, after participating in all four of the
Green Workplace Challenge competitions.
The Green Building Alliance earned the Top Legacy Energy Saver Award. GBA has
seen savings of 44.6 percent in energy compared to the original baseline year of 2010-2011
(which was the year of the first competition).
Allegheny County earned the Top Legacy Water Saver Award, having seen savings of
33.09 percent in water compared to the original baseline year.
All winners received special awards made from reclaimed materials, produced by
partners through the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse.
Cumulative Energy/Water Savings Since 2011
The cumulative water savings since the first GWC competition in 2011, through this
fourth competition, resulted in participants saving more than 100 million gallons of water.
This is enough to cover the playing surface of PNC Park to a depth of 138.2 feet.
The cumulative energy savings since the first GWC are more than $10 million (including
social cost of carbon: $10.98 - $14.9 million).
This translates to saving a years worth of energy for 11,829 average U.S. households.
Constellation, an Exelon Company, is the GWC Presenting Sponsor and the Pittsburgh
Business Times, 90.5 WESA and WYEP are the Media Sponsors.
The Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge is an initiative of Sustainable Pittsburghs
Champions for Sustainability Business Network. The GWC is on Twitter and on Facebook.
Constellation, an Exelon Company, is the GWC Presenting Sponsor and the Pittsburgh
Business Times, 90.5 WESA and WYEP are the Media Sponsors.
For more information, visit the Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge website or contact
Kait Miller by sending email to: gwc@sustainablepittsburgh.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Sustainable
Pittsburgh website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates. Like them on Facebook, Follow
them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green
Story website.
(Photo: Back Row (L-R) Rich Heller, University of Pittsburgh; Indigo Raffel, CCI; Safiya
Hodari, AE Works; JoAnn Rizzo, AE Works; Quinn Zeagler, Green Building Alliance; Kathy
Hrabovsky, Allegheny County; Abby Lawler-Morycz, Allegheny County; Zaheen Hussain,
Millvale Community Library; Ron Sarrick, Township of Upper St. Clair. Seated (L-R) Phyllis
Barber, Highmark; Megan Cieslak-Mazza, ALCOSAN; Teresa Bradley, Pennsylvania Resources
Council; Kelli Williams, Millvale Community Library; Maureen Olinzock, Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy; Katherine Schuler, Rolling Pepperoni. Not Pictured: WESCO.)
NewsClips:
Renowned Unity Sheep Farm Lauded For Conservation-Friendly Grazing
Trailblazer Sue Nasrani Honored For Hazleton Rail Trail
DEP Earns ECOS Innovation Award For Brownfields to Playfields Program, House GOP
The Department of Environmental Protection

Tuesday received the Environmental Council of
the States (ECOS) 2017 State Program Innovation
Award for its Brownfields to Playfields Pilot
Program to transform seven sites of old industrial
blight into outdoor recreation spaces in
underserved communities.
DEP, along with the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources and
Department of Community and Economic Development, created the pilot program to meet one
of the resource management and stewardship goals in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan.
Smaller and economically disadvantaged communities get a boost from the synergy of
interagency collaboration in tackling the hefty challenge of transforming industrial blight that
otherwise might persist for decades, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. When partners
envision transformation together, innovation results.
Each project receives a needs assessment; help in identifying appropriate assistance
programs; education on sources and leveraging of funding; and streamlined coordination
between state agencies, local governments, federal programs, and private partners.
House Republican Cuts Will Jeopardize These Projects
A recent House Republican plan to cut funding from agencies dedicated sources could
jeopardize some of these projects.
If there are cuts to DCEDs brownfields cleanup/assessment funds, projects like these
around the state could fall through, said Secretary McDonnell, setting back communities who
aspire to a better quality of life without legacy industrial blight.
The projects will transform a total of 40 acres of former industrial lands:
-- Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park in Susquehanna Depot, Susquehanna County: Cleaning up
a contaminated former Erie railyard and creating a community park with walking trails and a
pavilion.
-- Kaiers Playground, Mahanoy City Borough, Schuylkill County: Demolishing a dilapidated
five-story brewery and turning it into a community playground.
-- Fairground Avenue Linear Park, Carlisle, Cumberland County: Redeveloping a former
carpet manufacturing site into a park with walking/biking trails and a green stormwater
management system to facilitate Carlisles Chesapeake Bay Pollutant Reduction Plan, coinciding
with plans for adjacent shopping, dining, and residential mixed-use development.
-- Susquehanna River Walk Extension, Williamsport, Lycoming County: Designing and
engineering a three-mile extension of the trail through an old landfill site and past brownfield
sites to connect with other walking/biking trails and neighborhoods.
-- Lower Broadway Recreation Complex, Nanticoke, Luzerne County: Transforming land
adjacent to a former manufactured gas plant into a park with athletic fields, a playground,
walking trails, a skateboard park, and marsh overlook.
-- Waterfront Park, Charleroi, Washington County: Redeveloping a former stadium and
glass factory into a recreation complex on the Monongahela River.
-- Elrama Neighborhood Park, Union Township, Washington County: Redeveloping a
former chrome shop into a public park.
The ECOS award honors innovative approaches by state environmental agencies in
addressing community concerns, improving relationships between agencies and regulated
entities, and returning land to productive use.
To learn more about the brownfields program, visit DEPs Brownfield Redevelopment
webpage.
Sen. Yudichak To Introduce Resolution Requiring Independent Performance Evaluation

Of Chapter 102, 105 DEP Permit Programs
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Monday said he intends
to introduce a resolution requiring the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to do an independent performance evaluation of DEPs
Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water
Obstruction and Encroachment) permit programs.
Sen. Yudichaks co-sponsor memo to colleagues said, All too frequently,
regulated communities have expressed concerns about inconsistency or
delays in the DEPs permitting processes.
While they certainly recognize the need for environmental protection,
permit applicants maintain that delays result in unnecessary work
interruptions and economic losses for both businesses and surrounding communities.
In response, DEP has undertaken efforts to facilitate permitting and improve outcomes
including conducting their own internal reviews and audits to identify program or permit
deficiencies.
Specifically, this resolution will call for a thorough performance evaluation of DEPs
two largest permitting programs that are administered on a statewide basis and that affect nearly
all projects that include construction and development Chapter 102 permits (Erosion and
Sediment Control) and Chapter 105 permits (Water Obstruction and Encroachment).
These two DEP permit programs account for about 6,000 of the 30,000 permit
applications DEP reviews every year and are critical to any land development project undertaken
in the Commonwealth.
To establish a fair and objective baseline in this debate, it is clear that an independent
review of DEPs permitting programs must be completed.
Accordingly, under this resolution, LBFC would consider the efficiency and
effectiveness of permitting programs by examining varied outlooks, including resources and
workloads (overall and by office), performance levels, policies and procedures, fee and incentive
structures, applications and outcomes, input and efforts by DEP and applicants, and best
practices. Recommendations for practical legislative solutions would be provided in a report to
the Senate within one year.
While not said, this proposed independent evaluation to identify the real problems-- from
all sides-- with two of DEPs critical permit programs would be a responsible alternative to the
permit changes included in the Senate-passed budget revenue package now in the House for
consideration.
The text of the resolution follows--
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an independent
performance evaluation of certain Statewide environmental permitting programs administered by
the Department of Environmental Protection.
WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Protection is charged with the protection
of this Commonwealths air, land and water from pollution, as well as the environmental health
and safety of residents; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State laws and regulations require the Department of
Environmental Protection to review environmental permit applications and make determinations
for approval, including the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, the
Federal Clean Water Act and related statutes; and
WHEREAS, Municipalities and industry and business communities that perform
activities subject to environmental regulation and permitting have raised concerns about the cost,
economic impairment and missed opportunities for job creation resulting from instances of
inconsistent review of environmental permit applications and unreasonable delays in
environmental permit review and issuance by the Department of Environmental Protection; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Protection has undertaken considerable
efforts to address concerns raised regarding its environmental permit review process and
continues to work to identify problems and implement technical solutions within available
resources; and
WHEREAS, Continued concerns expressed by stakeholders on all sides of the
environmental permitting process deserve the attention of the General Assembly, which may be
addressed through an independent, thorough and impartial performance evaluation; and
WHEREAS, Such a review of Statewide environmental permitting programs by the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, with assistance from impartial experts, is necessary
to establish a fair baseline from which additional administrative and legislative policies may be
established; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct an independent performance evaluation of environmental permitting under the Erosion
and Sediment Pollution Control Program and the Water Obstruction and Encroachment Program
administered by the Department of Environmental Protection and county conservation districts;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, in conducting the
evaluation, shall seek assistance, through cooperation or contract, from impartial individuals who
have recognized experience and expertise in the oversight and implementation of environmental
laws and regulations and environmental or energy engineering or sciences, including, but not
limited to, individuals from accredited academic institutions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee include the following
elements in its evaluation of permitting under the Erosion and Sedimentation Program and Water
Obstruction and Encroachment Program:
(1) consideration of concerns for permitting programs expressed by stakeholders,
including the Department of Environmental Protection and regulated municipality, business and
industry representatives;
(2) an analysis and comparison of total and individual resources and workloads for the
permitting programs and all offices charged with administration of the programs, including
central and regional offices of the Department of Environmental Protection and county
conservation districts;
(3) a comparison of permit review times, performance levels and goals for each office of
the Department of Environmental Protection and a representative sample of county conservation
districts charged with administration of the permitting program;
(4) a review of the appropriateness and effectiveness of applicable policies, procedures or
guidance for permit review and issuance, including the permit decision guarantee program and
related fee structures;
(5) an analysis of permit application procedures and outcomes, including the examination
of random samples of applications and interviews with permit applicants and appropriate
program staff of the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts;
(6) an evaluation of recent and ongoing efforts and initiatives by the Department of
Environmental Protection or conservation districts to remove obstacles to effective and efficient
permit reviews and improve outcomes for applicants;
(7) a review of similar permitting programs administered in this Commonwealth or other
states in an effort to identify best practices or offer suggestions for improving review
performance without sacrificing environmental protection; and
(8) recommendations for practical administrative or legislative actions that improve
administration, timing and outcomes of the permitting programs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee provide a
comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate not later than one year
after the adoption of this resolution.
Click Here for a copy of the co-sponsor memo.
Related Stories:
Senate Environmental Permitting Changes Would Emasculate DEPs Ability To Regulate Air,
Water, Mining, Waste, Radiation, Oil & Gas
PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds
PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Let us join your
Circle.
Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,
Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.
Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily
NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.
Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant news updates.
PA Environment Daily Blog: 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. NEW! Add your constructive
comment to any blog posting.
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.
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
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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.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/ Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Sept. 25): House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor
summary); Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) providing for a performance-based
budgeting (exempting appropriations to the General Assembly and the Judiciary) and creating a
Performance-Based Budget Board (House Fiscal Note and summary); Senate Bill 646
(Killion-R-Delaware) extending the $2/ton Recycling Fee for one year until January 1, 2021
<> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Sept. 18): Senate Bill 663 (Langlin-R-Erie) amending the PA Construction Code to
provide for third party contracts to enforce the Code (sponsor summary); House Bill 409
(Evankovich-R- Allegheny) making changes to the process for adopting amendments to the
Uniform Construction Code; House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the Pittsburgh
Water and Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission. <> Click
Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Rules Committee meets to consider House Bill 543 (Ryan-R- Lebanon) House
Republican budget proposal (short summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Committee
Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
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
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
Move Farm Permitting To Conservation Commission: Senate Bill 879 (Martin-R-Lancaster)

move all DEP permitting for farms to the State Conservation Commissions without any funding
to operate the program (sponsor summary).
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
September 18, 19, 20
October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15
December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
House
September 25, 26, 27
October 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22,
December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
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.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
House
Intergovernmental Agreements: House Bill 479 (Schemel-R-Franklin) making it easier to

enter into intergovernmental cooperative agreements (sponsor summary) was reported out of the
House Appropriations Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Biodiversity Awareness Month: House Resolution 497 (McCarter-D-Montgomery) designating

October Biodiversity Awareness Month (sponsor summary).
News From The Capitol
House Environmental Committee Changes Name Of Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee To

Severance Tax
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday approved an amendment
to House Bill 113 (Harper-R-Montgomery) to change the name of the existing Act 13 drilling
impact fee to severance tax and then delete all provisions in the bill enacting a real natural gas
severance tax.
The amendment was offered by Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny), the Majority Chair of
the Committee, and was approved in a party-line vote Republicans supporting.
The bill was then held in Committee to give members more time to prepare additional
amendments.
The other amendments ready for Mondays meeting were--
-- Rep. Carroll/A03054: Fix for the definition of stripper well definition as a result of a
Commonwealth Court decision in March to prevent loss of revenue to Act 13 impact fee;
-- Rep. Tallman/A03250: Reducing the severance tax from 3.5 percent to 1.75 percent; and
-- A03296: Eliminate Act 13 impact fee, replace with 5 percent severance tax with the same
distribution.
In reaction to the Committees action, prime sponsor of the bill Rep. Kate Harper
(R-Montgomery) said, I am very disappointed that the House Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee essentially voted to remove the severance tax from House Bill 113. With that
bill, I had hoped to help solve our current budget impasse.
I had designed a bill with a reasonable severance tax rate and with the proceeds going to
the communities affected by the shale drilling; environmental programs statewide; the
Pennsylvania State Police, which provides local police services to many of the communities in
the shale region; and the underfunded teachers pension program, which is causing property
taxes to rise across the state.
The General Fund, currently short by $2 billion, needs the revenues to pay for essential
government services, and before we tax cable, telephone and natural gas customers, we should
enact a reasonable severance tax here in Pennsylvania.
I am not hostile to the natural gas industry truly I believe Pennsylvania can be the
Saudi Arabia of natural gas but every other gas-producing state has a severance tax. These
big industry giants are, in fact, paying this tax already to other states, and the price of natural gas
to the customer, whether in Pennsylvania or Oklahoma, is set by an international market which
has already factored in a reasonable severance tax because every other state has one.
I will be filing an amendment to the current bill as amended by the committee to levy a
5 percent severance tax and direct the revenues it produces to the communities affected by the
drilling, to the state police that protect those communities, to teacher pensions that were earned
and must be paid, and to environmental programs statewide both to regulate the drilling and
production of natural gas and to provide funds for mitigating its effects.
I am hopeful that such an amendment with a severance tax overwhelmingly supported
by Pennsylvanians statewide will break the budget logjam and get the job done.
A discharge resolution requesting committee consideration of the bill was filed on July
11.
Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the House Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: jmaher@pahousegop.com. Rep. Mike
Carroll serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
mcarroll@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Recreation Efforts
House Republicans
Sen. Farnese Pushes Bill To Prevent Lawsuits Meant To Intimidate Citizen Groups
Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) and the

Delaware Riverkeeper Network Wednesday
promoted legislation-- Senate Bill 95-- designed to
prevent the use of the legal system to intimidate
citizens and community groups.
SLAPP suits, or Strategic Lawsuit Against Public
Participation, are designed to impede community
groups and community members by burdening them
with legal fees and intimidating outspoken
community members with legal action.
Since 2000, when the Pennsylvania Environmental Immunity Act or anti-SLAPP law was
passed, any person that files an action in the courts of this Commonwealth to enforce an
environmental law or regulation or that makes an oral or written communication to a government
agency relating to enforcement or implementation of an environmental law or regulation shall be
immune from civil liability in any resulting legal proceeding for damages where the action or
communication is aimed at procuring favorable governmental action.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network and others in attendance were recent victims of
SLAPP suit litigation and discussed the burdensome impact such misuse of the law inflicts.
The recent lawsuit against DRN was dismissed in court with the judge making clear the
advocacy challenging a brownfields development project by developer Brian ONeill and his
businesses was constitutionally protected free speech under the First Amendment of the United
States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Sen. Farneses legislation was passed by the Senate by a vote of 42 to 8 in April and must
now be considered by the House. Click Here for a sponsor summary.
If passed, the legislation protects people engaged in constitutionally protected speech
from civil action based on that speech, allows for swift consideration and dismissal of cases
deemed to be filed with the intent of silencing protected speech, prevents discovery during the
pendency of the dismissal claim, and allows victims of a SLAPP suit to recover any legal costs
and fees.
One of the biggest hurdles Ive encountered is convincing folks in Harrisburg that an
expansion of our anti-SLAPP statute is absolutely necessary because existing legal remedies are
insufficient to dismiss and deter these frivolous suits, Sen. Farnese said.
The role of outspoken community advocates protecting the environment, and
community health and safety, is increasingly important in this age of legislative rollbacks,
diminishing government budgets and increased access to government decisionmakers by
well-funded industrial and developer interests, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware
Riverkeeper.
SLAPP suits that seek to silence communities with threats of attorneys fees and damage
claims are nothing short of reprehensible. It is important we have champions like Sen. Farnese,
and fair minded judges willing to see these lawsuits for what they are, a misuse of the legal
system to rob people of their constitutional rights, said van Rossum. And it is important we
have legislation that prevents SLAPP suits and allows community members who are threatened
with one to secure swift judgement in their defense,
My legislation would put an end to the abuse of the judicial system by expanding
Pennsylvanias anti- SLAPP statute beyond environmental law to apply to all protected speech
related to issues of public and social concern, Sen. Farnese said. It creates a process for
SLAPPs based on constitutionally protected speech to be quickly dismissed and the party
seeking immunity may be entitled to attorneys fees and damages. This bill also contains a
SLAPP-back provision.
Anti-SLAPP legislation is imperative here in Philadelphia as it gives community
organizations a tool to fight back against frivolous lawsuits designed to silence the organizations
collective voice, Sen. Farnese said.
Community member Carla Zembelli submitted a statement regarding SLAPP suits that
was read by Maya van Rossum, which in part said, As a blogger, I have been aware of SLAPP
suits for years. This year, I became embroiled in one, in Chester County, where I live. The suit is
over the potential development of an old factory site in Malvern, East Whiteland Township
known as Bishop Tube. I am a resident of East Whiteland Township. I had written about the
Bishop Tube site on my blog. I am not the only one who has ever written about it or ever has had
questions about it. The site has also been written about in newspaper articles off and on for many
years. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP)
website there is TCE contamination on this site. I am a breast cancer survivor who underwent
breast cancer treatment and, as a survivor, a site like this should be a concern in my opinion. As a
resident I should also be able to express my opinions and/or ask questions.
I am a retired schoolteacher, so I seldom have difficulty speaking my mind in public.
But this intrusion on our civil rights has been difficult for myself and many of my neighbors.
People dont know what they can and cannot say at local meetings with our township officials.
People are silenced when they become aware that representatives of the developer are sitting
behind them, writing down what is being said. And people stop attending meetings because they
fear the retribution, and because they feel powerless, said Debra Mobile, a community member
involved with the Bishop Tube clean and green battle. Our group has made it clear that we are
not there to talk about the developer, but we are there to talk about what we want for our
community.
Senate Bill 95 is now in the House Judiciary Committee.
Click Here to watch a video of the press conference.
NewsClip:
Sen. Farnese Again Pushing Anti-SLAPP Suit Legislation
Related Story:
Sen. Martins Bill Could Impose The Public Costs Of Any Protest On the Protesters
Will The Senate Vote To Support The Hellbender As The State Amphibian?
The Senate Tabled Senate Bill 658 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)

designating the eastern hellbender Pennsylvanias state
amphibian on July 9 because the bill had been on the Senate
Calendar for 10 legislative days without action.
The Senate comes back to voting session on September 18.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming),
Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee and one of Pennsylvanias representatives
on the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
Sen. Yaw took on the project at the request of the Chesapeake Bay Foundations Student
Leaders group.
Its about all species that rely on clean water, which essentially encompasses all wildlife
in Pennsylvania, including us, SLC President Anna Pauletta said of the campaign during a visit
to Harrisburg in May. Being able to speak up for something that doesnt necessarily have a
voice and making impact on their survivorship through legislation. She is a senior at
Cumberland Valley High School.
Long-term we are also looking to raise awareness for clean water in general, but within
the legislative process as well, because its an issue that is commonly overlooked, Pauletta
added.
Without help and more clean water, the Eastern hellbender could disappear.
They are a natural barometer of water quality and they live where the water is clean,
Sen. Yaw said, recalling days as a youngster catching hellbenders in the local creek. If they are
surviving in the streams in this area, that is a good sign for the water quality. Here is natures
own testing kit for good water quality.
Much of what remains of a depleted hellbender population in Pennsylvania can be found
in waters within the Senators district, which includes Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, part of
Susquehanna and Union counties.
Hellbenders survive where there is cold, clear, swift-running water. They prefer rocky
streambeds. Their sponge-like bodies allow them to squeeze into crevices which they use for
protection and for nesting. The slimy salamanders feed at night, primarily on crayfish.
Folds of wrinkled skin provide a large surface through which they draw most of their
oxygen.
The presence of streamside trees or forested buffers stands out among factors that enable
hellbenders to survive.
Forested buffers are one of the most cost-effective practices available for not only
keeping pollutants out of the stream, but also for providing hellbenders cool, clean water and
habitat to live, said CBFs Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell. Science tells us
no other practice does so much for so many.
A lack of forested buffers along Commonwealth waterways allows waters to warm,
polluted runoff to enter rivers and streams, and silt to build up in streambeds. As a result, habitat
has been degraded and hellbender numbers were decimated in streams where they were plentiful
as recently as 1990.
The Senator and the students believe recognizing the Eastern hellbender as the state
amphibian can encourage more Pennsylvanians to protect it and its environment.
More information about the campaign for the Eastern hellbender, visit CBFs Hellbender
webpage. Click Here to watch a video about hellbenders.
Click Here to see how clean the streams are in your county.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
CBF-PA: Canoeing To Teach Value Of Water Quality In PA
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
Sen. Yaw, CBF Student Leaders Support Bill To Save Hellbenders And Clean Water In PA
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
News From Around The State
Sen. Yudichak Announces $390K Grant To Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine
Reclamation
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee, Wednesday announced the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine
Reclamation has received a $390,000 federal grant through the Department of Environmental
Protection.
With the funding, EPCAMR will continue to be able to provide support to watershed
groups and municipalities in their pursuit of protecting watersheds impacted by abandoned mine
drainage (AMD) in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
This includes being able to do a monthly water quality assessment of discharges in the
Northern Anthracite Coal Field to plan for AMD remediation and quarterly borehole monitoring
with a plan for abatement of AMD including high and low precipitation events.
For over twenty years, EPCAMR has led reclamation efforts of abandoned mine lands
as well as restored and remediated watersheds impacted by abandoned mine drainage in
Northeastern Pennsylvania. The grant allows EPCAMR to continue to revitalize Northeastern
Pennsylvania by removing the environmental scars left behind by the coal industry, said Sen.
Yudichak.
Through education and engagement, EPCAMR can advance environmental justice and
set the stage for commercial and residential development to take root in communities across the
region, said Robert Hughes, Executive Director of EPCAMR. We appreciate the support of
DEP, along with Sen. Yudichak and our congressional delegation in helping EPCAMR to carry
on with our vital initiatives and support our coalfield partners throughout Pennsylvania.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Eastern PA
Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation website.
NewsClips:
EPCAMR Receives $390 DEP Grant For Water Quality Assessments
Op-Ed: The War On Coal Communities: Strip Mining
Anthracite Mine Drainage Remediation Tour Oct. 8 In Schuylkill County
The Schuylkill Headwaters Association is hosting an Anthracite Coal Mining Awareness,

Appreciation and Remediation Tour on October 8 in Schuylkill County starting at the Schuylkill
County Agriculture Center, 1206 AG Center Drive, Pottsville from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The bus tour will feature several mine reclamation sites and projects in the anthracite
region to illustrate how anthracite coal mining impacted the region.
Click Here for a flyer on this event. The cost of the tour is $18/person.
The program is funded in part by an Environmental Education Grant from the
Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information or to register contact Lorie Reichert, Schuylkill County
Conservation District, at 570-391-3316 or send email to lreichert@co.schuylkill.pa.us.
NewsClips:
EPA Approves $141 Million In Funding For PA Water Quality Improvement Projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced it has approved and helped
fund a $141 million plan by Pennsylvania to implement 23 clean water infrastructure projects.
The Intended Use Plan includes an award of $52,518,000 from EPAs FY 2017 Clean
Water State Revolving Fund.
The plan by the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, in partnership with the
Department of Environmental Protection is also funded with $10,503,600 state match,
repayments from prior CWSRF loans, and interest earnings on CWSRF investments.
Rebuilding our nations water infrastructure is a top priority for President Trump and
EPA because all Americans deserve clean water, said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. These
strategic investments will yield real improvements in water quality for Pennsylvania
communities.
Of the approved projects, those greater than $5 million include the following:
-- Projects in three communities involving the construction and installation of new public sewers
to replace failing on-lot septic systems at many homes.These failing septic systems leech
untreated and partially treated wastewater onto the ground, into the groundwater, and in the
surface water of the communities:
-- A collective $25.5 million for four individual projects in Greene Township in Erie County;
-- $11 million to New Castle Sanitation Authority in Lawrence County;
-- $5.54 million to Howe Township Municipal Authority in Perry County;
-- Five projects to repair and replace aging infrastructure in the communities sewer collection
systems.The aging sewers are undersized, cracked, and deteriorating causing untreated sewage to
overflow into nearby rivers and streams.
-- $17.3 million to Western Westmoreland Municipal Authority in Westmoreland County;
-- $17.5 million to Pleasant Hills Authority in Allegheny County;
-- $10.9 million to Johnstown City in Cambria County;
-- $9.6 million to Yeadon City in Delaware County;
-- $6.4 million to Lower Yoder Township in Cambria County;
-- $5.5 million to Harrisburgs Capital Region Waters Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility
in Dauphin County for its Headworks Screening Project which will improve the grit removal
system thereby improving the operation and function of the facility.
The CWSRF program provides low interest loans for the construction of wastewater
treatment facilities and other projects vital to protecting and improving water quality in rivers,
lakes and streams for drinking water, recreation and natural habitat. The loans help communities
keep water and sewer rates more affordable while addressing local water quality problems.
PennVEST is fortunate to partner with EPA and the local communities to help make
these important clean water projects a reality. Due to the revolving nature of this loan program,
repayments are targeted to help additional communities, said Brion Johnson, Executive
Director.
For more information, visit EPAs Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program webpage.
Questions about PennVEST projects should be directed to Brion Johnson, Executive
Director of PennVEST by calling 717-783-6798 or send email to: bjohnson@pa.gov.
NRCS-PA Awards More Than $1.5 Million In Chesapeake Bay Watershed Conservation
Innovation Grants
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in
Pennsylvania Friday announced more than $1.5 million
for six demonstration projects designed to decrease
agricultural nutrients in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Funding comes through the NRCSs Conservation
Innovation Grants (CIG) Program. Through CIG,
grantees develop and encourage adoption of
next-generation conservation practices and
market-based solutions to resource challenges.
Grantees provide matching funds for their projects.
"Through Conservation Innovation Grant projects, our many partners work with local
producers to demonstrate new approaches, technologies and tools that will drive continued
progress in the Chesapeake Bay watershed," said Denise Coleman, NRCS Pennsylvania State
Conservationist.
CIG Awardees and Projects
-- Penn State University: Retrofitting the roadside ditch network to treat nitrogen from
agricultural runoff using woodchip bioreactors in Bradford County, Pennsylvania;
-- Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay: Dairy-led healthy streams initiative: a Lancaster County
demonstration;
-- Bradford County Conservation District: Innovative cattle heavy use area protection using
wood chip surface;
-- Sustainable Chesapeake: Reducing air emissions from on-farm poultry litter-fueled energy
systems;
-- American Farmland Trust: Women landowners for conservation and water quality in
Pennsylvania; and
-- Water Science Institute, Lancaster - Legacy sediment 2.0: enhanced mapping and decision
support tool.
These projects complement the recent national CIG award of $415,000 to the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation for a pay-for-success pilot project, which will explore new ways to attract
private capital for agriculture-based conservation practices that will satisfy stormwater pollution
reduction requirements of urban and suburban municipalities.
The "PA Offset Partnerships" project will be the first of its kind pay-for-success
investment in agricultural practices.
The Conservation Innovation Grant program is an example of government at its best,
providing seed money to help spur cutting-edge projects, said NRCS Acting Chief Leonard
Jordan.
For more information on the program, visit the NRCSs Conservation Innovation Grants
(CIG) Program webpage.
For more on the financial and technical assistance available to farmers and landowners in
Pennsylvania, visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania webpage.
NewsClips:
Robbing Agriculture Funds No Way To Balance State Budget
AP: Historic Revolutionary War Farm Gets Protection In Chester County
Lehigh Valley Farms Seek New Markets As Big Retailers Cash In On Buy Local Trend
Related Stories:
CBF-PA: NRCS Grant Will Help Communities Meet MS4 Stormwater Requirements With
On-Farm Practices
Brandywine-Christiana Watershed Pay-For-Success Project To Bring Up To $10 Million In
Private Capital For Farm Conservation Projects
4 Municipalities, DEP, DCNR Highlight Green Infrastructure Projects To Control

Stormwater Pollution
Stormwater management efforts by Lemoyne Borough, Lower Paxton

Township, Susquehanna Township, Harrisburgs Capital Region Water,
and municipalities statewide were highlighted Friday at an event in
Lemoyne held by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Hundreds of municipalities are required to submit new, more stringent
stormwater management permit applications and MS4 Pollutant Reduction
Plans by September 16.
Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest sources of water pollution, and
one of the thorniest problems to solve, said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. The Pollutant Reduction Plans coming into DEP offices
from municipalities across the Commonwealth are a sign of change.
The plans must quantify the amount of sediment municipalities are currently putting into
local impaired waters or the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and specify steps theyll take to reduce
it by 10 percent within 5 years.
Lori Yeich, Recreation and Conservation Manager, Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, discussed how that agency can provide funding support for park and other
outdoor recreation projects that can help municipalities meet their stormwater reduction goals.
Dennis McGee, head of the Lemoyne Borough Stormwater Committee; Shannon Gority,
CEO of Capital Region Water; George Wolfe, Lower Paxton Township manager; and David
Kratzer, Susquehanna Township manager, discussed their municipalities stormwater and green
infrastructure efforts.
Collaboration was a recurring theme: partnerships between municipal governments;
community residents; state agencies; potential funding sources, such as PennVEST; and
nonprofit organizations, such as Penn State Extension and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay,
were emphasized as key to making progress.
Harrisburg, Lower Paxton, and Susquehanna are partnering on a Pollutant Reduction Plan
to meet their required stormwater pollution reductions in Lower Paxton Creek. Lemoyne has
successfully enlisted gardeners, borough staff, and other residents in maintenance of their more
than 18 raingardens.
The stormwater pollution problem has no boundaries, and neither can the solution, said
Secretary McDonnell.
DEP will also host a Stormwater Educational Activities Workshop at Dauphin County
Agriculture and Natural Resources Center on September 19 (registration has closed, but
additional workshops will be planned).
For more information on stormwater pollution prevention and green infrastructure, visit
DEPs Be Stormwater Smart webpage.
Also visit DEPs Municipal Stormwater webpage to learn more about the MS4
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program.
(Photo: Urban rain garden installed in Lemoyne Borough.)
NewsClips:
Lancaster City Plans 2 Green Infrastructure Projects To Cut Pollution
Allentown Schools, Churches Could Be Slapped With Proposed Stormwater Fee
Beef Grazing Management Workshop Set For Oct. 12 In Lancaster County
The PA Beef Producers and Penn State Extension

will host a Beef Grazing Management Workshop
on October 12 at the Southeast Agricultural
Research and Extension Center, 1446 Auction
Road, Manheim, Lancaster County from 4:30 to
8 p.m.
The evening will be filled with visits to
actual demonstration plots on weed control,
forage grazing, and mowing management, plus
information will be shared on managing fescue in
grazing situations.
Dinner will be served so registration is
required.
Click Here for more information and to register.
NewsClips:
Summer Penns Waters Newsletter Now Available From Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA
The Summer edition of the Penns Waters

newsletter from the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA is now available featuring stories
on--
-- Progress In PA Water Quality Cleanup, But
More Must Be Done
-- PA Developing A New Plan To Clean Its
Waterways
-- CBF Student Leaders Spearheading Campaign To Save Hellbenders
-- CBF Will Educate PA Communities About Causes, Cures Of Polluted Runoff
-- New Program Allows Municipalities To Be Paid For Water Quality Success
-- Farm Stewardship Event Emphasized Partnerships, Conservation Efforts
-- A Great Day On The Susquehanna Celebrating Heroes
-- Reports On PA Projects By The CBF-PA Restoration Staff
-- Students In Watershed Ed Program Take To The Water In PA
-- Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of page)
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Free Workshop For Public Water Suppliers, Consultants Sept. 20 In Williamsport
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is

continuing its Public Water Supply Assistance Program
by offering a new workshop for water operators,
managers, authority and/or board members, and their
consultants.
The workshop will be held September 20 at the Holiday
Inn Williamsport, 100 Pine Street, Williamsport,
Lycoming County.
The workshop includes topics applicable to most
public water suppliers. Highlights include:
-- Defining the Operational Age of a Well; Predicting Maintenance Issues in Advance of Failure,
Michael Schneiders, PG, NGWA 2017 McEllhiney Lecturer
-- Funding Considerations for Public Water Suppliers, Panelists include: PennVEST, USDA,
DCED, COSTARS, and SEDA-COG
-- Fundamentals of Asset Management, Catherine Port, DEP; Jere Troutman, Retired Manager,
Millersburg Area Authority
-- DEPs Professional Engineering Services Program, Woodrow Cole, DEP
The workshop is being offered free of charge and includes continental breakfast and
lunch are included.
The Department of Environmental Protection has pre-approved the workshop for two
contact hours for Pennsylvania-certified water operators (drinking water contact hours).
Remote online workshop participation is available; however, water contact hours are only
available to classroom attendees. If interested, please click Attend by Webinar on the workshop
registration page.
Click Here for more information including a workshop overview, agenda, and
registration.
For more information about the assistance program, visit SRBCs Public Water Supply
Assistance Program webpage. Questions about the program should be directed to Brent
Bauman, P.G., Hydrogeologist, by sending email to: pwsap@srbc.net or call 717-238-0423, ext.
1235.
For more on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Susquehanna
River Basin Commission website.
NewsClips:
Pressure Growing On Feds To Do PFC Health Study
Casey, Toomey Propose Health Screenings Near Bases With Tainted Water
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Acts To Strengthen Its Open Records Policy
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved a new proposed rulemaking at its
September 7 meeting to codify and strengthen its Access to Records (open records) Policy .
The proposed rule is designed to enhance the Commissions commitment to open and
transparent operations and accessibility of records to the public.
The Commission has a longstanding practice of providing information to the public in
much the same manner as its member states.
The Commission first promulgated its Freedom of Information Policy on January 11,
1979, and then updated its open records policy by adopting its Access to Records Policy on
September 10, 2009.
We believe our policy has been successful in satisfying records requests. Over the past
several years, the Commission provided records to more than 100 formal records requests and
more than 50 distinct requests for data or information, as well as innumerable informal
information requests, said Andrew Dehoff, Commission executive director. Over the years, the
Commission has also implemented significant improvements to the data and information
available on its website.
The Commission will continue this long tradition of transparency by further formalizing
the key elements of its Access to Records Policy in duly promulgated regulations.
Through this action, the Commission will be codifying its commitment to public access
to records in a way that instills these new regulations with the status of law that can be
enforceable against the Commission.
The action on the proposed rulemaking were among several others taken at the
Commissions quarterly business meeting. In other business, the Commission:
-- Adopted guidelines for preparing an alternatives analysis to provide clarity to project sponsors
regarding a formal evaluation of alternate options for a proposed water source, use or diversion.
-- Granted the waiver requests of Carrolltown Borough Municipal Authority and the Village of
Hamilton to extend the expiration dates of their groundwater withdrawal approvals.
-- Granted Middletown Boroughs request for waiver, modifying the requirements of the
regulation appropriate to Middletowns request and directed staff to apply this modification to
similar situations while a rulemaking is developed.
-- Denied a request by Peak Resorts, Inc./Greek Peak Mountain Resort, to waive rules that result
in forfeiture of the mitigation exemption for a portion of its consumptive use of the project that it
had purchased.
-- Extended emergency certificates for Sunset Golf Course, Sunoco Pipeline L.P., and Furman
Foods, Inc.
The Commission also approved 17 applications and tabled four others (see lists online).
The voting Commissioners and alternates were: Col. Ed Chamberlayne, Chair,
Commander and District Engineer, Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Paul
DAmato, Director, Region 8, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation;
Jennifer Orr, Director, Compact and Commissions Office, Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection; and Virginia Kearney, Deputy Director, Water Management
Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment.
Commission staff also reported on delegated settlements with the following project
sponsors, pursuant to Resolution No. 2014-15:
-- Labrador Mountain, in the amount of $2,000;
-- Standing Stone Golf Club, Inc., in the amount of $2,000; and
-- Suez Water Owego-Nichols, Inc., in the amount of $7,500.
Click Here for a more complete summary of the meeting.
For more information, visit SRBCs Public Participation Center webpage.
NewsClips:
Power Company Backs Redevelopment Plans For Susquehanna River Islands
PA Resources Council Holds Future Of Recycling Roundtable Oct. 11 In Pittsburgh
The PA Resources Council will hold its second

Future of Recycling Roundtable discussion on
October 11 at Construction Junction, 214 N.
Lexington Street in Pittsburgh from 6:00 to
8:00 p.m.
Hear from experts on the state of
recycling in Pennsylvania and whats next.
Share your thoughts, ask questions and
network with others concerned about the
environmental and financial impacts of
recycling programs.
The panel will feature John C.
Dernbach, professor at Widener University Commonwealth Law School; David Hess, former
Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection; Joy Smallwood, Allegheny County
Recycling Coordinator; and Justin Stockdale, PRC Western Regional Director.
Moderating the panel will be Howard Wein, PRC Director Emeritus and shareholder at
Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney PC.
For more information or to register, visit the Future of Recycling Roundtable event
webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClip:
Hundreds Help Cleanup French Creek Watershed In Crawford County
Related Stories:
PRC, Philadelphia Business Network Host Future Of Recycling & Act 101 Round Table In PA
June 29
Learn About The Environment With PRC: In-School Programs Offered
September Newsletter Now Available From The PA Resources Council
Throughout the school year, the PA Resources

Councils classroom programs educate students
regarding a wide variety of topics including litter
reduction, recycling, watershed awareness and stream
health.
Strong foundation support and numerous partnerships
enable PRC to incorporate environmental lesson plans
into fun, interactive experiences.
Click Here to learn what is available in your area.
For more information on programs, initiatives and
special events, visit the PA Resources Council
website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates,
follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar.
Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Penn State Students Install Solar Energy System On Cheyenne Reservation In Montana
Video: Weed Walks With Willa
Related Stories:
The September edition of the PA Resources

Councils newsletter is now available featuring
articles on--
-- PA Resources Council Holds Future Of Recycling
Roundtable Oct. 11 In Pittsburgh
-- Reminder: Deadline For Lens On Litter Photo
Contest Oct. 31
-- Learn About The Environment With PRC:
In-School Programs Offered
-- Join The Celebration Nov. 9 At PRCs Annual Awards Dinner
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook. Click Here
for PRCs Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClip:
Related Stories:
KPB: Huntingdon, Perry Counties Team Up To Remove Trash, Tires From Juniata River
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates, Keep Huntingdon

County Beautiful and Keep Perry County Beautiful hosted
a cleanup initiative along the Juniata River in August.
The effort is typically shared among four affiliates;
however, Keep Juniata County Beautiful and PA
CleanWays of Mifflin County were unable to participate
due to flooding and high water.
This is the fifth coordinated effort to clean the Juniata
River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River that provides
many recreational opportunities such as fishing, boating
and sightseeing to local residents and visitors to the area.
During this years event, forty-five volunteers collected 3,120 pounds of trash and over
200 tires by canoe, kayak and on foot from sections of the Juniata River in Huntingdon and Perry
counties.
Waterway cleanups are unique in that there is a never-ending accumulation of trash due
to floodwaters and storm waters. Fortunately, there are people willing to give their time and
energy to do something about it, said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful thanks our affiliates for making this an annual event
and the volunteers for making it a priority to participate.
Since the inaugural river cleanup in 2012, the four Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates
have collected over 64,000 pounds of trash and 2,700 tires. Nearly 500 volunteers have
participated in the events.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
NewsClip:
Volunteers Needed For Sept. 16 Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup
For the fifteenth year, this Saturday, September 16, will see hundreds of volunteers cleaning the
coastline as part of the Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup at 18 locations in the Lake Erie
Watershed and Erie.
This international effort is organized by founding partners, Department of Environmental
Protection, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and long-time partners Erie
County Departments of Planning and Health, Erie Times News, and Pennsylvania Sea Grant.
Over the past 14 years, more than 17,000 volunteers removed 127,496 pounds of debris
and trash along the lakeshore and watershed. This includes more than a quarter million
individual cigarette butts, which remain the number-one item collected.
The health of Presque Isle and the associated local watershed are critical to the
environmental health of our area, said Jim Miller, DEP Northwest Regional Director. Erie is
fortunate to have 14 years worth of data, which is being used for educational purposes. This
information is being utilized to help educate children locally, who we hope will take an interest
and make a difference in their community.
Cleanup participants record each item collected and submit the information to the Ocean
Conservancy, who is tallying data from around the world. Locally, the data collected is used by
Sea Grant to write environmental educational material for the Newspaper in Education
curriculum published and distributed by the Erie Times News and by partners in outreach
programs.
The International Coastal Cleanup, the oldest and largest volunteer effort of its kind, is
celebrating its 31st anniversary. Since its start, more than 2 million people from all over the
world have taken part in the annual cleanup event.
For more information, visit the Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup webpage.
Sign up now for International Coastal Cleanups in other areas of the state through
October 31. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful coordinates this program for the entire state.
NewsClip:
DEP Advisory Committees To Review FY 2017-18 Recycling Spending Plan Sept. 21
DEPs Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid

Waste Advisory Committee hold a joint meeting on
September 21 to review the proposed Recycling Fund
spending plan for FY 2017-18 with real numbers about
how the monies in the Fund are used.
The House Republican budget proposal narrowly
passed on Wednesday would take $70 million from the
Recycling Fund, thats nearly twice the expected $39.3
million income to the Fund in FY 2017-18.
A $70 million cut, if it stands, will mean DEP will
not have the money to pay already approved grants and
that any new grants are nearly out of the question.
Also left unresolved by the General Assembly is extending the January 1, 2020 sunset
date for the $2 Recycling Fee.
Based on the fee issue alone, DEP had already stopped accepting applications for new
Act 101 Recycling Implementation Grants because grantees are typically are reimbursed for
what they spend over 2 or 3 years.
In April, Sen. Tom Killion (R-Delaware) introduced Senate Bill 646 eliminating the
sunset date altogether. The bill is supported by environmental groups, including the Professional
Recyclers of PA, Keep PA Beautiful, PA Resources Council, PA Environmental Council and
others. The Senate passed the bill on June 13. Click Here for more.
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee amended the bill to extend
the sunset date by 1 year on June 29 and the bill is now on the House Calendar for action.
The House also amended an Administrative Code bill-- Senate Bill 446 (McGarrigle-R-
Delaware)-- on July 11 to include a 3 year extension of the Recycling Fee. The bill is now in the
House Appropriations Committee. This bill also includes several provisions opposed by
environmental and other group
The Senate passed another Administrative Code bill-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-
Luzerne)-- on July 27 as part of the budget revenue package that removes the sunset date on the
Recycling Fee. The bill is now back in the House for a concurrence vote. This bill also includes
several provisions opposed by environmental and other groups.
Also on the agenda is--
-- Act 101 Reforms Workgroup discussion;
-- Discussion of recycling convenience centers; and
-- Update on the recycling economic impact study from the PA Recycling Markets Center.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg
starting at 10:00.
For more information and available handouts, visit DEPs Solid Waste Advisory
Committee webpage. The DEP contact for the Committee is Laura Henry, lahenry@pa.gov or
717-772-5713.
4 More Probable Human Cases Of West Nile Virus Reported, 10 For Season
The West Nile Virus Program Wednesday reported two

more probable human cases of West Nile Virus in
Chester (2), Clinton and Northumberland counties
bringing the total number of human cases to 10.
The seasons first human case was reported on August 8
in Montgomery County, on August 30 three more cases
were reported on Allegheny, Chester and Cumberland
counties and on September 6 2 cases were reported in
Dauphin and Northampton counties.
So far in 2017, West Nile virus has been detected in a
total of 40 counties. They are Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Carbon,
Centre, Chester, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Fayette, Franklin, Greene,
Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin,
Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill,
Snyder, Union, Washington, Westmoreland and York counties.
The departments of Health and Environmental Protection recommend all residents
minimize their exposure to mosquitoes.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help
eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
-- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold
water.
-- Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most
mosquitoes breed.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
-- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a
tendency to plug drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
-- Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on
pool covers.
If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy Bti products at
lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring
bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people
who are most at risk:
-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when
mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of
mosquitoes.
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods,
usually April through October.
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will
contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician
for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children
under the age of two months.
For more information on the West Nile Virus prevention efforts in Pennsylvania, visit the
West Nile Virus website, Follow on Twitter or Like the program on Facebook.
23 Member PA Incident Management Team Departs For Florida, Including DCNR, PEMA
Gov. Tom Wolf Monday announced 23 members of the Pennsylvania Incident Management
Team left for Florida today after the U.S. Forest Service requested aid to help with storm cleanup
in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
The men and women who left Harrisburg today represent the spirit that unites all
Americans, one that motivates us to help one another, said Gov. Wolf. Pennsylvania stands
ready to provide whatever aid we can to people impacted by this storm.
The team is expected to be deployed for up to two weeks, and is made up of staff from
multiple state agencies: PEMA, Corrections, Conservation and Natural Resources, State Fire
Academy, Health, and Human Services.
Their mission for this deployment is to aid in debris cleanup and supervision of saw
crews.
NewsClips:
Jose
Hurricane Jose Downgraded, Effect On PA Expected To Be Minimal
Hurricane Jose Should Remain Off The East Coast
10 Things To Have Ready In Case Of Storm Emergency
PPLs Worst Power Outages Of All Time Ranked
Irma
Emergency Planners In PA In Watch, Wait Mode As Irma Approaches
Hurricane Irma Also Affecting Natives Of Wyoming Valley
PA National Guard Sends Crew, Helicopters To Aid In Irma Response
Luzerne Schools Partner To Raise Money For Students Impacted By Hurricanes
Editorial: One Bullet Dodged, Gun Still Loaded
Irma Causes One Of The Largest Disaster Power Outages In The Nation
Price-Gouging Complaints Balloon In Florida
Harvey
FEMA Insurance Chief: Harvey Losses Could Top $11 Billion
Flood-Weary Houston Neighborhoods Wonder If Rebuilding Is Worth It
Op-Ed: After Irma, America Should Scrap The Jones Act On Shipping Petroleum Products
Lehigh Valley Group Headed To Texas To Help Hurricane Harvey Recovery
Op-Ed: Why Does It Take A Disaster Like Harvey To Unite Us?
Editorial: Weathering The Storm: Citizens Step Up
September News & Views Newsletter Now Available From DEP
The September edition of the News and

Views newsletter is now available from
the Department of Environmental
Protection featuring articles on--
-- DEP Earns ECOS Innovative Award For
Brownfields To Playfields Program
-- Chesapeake Bay Watershed Farm
Inspections Find 60% Of Farms In
Compliance
-- PAs Penncrest High School Team
Winners Of International Envirothon
Competition
-- Lets Be StormwaterSmartPA, 950 MS4 Plans Due Sept. 16
-- DEP Northcentral Regional Roundtable Tours Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (photo)
-- Local Partners, DEP Dedicate Historical Headframe At Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Tourism
Site
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information, visit DEPs website, visit DEPs Blog, Like DEP on Facebook,
Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube Channel.
PUC Invites Comments On Reg To Spur More Competition In PAs Natural Gas Retail
Market
Public Utility Commission published notice in the September 16 PA Bulletin it is now accepting
comments on proposed regulatory changes designed to enhance competition and encourage
greater customer participation in the Commonwealths retail natural gas market. (formal notice)
The Commission voted 4-0 in August to solicit comments on proposed revisions to Title
52 of PA Code Chapter 62 (relating to Natural Gas Supply Customer Choice), regulations which
address the release, assignment and transfer of capacity among natural gas distribution
companies (NGDCs) and natural gas suppliers (NGSs).
The proposed rules seek to bring greater transparency, consistency and equity to the
market while maintaining system integrity and improving reliability.
The proposed rules also seek to create uniform capacity cost allocations, provide more
tools and market pricing to handle daily balancing within the market, and give market
participants real-time information to enhance system operations.
The proposed regulatory changes are influenced by information obtained during the
Commissions Investigation of Pennsylvanias Retail Natural Gas Supply Market being
spearheaded by the PUCs Office of Competitive Market Oversight and including input from key
industry and consumer stakeholders.
Click Here for a copy of the proposed regulatory changes.
Interested parties have 45 days from the publication of the Order in the PA Bulletin
[October 30] to provide written comments to the Public Utility Commission, Attn: Secretary,
P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265. Comments may also be filed electronically
through the Commissions e-File system. Docket No.: L-2017-2619223
NewsClips:
Three Mile Island Fights Once Again For Its Nuclear Survival
Op-Ed: Keep Nuclear Power Online
Op-Ed: For A Low-Carbon Future, Nuclear Energy Must Be Part Of The Mix
Visitors Flock To TMI Open House, Will It Be The Last?
Cambria County Natural Gas Power Plant Project Ahead Of Schedule
Op-Ed: The Constant Risk From The Bruce Mansfield Coal Power Plant
PPL Transmission Line Rebuild Subject Of Open House In Lehigh County
Duquesne Light Crews Head To Florida To Assist In Irma Power Restoration
Philly Area Utilities Flood Florida With Workers For Irma Recovery
Energy Industry Writes To Support DOE Grid Reliability Report
Effort To Keep Three Mile Island Open Gains More Local Government Support
The Clean Jobs For Pennsylvania Coalition Thursday

announced 16 local governments surrounding the Three
Mile Island nuclear power plant in Dauphin County have
passed resolutions in support of keeping the plant open.
The communities include: Dauphin County, Lancaster
County, York City, Conoy Township, Londonderry
Township, Lower Swatara Township, Middle Paxton
Township, Peach Bottom Township, Delta Borough,
Goldsboro Borough, Halifax Borough, Highspire
Borough, Hummelstown Borough, Royalton Borough, Steelton Borough and Steelton-Highspire
School District.
We are thrilled at the outpouring of support from communities for Pennsylvanias
nuclear plants, said Co-Chair of CJFP Mike Pries. Pennsylvanias five nuclear power plants
generate a lot more than just clean energy. They sustain well-paying jobs and are economic
drivers for our communities. The response that weve seen from these communities shows that
there is widespread understanding of how critical nuclear energy is to our way of life and
passionate support for keeping it in the energy mix.
Nuclear energy accounts for 38 percent of all of Pennsylvanias electricity, more than any
other source. Additionally, the states five nuclear energy facilities produce 93 percent of
Pennsylvanias carbon-free electricity.
These facilities directly employ more than 4,900 highly-skilled workers, indirectly
account for approximately 16,000 jobs and contribute $2 billion annually to the states economy.
In its resolution, the Dauphin County Commissioners urged the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania to support policies to preserve Pennsylvanias nuclear energy plants, because of
their support for our local economy by creating thousands of jobs, strengthening our commitment
to a pollution and carbon-free environment, and ensuring a more reliable electric grid for
consumers and businesses.
These sentiments were echoed in the resolutions passed by the other local governments.
CJFP has attracted 719 members who have signed up to show support. The members
include a diverse collection of local business, labor, environmental, education, civic and elected
leaders who have come together to support the continued operation of Three Mile Island and the
Commonwealths four other nuclear plants, in recognition of the benefits they provide the
Commonwealth and local communities. CJFPs membership spans Cumberland, Dauphin,
Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties.
Here in Steelton Borough, we know firsthand how important nuclear energy is for
reliable electricity, the environment and local economies, said Steelton Borough Manager Doug
Brown. Weve witnessed these benefits and know that it would be a real blow were Three Mile
Island Generating Station to close.
Several other states have already taken important steps toward ensuring nuclear facilities
continue to serve communities, said Londonderry Township Manager Steve Letavic. Were
proud to see support for similar action grow within the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit the Clean Jobs For Pennsylvania Coalition website.
(Photo: Three Miles Island nuclear power plant in Dauphin County.)
(Note: Crisci Associates works with Exelon on energy, climate and environmental issues.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Exelon Named To Dow Jones Sustainability Index For 12th Consecutive Year
Exelon Named To Dow Jones Sustainability Index For 12th Consecutive Year
Exelon Corporation ranks among the industry leaders in corporate sustainability based on several
key measures, including environmental policies, innovation and attracting and retaining talented
employees, according to the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).
The company was recognized by the global report, which reviews the 600 largest North
American companies, for the 12th consecutive year. Exelon was one of eight electric and gas
companies to be named to the DJSI for North America out of 32 companies in the utilities
category.
Being an industry leader means making a significant effort to deliver a cleaner, brighter
energy future, said Chris Crane, Exelons President and CEO. The customer is at the center of
all we do, and we are proud to be recognized for our consistent efforts to innovate and develop
solutions so we can deliver on our sustainability commitments to our customers and
communities.
The DJSI assessment is conducted each year by sustainability investment specialist
RobecoSAM. It is based on a comprehensive review of environmental performance, innovation
management, corporate governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and talent
attraction and retention.
In 2016, Exelon demonstrated outstanding performance in these areas, including helping
customers save enough electricity to power more than 1.5 million homes for one year.
The companys annual Innovation Expo continues to bring employees and industry
experts together to explore new approaches to challenges affecting the energy industry as well as
ways to improve customer experience and service.
Outstanding employee ideas, including the 2016 winner who developed an updated
process for utility inventory control, are adopted by the business.
This years leading entries out of 500 employee presentations included a proposal to
incorporate fuel generation into Exelons commercial product portfolio and a digital tool for
more detailed views of the companys nuclear plants.
In 2016, Exelons continued focus on programs and policies to benefit employees
included signing the national Equal Pay Pledge commitment to gender pay equity and expanding
family leave benefits with an industry-leading benefit package.
For these and other efforts, Exelon was named one of DiversityInc.s Diversity50 as
well as a Best Place to Work by Indeed.com in 2017.
Click Here for a copy of Exelons 2016 Sustainability Report.
For more information on sustainability programs and initiatives, visit Exelons
Sustainability webpage.
(Note: Crisci Associates works with Exelon on energy, climate and environmental issues.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Effort To Keep Three Mile Island Open Gains More Local Government Support
DEP Revises Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates For Individuals
The Department of Environmental

Protection has revised its criteria for rebates
to individuals purchasing new and used
vehicles under the Alternative Fuels
Incentive Grant Program. (formal notice)
Plug-in hybrid, plug-in electric, natural gas,
propane and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are
eligible.
To qualify for the rebate, the
alternative fuel vehicle must be registered and primarily operated in the state and rebate request
forms must be submitted no later than 6 months after the vehicle is purchased.
The purchase price of any vehicle must be less than $50,000.
One-time, preowned ATV vehicles with 75,000 miles or less and a true market value of
$50,000 or less are eligible if--
-- The resident receiving the rebate must register the one-time preowned vehicle at an address
within an air quality nonattainment area for ozone within the following counties: Allegheny,
Armstrong, Bucks, Butler, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Washington and
Westmoreland.
-- The resident receiving the rebate must register the one-time preowned vehicle at any address
in this Commonwealth and must have a household income that is below 200% of the Federal
Income Poverty level, as defined by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Pennsylvania residents who apply for a rebate under this condition will be required to report and
verify all earned and unearned income with their application for determining eligibility. A valid
source of income verification may include Federal or State tax returns. Verification documents
must be included when submitting the rebate request form.
Approximately 500 rebates at all levels will be available. The Program will be offered
until the AFIG Program moneys are exhausted, or December 31, 2017, whichever occurs first.
For all the details and to apply, visit DEPs Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program
webpage.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: Reforming Renewable Fuel Standard Will Save Refinery Jobs In PA: Corbett, Rendell
Op-Ed: Taxpayers Shouldnt Subsidize Teslas
Related Stories:
DCNR, PennDOT Secretaries Discuss Sustainability, Efficiency & Transportation At CMU
Pilot Program Launched To Integrate Hybrid, Electric Technology Into The State Vehicle Fleet
AG Shapiro Joins Other States To Take Legal Action To Protect Fuel Efficiency Standards
Pilot Program Launched To Integrate Hybrid, Electric Technology Into The State Vehicle
Fleet
Department of General Services Secretary Curt

Topper was joined by Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn and Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection Policy
Director Jessica Shirley Tuesday to officially
launch the Commonwealths Hybrid/Electric
Vehicles Pilot Program.
We are very excited to take this first step
towards the integration of hybrid and plug-in
electric technology into our Commonwealth
vehicle fleet, Secretary Topper said. We all play a role in reducing our carbon footprint. Weve
already taken steps to go green in our buildings and facilities, so the logical next step is to now
look at how we can be more environmentally friendly with the cars we put on the road on a daily
basis.
According to Topper, the pilot program will consist of three types of vehicles: 2017
Chevrolet Volt Hybrid, 2017 Ford Focus Electric and 2017 Ford Fusion Energi. A total of 25
vehicles will be involved in the pilot program, in which the departments of Conservation and
Natural Resources and Environmental Protection are early participants.
DGS will assign four of their 17 vehicles to DEP, and DCNR purchased eight vehicles
for their agency. DGS has two level-2 charging stations at the Commonwealth Garage at 22nd
and Forster Streets; while DCNR worked out a deal with PP&L to donate 8 charging stations for
their use at the 5th Street Garage in downtown Harrisburg.
As Pennsylvania's conservation agency, our work to green our fleet and promote
sustainability helps us be responsible with the use of agency resources and highlight best
practices, Secretary Dunn said. Hybrid and electric vehicles will reduce carbon and decrease
fuel costs a win for the environment and the pocketbook.
DGS is recommending agencies use the vehicles as pool cars, which will allow more
employees to experience the technology. The department looks to lease the cars out to agencies
who express interest in hybrid or plug-in electric vehicles, such as DEP who will be the first
agency to get green cars from DGS.
These vehicles represent DEPs commitment to reducing two things: costs for
Pennsylvania taxpayers and air pollution, said Jessica Shirley, DEP Policy Director. By leasing
these hybrid vehicles from DGS, we will cut down on fuel costs and the tailpipe emissions going
into the air.
This pilot program which is expected to last approximately 42-60 months will give the
Commonwealth the opportunity to identify the sustainability, operational ease, maintenance and
resale value of hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles in the state fleet.
Based on the results of the pilot, the Commonwealth will make recommendations to
develop policies for hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles to determine how many vehicles are
needed in the fleet, how they should be assigned and how long they should be kept in the fleet.
(Photo: Secretary Dunn tries out a hybrid vehicle.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Attorney General Josh Shapiro Monday announced he filed a lawsuit

against the Trump Administration to protect the environment by
enforcing a rule that promotes stricter federal fuel efficiency standards.
Shapiro joined the Attorneys General from New York,
California, Vermont and Maryland and filed an action for the illegal
delay of a rule that encourages automakers to produce vehicle fleets
that meet or exceed federal fuel efficiency standards.
Under a rule put in place by the Obama Administration,
penalties on automakers whose vehicle fleets do not meet minimum
fuel efficiency standards were set to increase by $8.50 per tenth of a
mile per gallon in July 2017.
The rule was issued in accordance with the Federal Civil
Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act passed by Congress and signed by the President in 2015.
In July, the Trump Administration announced it was delaying the rule indefinitely. The
delay violates both the Administrative Procedure Act and the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation
Adjustment Act of 2015.
"These commonsense fuel efficiency standards will lower vehicle emissions, address
climate change, and save money for consumers," said Attorney General Shapiro. "This isn't the
first action I've taken to hold the Trump Administration accountable to promote better fuel
efficiency and I will continue to fight back whenever it ignores the rule of law in order to further
its own agenda."
The lawsuit, which was filed in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit. Leading environmental advocates, including the Natural Resources Defense Council,
Sierra Club, and the Center for Biological Diversity are filing a similar challenge to the Trump
administrations illegal delay.
The penalties provide increased incentives for auto manufacturers to achieve the
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for upcoming model years. The standards
for model years 2016 through 2025 would save approximately 1.8 billion metric tons of
carbon dioxide emissions over the lifetimes of the vehicles sold.
The Augural Standards (model years 2022 through 2025) alone would reduce carbon
dioxide emissions by 40 million tons a year in 2025, and by over 200 million tons a year in 2050,
compared to indefinitely maintaining the 2021 standards.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has previously estimated that the Augural
Standards would also lead to an annual reduction of 13,000 tons of NOx emissions and of 2,000
tons of particulate matter emissions nationwide by 2030.
A consumer would save a net $1,650 with a model year 2025 vehicle that adheres to the
Augural Standards, compared to one that complies with the model year 2021 standards. These
impacts are described in a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration fact sheet.
Click Here for a copy of the lawsuit.
NewsClips:
AP: PA, Other States Sue Trump Administration Over Fuel Economy
Related Stories:
AG Shapiro, DEP Join 14 States In Lawsuit Against EPAs Delay In Federal Ozone Standard;
EPA Withdraws Delay
PA Attorney General, 13 Others Intervene In Lawsuit Against EPA On Reducing Oil & Gas
Methane Emissions
PA Attorney General, 10 Other AGs Sue DOE Over Stalled Energy Efficiency Rules
AG Shapiro Joins 19 Govt. Leaders Vowing To Support Paris Climate Accord
Pennsylvania, 12 Other States Challenge Rollback Of Federal Vehicle Emission Standards
Fielding questions from Carnegie Mellon University

students, faculty and staff, Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and
Transportation Secretary Leslie S. Richards Wednesday
outlined their departments' roles in ushering in a more
energy-efficient future in Pittsburgh.
Both secretaries were queried on wide-ranging topics --
from increasing the number of women in conservation,
engineering and transportation fields, to the effects of
ever-tightening budgets -- in what the university billed as a "Fireside Chat" examining "The
Future of Sustainability, Efficiency and Transportation."
"I commend the university for embracing this collaborative spirit," Dunn told listeners
gathered in the university's Sherman and Joyce Bowie Scott Hall. "You ask us what we are doing
in these three fields and we will try our best to tell you how you can help. To those students in
the audience, you are the leaders of tomorrow, so you need to be involved in conversations like
these today."
Noting the strong attendance at today's session, Secretary Richards applauded efforts of
the university's Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation in linking students and faculty
with involvement in the transportation, energy and environment fields.
"Talking with the future leaders in transportation and engineering is a great opportunity
to show how their government is using technologies to improve their current and future
transportation system," Richards said. "I'm also proud of everything PennDOT is doing to
include community and business needs as we plan future projects."
Anna J. Siefken, associate director for strategic partnerships and innovation at the Scott
Institute noted "this unique event brings together state government leaders to discuss how each is
driving efficiency and innovation within the DCNR and PennDOT."
"The discussion will resonate well with those in the CMU community who work to find
solutions for transportation and sustainability challenges," said Siefken, who organized the
"fireside chat." "For example, through CMU's Smart Cities initiative, our expertise is changing
the way people and vehicles move in cities. Other energy experts are specializing in areas
ranging from climate change, to water treatment, to building efficiency."
Asked to comment on DCNR's commitment to energy and water conservation at state
park and state forest offices, Dunn listed 14 new Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) buildings constructed in recent years.
Also, existing solar installments of varying sizes now supply power at eight state parks
across the state.
"Upcoming solar array projects will be larger scale and designed to take a building or an
entire park to net zero reliance on other electric sources," Dunn said. "Also, I must point out,
nearby Point State Park has committed to the Pittsburgh 2030 District, that is, reducing energy
and water consumption for existing buildings by 50 percent by the year 2030."
Richards cited the department's work on the safe and efficient development of automated
vehicle technologies, most recently on display at a two-day state Automated Vehicle Summit on
September 11 and 12, as one way in which technology is being integrated into transportation
planning.
In discussing transportation's role in supporting communities and businesses, Richards
explained how the department's PennDOT Connects project-planning approach is enhancing
local engagement in project development.
Richards and Dunn both underscored the importance of increasing the number of women
in engineering and other technical fields.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are more than 60 million
women in the labor force today, yet women make up only 8 percent of engineers, 18 percent of
engineering technicians, and 30 percent of natural scientists.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that roughly 15 percent of the more than 9.1 million
people working in transportation and material-moving occupations are women.
The Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation works through the academic units of
Carnegie Mellon University to find solutions for the nation's and the world's energy challenges,
including pathways to a low carbon future, smart grid, new materials for energy, shale gas, and
building energy efficiency through research, strategic partnerships, public policy outreach and
education.
The institute lists more than 130 faculty members focused on aspects of energy-related
research.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Pilot Program Launched To Integrate Hybrid, Electric Technology Into The State Vehicle Fleet
[Posted: Sept. 14, 2017
PPL Unveils Community Roots Program To Provide Free Trees To Schools, Communities,
Groups
PPL Utilities recently unveiled the Community Roots

Program to provide funding for a limited quantity of
bare root, container and gallon pot seedlings to schools
(4th grade), county and local governments, and
environmentally-focused groups in its service territory.
Trees can be ordered for now for planting in
Spring and Fall next year. Trees for spring 2018 need to
be ordered by Oct. 25, 2017. Orders for fall 2018 must
be placed by June 11, 2018. There is a one-order limit
per year, per group or school.
Before you grab your shovel, remember that planting any tree should always be done in
the right place, away from overhead power lines or underground utility lines.
Plus, tree recipients are reminded to always call 811 at least three business days before
they dig so any underground utilities in the digging area can be marked.
For all the details, visit PPLs Community Roots website.
NewsClips:
Western PA Fall Foliage Expected To Be Exceptionally Vibrant
Schneck: Fall Foliage Peak Arriving Early This Year In PA
Cusick: PA Expected To Have Great Foliage This Fall
Rules Set On Logging In Fawn To Deal With Erosion Concerns
Ash Tree Species Pushed To Brink Of Extinction By Beetle
DCNR Conservation Advisory Council To Hear Overview Of Conservation Landscape

Initiative Sept. 20
The Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Conservation and Natural Resources
Advisory Council will hear an an overview of the
Conservation Landscape Initiative at its September 20
meeting at the Penn Scenic View, Laurel Hill State
Park, 118 Scenic View Lane, Rockwood, Somerset
County.
The overview of the Conservation Landscape
Initiative Program will be presented by Marla
Paperneck, PA Environmental Council, and Mike Mumau.
Additional presentations on the Initiative will be made by: Landscape Highlights: Jane
Menchyk, Western PA Conservancy; Water Resources - Deb Simko, Trout Unlimited; and
Tourism Ann Nemanic, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau.
The agenda also includes a presentation on the Penns Parks For All Survey by Paul
Zeph, Bureau of State Parks.
The meeting will start at 10:00.
For more information, visit DCNRs Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory
Council webpage. Questions should be directed to Gretchen Leslie 717-772-9084 or send email
to: gleslie@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Value Of Green Space In New Kensington
Ready For Something Beautiful? Get Your DCNR Fall Foliage Reports Beginning Sept. 21
Pennsylvanias 17 million acres of woodlands soon will be

bathed in autumn colors and the Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources and PA Tourism Office again are
teaming up to ensure fall foliage fans know when and where
to look.
With more than 2.5 million acres of state forest and
state parklands, as well as private woodlands, all offering an
incredible variety of hardwoods, Pennsylvanians truly are
blessed with fall foliage viewing opportunities, said
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. Our Bureau of Forestry experts tell us recent weather should
usher in a banner year.
DCNR again is making key bureau personnel available to the news media to serve as
regional experts on fall foliage. Additionally, the PA Tourism Office, within the Department of
Community and Economic Development, recommends experiencing a colorful autumn in a
variety of ways and places across the state.
The PA Tourism Office encourages visitors to experience the endless ways to experience
the autumn beauty in the Keystone State.
Fall is Pennsylvanias forte. We are home to a longer and more varied fall foliage season
than any other state, said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Deputy Secretary of DCEDs Office of
Marketing, Tourism, and Film. Wherever you are, opportunities abound to see the vibrant reds,
oranges, and yellows dotting the mountains and lining the rivers and roads across the state. The
sights, smells and sounds of fall are truly magical.
Boasting a unique blend of outdoor attractions, art and history, Pennsylvania has long
been a travel destination year-round, earning special recognition for its fall beauty.
Each year, Pennsylvanias nearly 200 million domestic travelers inject an estimated $40.8
billion into Pennsylvanias economy, generate $4.1 billion in tax revenues, and ultimately
support more than 310,000 jobs related to travel and tourism.
There truly is no better state to enjoy autumn than Pennsylvania, said Lepore. I
encourage residents and visitors alike to pursue their happiness in Pennsylvania this fall.
Foliage typically peaks for several weeks near the beginning of October across
Pennsylvania.
Starting September 21, DCNR will have weekly fall foliage reports on its website.
Visitors can get suggestions about the best spots to view fall foliage on the DCNR Penns
Woods Fall Foliage Story Map, as well as on the PA Tourism Office website.
When contacted by the media, regional Bureau of Forestry experts can discuss the
chemistry of fall foliage color, as well as the projected outlook for fall foliage in their region of
Pennsylvania. They are:
-- Northeast Pennsylvania: Tim Latz, forester: Pinchot Forest District, Dalton, Lackawanna
County;
-- Northwest Pennsylvania: Cecile Stelter, district forester: Cornplanter State Forest District,
Warren;
-- Southeast Pennsylvania: Rick Hartlieb, assistant district forester: William Penn State Forest
District, Elverson, Chester County;
-- Southcentral Pennsylvania: Ryan Reed, environmental education specialist: Harrisburg;
-- Southwest Pennsylvania: Rachael Mahony, environmental education specialist: Forbes State
Forest District, Laughlintown, Westmoreland County; and
-- Northcentral Pennsylvania: Chris Firestone, wild plant program manager: Tioga State Forest
District, Wellsboro, Tioga County.
For fall-inspired festivals and experiences, head to visitpa.com or follow Visit PA on
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Pursue your happiness and join the conversation
using the hashtag #FallinPA.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Promised Land State Park, Pike County.)
NewsClips:
Game Commission Sets 6 Public Meetings On Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer
The Game Commission Thursday announced it has scheduled a series of public meetings to
ensure Pennsylvanians remain informed about chronic wasting disease, and how this threat to the
states deer and deer hunting impacts their lives.
So far, meetings have been scheduled on the following dates at these locations:
-- September 16: 9 a.m. Chambersburg Rod & Gun Club, sponsored by Rep. Paul Schemel in
conjunction with a second amendment program. More information: 814-643-1831.
-- September 16: 9 a.m. Fayetteville Fire Hall, sponsored by Sen. Richard Alloway II. More
information: 814-643-1831.
-- September 19: 6:30 p.m. Greencastle Sportsmans Club, sponsored by Sen. John H.
Eichelberger Jr. More information: 814-643-1831.
-- September 28: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Penn State DuBois Student Union, an open house sponsored
by Reps. Matt Gabler, Thomas Sankey and Cris Dush.
-- October 5: 6:30 p.m. Fayetteville Fire Hall, sponsored by Rep. Rob Kauffman. More
information: 814-643-1831.
-- October 10: 6:30 p.m. McConnellsburg Fire Hall, sponsored by Sen. John H. Eichelberger
Jr. and Rep. Jesse Topper. More information: 814-643-1831.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) first was detected in Pennsylvania at a captive deer farm
in Adams County in 2012, and has since been detected at an increasing rate in captive and
free-ranging deer.
CWD always is fatal to the deer and elk it infects. As additional CWD-positive deer are
detected in new areas, more and more Pennsylvanians must learn and comply with regulations
geared to slow the diseases spread.
The public meetings provide individuals an opportunity to ask questions and obtain
detailed explanations about what they can do to help with efforts to curtail CWD.
Additional meetings may be scheduled.
A plethora of information about the disease, including maps of the Disease Management
Areas within which special rules apply regarding the hunting and feeding of deer, can be found
on the Game Commissions Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.
NewsClips:
Schneck: Elk Viewing In PA Hits Fall Peak; Webcam Running
Game Commission Stepping Up Efforts to Battle CWD
Op-Ed: Heres What You Need To Know About Chronic Wasting Disease
Editorial: Bald Eagle Deaths From Lead Should Spur Action
Carp Are Dying Off In Pymatuning Lake
Schneck: Craighead House In Cumberland County Celebrates Famous Naturalist Brothers
Swarm Of Gnats Creating Buzz In Philadelphia
Schneck: Dark-Winged Fungus Gnats Found On PA Driveway - Video
Ant Swarms: The Insect Singles Bars
Crable: Study: Why Wildlife Is Scared Of Humans From Birth
Schneck: PA Wildlife Park Adds Museum Of Its Founder
September Currents Newsletter Now Available From Fish & Boat Commission
The September issue of the Currents newsletter from

the Fish and Boat Commission is now available
featuring stories on--
-- First Wild Trout Summit Draws Packed House Of
Nearly 250
-- LeTort Spring Sampling Finds Hundreds Of Wild
Brown Trout
-- Swiftwater Rescue Team Assists In Texas
Following Hurricane (photo)
-- Register Now For Chance To Win One Of Two
Fishing Kayaks
-- Open House Scheduled For Oct. 22 At Huntsdale
Fish Hatchery
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Fish and
Boat Commission website.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary To Host Big Year Birder Noah Strycker Sept. 30 In Hamburg
On September 30, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County

will host famous Big Year Birder Noah Strycker as part of the
annual Autumn Lecture Series.
The lecture entitled "Birding without Borders" is free and will
take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Hamburg Area High School
auditorium on Windsor Street in Hamburg. Seating is first come
first serve.
In 2015, Noah Strycker became the first person to ever see more
than half of Earth's bird species in one year. During his quest
spanning 41 countries and all seven continents, he saw just over
6,000 birds and set a new world record.
He was scourged by blood-sucking leeches, suffered fevers and sleep deprivation,
survived airline snafus and car breakdowns and mudslides and torrential floods, skirted war
zones, and had the time of his life.
Birding on seven continents and carrying only a pack on his back, Strycker enlisted the
enthusiastic support of local birders to tick more than 6,000 species, including Adelie Penguins
in Antarctica, a Harpy Eagle in Brazil, a Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Thailand, and a
Green-breasted Pitta in Uganda.
He shared the adventure in real time on his daily blog, and now he reveals the inside
story. This humorous and inspiring presentation about Stryckers epic World Big Year will give
you a real appreciation for the birds and birders of the world.
Additionally on that Saturday at 8 a.m., Strycker will offer a bird walk exclusive to Hawk
Mountain members. Join him for a casual morning of birding and discussion. Registration is
required, and can be done by calling the Mountain Bookstore at 610-756-6961.
Prior to the lecture, Hawk Mountain hosts a Membership Mingle for Sanctuary members
of the Broadwing Club or higher.
This wine and cheese event allows Hawk Mountain's highest members the opportunity
for engaging discussion with the feature presenter and fellow conservation and education
professionals. The members will also enjoy reserved VIP seating for the lecture.
Noah Strycker is also the Associate Editor of Birding magazine, the author of two
well-regarded books about birds, and a regular contributor of photography and articles to all
major bird magazines as well as other media; he blogs regularly for the American Birding
Association. has studied birds on six continents with field seasons in Panama, Costa Rica,
Ecuador, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Australia, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the
Farallon Islands.
He also works as a naturalist guide on expedition cruises to Antarctica and Norways
Svalbard archipelago, literally spreading the inspiration of birds from pole to pole.
His first book, Among Penguins, chronicles a field season working with Adlie Penguins
in Antarctica (Oregon State University Press, 2011) and his second, The Thing with Feathers,
celebrates the fascinating behaviors of birds and human parallels (Riverhead Books, 2014).
"Birding without Borders" is the second presentation of the Hawk Mountain Autumn
Lecture Series.
The Sanctuary's weekend programs will also run until November 12, and the Autumn
Hawkwatch continues until December 15.
Click Here to learn more about other upcoming events at Hawk Mountain.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel. Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.
In Memoriam: Dr. Douglas Ayers, Lifelong Active Conservationist In Northeast PA
Dr. Douglas Ayers, 56, of Shavertown, Luzerne County passed away

on September 12. He co-founded the North Branch Land Trust that has
preserved more than 12,000 acres of land in Northeast Pennsylvania for
wildlife and green space.
In addition the the Trust, Dr. Ayers was involved in founding
several other conservation groups.
He was co-founder of the Conservation Coalition that worked
with a variety of conservation groups to focus on preserving land in the
region, including state game lands 57, 66 and 13.
He co-founded the Republicans for Environmental Protection -
PA Chapter, a statewide group organized to promoting progressive
environmental policy.
Dr. Ayers also brought his environmental philosophy to his
business endeavors.
He was the founding member of The Lands at Hillside Farms where he served as
chairman until his passing.
The 412-acre historic, sustainable living facility has as its goal to educate people how
every citizen might make sensible life choices where, if enough of us practice these
sustainable/sensible actions, that our world would allow posterity to inherit a place with all the
resources and opportunities we have now.
Some of the tenets that he considered sustainable were individual responsibility such as
"don't ask anybody to do for you what you can do for yourself," "All of the passengers in the
boat should be required to help row."
Love thy neighbor and please "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Servant leadership - instill in oneself and others a spirit of giving back."
Financial responsibility - pay your bills and do not rely upon credit and live within your
means." Character - this is something that one is not born with, but rather is revealed via having
been sculpted by life's vicissitudes."
A practicing veterinarian, Dr. Ayers opened the Plains Animal Hospital in 1995 and in
2007 build an environmental green facility to house the the Hospital and the Northeast
Veterinary Referral Hospital.
Doug was a mentor to me and literally thousands of others in the world of conservation.
Above all, he was my friend, said Ellen Ferretti, former Secretary of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources. Along with my fellow Board Members on The Lands at
Hillside Farms, we will carry on his legacy.
Click Here to read his formal obituary.
(Photo: The Citizens Voice.)
NewsClips:
Man Behind The Lands, Doug Ayers, Succumbs To Leukemia At 56
Obituary: Dr. Douglas Ayers Noted Conservationist In Northeast
Editorial: Dr. Douglas Ayers Left A Legacy For Us All
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
September 16-- NEW. Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup. Erie County.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- Paxton Creek Watershed & Education Association Watershed Decisions For
Students & Their Families Workshop. Dauphin County Library - East Shore Library, 4501 Ethel
Street, Harrisburg. 10:30 to 11:30.
September 16-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Bugs Eye View Of Twilight Childrens
Program. Skywood Park off Route 191 North, Paradise Valley, Monroe County. 6:00 to 7:30.
September 16-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Fall Native Plant Sale. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary,
Berks County. 10:00 to 4:00.
September 17-- Stroud Water Research Center. The Waters Edge Gala Fundraiser & Awards
Program. Winterthur, 5105 Kennett Pike (Route 52), Winterthur, DE.
September 18-- NEW. Senate Rules Committee meets to consider House Bill 543 (Ryan-R-
Lebanon) House Republican budget proposal (short summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor.
September 19-- 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, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 19-- Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. The meeting will also be available by conference call to: 717-612-4788
or toll free at 855-734-4390 PIN: 390646. DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory
Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, LeeMurray@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
-- DEP Public Participation Policies
-- Karst Geology In Pennsylvania
-- DEP Written Monthly Report To The CAC
September 19-- DEP, DCNR, Penn State Extension, Dauphin County Conservation District.
Stormwater Education Workshop For Local Officials and Educators. Dauphin County
Agriculture and Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Rd., Dauphin. 8:30 to 3:00.
September 19-- Lacawac Sanctuary. Women In Science Symposium. Heritage Nightclub at

Woodlock Resort in Hawley, Wayne County. 8:00 to 1:30.
September 19-- PJM Interconnection Grid 20/20: Electric Grid Security, Resilience. Hyatt
Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore.
September 20-- Agenda Posted. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council
meeting. Penn Scenic View, Laurel Hill State Park, 118 Scenic View Lane, Rockwood, Somerset
County. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie 717-772-9084 or send email to:
gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Conservation Landscape Overview - Marla Paperneck, PA Environmental Council, Mike
Mumau
-- Landscape Highlights: Jane Menchyk, Western PA Conservancy; Water Resources - Deb
Simko, Trout Unlimited; Tourism Ann Nemanic, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau
-- Penns Parks For All Survey: Paul Zeph, Bureau of State Parks
September 20-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Workshop For Public Water
Suppliers, Consultants. Holiday Inn Williamsport, 100 Pine Street, Williamsport, Lycoming
County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
September 21-- PA Assn Of Environmental Professionals Pollution Prevention & Energy

Efficiency Roundtable 20th Anniversary. Tobyhanna Army Depot in Monroe County. 8:30 to
3:00.
September 21-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Quantified Ventures Pay-For-Success Model

Of Using Private Capital To Fund Stormwater Solutions. 1:00.
September 23 & 24-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos. Paradise-Price
Preserve Hikes. Monroe County.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
September 24-26- Registration Open. PA Recreation and Parks Society PA Greenways and
Trails Summit. Reading, Berks County.
September 25-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 798
(Davis-D-Bucks) placing all water and sewer municipal authorities under the jurisdiction of the
PUC (sponsor summary). Room 60 East Wing. 11:00.
September 27-- Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Labor & Industry Building, Room E100, 651 Boas Street, Harrisburg. 10:00. L&I
Contact: Renee Foley 717-783-6304. (formal notice)
September 28-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. Next scheduled meeting October 26. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 29-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Working Together: Conversations &

Collaboration Watershed Celebration. Pocono Manor, Monroe County
September 30-- PA Resources Council Lawrence County Reuse Fest. Lawrence County
Fairgrounds, New Castle. 10:00 to 1:00.
September 30-- Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event. Brighton

Township Road Dept., 1250 Brighton Road, Beaver, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m. to Noon
September 30-- Brandywine Conservancy. Bike The Brandywine. Chester, Delaware Counties.
September 30-- Gov. Pinchots Grey Towers Historic Site. Mansion Open House To Celebrate
National Public Lands Day. Grey Towers Historic Site, Milford, Pike County. 11:00 to 4:00.
September 30-- NEW. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Big Year Birder Program With Author Noah
Strycker. Hamburg Area High School auditorium on Windsor Street, Hamburg, Berks County.
5:30.
October 4-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, jvollero@pa.gov, 717-783-7416. (formal notice)
October 4-- CANCELED. DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting
rescheduled to October 10. DEP Contact: Molly Adams, 717-787-2480, moadams@pa.gov.
October 4-- Paxton Creek Watershed & Education Association Greening Our Cities & Towns
Workshop. Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg. 6:00 to 8:00.
October 5-- DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Council meeting. Promised Land State
Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, Pike County. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennie Shade,
717-772-9084. (formal notice)
October 5-- PA Section of the American Water Works Association. Small Water System
Improving Drinking Water Quality Workshop. Lehigh County Authority, 1053 Spruce Street,
Wescosville, Lehigh County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 5-- PA Chamber of Business & Industry Pittsburgh Fall Environmental Conference.
Doubletree By Hilton Pittsburgh, Cranberry, Mars.
October 6-- Women Environmental Professionals Capital Chapter Green Infrastructure Tour In
Lancaster County. Meet at Landis Home Retirement Community, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz.
1:00 to 4:45.
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 7-- Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event. Ambridge Borough
Building, 600 11th Street, Ambridge, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m. to Noon
October 7-- Penn State Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State Lehigh Valley
Campus, Center Valley, PA. 8:30 to 4:30.
October 8-- NEW. Schuylkill Headwaters Association. Anthracite Coal Mining Awareness,
Appreciation and Remediation Tour. Schuylkill County Agriculture Center, 1206 AG Center
Drive, Pottsville. 9:30 to 4:00.
October 10-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Molly Adams, 717-787-2480, moadams@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
October 10-- DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Quality Compliance Plan For Penn State
University. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport.
10:00. DEP Contact: Megan Lehman at 570-327-3659.
October 11-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Coal Mining Equipment
meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, Westmoreland Room, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton.
DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, mscheloske@pa.gov.
October 11-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Revised Air Quality Permit to comply with RACT II
Requirements For Erie Coke Corporation. DEP Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville.
9:00. To register to speak contact Melanie Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615. If no pre-registrations
are received, the hearing will be canceled. (formal notice, PA Bulletin page 5105) Click Here
for more.
October 11-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Revised Air Quality Permit to comply with RACT II
Requirements For Ellwood Quality Steels Plant, New Castle, Lawrence County. DEP Regional
Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville. 1:00. To register to speak contact Melanie Williams,
DEP, 814-332-6615. If no pre-registrations are received, the hearing will be canceled. (formal
notice, PA Bulletin page 5107) Click Here for more.
October 11-- NEW. PA Resources Council. Future Of Recycling Roundtable. Construction

Junction, 214 N. Lexington Street, Pittsburgh. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
October 11-12-- 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference. Monroeville Convention Center,
Allegheny County.
October 12-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, Bureau
of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200. (formal notice)
October 12-- PA Chamber of Business & Industry Harrisburg Fall Environmental Conference.
Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, Harrisburg
October 12-- NEW. PA Beef Producers/Penn State Extension Beef Grazing Management
Workshop. Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1446 Auction Road,
Manheim, Lancaster County. 4:30 to 8 p.m.
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County.
October 14-- 2017 Pittsburgh Solar Tour.
October 17-- CANCELED. Senate Aging & Youth and Health & Human Services Committees
hold a joint hearing on an update on the Lyme Disease Task Force Report. Hearing Room 1
North Office Building. 10:00.
October 17-- 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, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg,
PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, LeeMurray@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 17-- 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, csansoni@pa.gov, 717-772-5158.
October 17-- 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference. Lehigh University, Bethlehem.
October 17-18-- Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed. 5th Annual Delaware River
Watershed Forum. Skytop Lodge in Skytop, Monroe County.
October 19-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, jmelnic@pa.gov,
717-783-9730.
October 21-- Natural Lands. 4th Annual ChesLen Chase Race For Open Space. ChesLen
Preserve in Coatesville, Chester County.
October 21-- PA CleanWays of Cumberland County Tire Collection Event. Pre-Registration is

Required. Cumberland County Service Center, 310 Allen Road, Carlisle. 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
October 24-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 25-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov,
717-783-9269.
October 26-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov,
717-772-5636. (formal notice)
October 26-- NEW. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 26-- Northeast PA Environmental Partners Awards Dinner. Woodlands Inn and Resort
in Wilkes-Barre.
October 26-- PA Chamber of Business & Industry Valley Forge Fall Environmental Conference.
Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King of Prussia.
November 1-- Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 8-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Rescheduled
for December 4. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
November 8-- Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University Delaware Watershed

Research Conference. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
November 9-- Sponsorships Available. PA Resources Council Annual Awards Celebration.

Villanova University Hotel and Conference Center, Philadelphia.
November 10-11-- Bucknell University 12th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium. Bucknell
University Campus, Lewisburg, Union County.
November 13-14-- Northeast Recycling Council 30th Anniversary Fall Conference. Amherst,
Massachusetts.
November 14-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or
484-250-5818 or Glenda Davidson 717-783-4759 or gldavidson@pa.gov.
November 16-- CANCELED. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
November 16-- PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability Webinar.
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
November 18-- Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling. Household Hazardous Waste

Collection Event. Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, 113 Innovative Lane in Latrobe.
9:00 to 1:00.
December 4-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
December 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email to:
dheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
February 23-24-- Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Note: PA Environment

Digest is a Conference sponsor.)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
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 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR 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.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
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.
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants

September 30-- Stroud Water Research Center Activity Patch Design Contest
October 1-- U.S EDA Coal Community Assistance Grants
October 2-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 10-- Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conservation, Community Grants
October 16-- DEP Coastal Zone Project Grants
October 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
October 25-- NEW. PPL Community Roots Tree Funding Program
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
November 9-- PennDOT Green Light-Go LED Traffic Light Grants
December 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program (First-Come, First-Served)
December 15-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 31-- NEW. DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come, First-Served)
February 1-- U.S. Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
In Memoriam: Dr. Douglas Ayers, Lifelong Active Conservationist In Northeast PA

Man Behind The Lands, Doug Ayers, Succumbs To Leukemia At 56
Obituary: Dr. Douglas Ayers Noted Conservationist In Northeast
Editorial: Dr. Douglas Ayers Left A Legacy For Us All
Bucks County Attorneys Speak On Future Of Environmental Rights In PA
Air
Alternative Fuels
Awards & Recognition
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
DEP Staff Teams Up With TTF Watershed Group To Tackle Invasive Porcelain Berry
Budget
Kummer: PA Agency Leaders Protest GOP Plan To Divert Environmental Funds
Op-Ed: Cumberland County Commissioners Object To Budget Funding Proposal
AP: PA Delays $1.7 Billion In Medicaid, School Payments Amid Budget Stalemate
Esack: Wolf Postpones More Than $1 Billion In Medical, Pension Payments
With Budget Impasse, Gov. Wolf Delays More Than $1B In Medicaid Payments
Delco Legislators Split Mostly Along Party Lines On PA Budget Fix
AP: House GOP OKs Borrowing, No New Taxes Plan To Plug Deficit
Thompson: House Passes $2.2B Special Funds Transfers, Borrowing Plan To Fill Budget Hole
House Passes Budget Plan Gov. Wolf Calls Irresponsible
House Cobbles Together New Budget Plan, Light On Recurring Dollars
Meyer: House Narrowly Passes A Tax-Free Budget Funding Plan
Murphy: How The House Would Raise $2.2 Billion To Balance The Budget
PA Budget Limbo Has Everybody On Edge: 5 Things To Know Today
Esack: PA Lacks Money To Pay Bills Due Friday Officials Warn
AP: House Returns With Fight Over $2.2 Billion Revenue Plan Unresolved
Thompson: Budget Talks Reopen At Capitol After A Summer Pause
Esack: House To Vote On Bill To Plug $2.4 Billion Deficit
Sen. Alloway Warns House GOP To Leave Transportation Money Alone
Pittsburgh Transit Would Slash Routes Under House GOP Budget Proposal
Pittsburgh Transit Urges Legislators To Spare Public Transit From Cuts
Editorial: Pittsburgh Transit Cuts From State? Not This Again
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
GM, Disney, Shell, 1,200 Other companies Take Steps To Fight Climate Change
Trump Officials Eying Replacement For Clean Power Plan Rule
Coal Mining
Consol Proposed New Method For Dealing With Streams Damaged By Mining
Consol Halts Mining While Waiting For New Stream Plan Response
Consol Furloughs 300 Workers At Bailey Mine Complex
PA Coal Production Up By 20 Percent From 2016
After Generations Working In Coal, Young W. Virginians Are Finding Jobs In Solar
EPA Will Reconsider Safeguards On Coal Waste
Compliance Action
Drilling Company Fulfills Agreement, Ending Federal Lawsuit Over Wastewater Spill
Conservation Districts
Delaware River
Protection
Drinking Water
Economic Development
Hyliion Develops Tractor-Trailer Braking Tech That Reduces Fuel Consumption
Op-Ed: Boosting PA With Energy, Forge The Future
Education
Video: Weed Walks With Willa
Emergency Response
Hundreds From Philadelphia Region Heading To Florida To Help Restore Power
PA Deploys Team To Help With Cleanup In Irma-Battered Florida
Saving Lives With Meteorologists At AccuWeather
Casey, Toomey Work To Provide Aid To Fallen First Responder Children
Energy
Energy Conservation
Hyliion Develops Tractor-Trailer Braking Tech That Reduces Fuel Consumption
Luzerne County Approves New Borrowing For Energy Project
Environmental Heritage
We Remember Sept. 11, 2001 - DEP Responds To A National Tragedy
AP: Pence: Flight 93 Passengers Might Have Saved My Life On 9/11
Flight 93 Passengers Might Have Saved His Life On 9/11
Little-By-Little 1,300-Mile Trail Connecting 9/11 Sites
AP: VP Pence To Speak At 9/11 Remembrance At Flight 93 Crash Site
On The Anniversary Of 9/11, Remembering United Flight 93
Tower Of Voices Will Rise At Flight 93 Memorial In Somerset County
Sept. 11 Marks Tragedy Beyond Terrorist Attacks Of 16 Years Ago
Erie Native Commemorates 9/11 Aboard Ship
Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Recalls 9/11, Mission To NYC
Farming
Flooding
Op-Ed: How Philly Needs To Prepare For Future Hurricane Seasons
Editorial: Time To Learn The Lessons Of Floods Past
Forests
Green Infrastructure
Lancaster City Plans 2 Green Infrastructure Projects To Cut Pollution
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Land Conservation
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Christiana: Severance Tax Would Have Negative Impact On PAs Ethane Advantage
DRBC Approves Resolution To Ban Fracking In Delaware Watershed
AP: DRBC Takes Step To Ban Fracking In Delaware Watershed
DRBC Takes A Step Toward Banning Fracking In Northeast PA
Controversy Swirls Around Fracking Ban Proposal For Delaware River Watershed
Cusick: Landowners: Wolf Suggested Opening Delaware Watershed To Drilling In 2015
Drilling Company Fulfills Agreement, Ending Federal Lawsuit Over Wastewater Spill
Penn Hills Reverses Course, Allows Seismic Tests For Drilling
Monroeville Approves Seismic Testing Ordinance
Hedge Fund Pressures EQT To Split Drilling, Pipeline Assets
After Spike, Gasoline Prices Hold Steady In Pittsburgh
Pipelines
Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Gets OK To Construct From FERC
Using Ground-Penetrating Radar To Find Natural Gas Pipelines
Op-Ed: Trump Plan To Use Only U.S. Steel In Pipelines Will Raise Prices, Cause Layoffs
FERC Overrules New York In Blocking Valley Lateral Pipeline Project
Public Participation
Sen. Farnese Again Pushing Anti-SLAPP Suit Legislation
Radiation Protection
Recreation
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Little-By-Little 1,300-Mile Trail Connecting 9/11 Sites
AP: Bikers In The Buff Ride Through Philadelphias Streets
Philly Naked Bike Ride Streaks Thru Philadelphia For 9th Year
Regulations
Quigley Wants To Develop Next Generation Of Environmental Regulations
Renewable Energy
After Generations Working In Coal, Young W. Virginians Are Finding Jobs In Solar
Op-Ed: Boosting PA With Energy, Forge The Future
Stormwater
Susquehanna River
Power Company Backs Redevelopment Plans For Susquehanna River Islands
Watershed Protection
DEP Staff Teams Up With TTF Watershed Group To Tackle Invasive Porcelain Berry
Protection
Wildlife
Schneck: Elk Viewing In PA Hits Fall Peak; Webcam Running
Game Commission Stepping Up Efforts to Battle CWD
Op-Ed: Heres What You Need To Know About Chronic Wasting Disease
Editorial: Bald Eagle Deaths From Lead Should Spur Action
Carp Are Dying Off In Pymatuning Lake
Swarm Of Gnats Creating Buzz In Philadelphia
Schneck: Dark-Winged Fungus Gnats Found On PA Driveway - Video
Ant Swarms: The Insect Singles Bars
Crable: Study: Why Wildlife Is Scared Of Humans From Birth
Schneck: PA Wildlife Park Adds Museum Of Its Founder
Other
Report: Fiscal Decay Has Accelerated In PA Municipalities
Report: PA Towns Hurting, Ill-Equipped To Meet Residents Needs
Municipal Distress Getting Worse In PA New Data Show
Almanacs Disagree On Eries Winter Forecast
Jose
Hurricane Jose Downgraded, Effect On PA Expected To Be Minimal
Hurricane Jose Should Remain Off The East Coast
Irma
Hurricane Irma Also Affecting Natives Of Wyoming Valley
PA National Guard Sends Crew, Helicopters To Aid In Irma Response
Luzerne Schools Partner To Raise Money For Students Impacted By Hurricanes
Editorial: One Bullet Dodged, Gun Still Loaded
Irma Causes One Of The Largest Disaster Power Outages In The Nation
Price-Gouging Complaints Balloon In Florida
Harvey
FEMA Insurance Chief: Harvey Losses Could Top $11 Billion
Flood-Weary Houston Neighborhoods Wonder If Rebuilding Is Worth It
Lehigh Valley Group Headed To Texas To Help Hurricane Harvey Recovery
Op-Ed: Why Does It Take A Disaster Like Harvey To Unite Us?
Editorial: Weathering The Storm: Citizens Step Up
Federal Policy
EPA Will Reconsider Safeguards On Coal Waste
Op-Ed: Trump Plan To Use Only U.S. Steel In Pipelines Will Raise Prices, Cause Layoffs
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Public Utility Commission published notice of proposed changes to regulations related to
natural gas distribution company practices for public comment in the September 16 PA Bulletin.
Comments are due October 30.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 16, 2017
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 62 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the September 16 PA Bulletin - pages 5795 to 5857.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of proposed changes to technical

guidance related to Coal and Noncoal Surface Mining Activity Permit Pre-Application Review in
the September 16 PA Bulletin.
DEP published notice in the September 16 PA Bulletin of proposed RACT II Air Quality Plan
for Hazleton Generating in Hazle Township, Luzerne County for comment. A public hearing
can be requested. (page 5853)
DEP published notice of changes to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities in the September 16 PA Bulletin (page 5854).
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
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 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
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 DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
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PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
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Pa Environment Digest Sept. 18, 2017

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #690 Harrisburg, PA Sept. 18, 2017

House Republicans Pass Budget That Cripples Community-Based Environmental

The General Assembly and various Governors have

PEC: House Approves Largest Cut To Environmental, Energy Programs In PA History

The following analysis of the budget proposal passed

Much of the over three hours of debate on the

Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York Approve Resolution To Permanently Ban Fracking In

The Governors of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York,

Sustainable Pittsburgh Announces Winners Of The 2016-17 Green Workplace Challenge

Sustainable Pittsburgh Thursday revealed the top

The Department of Environmental Protection

Sen. Yudichak To Introduce Resolution Requiring Independent Performance Evaluation

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/ Bills Introduced

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

Move Farm Permitting To Conservation Commission: Senate Bill 879 (Martin-R-Lancaster)

Senate/House Bills Moving

Intergovernmental Agreements: House Bill 479 (Schemel-R-Franklin) making it easier to

Biodiversity Awareness Month: House Resolution 497 (McCarter-D-Montgomery) designating

News From The Capitol

House Environmental Committee Changes Name Of Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee To

Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia) and the

The Senate Tabled Senate Bill 658 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)

News From Around The State

Anthracite Mine Drainage Remediation Tour Oct. 8 In Schuylkill County

The Schuylkill Headwaters Association is hosting an Anthracite Coal Mining Awareness,

4 Municipalities, DEP, DCNR Highlight Green Infrastructure Projects To Control

Stormwater management efforts by Lemoyne Borough, Lower Paxton

Beef Grazing Management Workshop Set For Oct. 12 In Lancaster County

The PA Beef Producers and Penn State Extension

The Summer edition of the Penns Waters

Free Workshop For Public Water Suppliers, Consultants Sept. 20 In Williamsport

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is

PA Resources Council Holds Future Of Recycling Roundtable Oct. 11 In Pittsburgh

The PA Resources Council will hold its second

Learn About The Environment With PRC: In-School Programs Offered

Throughout the school year, the PA Resources

September Newsletter Now Available From The PA Resources Council

The September edition of the PA Resources

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates, Keep Huntingdon

DEP Advisory Committees To Review FY 2017-18 Recycling Spending Plan Sept. 21

DEPs Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid

The West Nile Virus Program Wednesday reported two

September News & Views Newsletter Now Available From DEP

The September edition of the News and

The Clean Jobs For Pennsylvania Coalition Thursday

DEP Revises Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates For Individuals

The Department of Environmental

Department of General Services Secretary Curt

Attorney General Josh Shapiro Monday announced he filed a lawsuit

DCNR, PennDOT Secretaries Discuss Sustainability, Efficiency & Transportation At CMU

Fielding questions from Carnegie Mellon University

PPL Utilities recently unveiled the Community Roots

DCNR Conservation Advisory Council To Hear Overview Of Conservation Landscape

Pennsylvanias 17 million acres of woodlands soon will be