pa environment digest july 6, 2015
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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa July 6, 2015
Gov. Wolf Vetoes Entire Republican Budget, Talks Resume Next Week
After vetoing the main budget bill Tuesday night, almost immediately after it was passed byRepublicans, Gov. Wolf met with Senate and House leaders of both parties Wednesday and came
away from the meeting optimistic, but recognized he and the GOP leadership had fundamental
differences on even the most basic parts of the budget, liquor privatization and pension reform.
Gov. Wolf Thursday issued formal vetoes of the liquor privatization bill-- House Bill 466
(Turzai-R-Allegheny), Fiscal Code-- Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh) and Education Code--
House Bill 762 (Roe-R-Crawford) bills.
The Fiscal Code bill has been especially controversial since it funds legislators’ pet
projects and included a provision killing DEP’s regulations covering conventional oil and gas
drilling and forcing DEP to start over.
House Republicans said they would continue to fight for the provision killing DEP’s
regulations in “round two.” The Governor has not yet acted on the pension reform bill-- Senate Bill 1
(Corman-R-Centre).
There is no deadline for further action on the budget and related bills, only the
commitment to talk.
The House formally adjourned until August 25 and the Senate until September 21, but
both can be called back to session if some sort of agreement is reached.
On Tuesday night Gov. Wolf said,”I am truly sorry that we are at this place….Republican
leaders have just said no… I’m sticking to my broad goals.”
Wolf said the Republican budget would result in a $3 billion deficit. “The math just
doesn’t work-- Two plus two does not equal five in the real world.”
The Republican budget, he said---- Does not adequately invest in education;
-- Does not enact a natural gas severance tax; and
-- Does not give property tax relief to seniors and families.
Here are more details on each of the budget-related bills--
-- General Fund: House Bill 1192 (Adolph-R-Delaware) Senate/House Republican General
Fund budget was passed by the House 112-77 and the Senate concurred in House amendments
by a vote of 30 to 19. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary are available. Click Here for a quick
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0762http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32597http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB1192P1959.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1192http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0001http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0762http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0466http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953
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summary of the Republican environmental budget items.
-- Fiscal Code: Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh) Fiscal Code amendments designed to
implement the budget, fund projects wanted by legislators and insert legislative language wanted
by members into law. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available.
-- Education Code: House Bill 762 (Roe-R-Crawford) amendments to the Education Code
required to implement the budget and making other changes. A Senate Fiscal Note
and summaryare available. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available.
-- Pension Reform: Senate Bill 1 (Corman-R-Centre) Senate/House Republican pension reform
bill. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available. An Actuarial Note and summary of the
bill is available online .
-- Liquor Privatization: House Bill 466 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)House Republican liquor
privatization plan was amended with the Senate/House Republican liquor privatization plan. A
Senate Fiscal Note and summary are available. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available.
NewsClips:
Wolf Vetoes Liquor Privatization, School Funding Bills
Wolf Vetoes Liquor, School Funding Bills
Who’s To Blame For Budget Impasse? Everyone Wolf, GOP Lawmakers Make Plans To Resume Talks
PA Budget Talks To Resume Next Week
Wolf, Legislators Plan New Round Of Budget Talks
Wolf Upbeat After Meeting With Legislators On Budget
Budget Negotiators Find New Resolve, Remain Far Apart
Video: Wolf- We Understand We Have To Reconcile Our Ideas
Budget Reset, Happy 4th See You Next Week
Expect Drawn-Out State Budget Impasse
Senate Passes $30.1B GOP Budget, Wolf Vetoes
Gov. Wolf Vetoes GOP Budget
Democrat Wolf Vetoes Republicans’ Budget
Budget Bill Would Block New Rules For Conventional Drillers
House Stymies DEP On Conventional Drilling Rules
House Keeps Rolling On Budget-Related Bills
Budget Standoff Continues, Bills Move Wolf Will Veto
Wolf Seeks To Reassure State Workers, Vendors On Budget
Taxes, Education Debated As Lawmakers Near Budget Deadline
House Passes GOP Budget To Dismay Of Democrats
Lawmakers, Budget Secretary Respond To GOP Budget
Wolf: I’m Disappointed In Republican Budget
Republicans Vote To Kill Conventional Gas Well Regulations, Wolf Vetoes Bill
Senate and House Republicans sent a Fiscal Code bill--
Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh)-- to the Governor that
invalidates the regulations DEP proposed to ensure
conventional oil and gas wells protect the environment and
makes DEP start the process over.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_resources/20303/surface_regulations/1587188http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655http://blog.pennlive.com/capitol-notebook/2015/06/im_disappointed_in_republican.html#incart_riverhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/its_balanced_with_no_new_taxes.html#incart_riverhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/pa_house_passes_gop-created_bu.html#incart_2boxhttp://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/taxes-education-debated-as-lawmakers-near-budget-deadline/article_e52d51cd-2bc9-534d-b6e5-a59f6c96023c.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2015/06/29/Governor-seeks-to-reassure-state-employees-vendors-as-budget-deadlock-looms-in-Pennsylvania-wolf/stories/201506290149http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/Budget-standoff-continues-as-GOP-moves-legislation-Wolf-plans-to-veto/stories/201506300126http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/house_keeps_ball_rolling_for_a.html#incart_riverhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/06/30/House-stymies-DEP-on-drilling-rules/stories/201506300144http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/budget-bill-would-block-new-rules-for-conventional-drillers/#more-35001http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-wolf-legislature-budget-veto-0630-20150630-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2015/06/30/Pennsylvania-governor-to-veto-GOP-s-budget-bill/stories/201506300295http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8658506-74/budget-state-liquorhttp://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/8667719-74/wolf-gop-statehttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvania_budget_reset_happ.html#incart_riverhttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/814/VIDEO-We-understand-that-we-have-to-reconcile-our-ideas-Gov-Wolf-says-after-latest-budget-meeting-with-GOP.aspxhttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/815/Budget-negotiators-find-new-resolve-but-remain-far-apart.aspxhttp://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2015/07/01/after-pa-budget-veto-gov-wolf-upbeat-after-meeting-with-legislative-leaders/http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/07/02/Governor-legislators-plan-new-round-of-budget-talks/stories/201507020029http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150702_Pa__budget_talks_to_resume_next_week.htmlhttp://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/877737/Wolf--GOP-lawmakers-make-plans-to-resume-talks-after-veto.html?isap=1&nav=5020http://blog.pennlive.com/capitol-notebook/2015/07/wolf_lawmakers_meet_-_nothing.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150703_Wolf_vetoes_liquor_privatization_and_school_funding_bills.htmlhttp://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-liquor-privitization-vetoed-20150702-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB0466P1985.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB0466P1985.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0466https://goo.gl/kVbvmGhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0001P1132.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0001http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/HB0762P1999.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB0762P1999.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0762http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0655P1137.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655
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Gov. Wolf this week vetoed the entire Republican budget, including Senate Bill 655, but
House Republicans said they would continue to fight for the provision killing DEP’s regulations
in “round two.”
The language said the process used by DEP to propose the regulations was “invalid” with
respect to conventional wells, but the language could be interpreted to also apply to
unconventional (Marcellus Shale) wells since they both used the same process stopping that process as well.
The same tactic-- amending the Fiscal Code-- was used last year by conventional well
drillers to direct DEP to adopt separate regulations for conventional and unconventional
(Marcellus Shale) wells.
The bill also includef these other provisions affecting environmental programs--
-- Requires DCNR to fund operations at the new Washington Crossing Historical Park from
existing appropriations;
-- Earmarks $400,000 in funding for a specific clean water project in a fourth class county
(Centre County) with a population between 150,000 to 155,000; $200,000 to a municipal
authority in a county of the fifth class (Franklin County; and other earmarks;
-- Revokes the 2015-16 appropriation for the Consumer Energy Program; and-- Transfers unused funding under the Alternative Energy Investment Act to the Commonwealth
Financing Authority to pay interest due on the Authority’s Alternative Energy bond issues.
The Fiscal Code has been a convenient vehicle used by the Senate and House to adopt
laws that do not go through any committees, not subjected to public hearings and not voted on by
either chamber.
In fact, the language and concept of killing regulations for conventional well drillers
added to Senate Bill 655 didn’t even not appear in any Senate or House bill before it suddenly
appeared Sunday night.
Last week, PA Independent Oil and Gas Association filed a lawsuit challenging DEP’s
regulations saying “natural gas developers protect public resources through voluntary measures”
and other environmental law.
PIOGA ask the PA Supreme Court to eliminate DEP’s enforcement of setbacks from
streams, wetlands and other natural features as well as protection of public resources like parks,
game land or wildlife area, protect endangered species, historic sites and wellhead protection
areas.
The conventional well drillers try, at every opportunity, to perpetuate the myth that
conventional drill is “benign” and doesn’t affect the environment.
In fact, in 2014, conventional oil and gas well operations accounted for nearly 78 percent
of the total violations DEP recorded for conventional and unconventional drilling operations, but
just over 52 percent of the inspections.
DEP also has a running list of 248 cases
where DEP has made a determination onwhether water supplies were contaminated by oil and natural gas drill from 2008 to 2014. About
half of the water supplies were damaged by conventional drilling and half by unconventional,
according to DEP.
Of the 19 special caution areas with poisonous hydrogen sulfide dangers DEP has
identified and dealt with over the last few years, 14 were from conventional wells.
DEP began the process of proposing oil and gas regulations in response to the passage of
Act 13 in 2013, nearly two and a half years ago. DEP held an unprecedented 12 public hearings
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=29748http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=29748http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31809http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31809http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32600http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32600http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=29278
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on the proposals as well as lengthy public comment periods.
A House Fiscal Note and summary are available.
NewsClips:
Budget Bill Would Block New Rules For Conventional Drillers
House Stymies DEP On Conventional Drilling Rules
House Republicans Will Keep Block On Conventional Drilling Regulations
PA Environmental Council Objects To Bill Killing Conventional Oil, Gas Well Regs
The PA Environmental Council Monday wrote to all members of the Senate Monday urging
them to remove a section of the Fiscal Code bill-- Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh)-- that
invalidates the regulations DEP proposed to ensure conventional oil and gas wells protect the
environment and makes DEP start the process over.
The House added the language to the bill late Sunday night and passed it Monday by a
vote of 107 to 87. The Senate voted to approve the House amendments by a party-line vote of 30
to 19.
Gov. Wolf vetoed the bill Thursday, but House Republicans said they will continue tofight for the provision killing DEP’s regulations in “round two.”
The text of the PEC letter follows--
On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, we are asking members of the
Pennsylvania Senate to remove rulemaking prohibition language in Senate Bill 655 (P.N. 1137)
relating to conventional oil and gas operations. This prohibition does not belong in the state
fiscal code, is against the public interest, and potentially violates the single subject rule of the
Pennsylvania Constitution.
With Act 13 of 2012, the General Assembly passed, and Governor Corbett signed,
environmental protection standards applicable to both conventional and unconventional oil and
gas operations. Since that time, the General Assembly, through last second inclusion in state
budget legislation, has made efforts to walk back protections applicable to conventional
operations despite clear and growing evidence that such operations pose ongoing risks and
liabilities to the public and environment.
If the General Assembly wants to revisit standards relating to conventional operations, it
should do so openly in dedicated legislation where its members and the public are given fair and
full opportunity to participate and comment on the merits of the proposal. Using fiscal code
legislation as a vehicle violates the public trust. It may also violate the state’s Constitution.
Last week the Pennsylvania courts issued a determination in the consolidated Sears
challenge that questioned the ongoing legality of using state budget legislation to advance
non-fiscal ends. We believe that inclusion of an environmental rulemaking prohibition in Senate
Bill 655 is precisely the type of action the Court is contemplating when it references logrollingconcerns underlying Article III of the Constitution.
We ask that you give the people of Pennsylvania full and fair opportunity to participate in
the legislative process, and to remove the rulemaking prohibition in Senate Bill 655. We will
also call on Governor Wolf to veto this legislation if it passes in current form. Thank you for
your consideration.
-- John Walliser, Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs, PA Environmental Council
NewsClips:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_resources/20303/surface_regulations/1587188http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655http://pecpa.org/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house_republicans_to_keep_amen.html#incart_riverhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/06/30/House-stymies-DEP-on-drilling-rules/stories/201506300144http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/budget-bill-would-block-new-rules-for-conventional-drillers/#more-35001http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0655P1137.pdf
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Budget Bill Would Block New Rules For Conventional Drillers
House Stymies DEP On Conventional Drilling Rules
House Republicans Will Keep Block On Conventional Drilling Regulations
Growing Greener Coalition: PA Should Enact Natural Gas Severance Tax
The PA Growing Greener Coalition Thursday issued the following statement from Executive
Director Andrew Heath in response to recent discussions concerning the enactment of a
severance tax on natural gas extraction in Pennsylvania:
“Now that the deadline of June 30 has passed and Gov. Wolf has opted to veto the state
budget, the Coalition calls on the General Assembly and Administration to enact a fair and
reasonable severance tax on natural gas extraction for generating additional state revenues to
support various Commonwealth programs and initiatives, as well as investing in the state’s
Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.
“Using revenues from a severance tax to address Commonwealth needs, like education
and environmental initiatives makes sense. Given the impact of natural gas development on
local communities and the environment, a portion of this revenue should be earmarked toconserve, protect, and restore land, water and wildlife, to preserve farms and historic places, and
to provide well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state.
“The Governor’s proposed budget contains many elements our Coalition supports;
including increasing investments in renewable energy, increased funding for state agencies, such
as the Department of Environmental Protection, whose responsibility is to protect and enhance
the environment, and reducing the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
dependence on revenue from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund.
“Increasing investments to the Growing Greener program will ensure that these positive
steps towards ensuring Pennsylvania’s air, water, land, wildlife, farmland, recreational
opportunities, historic preservation, and heritage continue to prosper and grow for generations to
come.”
Since its establishment in 1999 by Gov. Tom Ridge, Growing Greener has created a
legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvania’s family farmland,
conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks
and forests, restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands, and thousands of community
recreation areas, trails, and greenways.
Moreover, Growing Greener has contributed and leveraged billions of dollars to the
Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue.
Pennsylvania’s state parks, which are supported in part by Growing Greener funds, generate
more than $928 million in local spending and support more than 12,000 local jobs.
In addition, Growing Greener has been a powerful funding source for Pennsylvania’sHeritage Areas. Spending by visitors to these areas generates more than $400 million in sales and
contributes at least 6,000 jobs to the Pennsylvania economy.
Other examples of how Growing Greener benefits the economy include:
— Supporting Agriculture: By funding farmland preservation projects, Growing Greener helps
sustain Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry. Agriculture produces more than $45 billion annually
and provides about one in seven jobs in the state, making it Pennsylvania’s leading industry.
— Increasing Property Values: In Southeastern Pennsylvania alone, preserved open space,
http://pagrowinggreener.org/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/06/house_republicans_to_keep_amen.html#incart_riverhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/06/30/House-stymies-DEP-on-drilling-rules/stories/201506300144http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/budget-bill-would-block-new-rules-for-conventional-drillers/#more-35001
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which is often supported with Growing Greener funds, increases homeowners’ property values
by an average of $10,000 per household.
— Reducing Costs: Growing Greener has funded the cleanup of more than 16,000 acres of
abandoned mines and in doing so has reduced water treatment costs locally and in downstream
communities. Studies show that open space saves local governments and utilities millions of
dollars in costs associated with drinking water filtration, air pollution removal and flood control. — Supporting Forest Products Industry: Growing Greener funds support forest conservation,
which in turn helps sustain the resources on which the forest industry depends. This industry has
sales in excess of $16 billion annually, a total impact of $27 billion and employs more than
80,000 people.
— Bolstering Tourism Industry: Growing Greener funds have preserved more than 42,300
acres of natural areas and open spaces, many of which provide outdoor recreational opportunities
for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor enthusiasts spend more than $5.4 billion in the
Commonwealth annually.
For more information on positions and activities, visit the PA Growing Greener Coalition
website.
First Meeting Of DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force July 22
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold the first
meeting of the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force on July 22 at
DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave.,
Harrisburg starting at 1:00, according to a notice published in
the July 4 PA Bulletin .
Although DEP has not announced who the 34 members
of the Task Force will be, Rep. Martina White(R-Philadelphia)
issued a press release Thursday saying she had been named to
the Task Force.
The purpose and goals of the Task Force are to define a series of best practices to:
— Plan, site and route pipelines in ways that avoid or reduce environmental and community
impacts of pipeline development.
— Amplify and engage in meaningful public participation regarding pipeline development.
— Maximize opportunities for predictable and efficient permitting.
— Employ construction methods that reduce environmental and community impacts.
— Ensure pipeline safety and integrity during operation of the pipeline
The Task Force, which Gov. Wolf created in May
, will provide a final report to the
Governor detailing the findings of the Task Force in February 2016.
The notice said questions regarding the meeting can be directed to an email address:RA-EPPITF@pa.gov .
More information about the meeting and an agenda will be published on DEP’s Pipeline
Infrastructure Task Force webpage.
NewsClips:
Sunoco Seeks To Calm Fears On Mariner Pipeline
Sunoco Hosts Forums On Mariner Pipeline In Southeast
Pipeline Builder Gives $1.5M To Lancaster Conservation Groups
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pipeline-builder-gives-lancaster-county-conservation-groups-million/article_063f215c-1e79-11e5-bb4a-dbbb42cc39cc.htmlhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/sunoco-to-host-public-forums-on-mariner-east-2-pipeline-in-southeast-pa/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/sunoco-seeks-to-calm-fears-of-mariner-east-pipeline-project-in-chester-county/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/mailto:RA-EPPITF@pa.govhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32348http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32538http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32538http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-27/1237.htmlhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/http://pagrowinggreener.org/
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Millions Of Gallons Needed To Test Lancaster Pipeline
Uncertainty For Homeowners Along Lancaster Pipeline
Pipelines Being Built In Luzerne Concern Residents
FAQ About Pipeline Easements
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (August 25 ): Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent
counsel for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 513 (McGarrigle-R-Delaware)
authorizing the transportation of landfill leachate by truck; Senate Bill 875 (Bartolotta-R-
Fayette) providing for the reuse of treated mine water for fracking gas wells ( sponsor
http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18364http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0875http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0513http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/https://plus.google.com/+DavidHessGreenWorksInPA/postshttp://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/154268875/Frequently-asked-questions-about-pipeline-easementshttp://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/154237745/http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/uncertainty-for-homeowners-along-pipeline-s-path-in-lancaster-county/article_b4ce829a-1c1b-11e5-8adf-6f831aae178d.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/millions-of-gallons-would-be-pumped-from-lancaster-county-streams/article_4f2a0264-1f3d-11e5-8c7a-eb91ea161c9b.html
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summary ). Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (September 21): Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
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
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
September 21 (unless sooner recalled)
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=28&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=56&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=54&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=12&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18364
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House
August 25 (unless sooner recalled)
Governor’s 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. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
Bills On Governor's Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action--
General Fund: House Bill 1192 (Adolph-R-Delaware) Senate/House Republican General Fund
budget was passed by the House 112-77 and the Senate concurred in House amendments by a
vote of 30 to 19. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary are available. The bill was vetoed by the
Governor as Veto #1.
Fiscal Code: Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh) Fiscal Code amendments designed to
implement the budget, fund projects wanted by legislators and insert legislative language wanted
by members into law. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available. This bill was vetoed by
the Governor as Veto #4.
Moon Lake Transfer: Senate Bill 699 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) transfers of Moon Lake Park
from Luzerne County to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. A HouseFiscal Note and summary are available. The Governor signed the bill as Act 14.
NewsClip: Editorial: Moon Lake Park Thrives Under State Control
Pension Reform: Senate Bill 1 (Corman-R-Centre) Senate/House Republican pension reform
bill. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available. An Actuarial Note and summary of the
bill is available online .
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
General Fund: House Bill 1192 (Adolph-R-Delaware) Senate/House Republican General Fund
budget was passed by the House 112-77 and the Senate concurred in House amendments by a
vote of 30 to 19. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary are available. (The bill was vetoed by the
Governor.)
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB1192P1959.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1192https://goo.gl/kVbvmGhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0001P1132.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0001http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/370786/our-opinion-moon-lake-park-and-other-sites-can-thrive-under-state-control-with-local-support-from-youhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0699P0683.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0699P0683.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0699http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0655P1137.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/SFN/2015/0/HB1192P1959.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1192http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBx
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Fiscal Code: Senate Bill 655 (Browne-R-Lehigh) Fiscal Code amendments designed to
implement the budget, fund projects wanted by legislators and insert legislative language wanted
by members into law was passed by the House 107 to 87 and the Senate concurred in House
amendments 30 to 19. A House Fiscal Note and summary are available. (The bill was vetoed by
the Governor.)
Pension Reform: Senate Bill 1 (Corman-R-Centre) Senate/House Republican pension reform
bill was amended in the House State Government Committee and referred to the House
Appropriations Committee after several attempts by House Democrats to amend the bill and was
passed by the House 106 to 89. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. A House
Fiscal Note and summary are available. An Actuarial Note and summary of the bill is available
online .
EQB Independent Counsel: Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an
independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board was amended and reported out of the
House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the House Calendar for
action.
Mine Water Reuse: Senate Bill 875 (Bartolotta-R-Fayette) providing for the reuse of treated
mine water for fracking gas wells ( sponsor summary) was reported out of the House
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Landfill Leachate: Senate Bill 513 (McGarrigle-R-Delaware) authorizing the transportation of
landfill leachate by truck was amended and reported out of the House Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Biofuel Mandate: House Bill 471 (Marshall-R-Beaver) amending the Biofuel Development and
In-State Production Incentive Act (Act 78 of 2008) to remove ethanol blending requirements
(sponsor summary ) was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee and referred to the House Rules Committee.
News From The Capitol
House Committee OKs Mine Water Reuse, Biofuel, EQB Independent Counsel Bills
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday reported out these bills to
the full House--
-- Senate Bill 307
(Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for theEnvironmental Quality Board (amended and on the House Calendar for action);
-- Senate Bill 875 (Bartolotta-R-Fayette) providing for the reuse of treated mine water for
fracking gas wells (sponsor summary ) (and is on the House Calendar for action);
-- House Bill 471 (Marshall-R-Beaver) amending the Biofuel Development and In-State
Production Incentive Act (Act 78 of 2008) to remove ethanol blending requirements ( sponsor
summary ) (and was referred to the House Rules Committee); and
-- Senate Bill 513 (McGarrigle-R-Delaware) authorizing the transportation of landfill leachate by
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0513http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=17065http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=17065http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0471http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18364http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0875http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=17065http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0471http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0513http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18364http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0875http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307https://goo.gl/kVbvmGhttps://goo.gl/kVbvmGhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0001P1132.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0001P1132.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0001http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/BI/FN/2015/0/SB0655P1137.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0655
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truck (amended and is on the House Calendar for action).
Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee, email:
jmaher@pahousegop.com, and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair, email:
gvitali@pahouse.net .
NewsClip: SRBC Report: Water Quality Not Impacted By Drilling
House Passes Resolution Recognizing Work Of Conewango Creek Watershed Assn.
Rep Kathy Rapp (R-Forest) announced Saturday the House has passed House Resolution 412
honoring the Conewango Creek Watershed Association for its efforts in preserving, enhancing
and promoting the Conewango Creek in northwestern Pennsylvania, which was named
Pennsylvania’s 2015 River of the Year , has passed the House unanimously.
“I am very proud to have the 2015 River of the Year, Conewango Creek, in the 65th
Legislative District,” said Rapp. “House Resolution 412 is all about recognizing the outstanding
work of Conewango Creek Watershed Association that made this statewide recognition possible.
From regularly conducting stream cleaning, planting and restoration projects, canoe launch
rehabilitation projects and implementing invasive species action plans that have made sightingsof river otters, bald eagles, ospreys and herons a common occurrence along this major tributary
of the Allegheny River, I want to personally congratulate everyone at the Conewango Creek
Association for also receiving a leadership grant to move even more noteworthy conservation
projects forward.”
A sponsor summary of the resolution is available online .
June Environmental Synopsis Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The June issue of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is now available from the Joint
Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring articles on--
-- Bee Colony Collapse Disorder
-- Cigarette Litter
-- Households Unclear On Where Their Energy Is Going
-- Geothermal Energy May Be Gaining Steam
-- EPA Releases Preliminary Results On Hydraulic Fracturing
-- Who Uses Zipcars? Urban Boomers, That’s Who
-- This Month In Conservation History
-- To get your own copy, send an email to: mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us
.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee
.
News From Around The State
SRBC Water Monitoring Network Shows No Water Quality Changes Due To Drilling
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Thursday released its third report on water quality
conditions in select watersheds in the Marcellus shale region of the Susquehanna River Basin.
Prior to 2010, when SRBC began collecting the data through its state-of-the-art Remote
Water Quality Monitoring Network, little to no water quality data existed for many smaller
http://mdw.srbc.net/remotewaterquality/reports.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/http://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfmmailto:mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.ushttp://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/resources/ftp/documents/newsletters/Environmental%20Synopsis%20-%20June%202015.pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=17884http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30993&SubjectID=&SearchWord=conewangohttp://www.conewangocreek.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=R&bn=0412http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/water-quality-not-impacted-by-drilling-according-to-new-report/mailto:gvitali@pahouse.netmailto:jmaher@pahousegop.com
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streams in northern Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York.
SRBC’s first report in 2012 established existing conditions within the first 37 of 59
watersheds that SRBC is monitoring through the RWQMN. This third report provides a more
comprehensive report of conditions across the full monitoring network.
“The Commission takes very seriously one of its core functions of monitoring water
quality conditions in the streams and rivers of the Susquehanna Basin,” said SRBC ExecutiveDirector Andrew Dehoff. “This third report provides more information on the data collected as
part of the Commission’s effort to evaluate whether or not water quality conditions in streams
are reflecting impacts associated with natural gas drilling.”
SRBC’s objective of the RWQMN is to apply best available science to track changes in
water quality conditions over time and to allow for timely responses in the case of pollution
events.
Other objectives are to reduce the cost of data collection by using advanced technologies,
to enhance water supply protection through source water monitoring, and to be responsive to
public concerns.
Each RWQMN station is equipped with sensors that can continuously detect changes in
water quality. The water quality parameters are measured at five-minute intervals andtransmitted to SRBC headquarters in Harrisburg every two to four hours.
Of the 58 watersheds covered in this report, SRBC has observed:
— With continuous monitoring from 2010-2013, data collected did not indicate any changes in
water quality;
— With a few exceptions, the water chemistry at the monitoring stations indicates good water
quality; and
— The results of aquatic insect monitoring were not affected by the density of upstream natural
gas wells or pads.
As more stations accumulate additional years of continuous data, SRBC staff will be able
to detect any longer-term water quality trends in addition to immediate impacts.
For the full report, please visit SRBC’s Water Quality Monitoring Network
webpage.
NewsClips:
SRBC Report: Water Quality Not Impacted By Drilling
Op-Ed: PA Leaders Must Step Up To Meet Clean Water Commitments
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Healthy Watersheds Tour Brings Stormwater Professionals To Lancaster Area
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay partnered with
LandStudies Inc.
to host a tour of innovative green
infrastructure sites throughout Lancaster County, PA onJune 30th.
The tour is the latest in a series of trainings as part
the Alliance’s Building Green Infrastructure in Blair
County Program. The three-year program is an effort
generously funded by the National Fish and Wildlife
Foundation.
Photo: Ben Ehrhart, LandStudies engineer and
https://allianceforthebay.org/our-work/engaging-local-communities/blair-county-pa-building-green-infrastructure/http://www.landstudies.com/https://allianceforthebay.org/http://www.bayjournal.com/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_28411846/op-ed-pennsylvania-leaders-must-step-up-meethttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/water-quality-not-impacted-by-drilling-according-to-new-report/http://mdw.srbc.net/remotewaterquality/reports.htm
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Director of Design, describes the challenges and innovation approaches to a floodplain
restoration area at the newly developed Rock Lititz.
LandStudies, an ecological design build firm, worked with the Alliance to tailor their
signature Healthy Watersheds Tour of innovative water quality practices to the needs of the Blair
County MS4 workgroup, who are at the planning stage of implementing green infrastructure in
their municipalities.The firm created the Healthy Watersheds Tour that showcases roughly 30 green
infrastructure sites with up to 18 years of performance history, near their home base in Lititz,
PA.
Many of the sites are a demonstration of how these practices have functioned and
changed over time, giving those embarking on new efforts data on cost effectiveness and
pollution reduction.
A group of municipal staff, engineers, landscape architects and elected officials attended
the two day bus tour that stopped in Lancaster City and surrounding municipalities.
The tour featured eight sites, and included projects like urban rain garden bumpouts,
stream and floodplain restoration projects, and environmentally progressive retrofits to existing
stormwater basins.A few of the tour highlights include Landis Homes , Lancaster Brewing Company, Rock
Lititz , and the Warwick Township Municipal campus. Lancaster City and the surrounding area is
well-known for being at the forefront of the environmentally friendly stormwater movement in
central Pennsylvania, and seeing these sites offered tour participants an experience that cannot be
achieved through classroom-only training.
The Alliance is working with Blair County municipalities, county departments, and
elected officials to focus their water quality improvements through green infrastructure and a
regional, multi-municipal, watershed approach.
For many resource-strapped smaller Pennsylvania communities, the task of addressing
stormwater regulations can seem daunting. The regional, partnership-heavy approach has been
proven to alleviate many of the burdens that the MS4-permittees would otherwise face alone.
Kelly Gutshall, President of Landstudies, led the tour and several local champions came
out to talk about project benefits, permit and construction process, education and outreach
efforts, how projects have changed over time, and more.
Dan Zimmerman, Warwick’s Township Manager, likened a watershed to a living
organism. When a watershed is impaired, it is not so unlike a person being sick and going to the
hospital. If the patient is running a fever, their temperature needs to be brought down. If streams
are too warm for their natural ecosystems, increasing riparian buffers may be the cure.
Water quality improvement facilities, like rain gardens and wetlands, are the livers and
kidneys of the watersheds that actively wash away dangerous nutrients like nitrogen,
phosphorous, metals, and chemicals.This also reinforces the need for effective monitoring efforts to understand where the
problematic areas in the small watersheds are and what actions should be taken to improve them.
Over the next several months, the Alliance will continue working with our Blair County
partners to bring additional training and technical assistance, while moving toward a design
competition that will implement innovative stormwater best management practices in the greater
Altoona area.
NewsClips:
http://www.landstudies.com/projects/projects_sheet.asp?PID=18http://www.landstudies.com/news/details.asp?NID=55http://www.landstudies.com/news/details.asp?NID=55http://chesapeakestormwater.net/the-bubbas/2014-winners/http://landstudies.com/news/details.asp?NID=71http://cityoflancasterpa.com/resident/stormwater-managementhttp://landstudies.com/healthy-watersheds-tour/index.php
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Op-Ed: PA Leaders Must Step Up To Meet Clean Water Commitments
SRBC Report: Water Quality Not Impacted By Drilling
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
(Written By Drew Siglin, Program Manager, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay .)
CBF-PA: Trees Are A Cool Solution To Water Pollution
By Harry Campbell, PA Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
These arid days of summer aren’t so dogged, spent
under the cool canopy of an old oak tree, a cold drink in
hand, and a refreshing breeze on your face.
While looking for relief and grabbing some
shade, we might pause to appreciate the health,
economic, and esthetic values that trees add to our lives.
Planting trees as streamside buffers is one of themost affordable ways to reduce the harmful runoff of
nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment that pollutes
Pennsylvania waters.
The Commonwealth is lagging well behind in its
goals to reduce pollution of its streams and rivers and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.
To get back on track, the Pennsylvania must reduce nitrogen pollution by an additional
14.6 million pounds, or 22 percent, by the end of this year.
Trees and their roots can filter as much as 60 percent of nitrogen, 40 percent of
phosphorus, and nearly half of sediment in runoff. A single mature oak tree can absorb over
40,000 gallons of water per year.
Trees are the answer to multiple pollution reduction challenges in the Commonwealth. To
meet its commitments by 2017, Pennsylvania must also add 22,000 acres of forest and grass
buffers to Penn’s Woods. Another very tall task.
Streamside buffers also help reduce erosion, and provide shade, critical food, and shelter
for wildlife. Trees stabilize stream banks and lower water temperatures which are vital to a
thriving aquatic ecosystem.
Enhanced by the presence of trees, microbes and insects like caddisflies, stoneflies and
mayflies in cool, wooded streams consume runoff nutrients and organic matter. Some native
mayflies, for example, thrive at 68 degrees but perish at 70.
Native brook trout flourish in cool, clean water and are returning to streams where
buffers have been installed.Trees are also valuable around the home. When included in urban and suburban
landscaping, trees absorb pollution and provide shade. A single large tree in the front yard can
intercept 760 gallons of water in its crown, reducing stormwater runoff. The beauty of trees is
evident in every neighborhood.
Trees provide benefits wherever they stand. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports
that one acre of forest can absorb six tons of carbon dioxide and put out four tons of oxygen,
enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
http://www.cbf.org/pahttps://allianceforthebay.org/http://www.bayjournal.com/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/water-quality-not-impacted-by-drilling-according-to-new-report/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_28411846/op-ed-pennsylvania-leaders-must-step-up-meet
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Trees have economic benefits. The U.S. Forest Service reports that healthy, mature trees
add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value, and when placed around buildings can reduce
air conditioning needs by 30 percent.
Native plants are preferred and more than 130 native tree species grow across
Pennsylvania. Popular types include the oaks, hickories, maples, dogwood, red bud, sycamore,
and honey-locust.Late summer and early fall are optimum months to plant trees in order to take advantage
of cooler soil temperatures and the ability of trees to establish strong root systems.
In the meantime, enjoy the shade. Summer is the ideal time to consider new plantings and
how and where more trees will make our lives better.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: PA Leaders Must Step Up To Meet Clean Water Commitments
SRBC Report: Water Quality Not Impacted By Drilling
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Philly Water’s Best Friend Competition Opens In 2 Neighborhoods
Dog owners in Fishtown and Washington Square West have just days to make their canines
contenders for the title of Philly Water’s Best Friend . Philadelphia Water’s casting call for
“spokesdogs” ends July 15; top prize: $200 in gifts from local pet stores.
The purpose of the Philly Water’s Best Friend Spokesdog Competition is to keep
waterways clean. Organizers accomplish this by showing locals the importance of picking up
dog waste.
“Believe it or not, the average dog goes over 20 times a week, leaving up to 200 pounds
of waste in its tracks each year,” said Lisa Wool, program director at the Partnership for the
Delaware Estuary. “Multiply that hundreds of dogs per neighborhood and, well, you’re talking
about a big threat to our water. It’s important to pick it up.”
Philadelphia Water and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
have crowned eight
spokesdogs since 2011. They hail from all over Philadelphia, including: East Falls, Fitler Square,
Juniata, Lower Moyamensing, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, University City, Manayunk
and Roxborough.
Contrary to popular opinion, dog waste is not environmentally friendly, nor is it a
fertilizer. Dog poop is a pollutant, and it spreads whenever rain falls or snow melts. This waste
can leech into the earth, runoff into storm drains, and flow into waterways like the Delaware
River. The resulting bacteria and algae can kill fish and even your good time, should a swimming
ban occur.
Voters will select finalists during an online vote August 1-31.
Visit Philly Water’s Best Friend
to enter. Dog owners can also call Melissa Bittner of thePartnership for the Delaware Estuary at (800) 445-4935, extension 112.
July Chesapeake Bay Currents Newsletter Now Available
The July edition of the Chesapeake Bay Currents newsletter is now available from the U.S. EPA
Chesapeake Bay Program feature articles on--
-- Connecting Communities To The Chesapeake Bay
http://www.epa.gov/region3/chesapeake/http://www.epa.gov/region3/chesapeake/http://us6.campaign-archive1.com/?u=f8c6c5815e1e73e0561b6f0f6&id=172af59866&e=4d1b0594behttp://phillywatersheds.org/Spokesdoghttp://www.delawareestuary.org/http://phillywatersheds.org/Spokesdoghttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/water-quality-not-impacted-by-drilling-according-to-new-report/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_28411846/op-ed-pennsylvania-leaders-must-step-up-meet
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-- 17 Public Access Sites Open Along Chesapeake Rivers, Streams
-- Scientists Predict Smaller Than Average Dead Zone For Bay
-- Going Green At School
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: PA Leaders Must Step Up To Meet Clean Water Commitments SRBC Report: Water Quality Not Impacted By Drilling
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Online Tool Highlights Westmoreland County’s Natural Resource Protection Projects
Rain gardens, stream bank fencing, and stabilized roadways are some of the natural resources
protection projects, known as best management practices, that are featured in Westmoreland
Conservation District’s new online Best Management Practices Portfolio.
The portfolio, located on the District’s website, currently highlights 25 different projects
that are on the ground and working to benefit water quality in the region.
Visitors to the site can read about best management practices for stormwatermanagement, watershed restoration, dirt and gravel roads, and agriculture, and can view striking
photos of these projects.
The portfolio is a living document and will be updated as more projects are completed
throughout the county. The District hopes that visitors to the site will be inspired by the projects
and choose to adopt some of the best management practices highlighted in the portfolio.
The BMP portfolio was funded by a Department of Environmental Protection Education
Grant.
For more information, visit Westmoreland’s Best Management Practices Portfolio
webpage.
Water System Conference, Celebrating 20 Years Of Partnership For Safe Water Oct. 28-30
The PA Chapter of the American Water Works Association will host the 2015 Water System
Optimization Conference October 28-30 In Hershey. Click Here for more information on the
Conference agenda and registration information.
Attorney General Announces Environmental Charges Against York County Man
Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane Wednesday announced the filing of criminal charges against
a man accused of improperly storing hazardous waste at his York County business.
Jessie L. Kline, 61, 1711 Manor Road, Windsor, is charged with one count ofmanagement of hazardous waste and four counts of unlawful conduct under the Solid Waste
Management Act.
Kline is the owner of Salvage Management Inc., located at 1900 Manor Road, Lower
Windsor Township. According to a criminal complaint, the Office of Attorney General's
Environmental Crimes Unit started its investigation of Kline and his business after receiving a
referral from the state Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP officials asserted a "history" of problems with Salvage Management Inc., which
http://www.paawwa.org/safe-water/http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.wcdpa.com/bmp/http://www.wcdpa.com/bmp/http://www.wcdpa.com/http://www.wcdpa.com/http://www.bayjournal.com/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/02/water-quality-not-impacted-by-drilling-according-to-new-report/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_28411846/op-ed-pennsylvania-leaders-must-step-up-meethttp://www.chesapeakebay.net/news/newsletters/
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included the illegal storage of solid waste, unpermitted piles of thousands of tires and
contaminated soil. The investigation revealed Kline never obtained a permit from the state to
process, store, treat or dispose of solid waste at his business, investigators allege.
Kline's alleged conduct resulted in a compliance order in 2004 and a subsequent consent
order and agreement, which was filed in 2009 and amended a year later.
Despite those filings, several inspections of the business allegedly showed the site wasrelatively unchanged, with piles of tires and drums of unknown materials stored in box trailers.
The drums contained various substances showing the characteristics of hazardous waste,
investigators allege.
DEP officials in July 2014 issued an order that in part required the removal of all waste
from Kline's business within three months. An inspection conducted in October of that year
allegedly showed little had been done to comply with the order.
An arrest warrant was obtained Tuesday for Kline. The hazardous waste charge filed
against Kline is a second-degree felony punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 per day and/or
imprisonment between two and 10 years. The maximum penalties for the other charges are one
year in prison for each count and a fine up to $25,000 per day during the alleged violations.
The case will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Franz of the Office ofAttorney General's Criminal Prosecutions Section.
The Attorney General’s Office noted a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent
until proven guilty.
NewsClips:
DEP Nearing End Of Environmental Assessment Of Keystone Landfill
Dunmore Council Mum On Keystone Landfill
Cleanup Efforts Continue At Site Of Miller Chemical Plant Fire In Adams
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday issued the following update on the
cleanup efforts and environmental impacts of the June 8 fire at Miller Chemical, a fertilizer plant
in Adams County.
Recreational restrictions have been lifted for the Conewago Creek.
Results of water samples taken at various times and locations since the fire indicate the
waterway is again suitable for fishing, swimming and boating.
Samples were reviewed for pollutants of concern and results were within acceptable
limits under the department’s regulations.
Contaminated runoff water and soil currently stored on site is being hauled to treatment
facilities for proper disposal. Debris from the fire and contaminated soil is being taken to a local
landfill.
Containment measures remain in place to limit the creation of additional contaminatedstormwater runoff.
The New Oxford Municipal Authority’s (NOMA) water intake located on the South
Branch of the Conewago Creek remains closed. New Oxford is receiving water through an
interconnection with the York Water Company and other outside sources. Mandatory restrictions
remain in place and have been effective in allowing NOMA to meet the immediate needs of its
customers.
No significant impacts to the Susquehanna River have been observed or reported.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-council-mum-on-landfill-1.1907461http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-nearing-end-of-environmental-assessment-of-keystone-landfill-expansion-1.1907463
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Public water supplies with intakes located on the Susquehanna reported no significant
change to raw water conditions.
C.O.G.E.N.T. Successfully Completes Pipeline Emergency Training In Northern Tier
C.O.G.E.N.T. (Connection For Oil, Gas And Environment In The Northern Tier ) announcedThursday it has completed Pipeline Emergency training in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna,
Tioga and Wyoming counties.
The group reported over 50 percent of the Northern Tier’s fire companies participated in
the training; 60 percent of participants had no previous pipeline emergency training. They had
higher participation rates in areas that have become new locations for natural gas pipeline
systems.
Participating county emergency management agencies, fire companies and emergency
services squads were provided with a training kit and additional manual to keep in one of their
trucks as a resource in the coming years.
The training sessions were funded by a U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration Technical Assistance Grant. In addition, Access Midstream, Crestwood, UGIEnergy Services and Williams Field Services participated in the training and providing lunch for
all attendees.
A new C.O.G.E.N.T. webpage provides area residents on how the public can react safely
to pipeline emergencies.
NewsClips:
Sunoco Seeks To Calm Fears On Mariner Pipeline
Sunoco Hosts Forums On Mariner Pipeline In Southeast
Pipeline Builder Gives $1.5M To Lancaster Conservation Groups
Millions Of Gallons Needed To Test Lancaster Pipeline
Uncertainty For Homeowners Along Lancaster Pipeline
Pipelines Being Built In Luzerne Concern Residents
FAQ About Pipeline Easements
DEP Completes First Round Of Air Monitoring Near Carbon County Mine Fire
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday said it has completed a first round of air
quality monitoring near the Jeansville mine fire in Banks Township, Carbon County.
Initial air quality results do not indicate an actionable level of gases near the fire.
However DEP will continue monitoring with more sensitive detection equipment for hydrogen
sulfide to ensure the safety of nearby communities.
On several days in the vicinity of Tresckow and north of the mine fire, the Departmentdetected low levels of hydrogen sulfide. A very low level of carbon monoxide was also detected
one day. The levels were near the lower detection limit of the instrument and not at a level that
requires action.
Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that can emit an odor of rotten eggs; carbon monoxide
is both odorless and colorless.
In response to the detections, the Department has acquired a more sensitive instrument
that can detect hydrogen sulfide at much lower levels. The instrument will be put into use the
http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/154268875/Frequently-asked-questions-about-pipeline-easementshttp://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/154237745/http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/uncertainty-for-homeowners-along-pipeline-s-path-in-lancaster-county/article_b4ce829a-1c1b-11e5-8adf-6f831aae178d.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/millions-of-gallons-would-be-pumped-from-lancaster-county-streams/article_4f2a0264-1f3d-11e5-8c7a-eb91ea161c9b.htmlhttp://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pipeline-builder-gives-lancaster-county-conservation-groups-million/article_063f215c-1e79-11e5-bb4a-dbbb42cc39cc.htmlhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/sunoco-to-host-public-forums-on-mariner-east-2-pipeline-in-southeast-pa/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/06/29/sunoco-seeks-to-calm-fears-of-mariner-east-pipeline-project-in-chester-county/http://cogentpa.org/pipeline-emergency/http://cogentpa.org/information-pipeline-emergencies-training-grant/http://cogentpa.org/information-pipeline-emergencies-training-grant/http://cogentpa.org/
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week of July 6.
“The Department believes these actions will better characterize levels of hydrogen sulfide
in the surrounding communities,” said Mike Bedrin, director of DEP’s Northeast Regional
Office. “This is another way to respond to residents’ concerns about air quality near the mine
fire.”
Since April, DEP specialists have conducted 16 monitoring events near the mine fire. Allother gas readings, such as sulfur dioxide and oxygen, were at background levels.
In addition to the air monitoring, drilling of exploratory holes to gather data on the fire
site is progressing. It is anticipated that exploratory drilling will move into an area near protected
long-eared bat habitat next week.
A Declaration of Emergency from the federal Office of Surface Mining allows work to be
done on areas near the bat habitat.
Odor complaints and concerns should be called into the Department’s 24-hour complaint
line at 570-820-4854 or 1-800-541-2050. Department personnel will respond to odor complaints
beyond normal working hours.
NewsClips:
Court Overturns EPA Mercury Rule, Minimal Impact In PA Talen Nonchalant About Court Decision On Mercury Rule
Editorial: Shift To Cleaner Power
Editorial: Collaring The EPA, Hold The Cigars
Regulators Say Erie Coke Corp In Compliance
PUC Releases New Guide To Consumer Complaint Process
The Public Utility Commission Monday released a new Consumer Complaint Procedures Guide,
designed to educate consumers about the Commission’s complaint process. An additional quick
reference sheet, “ Know the PUC Complaint Process and Your Options ,” also offers handy
instructions about how to file a complaint with the PUC.
“These resources are intended to address common questions that are encountered when
filing a complaint against a utility,” said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “For example, it is
important for consumers to understand that they should first contact their utility if they are
experiencing a problem, and that the PUC acts as an intermediary between the customer and
utility. This is one of the most common areas of confusion that we see when consumers reach out
to our Bureau of Consumer Services (BCS) to file a complaint.”
The consumer guide and quick reference sheet are available on the PUC’s website. They
detail the differences between filing an informal versus a formal complaint; provide an
explanation of the complaint filing process; and include information on how to find important
forms online.From January through June, the BCS has received approximately 45,000 consumer
inquiries, and, of those, approximately 30,000 cases have become informal complaint
investigations. The Commission has received 1,122 formal complaints since January.
NewsClips:
More Federal Oversight Of Berwick Nuclear Plant
PUC Commissioner Calls On Electric Utilities To Evolve
Verde Energy Illegally Called Customers’ Cell Phones Lawsuits Say
http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/consumers-powersource/2015/06/30/Verde-Energy-illegally-called-Pennsylvania-customers-cell-phones-lawsuits-say/stories/201506300028http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/06/30/Regulator-Pennsylvania-PUC-wants-electric-utilities-to-evolve-renewable-energy/stories/201506230014http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/more-oversight-due-on-nuke-plant-1.1905783http://www.puc.pa.gov/General/publications_reports/pdf/consumer_complaint_%20trifold.pdfhttp://www.puc.pa.gov/General/publications_reports/pdf/Consumer_Complaints_Procedure_Booklet.pdfhttp://www.goerie.com/regulators-say-erie-coke-corp-in-compliancehttp://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/8652215-74/epa-court-cigarshttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/shift-in-power-1.1906083http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-supreme-court-rules-against-epa-environmental-regulations-20150629-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/06/29/Supreme-Court-overturns-EPA-mercury-power-plant-regulations-MATS-emissions/stories/201506300088
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PA Outdoor Recreation Plan Focuses On Connecting Health, Outdoor Activities
Pennsylvania’s new five-year Outdoor Recreation Plan to connect
citizens to healthy outdoor recreation shows maintenance of
existing park and recreation areas continues to be a top concernand priority for citizens and providers, and that park and
recreation services are a central asset in combating societal health
care issues like obesity and mental health.
As part of Gov. Wolf’s initiative to create “Jobs that Pay” by
promoting outdoor recreation, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams
Dunn released the plan at an event in Pottstown, along with many
partners.
“Part of Gov. Wolf’s vision to create healthy and livable
communities that support jobs that pay includes successfully
serving the recreation needs of those who live, work and play in
them,” Dunn said. “The results of three in-depth surveys tosupport this plan show that Pennsylvania’s population continues to get older and more ethnically
diverse; chronic diseases such as obesity are epidemic; and residents are calling for access to
close-to-home recreation, walkable and bikeable communities, protected lands and waters, and
well-maintained park facilities.
"Based on this information, the plan outlines 20 recommendations and 83 action steps,”
Dunn said. “We will now look for increased opportunities for partnership, strategic investments
and coordinated programming to act on these recommendations.”
The secretary joined local officials, the Schuylkill River Greenway Association and the
Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation making remarks today amidst clinics and
matches occurring on the first day of the Pottstown Rumble outdoor volleyball tournament being
held in Memorial Park.
The outdoor recreation plan was released by partners on the first day of the Pottstown
Rumble outdoor volleyball tournament.
During the same event, the foundation highlighted its second annual “On Your Park, Get
Set, Go!” campaign—a month-long contest in which local parks (within the foundation’s service
area) compete to achieve the highest number of votes, through community usage, to win grant
funds for park improvements.
“‘On Your Park, Get Set, Go!™’ is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness in the
community as to the varied amenities and health and wellness benefits of our local parks,” said
foundation President Dave Kraybill. “This year, we have 14 participating municipalities and
encourage all to visit, vote and donate to further improve our region’s parks. Look for us in a park near you, beginning July 1!”
Some of the specific recommendations in Pennsylvania’s Statewide Comprehensive
Outdoor Recreation Plan: Natural Connections include:
— Maintain existing park, trail and recreation areas, and prioritize other infrastructure needs;
— Challenge communities to increase the portion of their municipal budget dedicated to parks
and recreation to at least 5 percent;
— Support the creation of local park friend and advocacy groups;
http://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/
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— Link grant selection criteria to community projects that strengthen the health and outdoor
recreation connection;
— Help communities become walkable and bike-friendly;
— Develop a Pennsylvania “prescription” program for health care providers to use to encourage
physical activity in the outdoors;
— Launch a mobile-friendly website to help residents easily find local parks; — Develop a unified brand for local parks and recreation with accompanying marketing
strategy;
— Increase access to business development resources and incentives for small tourism and
outdoor recreation businesses and entrepreneurs;
— Work with tourism partners to develop itineraries and travel packages that target the outdoor
recreation product and experience;
— Provide templates so schools and youth-based organizations can incorporate outdoor activities
into curricula; and
— Mitigate impacts of gas development to recreation and consider possibilities to develop new
recreation opportunities.
As in the past, the plan identifies walking for pleasure or fitness as the most popularoutdoor recreation activity in Pennsylvania. Residents also like to take scenic drives and visit
historic places, picnic, and swim. Increasingly they also like to kayak, watch wildlife and
participate in winter sports.
A majority of survey respondents said the main benefit they received from being
outdoors is their mental and physical health. Outdoor places also are perceived as making
communities more desirable places to live, providing children safe places to play, and protecting
the natural environment.
DCNR Secretary Dunn gives a high five for outdoor recreation to Olympian Misty
May-Treanor at the event releasing the statewide plan.
Survey respondents said areas that should be improved included playgrounds, picnic
areas, bike lanes, and lake/stream swimming areas. They listed rental cabins, bike lanes, natural
and wildlife viewing areas, and dog parks as the facilities they would most like to see increased.
The public had many opportunities to contribute to the creation of the plan. Three
stakeholder public meetings were held, and a total of three direct mail and online surveys also
were conducted. More than 10,000 people provided input into the plan’s strategy development.
The completed plan keeps Pennsylvania eligible for federal Land and Water
Conservation funding. Since 1965, Pennsylvania has received almost $165 million to fund
projects that support local parks and historic sites; conserved forests, rivers, lakes and wildlife
habitat; and improved access to recreation.
A copy of the plan is available online
.
NewsClips:3 Rivers Regatta Boat Races Canceled In Pittsburgh
Three Rivers Regatta Takes Over Point In Pittsburgh
Mercyhurst Team Study Tick Control At Presque Isle
D&H Rail Trail Opening New Bridges
Editorial: Moon Lake Park Thrives Under State Control
(Reprinted from the July 1 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy
http://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2015/15-0701-dcnr20.aspxhttp://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2015/15-0701-dcnr20.aspxhttp://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/370786/our-opinion-moon-lake-park-and-other-sites-can-thrive-under-state-control-with-local-support-from-youhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/rail-trail-opening-new-bridges-1.1905266http://www.goerie.com/mercyhurst-team-studying-tick-control-effort-at-presque-islehttp://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/07/02/Three-Rivers-Regatta-takes-over-the-Point-this-weekend/stories/201507020082http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8673472-74/regatta-boat-pittsburghhttp://www.paoutdoorrecplan.com/
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(bottom of the page).)
PA Environmental Council Receives $1.5M Trails Grant From William Penn Foundation
The PA Environmental Council Monday announced it has received a $1.5 million grant from the
William Penn Foundation for support of development of the Circuit trail network in Bucks,Delaware, and Philadelphia counties.
The funding, spread over two years, will enable PEC to focus on portions of the East
Coast Greenway , a trail stretching from Florida to Maine that is also a critical link in completing
the 750-mile Circuit.
“The William Penn Foundation’s commitment to completion of the Circuit is doubly
significant because of the trail work itself, and the importance that this network has to the
Philadelphia region,” PEC Executive Vice President Patrick Starr said. “The Foundation’s most
recent grant continues its commitment to ensuring alternative transportation for Philadelphians.”
Currently, 300 miles of the Circuit are open for use, while 400 remain to be built.
Working with a variety of partners, PEC has been a key factor in the creation of the Circuit as a
policy leader and as an implementer of trails.In particular, PEC has been involved with the planning and implementation of one of the
Circuit’s trunk lines—the East Coast Greenway—for more than a decade. The Circuit itself was
formally announced in May 2012. The grant period runs from July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017.
The grant also enables PEC to start the process of linking the Circuit with trail
development that has occurred and continues to grow in the Northeastern part of the state.
The ability to engage in additional endorsement of trail development and further
advocacy and leadership in statewide trail initiatives throughout Pennsylvania is a principal goal
of PEC’s 2015 Strategic Program Plan.
It is PEC’s aim to connect the people of the Commonwealth to the outdoors and educate
them about the state’s rich natural resources while engaging them in environmental stewardship
and advocacy. The continuation of the Circuit is a practical way for Pennsylvanians to explore,
experience, and enjoy Pennsylvania’s diverse outdoor resources.
“PEC is a leader in trail planning and promotion statewide, and this grant further
solidifies that fact,” PEC President and CEO David Woodwell said. “It is PEC’s goal to get
Pennsylvanians outdoors and in touch with the Commonwealth’s astounding natural resources to
engage citizens in the protection and restoration of the environment.”
As part of its statewide trail initiative, PEC is also a member of the Industrial Heartland
Trails Coalition
, a group of 20 organizations in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Northern
West Virginia, Western Maryland, and Southwestern New York working to complete and
connect a system of 1,600 miles of share use trails.
Now 53 percent complete, the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition includes the GreatAllegheny Passage, a trail that hosts over 800,000 trips annually and generates over $40 million
in direct annual spending from its trail users.
PEC’s vision is that by 2033, the 53-county region will be positioned as the epicenter of a
multi-use trail system in the region.
For more information on activities and programs, visit the PA Environmental Council
website.
NewsClips:
http://pecpa.org/http://ihearttrails.org/tag/industrial-heartland-trails-coalition/http://ihearttrails.org/tag/industrial-heartland-trails-coalition/http://www.greenway.org/http://www.greenway.org/http://www.williampennfoundation.org/http://pecpa.org/
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3 Rivers Regatta Boat Races Canceled In Pittsburgh
Three Rivers Regatta Takes Over Point In Pittsburgh
Mercyhurst Team Study Tick Control At Presque Isle
D&H Rail Trail Opening New Bridges
Editorial: Moon Lake Park Thrives Under State Control
Gypsy Moth Meeting Set In Lackawanna County
Cherry Springs State Park Dark Sky Programs In Potter County
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Wednesday announced it will be initiating several changes
at the park in an effort to preserve the “dark sky” experience
while improving visitors’ satisfaction and safety at Cherry
Springs State Park in Potter County.
“Interest in Cherry Springs State Park and its Night
Sky Tour astronomy programs is growing exponentially.
The park’s Dark Sky designation is drawing visitors fromhundreds of miles away with international representation to
the Pennsylvania Wilds,” said Bureau of State Parks
Director David Kemmerer. ”It is inspiring to see so many people combining their love of the
outdoors with an innate curiosity about the stars.”
Cherry Springs State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park by the Dark
Sky Association -- it is the only Dark Sky Park in Pennsylvania. This designation indicates the
park’s location provides exceptional night-time beauty, dark skies education programming, and
preservation of the night-time environment.
Since its designation in 2008, attendance for the park’s evening programs has grown to
top related