Download - Pa Environment Digest March 17, 2014
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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa March 17, 2014
DCNR Releases Q/A On Proposed Additional Natural Gas Leasing On State Lands
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday
released a fact sheeton Gov. Corbetts proposal to lease additional
state lands for natural gas development so long as the new leases do
not involve additional surface disturbance. The Governor saidadditional leasing could raise $75 million.
At DCNRs budget hearing in February, Secretary Ferretti
said the additional leasing would include deep, horizontal drilling from
adjacent private land without additional surface impacts under State
Parks or drilling from existing or planning well pads on State Forest land.
Shesaid DCNR would be accepting proposals from drilling companies and would not offer
specific tracks for lease.
The Governor will issue a new Executive Order specifically guaranteeing additional leasing will
have no impact on surface impacts on state lands. She noted it is an opportunity to generate more
funding without increasing taxes. The revenues will be prioritized for use within DCNR specifically unde
the Executive Order.Secretary Ferretti added neither DCNRs proposed budget or the Enhance Penns Woods
initiative would be dependent on additional gas leasing.
Questions have been raised by a number of groups about what non-surface disturbance
leasing means and as a response DCNR released this fact sheet. The text follows
Q: What is the Governors proposal on additional leasing of state-owned oil and gas rights?
A: Gov. Tom Corbett proposes to generate new revenue through limited leasing of DCNR lands in a
manner which prohibits additional surface disturbance on state parks and forests. This balanced
approach will ensure that the special characteristics and habitats of DCNR lands are conserved and
protected, while allowing for historic investments in environmental and conservation programs public
education access to quality health care and public safety, without raising taxes on Pennsylvanians.
Q: What does non-surface disturbance of DCNR lands mean?A: Non-surface disturbance of DCNR lands means that no new or additional physical disturbance will
occur on the surface of state forest or park land as a result of this leasing activity. Natural gas will be
accessed through the use of directional and horizontal drilling.
Q: How much revenue does this proposal anticipate generating?
A: The proposed budget projects $75 million being generated from bonus payments for the right to
develop natural gas deposited more than a mile beneath the ground. This revenue will help the
Commonwealth make record investments in environmental and conservation programs public
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcs%2Fgroups%2Fpublic%2Fdocuments%2Fdocument%2Fdcnr_20028828.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHy32hPDXb3od0j44gIprADmyW0kAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27763%26SubjectID%3D195&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF0GGVVso_Ou13fKnfslQvDLGGLZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcs%2Fgroups%2Fpublic%2Fdocuments%2Fdocument%2Fdcnr_20028828.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHy32hPDXb3od0j44gIprADmyW0kAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ -
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education access to quality health care and public safety.
Specific areas and acreage will be analyzed by reviewing interest from operators who can
access the gas through horizontal drilling without additional disturbance on the surface of DCNR lands.
Q: Would this proposal generate any revenue in addition to the bonus payments? How much?
A: Yes. In future years, production of gas underlying DCNR-managed land would generate royalty
income for the taxpayers of Pennsylvania. It is difficult to estimate how much revenue, as that isdependent upon many factors, such as when wells are put into production, as well as the price of natural
gas. DCNR typically commands a royalty rate of 18 percent or more of the value of the natural gas
sold.
Q: How does the Governor propose to allocate future royalty revenues from new leases?
A: The governor will issue an Executive Order to prioritize the use of future royalty revenue in three key
areas: state park and forest infrastructure improvements acquisition of high-value inholdings and
acquisition of privately-owned oil and gas rights underlying high-value state park and forest lands which
may not be suitable for drilling activity. DCNR estimates that approximately 80 percent of the oil and
gas rights underlying state park land is privately owned.
Q: How does this proposal differ from prior DCNR leases for the development of
unconventional natural gas?A: DCNR has conducted three significant lease offerings during the modern Marcellus Shale-era: one in
2008 and two in 2010. These lease offerings generally limited surface disturbance on state forest land to
no more than approximately two percent of the total acres leased.
Under the Governors proposal, no new disturbance would be authorized on the surface of
state forest or park land. Natural gas would be accessed through surface activity which occurs on
private, adjacent lands or from well pad sites which already exist or are planned under pre-existing
leases.
The advent and refinement of directional and horizontal drilling allows for the recovery of natura
gas through the use of laterals that can reach a mile or more in length and are typically located a mile or
more underground.
Q: Does this proposal require legislative approval?
A: Under Act 18 of 1995, the General Assembly has already provided legislative authority for DCNR
to enter into leases for the development of oil and gas underlying state forest and state park land.
Legislative approval is necessary to appropriate any revenue generated from new leases.
Q: What investments does this budget make in Pennsylvanias award winning state parks and
forests?
A: As part of his budget proposal, Gov. Corbett outlined his Enhance Penns Woods initiative which
would invest over $200 million in state park and forest infrastructure improvements over two years.
Enhance Penns Woods includes $45 million in Growing Greener Bond Act funds realized from
bond premiums and interest, along with $57 million in capital budget commitments.
Additionally, other funding streams will be focused upon state park and forest infrastructureimprovements. This initiative represents the largest two-year funding commitment to state park and
forest infrastructure in the history of the Commonwealth.
Q: How does Executive Order 2010-5 affect this proposal?
A: The current executive order, issued in October 2010, prohibits the leasing of any land owned and
managed by DCNR. While intended to protect the critical characteristics, habitat, and multiple uses of
the surface land, the broad wording of this executive order precludes new leases which can avoid
conflicts and disturbance on the surface of DCNR managed lands through the
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D512%26objID%3D708%26PageID%3D224602%26mode%3D2%26contentid%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fpubcontent.state.pa.us%2Fpublishedcontent%2Fpublish%2Fcop_general_government_operations%2Foa%2Foa_portal%2Fomd%2Fp_and_p%2Fexecutive_orders%2F2010_2019%2Fitems%2F2010_05.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGGvuQmY131qPYFqCFGgSh-oXgx1g -
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utilization of directional and horizontal drilling.
The Governor will issue a new executive order that prohibits the leasing of lands owned and
managed by DCNR which would result in any additional disturbance to the surface of state forest or
park land. The executive order will also direct the use of future royalty revenue from new leases for
three key areas: state park and forest infrastructure improvements acquisition of high-value inholdings
and acquisition of privately-owned oil and gas rights underlying high-value state park and forest landswhich may not be suitable for drilling activity.
A copy of the fact sheet is available online.
The proposal and a new report on the impacts of natural gas development in State Forests are
expected to be discussed at the April 16 meeting of DCNRs Natural Gas Advisory Committee.
For more information, visit DCNRsNatural Gas Development and State Forestswebpage.
NewsClips:
Letter: Op-Ed Misrepresented Corbett Drilling Plan
Whats Still At Stake In Act 13 Drilling Law Court Battle
Elk County Twp. Prepares For Battle Against Deep Injection Well
Tri-State Policy Groups Push For Marcellus Severance Tax
Natural Gas Tax Could Factor Into Gubernatorial RacePA Loses Millions In Shale Gas Dollars
Bumsted: Natural Gas Severance Tax Ahead?
Editorial: End Excuses, Fairly Tax Natural Gas
Editorial: PA, OH, WV Severance Tax Plan
House Committee Weighs Gas Royalty Legislation
Attorney General reviewing Complaints About Gas Well Royalties
Another Skeleton In Chesapeake Energy Closet, Royalties
Chesapeake Energys $5 Billion Shuffle
Bumsted: Natural Gas Severance Tax Ahead?
Tough Opposition Delays House Vote On Endangered Species Bill, But It Isnt Over
Attempts by sponsors to have a House vote this week on House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong), which
would remove significant protections for threatened and endangered species during environmental
permit reviews, suffered a setback this week as a nearly united coalition of sportsmen and environmental
groups worked to oppose the bill.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PAand many other
groups opposed the bill because it would do nothing to address the real permit review issues of concern
to many while significantly limiting protection for species.
House Bill 1576 makes no actual changes to the current permit review process instead, it
places political hurdles in front of new species listings, and imposes unclear standards on listingdeterminations and data sharing. It also systematically drops hundreds of species of concern from the
permit review process, irrespective of their status in the state, welcoming potential federal listings in the
future, said John Walliser, Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs for PEC.
But this issue isnt over. House Bill 1576 remains on the House voting schedule for next week.
There is also a companion bill in the Senate-- Senate Bill 1047(Scarnati-R-Jefferson)-- that
same thing. Sen. Rich Alloway (R-Adams), Majority Chair of the Senate Game and Fisheries
Committee, indicated he was planning to have a second hearing on the Senate Bill, but it has not yet
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FcteeInfo%2FIndex.cfm%3FCode%3D11%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE88Prisxw4dwCFHw3fh8bNdIqePghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FcteeInfo%2FIndex.cfm%3FCode%3D11%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE88Prisxw4dwCFHw3fh8bNdIqePghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1047&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF2PA6KYg0aeQgY-p7DknwuELNXCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28019&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-j4jgnttx784jEG-x-0lKelnyAAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28018&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEg1nJSvqYDO9Em8oyxcjkb6C95qghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1576&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_k9XMs4o51NThNoeaZsNDxvlgAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Fbradbumsted%2F5710545-74%2Ftax-corbett-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHL1WWq-zBPBLTDb4J_CH6Cscq0NAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Fchesapeake-energys-5-billion-shuffle%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTWaelKmwWNrk_9EsS_Okgz_lpbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Finvesting%2Fgeneral%2F2014%2F03%2F12%2Fanother-skeleton-begins-to-emerge-from-hiding-in-c.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXTAexF9H5jlRe-68i23hG1HnoGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fattorney_generals_office_revie.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFo-SlL3m5B6XOFZF9Tg5onKwepoghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F11%2Fhouse-panel-weighs-gas-royalty-legislation%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpoqGTfDPwAwsA6CEMvugH2FbFTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2Fa-plan-for-pa-ohio-and-w-va-to-impose%2Farticle_e60a4b34-a893-11e3-8b76-0017a43b2370.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFflL5vfeMzHu262--C4IANxZJpeQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fend-excuses-fairly-tax-gas-1.1648896&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGL6H5JKnQ0JZHUX1pagNIZdgDJqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Fbradbumsted%2F5710545-74%2Ftax-corbett-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHL1WWq-zBPBLTDb4J_CH6Cscq0NAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.examiner.com%2Farticle%2Fpennsylvanians-lose-millions-shale-gas-dollars-as-corbett-raises-gasoline-tax&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvg0R8OobJzxLjAGXxnt3a92Jtkwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5739452-74%2Ftax-corbett-gas%23axzz2vdq3viUD&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF8gvfi0sC-ISgp7lFHk-0Qca_m1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fblog%2Fenergy%2F2014%2F03%2Fpolicy-groups-push-for-marcellus-severance-tax-in.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE2ZbGZyL7vOvVd2M2SmK50O2MUGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Felk-county-township-prepares-for-battle-against-deep-injection-well%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_FEarq-CxdEctjsCJlR1QB9IwOAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Fwhats-still-at-stake-in-the-act-13-court-battle%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGphrVpI3CNXCBO_1ihubfrub_CLghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fex-rendell_aide_misrepresented.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjfgVjZhHM73GZDsv0ZgYCxsTW5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2FNaturalGas%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEX7-YLvpBn55AW7spuomP0voo9jAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2FNaturalGas%2Fngadvisorycomm%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrIB8KJlrkg6gMXtUguhoOe6C4wAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcs%2Fgroups%2Fpublic%2Fdocuments%2Fdocument%2Fdcnr_20028828.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHy32hPDXb3od0j44gIprADmyW0kA -
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been scheduled.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Deceptive Bill Wont Protect Endangered Species
Contract Arranged Game Commission Directors Early Exit
$220K Payout Proposed To Avoid Lawsuit Against Game Commission
Attorney General Examines Deal With Game Commission DirectorCorbetts Office Takes Aim At Another Game Commission Official
Game Commission Official Moonlighting As Gas Leasing Advisor
Corbett Moves Against Game Commission Employee
Hunters Harvest 352,920 Deer
Visits From Doe Provides Close View Of Natures Fragility
Game Commission Enrolls 30th WCO Cadets
HBG Peregrine Falcons Eggs Expected
Hummingbird Migration Hits Florida With PA In Its Sights
Ned Smith Center Reschedules Susquehanna Waterfowl Watch
Snow Geese Arrive En Masse At Middle Creek
In Memoriam: Arthur A. Davis, Former Secretary Dept. Of Environmental Resources
Former Department of Environmental Resources Secretary Arthur A.
Davis (91) passed away at his home on March 9 surrounded by his wife
and other family members.
Davis served as DER Secretary from January 1987 to January
1995 under Gov. Robert P. Casey and was the fifth Secretary of the
agency. (Photo courtesy of DCNR-DEP from a poster in the lobby of
the Rachel Carson Building this week honoring Davis.)
During his tenure, several major environmental programs were
enacted into law: Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling Waste
Reduction Act establishing one of the first statewide curbside recycling
programs, Act 108 Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program to parallel the federal Superfund Program, Act
54 protecting surface structures and water sources from the impacts of longwall mining, creating the
Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, regulating nutrient loading from farms under the
Nutrient Management Act, the Environmental Education Act funding education program with DER
penalty monies, Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act regulating aboveground and underground
storage tanks, Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Act relating to safe disposal of low-level waste,
the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Act funding preparedness at nuclear power plants,
establishing the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Program to fund local recreation
and State Park and Forest improvements, legislation creating the Rails-To-Trails Program andestablishing the Wild Resource Conservation Fund vehicle license to fund research into threatened and
endangered species.
Click Herefor more details on accomplishments during his time as DER Secretary.
Among his accomplishments while Secretary was to help DER navigate through bitter fights
with legislators and private interests about landfills and recycling. He was strict enforcer of hazardous
waste policy and protections for wetlands and waterways, and pressed for cleanup and accountability
for the 1990 oil spill on the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, said Cindy Adams Dunn, President and
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CEO of PennFuture. One of his proudest accomplishments was establishing Pennsylvanias mandatory
recycling program that is among the most progressive in the nation. He fought for funding for State
Parks, remarking there was never enough. Art worked to ensure surface mining cleanup and
reclamation and enforce the posting of bonds by coal companies to ensure reclamation. On the 20th
anniversary of Earth Day in 1990, he made his way to work by canoeing across the Susquehanna River.
Art was known for his wit and his colorful sayings are in use today by many who know Art.My personal favorite is Well jump off that bridge when we come to it Another favorite was This
soaps been around the bathtub before when someone keeps bringing up the same issue, added
Dunn.
Among other honors, Davis received theNational Wetlands Awardfrom the Environmental
Law Institute in 1990.
Prior to DER, Davis served as the Goddard Chair at Penn State University, Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy and U.S .Fish and Wildlife Service for protection of the White River in
Arkansas. His work at Western Pennsylvania Conservancy focused on the conservation of
Pennsylvanias northern forests.
In-lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed
Association, c/o Gil Freedman, President CCWA, 49 Sample Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg, PA17050.
Click Herefor a copy of the full obituary.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as alist of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (March 17): House Bill 2039(Moul-R-Adams) further providing for membership of the
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin-- sponsor summary House Resolution 583
(Molchany-D-Allegheny) designating January 13-19 Mt. Washington Emerald View Park Trail Week--
sponsor summary House Resolution 648(Millard-R-Columbia) Urging Congress to reexamine the
Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act . Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (March 17):Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) encouraging the reuse of mine drainageand mine pool water for drilling operations Senate Bill 1236(Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing royalty
interest owners of oil and gas wells to inspect records of gas companies to verify proper payments
Senate Bill 1237(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibiting gas companies from retaliating against royalty interest
owners of oil and gas wells by terminating their lease agreement Senate Bill 1238(Yaw-R-Lycoming)
requiring gas companies to fill a satisfaction piece in the county Recorder of Deeds office when oil and
gas leases are terminated Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D- Luzerne) changing the definition of lead
free under the Plumbing System Lead Ban and Notification Act to conform to federal requirements--
sponsor summary. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House:the Environmental Resources and Energy Committeemeets to consider House Bill 1684
(Everett-R-Lycoming) relating to minimum oil and gas well royalties- sponsor summary the Consumer
Affairs Committeeholds a hearing on variable-rate electricity price contracts the Game and
Fisheries Committeeholds a hearing on deer management. Click Herefor full House Committee
Schedule.
Senate:the Appropriations Committeemeets to consider Senate Bill 1037 (Vogel-R-Beaver)
eliminating the summer low RVP gasoline requirement in Western PA the Consumer Protection and
Professional Licensure Committeeconsiders the nomination of Robert F. Powelson as Chairman of
the Public Utility Commission and holds a hearing on electric reliability in Warminster. ClickHerefor full Senate Committee Schedule.
Other: Legislative Budget and Finance Committeemeets to consider release of reports, among
them: Update on the feasibility of combining the Game and Fish and Boat Commissions.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1037&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGCCT-s0dehCfIqle1e32AQQ7FT-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13074&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6yQilMMiY1PznXKY9gUokyiXojQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1684&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLO7PB50CZ34gTSRfNjNRouyNklQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13902&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk0g8fVdpeOzUv3C3DcHh3c4Y0nAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1254&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5zy7wY0sQqaaW9uDFMwZlRKF4zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1238&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlfmMY8Xsm2vw7wvKDKAB9OlgtLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1237&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcrm1oHFNqxLrXkxxc6LnaOgZR0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1236&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcg0k6IaTCM2EgPKcFMtilzpsm9Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D411&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJ_Ezd-jsznxl4gVNvQRCbuQOpLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0648&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHj3v1A9iCnJArr3AppCc2Yj6F8Pghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13776&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm3olfXqFTB6Cv5m8PaEhYTtnHCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0583&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzl8z1YSGztFnK25h4_VrUN_NfaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D12827&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFZYyuv_SWAEGWVM54tqBX-3xdPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2039&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9pTRPtgMuiHbIcOuIriY7U0-REQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CA -
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Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and EnergyConsumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and EnergyConsumer 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 this week--
Heating Oil Delivery: House Bill 2064(Maloney-R-Berks) further providing for liability relating to
the accidental delivery of heating oil to a residential dwelling-- sponsor summary.
Delaware Reservoirs:House Resolution 674(Petri-R-Bucks) memoralizing the Governor to take
certain actions relating to year-round capacity of the city of New York-owned reservoirs affecting the
Delaware River Basin- sponsor summary.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
House
March 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
May 5, 6, 7
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14138&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE76uHsyINr42_u8rCgRgB_rQflqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0674&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGdEmr-yLopXYeAq15ihH_JxCq-pQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14006&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHe-jkjXLRKIRgrodYS0_-XfVgwCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2064&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJNcXdWf-TIQeGKIWbsa92dkTEfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0IvrazqU61quAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D12%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHChd4URUtlhk9tHinZDzI9l2PFSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRA -
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June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Senate
March 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
May 5, 6, 7June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
Federal Flood Insurance: House Resolution 648(Millard-R-Columbia) Urging Congress to
reexamine the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act was amended and reported out of the
House Insurance Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Potomac River Basin: House Bill 2039(Moul-R-Adams) further providing for membership of the
Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin-- sponsor summary-- was reported out of the
House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Senate
Geospatial Council:Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial
Coordinating Board was amended on the Senate Floor and was passed by the Senate. The bill now
goes to the House for its action.
Aggregate Advisory Board:Senate Bill 1155(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing an Aggregate
Advisory Board at DEP was amended and reported out by the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Oil & Gas Royalties:Senate Bill 1236(Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing royalty interest owners of oil
and gas wells to inspect records of gas companies to verify proper payments (amended), Senate Bill
1237(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibiting gas companies from retaliating against royalty interest owners of
oil and gas wells by terminating their lease agreement (amended), Senate Bill 1238(Yaw-R-Lycoming)
requiring gas companies to fill a satisfaction piece in the county Recorder of Deeds office when oil and
gas leases are terminated (amended) were reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources andEnergy Committee and are now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Lead Ban:Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D- Luzerne) changing the definition of lead free under the
Plumbing System Lead Ban and Notification Act to conform to federal requirements-- sponsor
summary-- was reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now
on the Senate Calendar for action.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13902&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk0g8fVdpeOzUv3C3DcHh3c4Y0nAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13902&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk0g8fVdpeOzUv3C3DcHh3c4Y0nAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1254&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5zy7wY0sQqaaW9uDFMwZlRKF4zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1238&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlfmMY8Xsm2vw7wvKDKAB9OlgtLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1237&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcrm1oHFNqxLrXkxxc6LnaOgZR0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1237&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcrm1oHFNqxLrXkxxc6LnaOgZR0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1236&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcg0k6IaTCM2EgPKcFMtilzpsm9Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1155&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHltr8v0cEyhMJ1LRgT0SeWAVwurQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D12827&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFZYyuv_SWAEGWVM54tqBX-3xdPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2039&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9pTRPtgMuiHbIcOuIriY7U0-REQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0648&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHj3v1A9iCnJArr3AppCc2Yj6F8Pg -
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News From The Capitol
Senate Committee Reports Out Bills On Oil And Gas Well Royalty, Other Issues
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy CommitteeTuesday reported out a three bill package
on the issue of calculating oil and gas well royalties and other legislation. The bills include---- Senate Bill 1236(Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing royalty interest owners of oil and gas wells to
inspect records of gas companies to verify proper payments (amended)
-- Senate Bill 1237(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibiting gas companies from retaliating against royalty
interest owners of oil and gas wells by terminating their lease agreement (amended)
-- Senate Bill 1238(Yaw-R-Lycoming) requiring gas companies to fill a satisfaction piece in the county
Recorder of Deeds office when oil and gas leases are terminated (amended)
-- Senate Bill 1155(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing an Aggregate Advisory Board at DEP
(amended) and
-- Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D-Luzerne) changing the definition of lead free under the Plumbing
System Lead Ban and Notification Act to conform to federal requirements-- sponsor summary.
The bills are now on the Senate Calendar for further action.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne)
serves as Minority Chair.
NewsClips:
House Committee Weighs Gas Royalty Legislation
Attorney General reviewing Complaints About Gas Well Royalties
Another Skeleton In Chesapeake Energy Closet, Royalties
Chesapeake Energys $5 Billion Shuffle
House Committee To Consider Gas Well Royalty Bill March 17
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committeeis scheduled to meet on March 17 to
consider legislation to address recent issues with calculating royalties from oil and gas well-- House Bill
1684(Everett-R-Lycoming) relating to minimum oil and gas well royalties- sponsor summary.
The bill was on the Committees agenda last week, but after a long discussion of the issue no
vote was taken.
The meeting will be held in Room B-31 Main Capitol starting at 11:00 a.m.
Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) is Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. Greg Vitali
(D-Delaware) is Minority Chair.
NewsClips:
House Committee Weighs Gas Royalty Legislation
Attorney General reviewing Complaints About Gas Well RoyaltiesAnother Skeleton In Chesapeake Energy Closet, Royalties
Chesapeake Energys $5 Billion Shuffle
News From Around The State
Sen. Yaw: Attorney General Will Review Royalty Complaints Against Chesapeake Energy
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Fchesapeake-energys-5-billion-shuffle%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTWaelKmwWNrk_9EsS_Okgz_lpbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Finvesting%2Fgeneral%2F2014%2F03%2F12%2Fanother-skeleton-begins-to-emerge-from-hiding-in-c.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXTAexF9H5jlRe-68i23hG1HnoGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fattorney_generals_office_revie.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFo-SlL3m5B6XOFZF9Tg5onKwepoghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F11%2Fhouse-panel-weighs-gas-royalty-legislation%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpoqGTfDPwAwsA6CEMvugH2FbFTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13074&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6yQilMMiY1PznXKY9gUokyiXojQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1684&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLO7PB50CZ34gTSRfNjNRouyNklQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1684&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLO7PB50CZ34gTSRfNjNRouyNklQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Fchesapeake-energys-5-billion-shuffle%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTWaelKmwWNrk_9EsS_Okgz_lpbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Finvesting%2Fgeneral%2F2014%2F03%2F12%2Fanother-skeleton-begins-to-emerge-from-hiding-in-c.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXTAexF9H5jlRe-68i23hG1HnoGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fattorney_generals_office_revie.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFo-SlL3m5B6XOFZF9Tg5onKwepoghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F11%2Fhouse-panel-weighs-gas-royalty-legislation%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpoqGTfDPwAwsA6CEMvugH2FbFTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13902&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk0g8fVdpeOzUv3C3DcHh3c4Y0nAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1254&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5zy7wY0sQqaaW9uDFMwZlRKF4zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1155&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHltr8v0cEyhMJ1LRgT0SeWAVwurQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1238&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlfmMY8Xsm2vw7wvKDKAB9OlgtLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1237&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcrm1oHFNqxLrXkxxc6LnaOgZR0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1236&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcg0k6IaTCM2EgPKcFMtilzpsm9Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fenvironmental.pasenategop.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGRDHWMYN0v31ZePBn-Pd6K-qG-2g -
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Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee, Thursday announced the Office of Attorney General has responded to his letter requesting
an official inquiry into the post-production cost deduction practices of Chesapeake Energy.
The Attorney Generals Office said: We have also received numerous complaints from citizens
located in the Marcellus Shale region, including your district, regarding royalty payments. Your letter
and the complaints have been forwarded to the Antitrust Section of the Office for a response.At the request of the Attorney Generals Office, I am encouraging impacted leaseholders
throughout my Senate District to send complete copies of their leases and addendums, along with any
records of payment, to my office, Sen. Yaw said. This information is valuable to the Attorney Genera
as she thoroughly reviews the complaints.
In his letter dated February 13th, Sen. Yaw noted that thousands of contracts have been
executed between gas companies and landowners in his Senate district. With no background in the oil
and gas industry, local Pennsylvanians became consumers relying on the representations of landmen
working for the gas companies.
Sen. Yaw further noted that over the past year, a serious issue has arisen between the contract
language regarding post production costs, the representations made by the landmen and the Guaranteed
Minimum Royalty Act.Sen. Yaw is encouraging affected leaseholders to email him at: [email protected] mail the
information to his Harrisburg Office at: Senate Box 203023, State Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA
17120.
I appreciate Attorney General Kane taking these additional steps in reviewing complaints from
my constituents, Sen. Yaw added.
NewsClips:
Attorney General reviewing Complaints About Gas Well Royalties
Another Skeleton In Chesapeake Energy Closet, Royalties
House Committee Weighs Gas Royalty Legislation
Chesapeake Energys $5 Billion Shuffle
Registration Now Open: West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium April 10-11
Trout Unlimitedand the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalitionwill host the 7th West Branch
Susquehanna Restoration Symposiumon April 10-11 at the Toftrees Golf Resort and Conference
Center, State College.
April 10 will host a workshop on how to apply for and manage grants. April 11 will be filled
with a variety of presentations on topics related to abandoned mine drainage cleanup efforts in the West
Branch Susquehanna watershed.
Student Poster Contest
A student poster competition will be held on April 10th in conjunction with the 7th West BranchSusquehanna Restoration Symposium. Posters should present research related to abandoned mine
drainage, abandoned mine reclamation, or a related topic.
Projects with a focus in the West Branch Susquehanna River basin are preferred, but not
required.
Each student entering a poster will have the registration fee for April 10 and April 11 waived. A
monetary award will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place contestants.
To enter, send an abstract (250 word maximum) along with your name, affiliation and contact
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbsrc.com%2F2014%2520Symposium.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjirC8cGgRb2MHr7LSCK7vulQ9lwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbsrc.com%2F2014%2520Symposium.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjirC8cGgRb2MHr7LSCK7vulQ9lwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbsrc.com%2Findex.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXYDw0FsMTbsH8SRkfCoXoveI7pAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tu.org%2Ftu-projects%2Feastern-abandoned-mines-project&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5lOFbhkvfXXe9G60dX27jD7kR5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F14%2Fchesapeake-energys-5-billion-shuffle%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTWaelKmwWNrk_9EsS_Okgz_lpbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F03%2F11%2Fhouse-panel-weighs-gas-royalty-legislation%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpoqGTfDPwAwsA6CEMvugH2FbFTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fool.com%2Finvesting%2Fgeneral%2F2014%2F03%2F12%2Fanother-skeleton-begins-to-emerge-from-hiding-in-c.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXTAexF9H5jlRe-68i23hG1HnoGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fattorney_generals_office_revie.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFo-SlL3m5B6XOFZF9Tg5onKwepogmailto:[email protected] -
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information to Dr. Jennifer Demchak by sending email to:[email protected] 5:00 p.m. on
March 28.
Research Posters: If you are not a student, but would still like to display a research poster there
will be a free area to display your work. If you would like to display a poster please contact Rebecca
Holler by sending email to: [email protected] more details.
For more information: Contact Trout Unlimited at 570-748-4901 or send email to:[email protected]. Get updates about the Symposium by visiting the West Branch Susquehanna
Restoration Symposiumwebpage.
NewsClips:
CBF Urges Residents To Reverse Lancaster Decision On Bay Challenge
Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Had It Wrong On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Letter: Patriot Had It Right First Time On Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Opens 2014 Save The Bay Photo Contest
The Chesapeake Bay FoundationMonday announced it is now accepting submissions for its annual
Save The Bay Photo Contest from both amateurs and professionals. The deadline is April 11.CBF is seeking photographs that illustrate the positive aspects of the Bay and its rivers and
streams. They want to see your vision of the Bay regionfrom Pennsylvania to Virginia, from the
Shenandoah Mountains to the Eastern Shore.
Images depicting people, wildlife, recreation, and farms within the watershed will all be
considered. All photos must include water from the Chesapeake Bay or a river, stream, creek, or other
body of water inside the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Official judging will be conducted by a panel of CBF employees who will judge entries on
subject matter, composition, focus, lighting, uniqueness, and impact. The public will also be able to vote
online for their favorite photo in the Viewers' Choice Gallery.
All winners will receive a cash award: First Prize: $500: Second Prize: $250 Third Prize: $150
and Viewers' Choice: $100.
In addition, the first-prize photograph will appear in CBF's 2015 calendar. And that's not all: All
winners will also receive a one-year membership to CBF and will have their photos displayed on CBF's
website, in a CBF e-newsletter, and in CBF's Save the Bay magazine.
For more information, visit CBFs Save The Bay Photo Contest webpage.
NewsClips:
CBF Urges Residents To Reverse Lancaster Decision On Bay Challenge
Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Had It Wrong On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Letter: Patriot Had It Right First Time On Chesapeake Bay
CBF Urges Lancaster County Residents To Keep Clean Water Momentum Moving
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PAsent an action alertto its members in Lancaster County alerting
them Lancaster County government has signed on to a legal brief supporting an appeal filed by 21 states
outsidethe Chesapeake Bay Watershed to overturn Chesapeake Bay cleanup standards.
CBF urged concerned citizens to urge Lancaster commissioners to withdraw from the appeal.
The text of the action alert follows--
Keep Lancaster Countys Clean Water Momentum Moving Forward!
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fnational%2Fhealth-science%2Ffrom-alaska-to-florida-attorneys-general-join-fight-to-end-chesapeake-bay-cleanup%2F2014%2F02%2F05%2Fd88a426c-8e7f-11e3-b46a-5a3d0d2130da_story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwYKBv9yo3Wb1FG3NR1H-1j1IFbQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fnational%2Fhealth-science%2Ffrom-alaska-to-florida-attorneys-general-join-fight-to-end-chesapeake-bay-cleanup%2F2014%2F02%2F05%2Fd88a426c-8e7f-11e3-b46a-5a3d0d2130da_story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwYKBv9yo3Wb1FG3NR1H-1j1IFbQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftakeaction.cbf.org%2Fp%2Fdia%2Faction3%2Fcommon%2Fpublic%2F%3Faction_KEY%3D13255&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWSrB1wxrAELUAoO0gdQSFop0KXghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fpennlive_had_it_right_the_firs.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFukF-PwxqTLgrkAONhW9xnUZSrRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fthe_farm_bureau_had_it_wrong_o.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFo1cG5BHgwT5ferW8aTEjzzeWNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgroup-urges-residents-to-log-their-disappointment-with-lancaster-county%2Farticle_404c950a-a959-11e3-8b9d-001a4bcf6878.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEveI7E13FEnYh0ryfpJLJ2KE50wAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fevents%2Fphoto-contest%3Fsrctid%3D1%26erid%3D27717785%26trid%3D29550199-2919-4af9-b2de-5a0029bdd526&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvWh59G2drS_rfun76mDUWKv_vcghttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fevents%2Fphoto-contest%3Fsrctid%3D1%26erid%3D27717785%26trid%3D29550199-2919-4af9-b2de-5a0029bdd526&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvWh59G2drS_rfun76mDUWKv_vcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fpennlive_had_it_right_the_firs.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFukF-PwxqTLgrkAONhW9xnUZSrRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fthe_farm_bureau_had_it_wrong_o.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFo1cG5BHgwT5ferW8aTEjzzeWNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgroup-urges-residents-to-log-their-disappointment-with-lancaster-county%2Farticle_404c950a-a959-11e3-8b9d-001a4bcf6878.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEveI7E13FEnYh0ryfpJLJ2KE50wAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbsrc.com%2F2014%2520Symposium.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjirC8cGgRb2MHr7LSCK7vulQ9lwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbsrc.com%2F2014%2520Symposium.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjirC8cGgRb2MHr7LSCK7vulQ9lwmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected] -
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Despite decades of tremendous commitment, ingenuity, and progress made by local leaders and
residents to improve our streams, Lancaster County Commissionersin a decision that was not
unanimoushave signed on to an appeal that could halt it all.
Send a message to Lancaster County Commissioners. Let them know you're disappointed that
they're jeopardizing all the clean water progress that has been made. Now's the time to keep
Lancaster's clean water momentum moving forward, not backward!Click Hereto send your message to Lancaster County commissioners.
NewsClips:
CBF Urges Residents To Reverse Lancaster Decision On Bay Challenge
Op-Ed: Farm Bureau Had It Wrong On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Letter: Patriot Had It Right First Time On Chesapeake Bay
AFT Helps Ohio River Basin Farmers In 1st Interstate Water Quality Credit Trades
American Farmland Trusthas partnered with the Electric Power Research Instituteand other
collaborators in a pilot programto help farmers in the Ohio River Basin participate in the first-ever
interstate water quality credit trading program to fund on-farm installation of conservation practices.EPRI is building a robust pilot trading program that will allow public and private industries to
test a potential regulatory compliance option to improve water quality, said Andrew McElwaine,
President and CEO of AFT. It will also provide farmers much-needed funding for the installation of
best management practices to improve the soil, reduce the cost of farming and protect water quality.
Water quality trading is a market-based approach which allows facilities to meet required
pollution reductions by paying farmers for the installation of conservation practices like heavy use
protection areas for livestock, conversion of cropland to hayland and pastureland and the use of cover
crops that reduce pollution by specific amounts. Those pollution reductions are then converted to
verified credits that can be bought and sold.
The agreement signed between the states of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio to use a common
definition for credits is an historic step for trading programs, said McElwaine. The involvement of the
federal and state agencies also ensures the credit program meets federal standards so the credits can
count toward pollution reductions required by the federal Clean Water Act.
Under the EPRI program, AFT engaged farmers from the beginning to develop the program,
identified and worked with county conservation districts to understand the needs of farmers and
provided technical support in determining how much each conservation practice will reduce pollution
loads.
AFT provided hands-on help to farmers, state agricultural and resource agencies and soil and
water conservation districts during both the application phase of the project and in the verification and
monitoring phase to make sure the benefits were there for both farmers and the environment, said Brian
Brandt, the projects agricultural coordinator. We also brought our experience with trading programsin other regions of the country to help the project.
Examples of the types of conservation practices installed under the program include--
Indiana:
74 acres of no-till corn/soybean with some beef cattle near a creek has converted 7 acres of wheat
to hay/pastureland.
80 acres of pasture and cropland near a creek with 31 cows is installing a large heavy use protection
area with written permission from the landowner to maintain the practice if he stops renting the land.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwqt.epri.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpl3fEUkgs6EEnWV5z-o2Lnpj8qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epri.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHSs2uIZqGknNn5ZDWvQE4sYdaEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmland.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHL0ghlG7ogN0AT0GaJadXcHPHC8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fpennlive_had_it_right_the_firs.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFukF-PwxqTLgrkAONhW9xnUZSrRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F03%2Fthe_farm_bureau_had_it_wrong_o.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFo1cG5BHgwT5ferW8aTEjzzeWNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fgroup-urges-residents-to-log-their-disappointment-with-lancaster-county%2Farticle_404c950a-a959-11e3-8b9d-001a4bcf6878.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEveI7E13FEnYh0ryfpJLJ2KE50wAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftakeaction.cbf.org%2Fp%2Fdia%2Faction3%2Fcommon%2Fpublic%2F%3Faction_KEY%3D13255&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWSrB1wxrAELUAoO0gdQSFop0KXg -
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82 acre beef cattle, pasture and hayland operation near two creeks is installing four separate heavy
use protection areas on a ridge that drains in two different directions.
Corn, soybean, livestock operation adjacent to the Ohio River is putting in 105 acres of cover
crops.
Corn, soybean and beef cattle operation that has land in both Indiana and Ohio is putting in 80 acres
of cover crops.Ohio:
Two livestock operations near creeks are installing feedlot runoff controls and manure storage
facilities.
Two dairies near creeks are installing milkhouse waste systems.
Kentucky:
Livestock operations near creeks are proposing to install a heavy use protection areas.
We view this program as a four way win for the watershed, for rate-paying
utility customers, for farmers and for wastewater treatment facilities, said McElwaine.
We want to thank EPRI, the participating utilities and other project collaborators for helping to make
the first-of-its-kind program available to farmers. We also would like to thank USDAs Natural
Resources Conservation Service and the Mosaic Company Foundation for supporting our work.We are proud to support the development of this first-of-its-kind interstate water quality
trading market, said Rick McLellan, Mosaic Company Foundation board member. Mosaic is driven
by our mission to help the world grow the food it needs, and we understand the need to increase yields
sustainably. By collaborating with EPRI and AFT, we hope to build on our innovations in protecting
critical water resources through conservation agriculture and nutrient stewardship.
In this first round of trading 16 farmers participated in the program in Indiana, Ohio and
Kentucky, with approximately 20 additional farmers expected in 2014.
The projects approved so far in Indiana and Ohio will result in reducing nitrogen pollution by an
estimated 37,000 pounds and phosphorus by 12,500 pounds. When the second round of projects are
completed in all three states, the total estimated reductions in nitrogen are estimated to be 66,000
pounds and 33,000 pounds of phosphorus.
EPRI has set aside $300,000 for projects in the pilot program and will cover up to 75 percent
of the installation of these best management practices.
At full-scale, the EPRI project could include up to eight states in the Ohio River Basin and
potentially create credit markets for 46 power plants, thousands of wastewater facilities and other
industries, and approximately 230,000 farmers.
The stewardship credit trades made today can be used toward corporate sustainability goals
and flexible compliance schedules in the future if stricter permits are issued, explained Brandt. They
are not approved to be used for compliance with current water quality permit limits.
The pilot trades provide experience with trading so participants can become comfortable with
the process and will continue under the program through 2014 and 2015 to test critical programmaticfeatures such as an online credit registry and live trading auction, added Brandt.
For more information, visit the EPRI Ohio River Basin Trading Project webpage. For more a
background on trading, visit AFTs Water Quality Trading Marketswebpage.
National Conference
AFT will host the Farmland, Food and Livable Communities national conference in Lexington,
Kentucky on October 20-22. Visit the AFTNational Conferencewebpage for more information.
The American Farmland Trust is the nations leading conservation organization dedicated to
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmland.org%2Fnews%2Fevents%2Fnational-agricultural-landscapes-forum%2F2014National-Conference.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFgS4nJUonAfrDhmOK9EXLsvh19Kghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmland.org%2Fprograms%2Fenvironment%2Fwater-quality%2Fwater-quality-trading%2FWhat-is-Water-Quality-Trading.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFyWZ2Ox-iC6rMQmf-XIOM1q127sghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwqt.epri.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpl3fEUkgs6EEnWV5z-o2Lnpj8qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mosaicco.com%2Fcommunity%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvEsc2hXQEuydG_HhEi05svs9i2w -
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protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
For more information on the policies and programs of AFT, visit the American Farmland Trust,
follow AFT on Facebookor Twitter.
Sewickley Watershed Association Salutes Local Westmoreland Conservation Leaders
Sewickley Creek Watershed Associationwas very pleased to present
Community Environmental Service Awards at its annual fundraiser
banquet held March 8 at Giannillis II Restaurant in Greensburg.
Each year the Association recognizes local individuals,
businesses, and groups for their leadership in conserving natural
resources and improving the quality of life in our communities.
Award recipients this year included: The City of Greensburg,
Westmoreland County Community College, West Newton Sportsmens
Association, Kathy Hamilton, Landscape Architect/Stormwater
Technician with the Westmoreland County Conservation District, and Eagle Scout, Nicholas Wolfe.
Dorothy Bibby, an employee of Heplers Hardware, was also recognized for her ongoingfundraising efforts for the Association.
(Photo - Award recipients L to R: John Sterdis and John Detisch (WCCC), Kathy
Hamilton, Sue Trout and Frank Lehman (City of Greensburg), Nicholas Wolfe and Dorothy
Bibby.)
Guest speaker for the event was Rep. Mike Reese who provided a detailed history of how
many of our local communities originated from coal mining and coking operations. His presentation
revealed how some of those activities resulted in the abandoned mine discharges we are dealing with
today.
Rep. Reese credited local nonprofit organizations, like SCWA, for their commitment and
leadership in remediating many those pollution and landscape blight issues.
Executive Director, Thomas Keller, provided a brief Who We Are and What We Do
presentation explaining how the organization was founded in 1991 and the types of projects and
services its involved in.
Nicholas Wolfe, Troop 465, presented his Eagle Scout project which was completed at
SCWAs Brinkerton abandoned mine treatment facility. The project included construction and
installation of wood duck boxes, a purple martin house and new sign posts for the site entrance.
The Association expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported their
2014 fundraiser banquet.
Event sponsors included: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Heplers Hardware The PT
Group/Kraisinger Family Dentistry Rachel Hoza, CPA Westmoreland Conservation District West
Newton Sportsmens Association T. P. Electric American Recovery Specialists Adam Eidemiller,Inc. and, Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co.
For more information, visit the Sewickley Creek Watershed Associationwebsite for a complete
listing of sponsors, prize donors and photographs from the event.
Westmoreland Manure Management Workshops Set For March 27, April 10
The Westmoreland County Conservation Districtwill offer a Manure Management Workshop twice,
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first on March 27 and again on April 10 at the J. Roy Houston Conservation Center, 218 Donohoe
Road, Greensburg, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Its not the most pleasant job, but when done well, managing manure can bring great results in
terms of high crop yields, healthy animals, and clean streams.
At the workshop, attendees will learn specific details of laws and regulations regarding manure
management, including recent updates governing how, when, and where to apply animal manure onland.
The Districts nutrient management specialist also will be available to provide one-on-one
assistance to help farmers complete their own Manure Management Plan, which they then can update
on their own every year.
Cost to attend is $10 per person, which includes a light meal and workshop materials. A limited
number of free soil test kits also will be available.
Visit the Westmoreland County Conservation Districtwebsite to register or to download a
registration form that can be mailed in with a payment.
Ensuring Water Quality In Your Watershed Workshop March 27 In Collegeville
Penn State Extension and the Department of Environmental Protection will host an Ensuring Water
Quality In Your Watershed Workshop on March 27 at the Farm, Home and Youth Foundation of
Montgomery County at 1015 Bridge Road in Collegeville starting at 8:45 a.m.
The workshop will focus on high priority watershed issues affecting water quality and quantity
across Pennsylvania. Topics include: Green Infrastructure, Riparian Buffers & Maintenance,
Conservation Easements, Invasive Species Management and Control.
Five CEU hours will be awarded for the following: PLNA Certified Horticulturists, PA-DE
Chapter of ASLA Landscape Architects, ISA Certified Arborists, Pennsylvania Society of Professional
Engineers and PLANET Landscape Industry Certified Technicians.
Click Herefor more information and to register.
Philipsburg Water Plant Receives Presidents Award From Partnership For Safe Water
Pennsylvania American WatersPhilipsburg Water Treatment Plant, which serves approximately 7,700
customers in Clearfield and Centre counties, has received the elite Phase IV Presidents Award
recognition from the Partnership for Safe Water.
The program is a volunteer initiative developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
American Water Works Association and other organizations representing water suppliers striving to
provide water quality that surpasses regulatory standards through treatment plant and distribution system
optimization.
Pennsylvania American Waters facility has been participating in the Partnership since 1996, andis a member of the distribution system program. The Philipsburg plant received its first Directors Award
in 1999. It is only the fourth treatment plant in Pennsylvania to receive the Presidents Award.
Phase IV goals are the highest possible level of performance that can be achieved in the
four-phase program. The Presidents Award recognizes achieving Phase IVs very stringent individual
filter performance goals for turbidity (cloudiness).
Reaching this elite status is a very significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to meet
stringent performance goals, said Paul Zielinski, senior director of water quality and environmental
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compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. Improving the quality of our drinking water remains a
goal that we continually strive to meet and exceed. Our Philipsburg team worked very hard to earn the
Presidents Award, and this recognition is a testament to their dedication and hard work on behalf of our
customers.
The national Partnership for Safe Wateris a voluntary self-assessment and optimization program
for water treatment plant and distribution system operation. More than 250 utility subscribers,collectively serving more than 100 million people, are committed to the Partnerships goals of providing
safe, high-quality drinking water through achieving operational excellence in water treatment.
Partnership members participate in a rigorous four-phase self-assessment and peer review
process, developed by industry experts and are recognized for their commitment to delivering safe
water to their communities.
For more information, visit DEPs Partnership for Safe Waterwebpage.
DEP Reaches Agreement With Bucks County Water And Sewer Authority
The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has reached an agreement with
Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority that will systematically address current and future sewagecapacity, foster growth and protect the environment.
The parties have agreed that, through a combination of corrective actions and earned credits,
the 13 municipalities served by the authority will be able to manage their sewage flows and gain new
connections.
The settlement calls for comprehensive Act 537 municipal planning to address existing and
future needs, improvements to the existing sewage infrastructure, completion of necessary upgrades and
removal of stormwater.
The agreement puts an end to pending litigation, and terminates further discussion of a proposed
sewage storage tank on the Neshaminy interceptor.
It also releases requested connection credits for 2014.
DEP has been committed to reaching an agreement with the Authority that would leverage
sound planning and promote a strong future for the communities it serves, Regional Director Cosmo
Servidio said. When implemented, the sewage planning and improvements required by this agreement
will benefit not only the Bucks County communities in the service area, but the entire region.
The release of connection credits for 2015-2017 will be tied to the completion of milestones for
corrective work and planning.
Penn State Extension: High School Students To Explore Penn State Water Science
The Cameron County Conservation District collaborated with Penn State Extension Water Resources
Educator, Jim Clark, to secure a seventy-nine hundred dollar grant from the Headwaters Research,Conservation, and Development Council.
The grant funds, which must be executed in the Sinnemahoning Watershed, will pay for a water
science youth program. Several high school students from the Cameron County High School will be
given the opportunity to work with Penn State Water Scientists to collect water samples from the
Emporium, PA, area. The samples will be analyzed for emerging contaminants and several other
parameters.
The students will then have the opportunity to travel to Penn State, visit the Penn State Water
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166%2Fmember_benefits_and_testimonials%2F1259961&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqkBxqWgfLSIu_ESjoG2Pces2IkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.awwa.org%2Fresources-tools%2Fwater-utility-management%2Fpartnership-for-safe-water.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEualo1w2otY1KnCllAaafG7bsQ3w -
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Lab and the actual emerging contaminants research lab where their water samples will be analyzed.
The selected students will be asked to develop a PowerPoint presentation on the issue of
emerging contaminants in water and what they have learned during the project. The PowerPoint will be
shared with other high school students and the Cameron County community.
(Written By: James A. Clark, Extension Water Resources Educator, Renewable NaturalResources Extension Team, Penn State Extension, McKean County, and reprinted from Penn
State Extension Watershed Windsnewsletter.)
NewsClip:York Students Move On To International Science Fair
PEMA To Track Crude Oil, Hazardous Materials Rail Shipments With CSX
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Monday announced it has entered into a
memorandum of understandingwith CSX Transportation, a company that will allow PEMA to share
operational information regarding the movement of hazardous materials in Pennsylvania.
CSX Transportation, based in Jacksonville, Fla, is one of the nations leading transportation
suppliers. The company provides rail-based transportation services.As part of the three-year agreement, PEMA staff will be granted access to the CSX
Transportation computer network that tracks rail movement. Authorized PEMA staff will be trained by
CSX Transportation personnel on how to operate the system.
This agreement will further enhance our commitment to protecting public safety, said PEMA
Director Glenn Cannon. With direct access to the companys information, it greatly increases the ability
of Pennsylvania Emergency Management to prepare for and respond to rail incidents.
This agreement, along with other efforts such as the Hazardous Material Emergency
Preparedness Grant Program and grant funding for specialized firefighting training, helps local
communities increase their level of emergency preparedness.
A copy of the agreement is available online.
NewsClip:CSX Makes Deal With State On Shipments Of Hazardous Materials
DEP Advocates For More Public Input On Application For Gas Well Spacing Units
The Department of Environmental Protection has submitted a proposal for an additional hearing to
provide more opportunity for public input on an Application for Gas Well Spacing Units, or spacing
order, received from Hilcorp Energy Company for gas well spacing units in Lawrence and Mercer
counties.
DEP is advocating for a public input process that is as open, accessible and transparent as
possible, DEP Deputy Secretary Scott Perry said. This is the first-ever spacing order application for
an unconventional shale gas well, and it is very important to DEP that Pennsylvanians have theopportunity to have their voices heard and comments considered.
DEPs proposal was submitted to the assigned hearing officer within DEP, who is responsible
for determining the process for the hearing and procedure by which public comment will be received.
The hearing officer will preside over the hearing and ultimately submit a recommended decision on the
application to DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo for consideration.
If adopted as proposed, the public hearing would be in addition to the administrative hearing
already scheduled and advertised for March 25 and 26 at the Lawrence County Government Center in
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