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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa January 2, 2012

Read About Hundreds Of Award-Winning Environmental Stewards From 2011

Individuals, businesses, farmers, schools, local governments, students of all ages, nonprofit

groups and organizations just like you are doing great things to protect and restore

Pennsylvania's environmental all the time and in every corner of the Commonwealth.

If you don't believe us, read about these award-winning performances in the following 92stories included in the PA Environment Digest in 2011.

You've got NO excuse!

Peach Bottom Power Plant Receives International Habitat Conservation Award

Somerset Firm Involved In Quecreek, Chilean Mine Rescues Recognized By President

EPA: Commonwealth Ranks 5th In Green Power Usage

Chester County Recognizes West Chester University With Green Business Award

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation Honors Award Recipients May 3

Clean Air Award Presented To Director Of Coalition For Appropriate Transportation

EPA Recognizes Communities For Sustainability Initiatives

Junior Achievement Of Western PA Honors Marcellus Shale Coalition

PA American Water Earns Honors From American Engineering Council Of PA

Blue Mountain School District EPA Energy Star Leader 

PA's RecycleBank Tops Wall Street Journal's List Of Top Green Companies

Chatham University Selected For Bicycle Friendly Business Designation

EPA Recognizes Philadelphia School District With National Great Start Award

Sunoco Wins EPA Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

EPA Recognizes Saint-Gobain With Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

Swarthmore Among Top Five In EPA's Green Power Community Challenge At Mid-Point

Philadelphia Ranks 14th In Number Of Green Buildings

Brandywine Christina Clean Water Partnership Announces Award Winners

Jack Ubinger Receives PA Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award

PEC Named Only Top-Rated Green Non-Profit Based In PA

Carlisle Solar Project Presented With A 2011 PV Projects Of Distinction Awards

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DEP Congratulates Award-Winning Lancaster Brownfields Revitalization Project

Four Penn State Water Quality Projects Honored By U.S.D.A.

Delaware River Designated As National Great Water 

EPA Recognizes Leaders In Energy Efficiency, Including 4 In PA

Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards Announced, Dinner May 26EPA Names Regional Environmental Achievement Award Winners, 5 In PA

Philadelphia High School Student Wins President's Environmental Award

DCNR Recognizes Chester County Parks & Recreation With 2nd Annual Green Park Award

Chatham University, Other PA Schools Featured In The Princeton Guide To Green Colleges

Big Ten Conference Leader In College, University Green Power Challenge

2011 State Park, Forest Award Winners, Gala Dinner May 3

Water Resources Association Of Delaware Basin Presents 2011 Awards

Gov. Corbett Announces 2011 Environmental Excellence Award Winners

Senate Resolution Congratulates 186,000+ Great American Cleanup Of PA Volunteers

PA Wilds Honors 16 Residents, Small Businesses, Organizations

Winners Of PPFF State Park And Forest Awards Honored

Howard Neurug, Philadelphia Water Dept., To Receive PEC's Lifetime Achievement Award

DCNR Salutes Employees' Award-Winning Efforts

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Announces 2011 Photo Contest Winners

Penncrest High School Wins 2011 Pennsylvania Envirothon

Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Plan Recognized As Nation's Best

PRC, SW Air Quality Partnership Announce Let's Clear The Air Poster Contest Winners

 North Pittsburgh School Wins National Pennies For The Planet BioBash PrizeRoss Levin Wins Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship

Dr. James K. Bissell To Receive 2011 John C. Oliver Environmental Leadership Award

Spotlight - Susquehanna River Basin Commission Marks 40 Years

9 American Water Plants Receive National Recognition In PA

Winners Of Chester County High School Recycling Video Contest Announced

 National Best Restored Beach Award Honors Presque Isle State Park 

Wildlands Conservancy’s Friend of the Lehigh River Award Recipients Announced

CBF, Partners Celebrate EPA Award For Conservation Improvements To PA Farms

Janie French Nominated For Women Greening Pittsburgh Honor Students Share Their Bright Ideas With PPL Electric Utilities

Conservation Districts Celebrate Environmental Success, Discuss Challenges, Recognition

PA Farmers Recognized For Efforts To Protect Chesapeake Bay

Conservation District Staff Recognized For Work To Improve PA’s Environment

Dickinson College Receives Highest Possible Score On Green Honor Roll

Penn State Achieves Silver Rating In First Sustainability Review

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PA Recyclers Announce FilmFest Winning Videos, Conference Success

 Northeast Environmental Partners Announce Award Winners, October 27 Dinner 

2011 Waste Watcher Recipients Recognized By PROP

Trail Challenge Award Presented To Accomplished Hiker: Lois Ludwig

Federal Office Of Surface Mining Recognizes Luzerne County Reclamation ProjectSwarthmore Ranks 3rd In National Green Power Competition

Jacobsburg EE Center's Bill Sweeney Honored By Conservancy

Dominion Earns One Of Three EPA Energy Star CHP Awards

Laurie Popeck, Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Task Force Win 2011 Karl Mason Award

2 Pennsylvanians Among Chesapeake Bay Forest Champions Honored

Ohio River Watershed Celebration Attracts Nearly 1,000, Recognizes Partnerships

First LEED Public Housing Project Wins Commonwealth Award In Philadelphia

Livziey's 2011 Maurice K. Goddard Forest Management & Sustainability Award Winners

Aqua PA Receives Crum Ridley Creek Watershed Association AwardWestern PA Conservancy Watershed Conservation Program Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Genesee & Wyoming's David Powell Wins Professional Environmental Excellence Award

EPA Recognizes Carnegie Mellon As Top Green Energy Buyer 

Trout Unlimited, Fish Commission, DEP Celebrate West Branch Susquehanna Recovery

Chatham University Receives Green Power Award

White Deer Drinking Water Treatment Plan Receives National Award

Delaware River Honored As 2011 River Of The Year 

U.S. Dept. Of Interior To Highlight 2 PA Recreation ProjectsKeep Pennsylvania Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers and Programs

Pennsylvania Woman Recognized For Innovative Environmental Leadership

Pittsburgh's PPG Glass Used In Three Of AIA's Top 10 Green Building Projects

EPA Recognizes 3 PA Colleges For Green Power Leadership

Green Vision Award Bestowed On Philadelphia International Airport

Plan Shaping Philadelphia's Green Spaces Wins Award

Southeast Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program Wins Recognition

Western PA Conservancy Gardens Receive Greening Awards

Independent Peer Review Praises DEP’s Bureau Of Laboratories

Mountaintop Area Elementary School Wins Recycling Competition In Centre County

PennDot Litter Cleanup Efforts Win National Recognition

Major Environmental Legislative Issues In 2012, Same As 2011

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Following his 12 minute inaugural address last January, Gov. Corbett did not start his

administration with the usual laundry list of "to-dos" like most Governors. He only had one--

 bring in an on-time budget without raising taxes.

He accomplished that goal with the help of his Republican colleagues in the Senate and

House literally at the 11th hour in June 30 with very painful cuts reducing the size of state

government by 4.1 percent.The new FY 2011-12 budget preserved the disastrous Rendell cuts to environmental

 programs, but at least didn't make too many more. The bright spots were the Resource

Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program, which was

restored to its full $10 million in funding, and a transfer of $15 million from the PA

Infrastructure Investment Authority to the H2O Water Infrastructure Program administered by

the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

After the budget, Marcellus Shale legislation was the top environmental priority for the

year, which ultimately did not make it to the Governor's desk and is now in conference

committee.

Almost all of the same environmental issues will be returning in 2012 to face the Corbett

Administration and the General Assembly. Here is just a sampling of what's ahead--

-- Budg-a-geddon II: As the calendar ticks down to his February 7 budget address, the outlook 

for this budget season is in some ways grimmer than last year.

Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said during his mid-year budget briefing the Corbett

Administration expects an end of fiscal year deficit of $500 million. As a result, Secretary

Zogby said his office is preparing a list of current year spending cuts the Governor will consider 

implementing immediately at the beginning of the new year.

He said there is more than $1 billion in unavoidable spending growth which needs to be

accommodated in the 2012-13 state budget. He pointed to a $520 million in increase school

($320 million) and state employee ($200 million) pension costs, $400 million increase inMedical Assistance and an $80 million increase in debt service, inspite of efforts to cut costs.

Secretary Zogby said the bottom line is the Governor is likely to need about $750 million

to bring the FY 2012-13 budget into balance. He said the Governor is not going to make up this

shortfall with tax increases.

State agencies have already been asked to submit a budget assuming a further 5 percent

reduction in spending, with no exemptions, but Secretary Zogby said no decisions have been

made on any line items.

He also said the Corbett Administration has cut the number of new Capital Budget

 project authorizations in half and noted next year there will be an increase in Unemployment

Compensation insurance for businesses, additional steps taken in controlling Corrections costs

and more cuts or automatic sequestration of federal funding which will all have an impact on planning for FY 2012-2013.

-- Marcellus Shale: A late session flurry of activity where the Senate and House each passed

separate Marcellus Shale bills ended when, on the last day of session, the House voted to

send House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) to a conference committee.

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The separate bills passed by the Senate and House would amend the Oil and Gas Act to

include additional environmental protection measures, but proposed very different drilling fee

schemes.

The Senate favors a uniform, statewide fee supporting local communities and state

environmental programs. The House Republicans supported the Governor's optional, county-

imposed drilling fee to support local communities and would finance some state environmental programs through a separate allocation from DCNR's Oil and Gas Fund.

Intense negotiations for weeks prior to adjournment between Senate and House

Republicans and the Corbett Administration failed to come to an agreement. They will continue

into the new year in hopes something can be cobbled together to pass.

-- Renew Growing Greener: 2011 ended as it began-- without a plan to renew funding for the

award-winning Growing Greener Program.

“Pennsylvania faces the imminent end of Growing Greener – a popular initiative that has

 provided investments in farmland preservation, conservation of open space, restoring and

 protecting Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers, improving and expanding state and local parks,

 preserving historic resources, and developing new trails and greenways. Unless action is takenin the near future, funds available for Growing Greener will be all but gone within a year,” said

Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.

Even with such a comprehensive record of success, the Commonwealth continues to face

a variety of pressing problems that threaten our communities, our rich natural and cultural

heritage, and our quality of life:

-- Pennsylvania is losing three times as much forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open

spaces to development as we are able to conserve;

-- The Commonwealth currently has 16,000 miles of streams that are unsafe for fishing or 

swimming;

-- Abandoned mines scar almost 190,000 acres in 44 counties and are the cause of over 5,000miles of dead streams; and

-- More than 2,000 family farms remain on a statewide waiting list requesting protection from

encroaching development so that they may continue Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural legacy.

 Nearly 350 supporting organizations and local governments representing over 7 million

 people are part of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition.

NewsClip: Clearfield Commissioners Support Growing Greener Program

-- Paying For Flood Damages: Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee roared through

Pennsylvania causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage and at least seven

deaths in September. It also caused yet another budget problem for the Commonwealth because

the state is responsible for paying 25 percent of at least the public infrastructure cost of FederalDisaster Assistance in the 27 counties declared a disaster area.

In November the Senate passed a package of eight flood recovery bills sponsored by

Senators John Gordner (R-Columbia), Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John

Blake (D-Lackawanna) and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne). The bills included:

-- Senate Bill 1264 (Baker-R-Luzerne) enacting the Flood Relief Act for September 2011

making an appropriation of $20 million for individual assistance;

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-- Senate Bill 1266 (Gordner-R-Columbia) authorizing the incurring of $150 million in debt to

fund flood damage recovery projects;

-- Senate Bill 1267 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) authorizing real estate tax abatement as a result of 

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee;

-- Senate Bill 1268 (Gordner-R-Columbia) authorizing the incurring of debt to repair flood

damaged highways;-- Senate Bill 1269 (Yaw-R-Bradford) adoption of capital projects to repair or replace flood

damaged highways and bridges;

-- Senate Bill 1271 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) an itemized list of flood damaged highway and bridge

repair projects;

-- Senate Bill 1297 (Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing a $10 million Small Business Flood Relief 

Program of 2011; and

-- Senate Bill 1323 (Yaw-R-Bradford) establishing the Agriculture Disaster Recovery Program

to provide disaster assistance to agricultural operations.

The House has yet to act on any specific flood recovery legislation.

-- Transportation Funding: The Governor's Transportation Commission issued a report inAugust detailing a list of recommendations for closing the more than $2 billion funding gap for 

highways, bridges and transit in the state.

Although the Senate and House Transportation Committees have had a series of joint

hearings on the report, the Corbett Administration has yet to say what it supports in the

recommendations. Everyone had listed transportation funding on their priority list for last Fall,

 but of course it did not get done.

Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee,

 put together his own transportation funding package and floated it out for comments in late

October.

In December, the Senate did pass Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) which wouldestablish Public-Private Partnerships in order to allow the private sector to join with the

Commonwealth to provide funding to address transportation deficiencies throughout the state.

At nearly the same time, the House Transportation Committee amended and reported

out House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation partnerships doing the

same thing. The House version is on the Calendar awaiting a vote when they return.

In their latest comments, both Gov. Corbett and Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said the

stubbornly weak economy will have a significant impact on the timing of any transportation

funding proposal.

Translation: Don't expect any fee increases as long as the economy is bad and don't

expect any tax increases period.

Here's The Status Of Some Individual Environmental Bills

During 2011, the Senate and House each passed a number of environmental bills dealing with a

variety of issues and sent them to the other chamber. Here's a quick rundown on some of those

 bills--

Now In Senate

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Marcellus Shale: Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) would impose additional

environmental protection measures on Marcellus Shale drilling and enact a uniform, statewide

drilling fee. The bill is in the House Finance Committee. A now identical bill, House Bill

1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) was sent on its way to a conference committee by the House just before

adjourning in December. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Gas Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring gas well operators to post

certain 911 response information at the entrance to each well site was returned to the Senate for 

concurrence in House amendments.

Infrastructure Replacement: House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC

to establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate

cases to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure was

 passed by the House in October. The bill is in the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional

Licensure Committee. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) adding additional measures to enforce the biodiesel

mandate is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and

House Fiscal Note are available.

Bioenergy Mine Reclamation: House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) providing for using

 bioenergy crops for reclamation of abandoned mines is in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Small Business Relief: House Bill 1349 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) requiring the review of 

regulations for their impact on small businesses and granting pre-enforcement review of regulations by small businesses aggrieved parties is in the Senate Appropriations Committee. A

summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Engineers/Geologists: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) amending the Engineer,

Surveyor and Geologists Registration Law further providing for continued professional

competency requirements is in the Senate Appropriations Committee. A summary and House

Fiscal Note are available.

Leaf Waste: House Bill 1691 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further dealing with leaf waste under 

Act 101 is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and

House Fiscal Note are available.

Anthracite Mining Reclamation: House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Berks) amending the surface

mining act to further providing for anthracite reclamation financial guarantees is in the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and House Fiscal Note are

available.

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Conservation Corps: House Bill 1683 (Culver-R-Northumberland) transferring the PA

Conservation Corps Program from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Department of 

Conservation and Natural Resources was Tabled in the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal

 Note are available.

DEP Fund Reporting: House Bill 1416 (Evankovich-R-Armstrong) requiring additional reportson expenditures from the Clean Water, Solid Waste Abatement and Clean Air Fund administered

 by DEP is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. A summary and

House Fiscal Note are available.

Now In House

Marcellus Shale: House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) was sent on its way to a conference

committee by the House just before adjourning in December. The bill, as amended by the

Senate, is identical to Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson). A summary and Senate Fiscal

 Note are available.

Drilling On Other State Lands: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing the leasing of 

mineral rights on other state lands and depositing the proceeds in the Environmental Stewardship

Fund. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

The bill requires a minimum of 50 percent of revenue received from bonus and lease

 payments to go to the Environmental Stewardship Fund or the Key '93 Fund. The remaining

revenue will go into the General Fund. All money derived from the PA State System of Higher 

Education land will be deposited into the Key '93 Fund.

Gas Lease Payments: Senate Bill 460 (Yaw-R-Bradford) requiring when payment is made for 

oil or gas production to an interest owner, itemized deduction information will be included on thecheck stub or an attachment to the form payment. The bill is in the House Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee.

Hazardous Sites Cleanup: Senate Bill 303 (MJ White-R-Venango) further providing for reports

under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act was Tabled in the House.

Air Quality Plans: Senate Bill 304 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring further public review of 

state Air Quality Implementation Plans was Tabled in the House. A summary and Senate Fiscal

 Note are available.

Trail Liability: Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) allows walking, jogging, bicycling,exercising and horseback riding on nature trails as a recreational purpose by limiting liability is

in the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee.

Transportation Partnerships: Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) authorizing private-

 public partnerships on transportation projects is in the House Transportation Committee. A

summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Similar legislation-- House Bill 3 (Geist-R-

Blair)-- is on the House Calendar for action.

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Environmental Bills Signed Into Law In 2011

The following bills related to environmental funding and programs or resolutions requiring

action were signed into law or adopted during 2011--

General Fund: House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware)-- which contains $27.1 billion in

spending and a 4.1 percent reduction from the FY 2010-11 General Fund budget. It was signed

into law by the Governor and is now Act 1A. A summary and House Fiscal Note and Senate

Fiscal Note are available.

Natural Gas Well/Coal Spacing: Senate Bill 265 (MJ White-R-Venango) updates the Coal and

Gas Resource Coordination Act to establishing adequate and safe spacing between Marcellus

Shale natural gas well clusters and workable coal seams was signed into law by Gov. Corbett as

Act 2. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Fiscal Code: Senate Bill 907 (Browne-R-Lehigh) the Fiscal Code was signed into law by theGovernor and is now Act 26. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

The bill includes provisions related to: Filing returns for certain sales and use taxes;

 Neighborhood Improvement Zone Fund; Financially Distressed Municipalities; Creating a new

Keystone Special Development Zone; Vocational Rehabilitation Fund applications; Tobacco

Settlement Fund deposits; Transfer from PennVEST to H2O Water Infrastructure Program; and

Audits of Race Horse Development Fund.

Act 319 Exceptions: House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the

splitting off of land for noncoal mining was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 34.

A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and

gas well production was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 35. A summary and

House Fiscal Note are available.

Ag Security Areas: House Bill 562 (Cillen-R-Berks) further providing for the purchase of 

conservation easements under the Agricultural Area Security Law was signed into law by the

Governor and is now Act 44. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Recreation Liability: House Bill 870 (Everett-R-Lycoming) further providing for recreation

liability for opening land to recreational noncommercial aircraft operations was signed into law

 by the Governor and is now Act 47. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Air Penalties: Senate Bill 151 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) sharing Air Pollution Control Act fines

with municipalities was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 57. A summary and

House Fiscal Note are available.

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Acceptable Data: Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-Delaware) requiring data to support rulemakings

was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 60. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are

available.

Keystone Fund Report: Senate Bill 302 (MJ White-R-Venango) further providing for annual

reports from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund was signed into law by theGovernor and is now Act 61. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Bluff Recession: Senate Bill 791 (Earll-R-Erie) further defining bluff under the Bluff Recession

Setback Act was signed into law by the Governor and is now Act 72. A summary and House

Fiscal Note are available.

Pipeline Safety: House Bill 344 (Baker-R-Tioga) authorizing the PUC to regulate pipeline

safety. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Corbett as Act 127 A summary and new Senate

Fiscal Note are available for the bill.

LIHEAP Study: Senate Resolution 165 (Fontana-D-Allegheny) directing the Legislative Budgetand Finance Committee to study the efficiency of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program

was adopted by the Senate.

Water Trails: Senate Resolution 143 (Pippy-R-Allegheny) directing the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee to conduct an economic impact study of water trails in the Commonwealth

was adopted by the Senate.

Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.

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

Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from : PAEnviroDigest.

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announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and

receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a

once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

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environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted

updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting

you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including

 NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted

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updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting

you to new items posted on this blog.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest aswell as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

Here is the Senate and House schedule

Senate

January 3, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25

February 6, 7, 8

Governor's Budget Address: February 7

Budget Hearings: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and March 1March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28

April 2, 3, 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

House

January 3 (non-voting), 17, 18, 23, 24, 25

February 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Budget Hearings: Feb. 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, March 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28April 2, 3, 4, 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Bill Calendars

House (January 3): House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation

 partnerships; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a

waste tire removal and disposal program. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 3): Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) allowing the use of preservedagricultural land for agricultural composting. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

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

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

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Capitol News

Sen. Mary Jo White Announces She Will Not Run For Re-Election

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the SenateEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced Thursday

she would not seek re-election in 2012.

"Today I am announcing that I will not be a candidate for re-

election to the Senate of Pennsylvania in 2012. After a career in the private

sector, I never expected to have an opportunity to enter political life," said

Sen. White. "It has been an exciting and challenging time, and I would not

have missed it for the world. I have worked with talented and dedicated

 people in and out of government. I sincerely thank the people of the 21st

District for their confidence and support."

Sen. White has served in the Senate for 14 years and chaired the Senate Environmental

Committee for 12 years and has been involved in every major environmental law passed since

1999, including the Environmental Stewardship and Watershed Protection (Growing Greener)

Act, the Water Resources Planning Act and has been in the middle of the debate over Marcellus

Shale legislation.

"Sen. White's leadership and practical approach to environmental issues has

fundamentally changed how we think about these issues," said David E. Hess, former Secretary

of the Department of Environmental Protection. "She is more concerned with whether a program

or law will make a real difference in protecting the environment, rather than just a political

statement. Her leadership on the enactment of the award-winning Growing Greener Program, in

 particular, put in place an indispensable tool for reclaiming mines, helping communities restore

their watersheds and meeting our Clean Water Act obligations."Sen. White also worked in concert with Democratic members like Sen. Ray Musto and

John Yudichak to develop bipartisan solutions to problems, something that is a rare commodity

in today's very partisan world," said Hess.

"I look forward to her continued leadership on Marcellus Shale environmental protection

and drilling legislation as the General Assembly brings that issue and the renewal of the Growing

Greener Program to a conclusion, hopefully early in 2012," Hess added. "Resolving these issues

would be a fitting bookend to her dozen years as Chair of the Environmental Committee."

She became the first woman elected to Senate Republican Leadership as Caucus

Administrator in 2001. Prior to becoming Senator she served as a public defender in Venango

County and was Vice President for Environment/Government Affairs for Quaker State

Corporation.NewsClip: Sen. Mary Jo White Retiring In 2012

News From Around The State

Governor's Environmental Excellence Award Applications Due January 30

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The Department of Environmental Protection is

encouraging environmentally-conscious businesses and

organizations to apply for the 2012 Governor's

Environmental Excellence Award. Applications are due January 30.

"This award is a gem because it recognizes environmental innovation, which makes a

 business or organization more competitive and efficient," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said."The winners are creating a brighter and cleaner future for all Pennsylvanians. We want to

showcase them as role models and say, 'Thank you.'"

The award is open to any Pennsylvania business, government agency, educational

institution, individual or farm that has created or participated in the development of a project that

 promotes environmental stewardship and economic development in the state.

Eligible projects include environmental technology innovation, clean energy innovation,

 pollution prevention and resource efficiency, community revitalization, environmental education

or outreach, watershed stewardship, and mine safety, among others.

Projects will be evaluated based on applicants' demonstration of how their project will

 protect the environment, teamwork, public service, environmental education and outreach,

 pollution prevention, economic impact - including potential job creation, and the use of innovation technology.

The project must have been completed between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011. While

each candidate may submit only one application for a particular project, companies with multiple

facilities may submit an application for each facility.

Projects that have previously received a Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

are not eligible for this award, though past winners may submit applications for new projects for 

consideration.

Each project will be reviewed by a committee of DEP employees. Recipients of the

award will be honored during an evening reception and the winning projects will also be listed

on DEP's website.For more information, visit the Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence

webpage. Projects should be submitted by email to: RA-EPgovenviroawards@pa.gov. For  

assistance with completing the application, please call 717-783-8727.

Foundation For PA Watersheds Sets Grant Application Deadlines

The Foundation for PA Watersheds Tuesday set deadlines for its 2012 grant application rounds:

February 13 and August 24.

Spring letters of intent are due February 13 with applications due March 12. Decisions

will be made at the April 24 Board meeting. Fall letters of intent are due August 24 and

applications September 28 and decisions made at the November 13 Board meeting.Click Here for details on the application process.

PennVest, DEP Announce First Nutrient Credit Trading Auction For March 21

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection

announced Wednesday they will host an auction March 21 for the sale and purchase of nutrient

credits in the Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds.

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The auction will be a “forward” auction, where certified credits will be sold at auction,

delivered later and applied to 2012 and future compliance years. The auction will afford

wastewater treatment plants in these two watersheds the opportunity to purchase credits as a

means of meeting their nitrogen and phosphorus discharge limits for the compliance years.

PennVEST is hosting the auctions to encourage the trading of nutrient credits in the

Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds. DEP’s nutrient credit trading program provides a cost-effective means for facilities that are subject to nitrogen and phosphorus limits to meet those

limits by working with other facilities, non-point sources or both.

PennVEST has chosen Markit Inc. to provide the platform for enrollment and eligibility,

auctions and registry services. Markit, a financial information services company, has provided

operations and infrastructure services to environmental programs worldwide.

PennVEST anticipates charging buyers and sellers 2.5 cents per credit to offset

administrative costs.

For more information, visit PennVEST's Nutrient Credit Trading Program webpage or 

call 717-783-6776 (PennVEST) or 717-772-4785 (DEP).

York County Receives Grant For Integrated Water Resources Plan

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it is awarding a $35,000

grant to fund a project in York County that will help integrate water resource planning activities

and streamline permitting processes related to water resources management.

The project, developed by the York County Planning Commission, will “web enable” the

York County Integrated Water Resources Plan. They will also make it available as a model and

template to all Pennsylvania counties.

“York County’s IWRP is innovative and has the potential to help municipalities and other 

entities develop projects that will help curb pollution discharged to Pennsylvania waters,” DEP

Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner said. “We are excited to be part of thiseffort.”

The York County IWRP offers a variety of tools for users to understand the

interconnection of water-related components that are critical to project implementation,

including regulations; studies; plans; and their relationship to environmental resource

management; land use; citizen health and safety; and other important topics.

Specifically, the flow chart component provides a step-by-step guide for public or private

entities implementing activities such as the placement of stormwater controls or the design and

 planning of large construction projects. The IWRP helps provide information on project needs

from beginning to end, while ensuring that necessary plans are referenced; appropriate agencies

are contacted; pertinent issues are considered; and that the applicant applies for all required

 permits.Education and outreach are important components of the plan and will be provided to get

as many as five counties up and running by the end of 2012. The York County Planning

Commission will train interested counties in using the IWRP and can be reached at

717-771-9870 or through their website.

Spotlight

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Student Intern Persuades Landowners To Protect Conewago Watershed

Justin Kauffman let his love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors

guide him to the right Penn State major and to a meaningful

internship helping to protect natural resources.The York, Pa., native graduated from the College of 

Agricultural Sciences in December with a degree in Environmental

Resource Management and a minor in Watersheds and Water 

Resources.

He interned with the Conewago Creek Initiative, a

collaboration between Penn State Extension and environmental groups aimed at improving water 

quality in the Conewago Creek watershed. Its goal is to engage local residents and landowners to

increase awareness of water-quality issues and encourage adoption of land-management

 practices that will improve water quality of local streams.

That ensures healthy farms, forests and communities, Kauffman said, protecting and

maintaining quality of life. And because Conewago Creek is a tributary of the SusquehannaRiver and the Chesapeake Bay, the initiative could provide solutions for improving water quality

downstream as well.

"I started looking at environmental degrees and found that Penn State had a great

 program that is well established," he said. "I also was attracted to Penn State because it is a large

school, and a lot of my friends and family attended the university. It offers great networking

opportunities."

Kauffman believes he was the perfect student for this internship because of his previous

experience in the area. "I had prior connections with the region and knew its geology and how to

deal with its landowners," he said.

Kauffman previously had interned with a stream-restoration firm and with the CodorusCreek Improvement Partnership, a nonprofit watershed group, in York County.

He worked under the director of the Conewago Creek Initiative on projects in the

watershed, which spans Lancaster, Lebanon and Dauphin counties.

His responsibilities included everything from project development and management to

scheduling meetings and events. "I worked on a monitoring plan to identify indicators and

quantify our results so we could show the success of our actions," he explained.

Kauffman believes the work with the initiative strengthened his public-communication

and time-management skills. "My favorite part of the internship was the freedom I was given to

creatively develop new ideas that the organization could use," he said.

His post-graduation plans were to enter the work force, but graduate school is an option.

Ultimately Kauffman would like to run an environmental consulting firm and give guidedhunting and fishing tours on the side.

Related Story

Conewago Creek Conservation Initiative Preliminary Survey Results

Spotlight

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Student Watershed Learning Project, Presentations Highlighted In Butler County

The November 12 edition of the Grove City Allied News included an excellent article by Monica

Pryts detailing the research work and presentation of findings by students in Dr. Helen Boylan's

Advanced Laboratory (Westminster College) course for chemistry and biology majors interestedin stream pollution and remediation.

The De Sale Phase II passive treatment system in the Slippery Rock Creek Watershed in

Butler County which relies on natural processes, such as wetlands, settling ponds and limestone

drains to treat the highly acidic, metal-bearing, drainage from abandoned coal mining operations,

was selected to provide the "hands-on" learning opportunity.

Ten Westminster College chemicstry/biochemistry majors presented water quality results

at the November 10 meeting of the Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition at Jennings

Environmental Education Center.

Their presentations included data on how much of a certain substance such as iron or 

calcium was found in their samples, which were collected in the field in October and analyzed in

the lab at Westminster.Their results confirmed that the De Sale Phase II passive treatment facility is functioning

well, and their new data was enlightening, greatly appreciated, and vital to determining the

continued performance of the 11-year old system.

The work of collecting and analyzing water samples to determine how well a passive

treatment system is working often requires manpower and funding not readily available to

volunteer-based organizations like the SRWC.

Hence the value of the partnership between Westminster College and the SRWC.

College students from Westminster have been volunteering with the SRWC for six years.

"This is what we call service-learning," said Dr. Helen Boylan and mentioned how

thankful she was to show her students "chemistry in action" at passive treatment sites, whichhave been visited by people from around the world. She also expressed her appreciation of 

SRWC members Wil Taylor and Cliff Denholm, who "have been instrumental in facilitating this

service-learning project."

Wil Taylor, JEEC Manager, called the college-Coalition partnership "unique, interesting

and rewarding." The SRWC is always looking for more volunteers to help out. Anyone can

contribute to the effort! For more information, please contact Cliff Denholm at 724-776-0161 or 

Wil Taylor at JEEC at 724-794-6011.

Thank you to Monica Pryts and Dr. Helen Boylan and a special thank you, to the

following students for the positive, encouraging news from our watershed: Stephen Cornich,

Daniele Figuroa, Jaimie Daum, Nicole George, Sarah Welsh, Hannah Anderson, Olivia Miller,

Gavin Steadman, Mark Biedka and Kelly Cholewa.

(Reprinted from The Catalyst newsletter, Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition , January 2012

issue.)

DEP, PSATS Offer Stormwater Management-MS4 Training January-March

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The Department of Environmental Protection and the PA State Association of Township

Supervisors will host a series of three training sessions in January dealing with stormwater 

management and the MS4 permit process.

The courses are part of a sixteen session package of training to be offered through March.

The first workshops will be held January 5: Berks County Agricultural Center; January

19: Monroeville, Allegheny County; and January 24: Trevose, Bucks County.For the remainder of the workshop dates and locations and to register, download the

workshop brochure.

Spotlight

Penn State Extension: Protecting Your Water Well

Wells can be protected from contamination by bacteria and

chemicals through good management practices.

A sealed well cap prevents insect entry along with

any bacteria they are carrying. Hazardous materials can be

kept out of the well's recharge area. Water testing verifies

the success of these protective practices.

A couple married for 61 years brought me a water 

test report for clarification. They have tested their well

 periodically for years and for the first time they had a positive total coliform test. They had the

usual questions, “is that bad? (we haven’t been sick or anything).” And, “what should we do

about it?”

This couple is to be commended for their regular habit of water testing. That they tested

this fall was wise – all the wet weather may have been responsible for the high coliform count.

You can read more about the mechanics of that by clicking here: For some ideas about what todo about a positive test, read on.

Wells have a watershed – rain falling within the watershed percolates to the water table

and supplies the well with water. The size of the area depends on the amount of water withdrawn

from the well.

A typical residential well collects enough water from rain falling inside a circle of 100 ft

radius to supply the household. On sloping ground the area must be stretched in the uphill

direction. Extending the "sides" of the circle to the crest of the hill defines the watershed area of 

the well and results in a "hot dog" shape.

If you talk to a hydro-geologist about this, they will tell you that you can’t exactly define

the watershed area for the well unless you monitor the water table around the well while it is in

 production. That is true, difficult, time consuming, and expensive.The simplistic approach above has the practical advantage of describing an area that you

can define and protect from activities that can pollute your well. Why not fuel your lawn mower 

outside this area and protect your water from a fuel spill? Why not fertilize or spray other parts

of your yard first - making sure the application rate is correct - then do the watershed area? Why

not make sure the dog’s business is conducted outside the watershed area?

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This couple also considered the possibility that insects were responsible for the high

 bacteria count. Earwigs and other insects can crawl under the typical well cap and fall down the

well carrying coliform bacteria with them.

The couple liked the sanitary well cap shown in the picture and plan to replace the current

cap on their well. The cap has three pieces. A top cover, a bottom ring, and a rubber gasket

sandwiched between the two. When the top cover and the bottom ring are bolted together thegasket is compressed completely sealing the top of the casing from the insect world.

They plan to shock chlorinate their well and do a follow up test to verify that bacteria

were eliminated from their water supply. They also plan to discontinue the use of a carbon filter 

when they learned that such a filter can encourage bacteria growth.

When asked about the secret of 61 years of happy marriage, do you think they said “high

quality drinking water?” No! The husband said “choose a good wife,” and his sweetheart smiled

in agreement!

Another Link To Useful Information

Protecting Wells with Sanitary Well Caps and Grouting Water Supply Testing and Protection

(video)

(Written by: Thomas McCarty, send email to: trm3@psu.edu , Carlisle, Pa, and reprinted from

 Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter.)

Local Businesses Contributed More Than $600,000 To Flood Relief 

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker announced

Thursday that Northeastern Pennsylvania businesses will receive Neighborhood Assistance

Program tax credits for donating more than $600,000 to support flood relief efforts.

“Businesses that contributed to the flood recovery effort are proactively helping their local communities recover from the devastation of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,”

said Walker. “Residents in areas of the northeast that suffered substantial damage to their homes

during the fall flooding will receive assistance in making necessary repairs and accessing

suitable housing. This support will be a key step in the process to making their lives whole

again.”

Local businesses that contributed to the flood relief effort will receive a tax credit through

the Neighborhood Assistance Program Special Program Priorities– a program designed to

support distressed areas and support neighborhood conservation.

The program provides tax credits of up to 75 percent of approved projects, with an annual

limit of $500,000. DCED has approved $460,275 in tax credits to local businesses that donated

$613,700 to support the flood recovery effort.Three local community development organizations received monetary donations from

 businesses to assist with flood and disaster recovery efforts. Some of the services these

neighborhood organizations will provide include emergency shelter and food for displaced

residents, assistance funding necessary mechanical and electrical repairs to homes, and helping

residents locate affordable housing.

 NAP-SPP projects must specifically support one of the following activities: flood and

disaster recovery efforts related to Hurricane Irene and/or Tropical Storm Lee; integrated

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weatherization and housing rehabilitation; preventing mortgage foreclosure; reduction of blight

and abandoned properties; encouraging diversity within communities and Marcellus Shale-

related projects.

Sen. Casey Urges Support For Flood Forecasting Systems

U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) Tuesday called on the Department of Commerce to include

robust funding for flood forecasting systems and weather monitoring technologies in the fiscal

year 2012 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration budget.

In the wake of historic flooding from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, the

importance of flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and

Warning System has come into focus due to their critical role in helping communities prepare for 

and protect against natural disasters.

“Flood forecasting systems like the Susquehanna River Flood Forecasting and Warning

System protect communities, help Pennsylvanians prepare for natural disasters and ultimately

save taxpayers money by reducing payouts from the federal government for flood damage,” said

Senator Casey. “We have an obligation to ensure that these systems are in place and operating properly so Pennsylvanians are prepared for the next flood.”

In the immediate aftermath of the historic flooding from Irene and Lee, Senator Casey

urged the Senate Appropriations Committee to increase funding for flood forecasting systems

and weather monitoring technologies in NOAA budget in the fiscal 2012 Commerce, Justice and

Science Appropriations bill.

 NOAA ultimately received $4.9 billion for fiscal year 2012, which is $306 million over 

the fiscal year 2011 level. It is now up to the Department of Commerce and NOAA to decide

how to distribute the funds.

Senator Casey has been a long-time advocate for flood forecasting, having worked to

secure Congressionally-directed funding for flood forecasting.Earlier this year Senator Casey sent a letter to Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Administrator of the

 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, urging the agency to fund the Susquehanna

River Flood Forecasting and Warning System. Funding for the system, which helps communities

located within the Susquehanna River basin prepare for flooding threats, was eliminated when

the 2011 budget bill was blocked late last year.

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission reports that for every dollar invested by the

federal government, the System saves $20 through reduced flood damages and reduced payouts

through the federal flood insurance program.

NewsClips: Penn State Scandal, Flooding Top PA's News Stories In 2011

Picking Up The Pieces: Christmas After The Flood

Flood Victims Settling Into Federal Trailers For HolidayCMU Designed Disaster App Could Speed Assistance

Rainfall Adds To Record Year In Lehigh Valley

Hurricane Irene Didn't Stir Up Much Trouble In Chesapeake Bay

Op-Ed: After The Flood: Family Learns What Really Matters

Op-Ed: Weatherman Reflects On 2011: A Case Of Extremes

Editorial: Upgrade Flood Forecasting

Editorial: Utilities Should Learn Lesson From 2011 Weather 

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Philadelphia Unveils Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan, Invites Public Comments

The Philadelphia Managing Director's Office of Emergency Management invites the public to

learn about the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan being developed for Philadelphia.

The plan will be rolled out on January 7 at 10:00 a.m. through noon at the FederationHousing Inc., Rieder House, 10102 Jamison Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. (Snow Date:

January 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m.)

Between 10:00 and 10:30 a.m., residents will view a series of poster displays featuring

the natural hazards. The Office of Emergency Management will provide a brief presentation

about the development of the Hazard Mitigation Plan at 10:30 a.m.

After the presentation, residents will have more time to review the poster displays and

 provide their feedback and concerns about natural hazards in their community.

The Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan will address a comprehensive list of natural hazards -

- droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, earthquakes, wind storms and tornadoes, hurricanes

and tropical storms, Nor'easters, and severe winter storms -- that may impact Philadelphia.

In addition, the Office of Emergency Management will provide a risk assessment, whichincludes prioritizing the natural hazards that have the potential of impacting Philadelphia. The

 purpose of the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan is to reduce or eliminate long-term risks to

human life or property from natural disasters through cost-effective and sustained mitigation

actions.

The Office of Emergency Management will continue to hold a series of meetings through

mid-February around Philadelphia to rollout the various components of the Natural Hazards

Mitigation Plan. Future components of the plan will focus on identifying short and long-term

mitigation strategies for reducing risks associated with the natural hazards.

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management Liam O'Keefe encourages the

 public to the attend meetings. "It's important for us to hear about Philadelphians' concerns aboutnatural hazards that could impact their neighborhoods, so we welcome them to attend any of the

upcoming meetings."

The public can find out more about upcoming public meetings on the plan and how to

submit comments by going to the Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan webpage.

Marcellus Shale Industry Statement On Pennsylvania, Federal Pipeline Safety Measures

Marcellus Shale Coalition President Kathryn Z. Klaber Tuesday released the following statement

on pipeline safety legislation authored by Rep. Matthew Baker (R-Tioga)-- House Bill 344-- and

signed last week by Gov. Tom Corbett and a federal pipeline safety bill authored by U.S. Rep.

Bill Shuster and sent to the President earlier this month:“The American natural gas industry values the safety of our workforce and our 

communities above all – from the initial development of the resource to the delivery of this

clean-burning fuel to consumers. Rep. Baker’s and Rep. Shuster’s measures establish important

safety standards for Pennsylvanians and all Americans, preserve competitive markets, and

further encourage the development of our nation’s shale gas resources. Passage of these bills is

yet another unmistakable sign of the sustainability of the natural gas industry here in

Pennsylvania and throughout the United States.”

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The MSC testified in favor of Rep. Baker’s legislation in a Pennsylvania House

Consumer Affairs Committee hearing in February. Separately, the U.S. Congress has passed the

Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 with broad bipartisan

support. The legislation has been sent to the White House where it is awaiting the President’s

signature.

Penn State Extension Sponsors 4 Marcellus Shale Webinars

The Penn State Extension Service will hold a series of webinars on Marcellus Shale-related

issues during the first three months of 2012. They include:

-- January 19: Seismic Testing: What's It All About?;

-- February 16: Transportation Patterns and Impacts From Marcellus Development;

-- February 23: Shale Gas Development in Northwest PA (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.); and

-- March 15: Municipality's Roles, Water Use & Protections.

Each webinar will run from 1:00 to 2:15 except where noted.

To register for any of these webinars, go online to the Upcoming Webinar 

Schedule webpage or contact Carol Loveland, Penn State Extension energy development andspecial projects coordinator, at 570-433-3040 or send email to: cal24@psu.edu.

For more information generally, visit the Penn State Extension Marcellus Shale webpage.

DEP Accepting Host Municipal Inspector Grant Applications Until March 31

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Host Municipal

Inspector Grants for municipal and hazardous waste facilities until March 31. (  formal notice )

Reimbursements are available to any municipality that has a municipal waste landfill,

resource recovery facility, or commercial hazardous waste storage, treatment and disposal

facility located within its geographic borders to help fund a host municipal inspector.Upon application from any host municipality, the Department shall award

reimbursements for authorized costs incurred for the salary and expenses of up to two certified

Host Municipality Inspectors. The reimbursement may not exceed 50 percent of the approved

costs of salaries and expenses. Reimbursement is available only for Host Municipality Inspectors

trained and certified by the Department.

Applications are available online and for more information contact the DEP Bureau of 

Waste Management at 717-787-9870.

State Parks Marking New Year With First Day Hikes Across PA

Helping visitors ring in 2012 with healthy exercise and a glimpse of nature’s winter beauty, theBureau of State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes in 13 State Parks on New Year’s Day as

 part of America's State Parks First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states.

“We are excited to join in hosting these hikes as part of this national effort to get people

outdoors and into our parks,” said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. “First Day

Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and burn off those extra holiday calories by starting off 

the New Year with an invigorating walk or hike in one of our beautiful State Parks.”

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Organized by the National Association of State Park Directors, the nationwide, New

Year’s Day hikes originated more than 20 years ago in Milton, Mass. The program was launched

to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year-round recreation at state parks.

State involvement has to grown to the point where, for the first time in 2012, all 50 state park 

systems will join together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

“We hope to draw both novices and trail-hardened veterans alike into our state parks inwhat will become an annual salute to healthy exercise and the winter beauty and serenity of our 

120 state parks,” Norbeck said. “Weather will dictate activities at our state parks on Jan. 1, but

different hikes will match different abilities. The accent is on enjoyment.”

Pennsylvania State Park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which are usually about

one or two miles, but can be longer depending on the park and its terrain. Details about hike

locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the

America’s State Parks website.

“What better way to kick off the New Year than with a hike at a state park?” said Ruth

Coleman, president of the National Association of State Park Directors. “Think of it as the start

of a new and healthy lifestyle for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or 

traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”Pennsylvania hikes will be offered at the following state parks: Delaware Canal, Bucks

and Northampton counties; Hickory Run, Carbon County; Hills Creek, Tioga County; Keystone,

Westmoreland County; Kings Gap, Cumberland County; Kinzua Bridge, McKean County;

Laurel Hill, Somerset County; Moraine, Butler County; Nolde Forest, Berks County; Parker 

Dam, Clearfield County; Promised Land, Pike County; Shawnee, Bedford County and

Sinnemahoning, Cameron County.

Additional details can be found on DCNR's Calendar of Events webpage.

Reminder: Complete Wissahickon Valley Park Survey Before February 28

The Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery and Philadelphia counties encourages park 

visitors to complete the survey My Park Counts, before its conclusion on February 28. All

 persons who complete the survey in the park or online will be entered into a drawing in mid 2012

for a free IPAD and one of ten free annual FOW memberships.

My Park Counts is the most comprehensive park survey of the Wissahickon Valley ever 

undertaken. It includes, for the first time, state-of-the-art mechanical counters of park users as

well as observational information and personal interviews.

For more information or to complete the park survey online, visit the My Park Counts

webpage.

PCN Announces PA Farm Show Coverage January 7-14

The PA Cable Network will chase away the post-holiday blues with its popular annual week-

long coverage of the PA Farm Show starting January 7 at 12:00 p.m.

This year, PCN will air LIVE coverage of the butter sculpture unveiling. The first-hand

look at this year’s creation will air at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5.

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Throughout the week, PCN will provide round-the-clock coverage. New to the show are

exhibits like the barn display with Penn Ag Industries and the Butterfly House. Both will be

featured by PCN as they make their debut at the show this year.

These highlights and many more farm show favorites make up the network’s extensive

coverage of the event which encompasses over 100 hours of network programming in just one

week.This is the 19th year that PCN will move its operations from the Camp Hill studios to the

Farm Show. During the week, PCN devotes its programming schedule to this agricultural

showcase which puts a spotlight on Pennsylvania’s largest industry.

This year’s coverage is being underwritten, in part, by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers

Council, Penn Ag Industries, Pennsylvania Egg Farmers, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the

Pennsylvania Treasury 529 College Savings Program.

PCN will air taped highlights of various events and displays throughout the week. A

schedule of LIVE farm show favorites is available online. Click Here for highlights of this year's

PA Farm Show.

Brinley Leaving DEP Brownfields Program

Denise Brinley, Director of DEP's Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields,

announced Tuesday she was leaving state government to pursue an opportunity in the private

sector.

"My time in public service is just about the sunset, as I will be leaving for a position in

the private sector starting in early January," said Brinley. "I found that working with those trying

to 'make things happen' outside of state government has been one of the most rewarding aspects

of my time at DEP."

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other 

recognition programs.  NEW means new from last week.

January 6-- EPA Document Your Environment Student Contest

January 6-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants

January 13-- NRCS Farm Conservation Stewardship Program

January 15-- Endless Mountains Region Mini-Grants

January 23-- EPA Urban Waters Program

January 30-- Ben Franklin Marcellus Shale Innovation Prizes

January 30-- NEW. Governor's Environmental Excellence AwardJanuary 31-- Lumber Heritage Region Mini-Grants

February 3-- PALTA Government Conservation Leadership Awards

February 12-- NEW. Foundation for PA Watershed Grants

February 15-- Delaware Valley Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn. Student Scholarships

February 17-- PA Legislative Black Caucus Student Scholarships

February 16-- County Agricultural Land Conservation Grants

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February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants

February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants

March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants

March 31-- NEW. DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants

April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants

March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction GrantsAugust 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants

August 24-- NEW. Foundation for PA Watershed Grants

September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial

assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

State Bureau Of Forestry Offers Christmas Tree Recycling

Budget

Big Issues Elude GOP Legislature

Legislature Pushes Many High-Profile Issues Into 2012

2011 PA Politics In Review

Blog: Top Political Stories: Argument Over Marcellus Shale

Shale Gas Industry Hoping For Statewide Regs In 2012

West Virginia's New Marcellus Shale Law

Op-Ed: Legislators Would Be Wise To Start Over On Marcellus BillClearfield Commissioners Support Growing Greener Program

Editorial: Attend To Revenue Side Of State Budget

Coalition Backs Committee's Transportation Funding Ideas

Blog: Top Political Stories: No. 5 Transportation Funding

Post-Gazette Mining Series

Coal's Reign In Western PA Has Long History - Part 1

Mining Issues In Shadow Of Shale - Part 2

 New Technology Makes Coal Mines Safer - Part 3

Region Hosts Cutting-Edge Coal Research - Part 4

Brownsville Barge Plant Investing In Its Future - Part 5

Draeger Has Name Recognition In Mining Industry - Part 6 New Fuel For Coal vs. Gas Debate

King Coal Makes Comeback As Home Fuel

PA Power Plant To Convert To Natural Gas

PA Coal-Fired Plants Looking To Run On Gas

Other

Sen. Mary Jo White Retiring In 2012

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PennFuture's Leaders Ran Afoul Of Political Opponents

 New Jersey Strives To Regain Its Recycling Reputation

Homewood Teens Focus On Green Movement

PUC Issues New Rules On Gas Leak Monitoring

More NFG, Penelec Customers Without Heat This Year 

Editorial: Obama's EPA Chooses Health Over PollutionEditorial: Cleaner Air For Christmas

Editorial: Clear The Air With New Emission Regulations

Column: More PA Enviro-Insanity? C'mon Man!

Essroc Cement Agrees To $33 Million In Pollution Controls

Midstate College Offers Electrical Engineering Lab

Relentless Pump Prices A Pain In Pocket

Borough Preps For Billboard Battle

Op-Ed: Urban Farms Offer Way To Dig Gardening

Rail Trail Group Balances Future In Pipeline Rights Of Way

Grants Give A Boost To Back Mountain Trail

Grant To Help Susquehanna TrailSusquehanna Greenway Creates 95-Mile Driving Tour 

$250K Grant Goes To Susquehanna Heritage Group

Small Landscapes Can Make A Positive Difference

Robins More Than Signs Of Spring

Deer Once Again The Outdoors Story Of The Year 

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Big Issues Elude GOP Legislature

Legislature Pushes Many High-Profile Issues Into 2012

2011 PA Politics In Review

Blog: Top Political Stories: Argument Over Marcellus Shale

Shale Gas Industry Hoping For Statewide Regs In 2012

Op-Ed: Legislators Would Be Wise To Start Over On Marcellus Bill

EPA: Dimock Water Supplies Merit Further Consideration

Lycoming Twp Official Drops Trees To Block Drilling Company

Small Town Takes On Gas Driller Over Road Repairs

Op-Ed: Keep Drilling Out Of State Parks

Range Resources Appeals South Fayette Zoning LawsFinal Shale Forum Brings Discussion To Johnstown

Op-Ed: Shale Gas? Credit The Feds Too

Fracking Or Facing?

Six StateImpact Marcellus Reports Worth Another Listen

Penn State Faculty Member Captures Faces Of Marcellus Shale

Penn State DuBois Partners For Marcellus Shale Education

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Delaware River Master Parts The Water 

Truck Collision Spills Marcellus Drilling Mud Into Lycoming Creek 

Rail Trail Group Balances Future In Pipeline Rights Of Way

Gas Boom Is Sweet Music To Sand Supplier 

PA Power Plant To Convert To Natural Gas

PA Coal-Fired Plants Looking To Run On GasLaFarge Receives $300,000 Grant To Convert To Gas

Ethane Cracking Plant In Western PA Could Create Jobs

Butler County Cranks Up Gas Processing Plant Construction

Rex Energy Gets OK For Cryogenic Gas Plant In Butler 

Financial/Other States

West Virginia's New Marcellus Shale Law

Chesapeake Energy To Sell $865 Million In Pipelines

Oklahoma Firm Seeks Pipeline Across Southern PA

Epsilon Energy Provides Update On PA Marcellus Production

With Gas Drilling Next Door, New York Gets Economic Lift

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Flooding

Penn State Scandal, Flooding Top PA's News Stories In 2011

Picking Up The Pieces: Christmas After The Flood

Flood Victims Settling Into Federal Trailers For Holiday

CMU Designed Disaster App Could Speed Assistance

Rainfall Adds To Record Year In Lehigh ValleyEditorial: Upgrade Flood Forecasting

Editorial: Utilities Should Learn Lesson From 2011 Weather 

Op-Ed: After The Flood: Family Learns What Really Matters

Op-Ed: Weatherman Reflects On 2011: A Case Of Extremes

Hurricane Irene Didn't Stir Up Much Trouble In Chesapeake Bay

Other Watershed NewsClips

Foundation For PA Watersheds Grant Application Schedule

Environmental Lawsuits Could Hit U.S. Agriculture In 2012

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists

 published notice of proposed regulations covering certification of geologists-in-training and

other regulation changes affecting these professions. (  PA Bulletin page 6975 )

The Public Utility Commission published notice of its order implementing standards for 

 participation in demand side management resources technical manual under the Alternative

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Energy Portfolio Standards Act.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 31, 2011

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final technical guidance on

impoundments, stockpiles and coal refuse disposal areas.

Final: DEP ID: 563-2112-656. Liners—Impoundments, Stockpiles, and Coal Refuse Disposal

Areas. Pages 1 and 2 of the previously listed technical guidance document referenced 25 Pa.

Code Chapters 101, 101.3 and 101.4, which were moved to Chapters 91, 91.34 and 91.35 in

2000. These references have been changed to reflect this update of 25 Pa. Code. Contact:

Questions regarding this technical guidance document should be directed to Michele Hamlin at

717-787-8320 or mhamlin@pa.gov.

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.

Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted.  NEW means new from last week. Go to the

online Calendar webpage.

Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this

week.

Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of its advisory committee

and board schedule for 2012. Click Here for the complete list.

January 3-- NEW. General Assembly's First Day of Session 2012. Noon.

January 5-- Agenda Released. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room

105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

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January 5-- Agenda Released. Chesapeake Bay Commission meeting. Annapolis, MD. 9:30.

January 10-- House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee holds a hearing

on closings of Sunoco and ConocoPhillips refineries in Southeast PA. Room 140. 1:30.

January 10-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1855

(Miller-R-York) setting standards for water well construction. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 1:00.

January 11-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1580 (Ross-R-

Chester) increasing the solar share in the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. Room 140.

10:00.

January 12-- DEP Southwest Regional Office Roundtable meeting. DEP Southwest Regional

Office, Waterfront A & B, 500 Waterfront Dr. 10:30. Contact Holly Cairns at 412-442-4116 or 

send email to: hcairns@pa.gov. (  formal notice )

January 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is

February 21. (  formal notice )

January 23-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control

and Conservation Committee featuring a discussion of Pennsylvania's Sustainable Forestry

Initiative. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon.

March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and

Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. (Location

to be determined) Noon.

DEP Calendar of Events

Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA

Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY

2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to

the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited

Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for 

 publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

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PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a

Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500

companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call

717-234-1716.

PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators'

2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers

Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout

Unlimited.