pa environment digest jan. 26, 2015

8/9/2019 Pa Environment Digest Jan. 26, 2015

1/47

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 January 26, 2015

Quigley To CAC: I Want To Raise The Morale Of DEP, Give It The Resources It Needs

Acting Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Quigley told the DEP Citizens

Advisory CouncilWednesday one of his priorities is to raise the morale of the agency and get

DEP the resources it needs to succeed at its mission.

Quigley stopped by the Councils meeting on his first official day on the job.He also said some of his other priorities were--

-- Increasing the transparency at DEP and reporting to the public more effectively

-- Updating DEPs oil and gas regulations to respond better to public concerns

-- Doing a better job of communicating internally by improving management information

systems

-- Building the confidence of the public in determining what are and what arent significant

environmental problems and

-- Increasing collaboration with stakeholders and other agencies on issues like clean energy and

the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay by not talking at people, but talking with people.

Quigley said Gov. Wolfs fresh start approach means something, it means a fresh set

of eyeson issues and finding new solutions.He said he was proud and excited to be working with the women and men at DEP, but

admitted he has a lot to learn even though he served previously as Secretary of the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources.

The next meeting of the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilwill be on February 17 in Room

105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg.

Related Stories:

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Complete Transition Report To New DEP Secretary

Testing Spills For Radium, More Guidance On Buffers, Endangered Plant Reg Changes

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Completes Transition Report To New DEP Secretary

DEPs Citizens Advisory CouncilWednesday completed work on a Transition Report to the

incoming Wolf Administration and DEP Secretary on environmental issues facing Pennsylvania

and the Department of Environmental Protection.

Part 1 of its Transition Reportwas adopted in November and made recommendations on

broad areas of concern like leadership, DEPs aging workforce, improving management

information technology systems, budget issues facing DEP, renewing public trust in the agency,
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://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%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_11%2FCAC_Transition_Report_2014_Part_1.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHui5_RE5Fbo38-aRqHjS8C1ZFy2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


2/47

using advisory committees more effectively, rebuilding bipartisan support for environmental

programs and multi-state regional cooperation.

Part 2 of the report adopted this week covers eight issue areas: Natural Gas Severance

Tax Climate Change Water And Wastewater Infrastructure Challenge Abandoned Mine

Reclamation Funding Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Sewage Facilities Planning And Regulation

Water Well Construction Standards and State And Federal Relations.Some of the recommendations included in Part 2 of the Transition Report are:

Natural Gas Severance Tax

Funding for local communities to deal with the environmental, infrastructure and social issues

of shale drilling and for county conservation districts must be retained in any new tax proposal,

but with further accountability of how that funding is spent. The CAC was disappointed to learn

from the Public Utility Commission which collects the existing impact fee that half of the local

governments receiving the fee did not file the required report on time detailing how the monies

were spent.

A significant portion of the revenues from natural gas production should go first to

environmental and restoration programs, since the tax is based on the mineral wealth of

Pennsylvanias natural environment. The severance tax collected from shale wells now on State Forest lands should be invested in

the restoration and management of State Forests and State Parks, not placed in the General Fund

or used to fund personnel and other administrative costs associated with the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources.

Climate Change

Renew emphasis on the development and implementation of a coordinated and thorough

Commonwealth Energy Plan by dedicating the necessary resources and executive level personnel

to support such a plan.

Reinvigorate the Climate Change Advisory Committee under the DEP and devote more

resources to climate change issues.

Seek better coordination between DEP, the Public Utility Commission, and other state entities

to inform and improve decision-making with respect to energy choices.

Advance new goals for renewable and distributed energy production by updating the AEPS,

and through innovative financing or tax incentives for deployment of renewables and distributed

generation.

Better account for environmental impacts of existing energy development in our state, and

suggest concrete policy strategies for avoiding or mitigating those impacts.

Water And Wastewater Infrastructure

-- Review the recommendations made by Gov. Rendells Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task

Force and make implementing them a priority.

-- Recognizing that federal and state budgetary resources are constrained, the CAC notes thecritical need for renewed investments in our water-related infrastructure.

Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funding

-- With the authorization for federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funding ending in 2021, the

Wolf Administration should be engaged in the process of reauthorizing this critical part of

Pennsylvanias reclamation program.

-- Develop a comprehensive abandoned mine reclamation strategy that incorporates and

maximizes the effective use of federal and state public funds, private industry and local


3/47

watershed groups. As part of developing this strategy, there should be a review of private

liability for discharges if companies take over sites they are not responsible for so the rules are

clear and predictable.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

-- Establish a senior-level position within DEPs Water Management Deputate who will work

directly with EPA and the Chesapeake Bay Program on the Bays Model and how it can beexpanded to include other BMPs that are voluntarily implemented on Pennsylvania farms.

-- Utilize existing programs and services to address the needs of the Chesapeake Bay (i.e. the

federal Natural Resources Conservation Services aerial monitoring of Pennsylvania farms to

account for the implementation of BMPs).

-- Establish a third-party independent, non-regulatory auditor that will inspect, verify, and report

to EPA the BMPs implemented on Pennsylvania farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Sewage Facilities

-- Allow the use of tested and proven alternate technology system in onlot sewage planning.

-- Conduct a comprehensive review of the Act 537 sewage program.

-- Work with stakeholders in a more effective manner to develop and implement changes to the

sewage program.Water Well Construction Standards

-- Support legislation to set construction standards for private water wells.

State and Federal Relations

-- Open communication both inside DEP in raising potential federal compliance issues to senior

management early, and in discussing possible alternative approaches that make sense for

Pennsylvania with EPA.

-- Expand efforts at fostering regional cooperation with other states to share solutions to common

problems, to develop cooperative solutions, and to strengthen our hand in negotiations with EPA

and the other federal partners.

A copy of Part 2 of the Transition Report is posted on DEPs Citizens Advisory Council

webpage. Part 1 of the Transition Reportis also posted.



Related Stories:



Gov. Wolf: Pennsylvania Is Blessed With Natural Resources

In his inaugural address Tuesday Gov. Tom Wolf said, I want you to know that for the next fouryears, my administration will be dedicated to three simple goals: Jobs that pay. Schools that

teach. And government that works one that is worthy of our trust.

On the environment, Gov. Wolf said, In Pennsylvania, we are also blessed with an

abundance of natural resources: gas, timber, coal, sun, wind, fresh water, open spaces,

agricultural land, beautiful scenery, and an opportune location that made us the Keystone State.

To fulfill our potential, we must take full and responsible advantage of these resources.

To the protesters here today, I say: help me develop these opportunities in a way that is
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_11%2FCAC_Transition_Report_2014_Part_1.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHui5_RE5Fbo38-aRqHjS8C1ZFy2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQ


4/47

clean, safe and sustainable.

Click Herefor the text of the speech.

NewsClips:

Wolf Will Target Jobs, Schools, Changing Government

Wolf Sworn In As PAs 47th Governor

Wolf Speech Long On Inspiration, Perspiration Yet To ComeWolf Becomes Governor Amid Budget Crisis

Groups Calling For An End To Fracking Greet Gov. Wolf At Inauguration

Pennsylvanians Against Fracking, a new coalition of groups from around the Keystone State

working to halt fracking, gathered in Harrisburg Tuesday with hundreds of activists to greet Gov.

Wolf and urge him to make stopping fracking a priority.

Pennsylvanians from all corners of the state converged on Harrisburgs Grace United

Methodist Church to hear from lead advocates and experts at a pre-rally press conference.

Attendees then marched down Walnut Street to the Inauguration grandstands where they held a

rally throughout the ceremony.Chants of Fracking PA? Our Answer is No! met Gov. Wolf, a reference to New York

States recent ban on fracking.

Several spoke of New Yorks recent ban and concerns the negative health consequences

of fracking.

According to Josh Fox, the award-winning director of Gasland and Gasland Part II, New

York banned fracking based on solid science that says fracking is harmful to people - people who

live near it suffer effects of air pollution, water contamination and health risks, people who live

downstream from it suffer from regional air pollution and contaminated public water supplies

and all people who live on the planet suffer the effects of frackings increased greenhouse gas

emissions and global climate change. Gov. Tom Wolf inherited insane policies on fracking but

he does not have to continue these policies. The choice is Governor Wolfs - listen to science

and to the harmed citizens of PA or be on the wrong side of history.

In our rush to develop shale gas, PA has created some economic winners, but we have

put many other Pennsylvanians in harms way, said Raina Rippel, Director of Southwest

Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project. After three years of dedicated work, EHP

understands that the scale of protecting these Pennsylvanians demands the full participation of

the PA Department of Health and the commitment of our Governor."

Those from frontline communities spoke passionately about the reality in PA. Diane Sipe

of Marcellus Outreach Butler made it clear whats on the line: While Gov. Wolf says with

respect to unconventional gas that he wants his cake and to eat it too, we in the shale fields

understand that the gas industry will eat the whole cake. This is what an extreme extractionprocess does--it creates sacrifice zones of the places where it operates. This industry will take

the gas and its profits and leave Pennsylvania a legacy of an unhealthy and damaged

environment.

We all have inherent & indefeasible rights to pure water, clean air & a healthy

environment, according to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Science, facts and experiences in

our communities where shale gas extraction is happening make clear that these environmental

rights cannot be honored if PA allows fracking to continue. Gov. Wolf, as he takes his oath of
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paagainstfracking.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZlm-7vXmn6NGXRXvrCIMhiRIwKwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-inauguration-preview-20150119-story.html%23navtype%3Doutfit&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGd1OKKXj5a4yF-sU3MPA-Je27K5ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2015%2F01%2Fwolfs_speech_was_long_on_inspi.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmA6vpQS3eAfD7MPIzlIQ-aT1C3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-gov-tom-wolf-inauguration-20150120-story.html%23navtype%3Doutfit&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_1zXmLBF8h7Ipp8ZFntenS2rj8whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fpolitics%2Fpoliticalheadlines%2F7547481-74%2Fwolf-governor-gov&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwhp4iiafUxux7_Skw4Qfyk2iGHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fread_the_full_text_of_gov_tom.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHiMjj1ni1u3lOFyFzOPnAtKe9Zgw


5/47

office as the leader of the Commonwealth, must honor his commitment to protect the

environment by stopping fracking in Pennsylvania, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware

Riverkeeper, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Wes Gillingham, a New York activist with Catskill Mountainkeeper stated, "High

volume fracking has been banned in NY. How did it happen? It wasnt a back room deal or

individual hero it wasnt a big organization or politician flexing their might. There is a Ban inNew York for the same reason the people here will change the course of history - hundreds and

thousands of ordinary people who see the dangers of fracking and refuse to let the gas industry

trash the state they love."

Others focused on Gov. Wolfs campaign platforms and what they saw as a disappointing

response to New Yorks ban.

Gov. Wolf has repeatedly expressed his opposition to fracking our state forests and

parks, citing an exhaustive study that pointed to the irreparable harm it would cause, said

Karen Feridun, Founder of Berks Gas Truth. Hundreds of peer-reviewed studies point to harms

to our health, safety, and environment that extend far beyond the bounds of our public lands.

Which Pennsylvania community is less important than a state forest? Whose child is less

precious than a stream or a tree? If Gov. Wolf cant answer those questions, then his choice isclear. He must halt fracking.

I'm disappointed in Gov. Wolf's lack of due diligence towards gas drilling in the

Marcellus, said Briget Shields, Founding Member of Marcellus Protest, the grassroots group

based in Pittsburgh. Dr. Howard Zucker, New Yorks Health Commissioner, determined it's too

risky for the people of New York, so how can it be safe for the people of Pennsylvania?

Jenny Lisak of Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Water and Air said, Rather than support

a poisonous, toxic, explosive greenhouse gas spewing industry and the administration that wants

it to succeed, the fracktivists are putting their passion to work turning this planetary ship around

before theres a head on collision, with no survivors.

"We are marching today to show Gov. Wolf the strength of the movement against

fracking," said Sam Bernhardt, Senior Pennsylvania Organizer for Food & Water Watch.

"Pennsylvania needs a halt to fracking we are going to organize communities around the state

until we achieve that goal," said Sam Bernhardt, Senior Pennsylvania Organizer for Food &

Water Watch.

NewsClips:

Ban Fracking Now Protesters Urge Wolf

Anti-Fracking Protesters Arrested After Wolf Inauguration

Fractivists Want Wolf To Listen Over Campaign Contributions

Mercyhurst Poll: 69% Confident In Wolfs Leadership

Mercyhurst University released a pollMonday showing 69 percent of respondents were

confident in Gov.-Elect Tom Wolfs leadership ability and 65 percent said he has the ability to

solve the states problems.

50 percent said he should be able to outperform his predecessor, although a sizable

minority-- 29 percent-- said Wolf and Corbetts performance as governor will be about the same.

52 percent said he would be able to work effectively with Republicans in the General

Assembly, but 40 percent said they werent so sure.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercyhurst.edu%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fuploads%2F%253Cem%253EEdit%2520Simple%253C%2Fem%253E%2520MCAP%2520Polls%2520%2Fpoll_3_final_report.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaFzBfqDBZUTFrANHeR6xKDqpcmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fanti-fracking_activists_want_g.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHjyZfgmD_civSmQeL5Pr_s56duBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fphiladelphia.cbslocal.com%2F2015%2F01%2F20%2Fanti-fracking-protesters-arrested-after-wolfs-inauguration%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEkyg5hSSxnz5wXU1kwwII_doMMaghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fban_fracking_now_protestors_ur.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF2aQYOTjuZoBuBwLlLCaLLkqv7Iw


6/47

On Wolfs agenda, respondents said--

-- 58 percent favored a progressive income tax

-- 66 percent favored raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10

-- 61 percent favored enacting a natural gas production severance tax

-- 74 percent favored increasing funding for public schools

-- 52 percent favored privatizing state liquor stores, 34 percent opposed and-- 58 percent favored reforming public employee pension systems.

On identifying the most important issues Wolf should address--

-- 25 percent said education

-- 23 percent the economy and jobs

-- 13 percent taxes

-- 7 percent the budget

-- 6 percent the pension system

-- 5 percent political reforms

-- 3 percent hydraulic fracturing

-- 3 percent infrastructure

-- 3 percent health care and-- 2 percent welfare.

NewsClips:

Wolf Nervous About New Job, Poll Shows Voters Arent

Poll Shows Wide Support For Wolf

Wolf, His Policies Popular As Inauguration Day Arrives

Gov. Wolf Completes Cabinet, Senior Appointments

Gov. Wolf completed his appointments to cabinet and many senior positions by naming

Secretaries for the departments of Education and Labor & Industry. Here is the complete list of

cabinet and senior appointments--

Governors Office Staff:

Chief Of Staff- Kathleen McGinty

General Counsel- Denise Smyler

Budget Secretary- Randy Albright

Secretary of Administration- Sharon Minnich

Secretary of Planning and Policy- John Hanger

Secretary of Legislative Affairs- Mary Isenhour

Director of the Office of Public Liaison- Obra S. Kernodle IV

Senior Advisor for Transportation & Infrastructure- Barry Schoch

Line Agencies:Department of Aging- Teresa Osborne

Department of Agriculture- Russell Redding

Department of Banking and Securities- Robin Wiessmann

Department of Community and Economic Development- Dennis M. Davin

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources- Cindy Dunn

Department of Corrections- John Wetzel

Department of Drugs and Alcohol Programs- Gary Tennis
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-physician-general-more-cabinet-nominees%2F63044%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFLRHfwfT_uNlbTEiwKYWQvEC7qsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-three-more-cabinet-choices%2F62866%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_MmX6k5wA_6xz9YJizUY_BuKdlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-fills-in-more-cabinet-picks%2F62958%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwNk_MJxAj5ztP62Jw_tDTUweHgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-two-cabinet-selections%2F62690%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9qDkwAxlkPPg2ObaE24Zbn2ymgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-choice-for-budget-secretary%2F62920%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk8auvk7KufvhxXvyLuMXmf0n3gghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-choice-for-budget-secretary%2F62920%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk8auvk7KufvhxXvyLuMXmf0n3gghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-chooses-inspector-general-secretary-of-aging%2F63034%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECBJ4HK2z-LGFsUl8J_XEcuV0Eighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-picks-richards-for-transportation-secretary%2F62971%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFr0PisrTysyu8NaMnkQwVyulsdWghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-major-staff-hires%2F62354%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm9IIyEG582q931OcYZnw6kNb_PAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-major-staff-hires%2F62354%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm9IIyEG582q931OcYZnw6kNb_PAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-major-staff-hires%2F62354%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm9IIyEG582q931OcYZnw6kNb_PAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-fills-in-more-cabinet-picks%2F62958%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwNk_MJxAj5ztP62Jw_tDTUweHgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-choice-for-budget-secretary%2F62920%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk8auvk7KufvhxXvyLuMXmf0n3gghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-more-cabinet-choices%2F62795%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtUuH-2oT44bs73kBUC4pAwbq2Bwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-mcginty-to-serve-as-wolfs-chief-of-staff%2F61736%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFL60uFICx5gy-fEsgqKvFxeAV2RQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fwolf-his-policies-popular-as-inauguration-day-arrives-1.1819511&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHUt-OuJwe2x1hPuNGwEHC1G9UdHwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fpolitics-state%2F2015%2F01%2F20%2FPoll-on-eve-of-inauguration-shows-wide-support-for-Wolf%2Fstories%2F201501200056&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFeQoT7K4S0jtpwxLh7EOF5dMWCHAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fgov-elect_tom_wolf_nervous_abo.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgP3rh0r_viViIUuOQKbXWwilKYg


7/47

Department of Education- Pedro Rivera

Department of Environmental Protection- John Quigley

Department of Health- Karen Murphy

Department of Human Services- Ted Dallas

Department of General Services- Curt Topper

Department of Insurance- Teresa MillerDepartment of Labor and Industry- Kathy Manderino

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs- Major General James R. Joseph

Department of Revenue- Eileen H. McNulty

Department of State- Pedro Cortes

Department of Transportation- Leslie Richards

State Police Commissioner- Marcus L. Brown

PA Emergency Management Agency- Richard Flinn

Office of Fire- Timothy Solobay

Physician General- Dr. Rachel Levine

Inspector General- Grayling Williams

NewsClips:Wolf Administration Looks Very Rendell-Like

Wolfs Cabinet, Advisers, Who Are They?

Honeymoon Ends As Wolf, Senate Spar Over Nominees

Wolk Recalled Appointees On Principle, To Gain Respect

Wolf Recalls Meuser Nomination

Wolf Fires Open Records Director

Republicans Casting Critical Eye On Wolf Nominees

Making A Difference Outweighs Making Money For Cabinet Picks

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor

David Hess, and let us join your Circle.

Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,

Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily

NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:

PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog:provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories

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

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

once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fmaking_a_difference_outweighs.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEumCMOvyxkpNZ1q9vJiDKZ2DH1AQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-senate-confirmation-votes-20150122-story.html%23navtype%3Doutfit&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsncr4D0aIEL6Otkk8rzDwBjR3BAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F20150123_Wolf_fires_open_records_director_and_recalls_Corbett_s_nominations.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZKhE0tqrEJnwMb6NZwUlwLsiMZghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fwolf-recalls-meuser-nomination-1.1821180&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXs7f09IW0OGB8JP38qafxwcrdYwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F7626206-74%2Fwolf-former-office&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGfjLw_h6rWmn6sRuaoZ6jgissMZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fm.apnews.com%2Fap%2Fdb_268748%2Fcontentdetail.htm%3Fcontentguid%3Dc56dxBBK&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSEDK0i0LRJPQNxkbXQI_caymIyghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fheres_a_breakdown_of_gov-elect_1.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1ke8nHP40CVEi8dkrwrBi01nkMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20150118_Lots_of_familiar_faces_in_Wolf_administration.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgnZfV4mhIF4-IgT-5O2L1nX7a_Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-chooses-inspector-general-secretary-of-aging%2F63034%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECBJ4HK2z-LGFsUl8J_XEcuV0Eighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-physician-general-more-cabinet-nominees%2F63044%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFLRHfwfT_uNlbTEiwKYWQvEC7qsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-names-police-commissioner%2F63000%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFIlspASIgs3KOOjy8oy9-aj8OsJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-names-police-commissioner%2F63000%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFIlspASIgs3KOOjy8oy9-aj8OsJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-names-police-commissioner%2F63000%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFIlspASIgs3KOOjy8oy9-aj8OsJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-picks-richards-for-transportation-secretary%2F62971%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFr0PisrTysyu8NaMnkQwVyulsdWghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-more-cabinet-choices%2F62795%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtUuH-2oT44bs73kBUC4pAwbq2Bwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-two-cabinet-selections%2F62690%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9qDkwAxlkPPg2ObaE24Zbn2ymgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-names-police-commissioner%2F63000%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFIlspASIgs3KOOjy8oy9-aj8OsJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-education-and-labor-secretaries%2F63072%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHtVgfxc08RunL0_n1IlBsG9d_aowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-three-more-cabinet-choices%2F62866%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_MmX6k5wA_6xz9YJizUY_BuKdlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-three-more-cabinet-choices%2F62866%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_MmX6k5wA_6xz9YJizUY_BuKdlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-physician-general-more-cabinet-nominees%2F63044%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFLRHfwfT_uNlbTEiwKYWQvEC7qsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-unveils-physician-general-more-cabinet-nominees%2F63044%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFLRHfwfT_uNlbTEiwKYWQvEC7qsghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-fills-in-more-cabinet-picks%2F62958%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwNk_MJxAj5ztP62Jw_tDTUweHgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Fpa-gov-wolf-announces-education-and-labor-secretaries%2F63072%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHtVgfxc08RunL0_n1IlBsG9d_aow


8/47

comment to any blog posting.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blogto get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government,

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

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

email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest

Twitterfeed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State

Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (January 26): Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 26):Senate Bill 147(Yaw-R-Lycoming) allowing royalty interest owners to

inspect records of gas company to verify proper payment (sponsor summary) Senate Bill 148

(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibit gas companies from retaliating against royalty interest owner

(sponsor summary). Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in

each--

House

AppropriationsEducation

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control
http://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=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://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%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://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%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0148&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHVfq-Y3WdR3Rw77vjTxXVBVz7TuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0147&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDlU6nC4MXExa-KbI3W9wakmJtMghttp://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.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Q


9/47

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--

No Net Loss Of Game Lands:House Bill 68(Godshall-R-Montgomery) requires no net loss of

Game Lands for recreational hunting (sponsor summary).

Water Well Construction Standards:House Bill 81(Harper-R-Montgomery) establishing

water well construction standards (sponsor summary).

Energy Standards For State Buildings:House Bill 83(Harper-R-Montgomery) setting energy

efficiency standards for state-owned buildings (sponsor summary).

Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate

January 26, 27, 28

February 2, 3, 4, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4

April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

House

January 26, 27, 28

February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4, 30, 31
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15966&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFd2me8XBfndLngvRDW_NgLsJVHxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2015%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D83&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFRHoXGJ9mAYAsfUseL0lnWZmu7ighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15964&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGTRP-jfvIUEAbsi2ipKc4LbJoCrQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2015%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D81&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlF9E7lvq8m8X7doKQ4i_oeK8TkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D16327&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUgggDB1DBEoUsIdRbiRaPwdl4WQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0068&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzgmoKUydxhHV7qC6ATRkDK9Joyghttp://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%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_zQ


10/47

April 1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 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--

Senate

Gas Leaseholder Protection:Senate Bill 147(Yaw-R-Lycoming) allowing royalty interest

owners to inspect records of gas company to verify proper payment-- amended ( sponsor

summary) and Senate Bill 148(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibit gas companies from retaliating

against royalty interest owner (sponsor summary) were reported from the Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee and are now on the Senate Calendar for action.

NewsClips:

Senate Panel OKs Oil And Gas Royalty Bills

Natural Gas Minimum Royalty Bills Face Same Challenges

Promote Crude Oil Development: Senate Bill 279(Hutchinson-R-Venango) establishing the

PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council (sponsor summary) was reported from the

Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and then referred to the Senate

Appropriations Committee.

News From The Capitol

Senate Names Standing Committee Members

The Senate announced standing committee members on Monday and Tuesday. All committee

members are now posted on the General Assemblywebsite. Here are members related to some

key committees--

Appropriations

Republican: Pat Browne* (R-Lehigh), Majority Chair, Kim Ward* (R-Westmoreland), Vice

Chair, David Argall (R-Schuylkill), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John Eichelberger (R-Blair),

Stewart Greenleaf (R-Montgomery), Bob Mensch (R-Lehigh), John Rafferty (R-Montgomery),

Mario Scavello* (R-Monroe), Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster), Pat Vance (R-Cumberland), Elder

Vogel (R-Beaver), Randy Vulakovich (R-Allegheny), Scott Wagner* (R-York).

Democrat: Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Minority Chair, John Blake (D-Lackawanna),Daylin Leach* (D-Montgomery), Judith Schwank (D-Berks), Matt Smith* (D-Allegheny),

Christine Tartaglione* (D-Philadelphia), Rob Teplitz* (D-Dauphin), Sean Wiley* (D-Erie), John

Wozniak* (D-Cambria).

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Republican: Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), Majority Chair, Michele Brooks* (R-Crawford), Vice

Chair, David Argall (R-Schuylkill), Ryan Aument* (R-Lancaster), Kim Ward

(R-Westmoreland), Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming).
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5W5OFe2gwCewniG-bmzdxWMIApghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15742&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYyYKp174q0v51YtxFAviCIcl1nQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D279&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk6rty-57n2WerdKJys7poRP8iPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F512%2FDespite-new-session-natural-gas-minimum-royalty-bills-face-same-challenges.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8v0ycylENdB4kki3lOcpGy_e-1whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2015%2F01%2F21%2Fstate-senate-panel-approves-oil-and-gas-royalty-bills%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENluRi38mbhbRBOlK7bXZuq73bVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0148&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHVfq-Y3WdR3Rw77vjTxXVBVz7TuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0147&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDlU6nC4MXExa-KbI3W9wakmJtMg


11/47

Democrat: Judith Schwank (D-Berks), Minority Chair, Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester), Shirley

Kitchen (D-Philadelphia), Rob Teplitz* (D-Dauphin).

Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure

Republican: Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks), Majority Chair, Mario Scavello* (R-Monroe), Vice

Chair, Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), John Gordner (R-Columbia), Stewart Greenleaf

(R-Montgomery), Dominic Pileggi* (R-Delaware), John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), PatriciaVance (R-Cumberland)

Democrat: Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), Minority Chair, Lawrence Farnese* (D-Philadelphia),

Arthur Haywood* (D-Philadelphia), John Wozniak* (D-Cambria), John Yudichak* (D-Luzerne)

Environmental Resources & Energy

Republican: Senators Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair, Camera Bartolotta* (R-Beaver),

Vice Chair, Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango), Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), Kim Ward

(R-Westmoreland), Don White (R-Indiana)

Democrat: Senators John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Sen.

Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) and Sen. John Blake* (D-Lackawanna)

Game & Fisheries

Republican: Mario Scavello* (R-Monroe), Majority Chair, Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks), ViceChair, Richard Alloway (R-Adams), John Gordner* (R-Columbia), Bob Mensch

(R-Montgomery), Patrick Stefano* (R-Fayette).

Democrat: James Brewster* (D-Allegheny), Minority Chair, Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), Sean

Wiley* (D-Erie), John Wozniak* (D-Cambria).

*New to Committee or position on the Committee.

House Names Standing Committee Members

The House Thursday released a list of members of each standing committee. All committee

members are now posted on the General Assemblywebsite. Here are members of some of the

key committees--

Appropriations

Republican: William Adolph (R-Delaware), Majority Chair, Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna),

Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), Gary Day (R-Berks), George Dunbar* (R-Westmoreland), Garth

Everett (R-Lycoming), Keith Greiner* (R-Lancaster), Glen Grell (R-Cumberland), Seth Grove

(R-York), Warren Kampf*(R-Chester), Fred Keller* (R-Snyder), Thomas Killion (R-Delaware),

Jim Marshall* (R-Beaver), Kurt Masser* (R-Columbia), David Millard (R-Columbia), Duane

Milne (R-Chester), Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny), Michael Peifer (R-Pike), Jeffrey Pyle

(R-Armstrong), Marguerite Quinn* (R-Bucks), Curtis Sonney (R-Erie), Mike Vereb*

(R-Montgomery)

Democrat: Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), Minority Chair, Matthew Bradford (D-Montgomery),Tim Briggs* (D-Montgomery), Michelle Brownlee (D-Philadelphia), Mike Carroll (D-Monroe),

Scott Conklin (D-Mifflin), Mary Jo Daley* (D-Montgomery), Madeleine Dean

(D-Montgomery), Maria Donatucci* (D-Delaware), Ed Gainey* (D-Allegheny), John Galloway*

(D-Bucks), Stephen Kinsey* (D-Philadelphia), Michael OBrien (D-Philadelphia), Cherelle

Parker (D-Philadelphia), Kevin Schreiber* (D-York).

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Republican: Martin Causer* (R-Cameron), Majority Chair, Stephen Bloom (R-Cumberland),
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5W5OFe2gwCewniG-bmzdxWMIApg


12/47

Karen Boback* (R-Lackawanna), Russ Diamond* (R-Lebanon), Joe Emrick (R-Northampton),

Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster), Marcia Hahn (R-Lehigh), Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), Mark Keller

(R-Snyder), John Lawrence* (R-Chester), John Maher (R-Allegheny), David Millard

(R-Columbia), Dan Moul (R-Adams), Mike Reese (R-Somerset), Mike Tobash (R-Dauphin),

David Zimmerman* (R-Lancaster)

Democrat: John Sabatina* (D-Philadelphia), Minority Chair, Vanessa Lowery Brown*(D-Philadelphia), Scott Conklin (D-Mifflin), Margo Davidson* (D-Delaware), Pamela DeLissio

(D-Montgomery), John Galloway* (D-Bucks), Jaret Gibbons* (D-Beaver), Jordan Harris*

(D-Philadelphia), Tim Mahoney* (D-Fayette), Brandon Neuman (D-Washington)

Consumer Affairs

Republican: Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery), Majority Chair, Stephen Barrar* (R-Chester),

Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland), Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks), Eli Evankovich* (R-Allegheny),

Frank Farry (R-Bucks), Warren Kampf (R-Chester), Thomas Killion (R-Delaware), Kurt Masser

(R-Columbia), Carl Metzgar (R-Bedford), Nick Miccarelli* (R-Delaware), Tina Pickett

(R-Susquehanna), Thomas Quigley* (R-Montgomery), Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery), Marcy

Toepel (R-Montgomery)

Democrat: Peter Daley (D-Washington), Minority Chair, Ryan Bizzarro* (D-Erie), Frank Burns(D-Cambria), Tina Davis (D-Bucks), Marty Flynn* (D-Lackawanna), Mark Longietti*

(D-Mercer), Robert Matzie (D-Allegheny), Brandon Neuman (D-Washington), Michael

OBrien* (D-Philadelphia), Peter Schweyer* (D-Lehigh), Pam Snyder* (D-Fayette)

Environmental Resources & Energy

Republican: John Maher* (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair, Stephen Bloom* (R-Cumberland),

Martin Causer (R-Cameron), Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), Becky Corbin (R-Chester), Garth

Everett (R-Lycoming), Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield), Tim Krieger (R-Westmoreland), Jim

Marshall (R-Beaver), Carl Metzgar (R-Bedford), Mark Mustio* (R-Allegheny), David Parker*

(R-Monroe), Jeffrey Pyle (R-Armstrong). Kathy Rapp (R-Crawford), Tommy Sankey

(R-Cambria), Will Tallman* (R-Adams)

Democrat: Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair, Bryan Barbin* (D-Cambria), Tim Briggs*

(D-Montgomery), Mike Carroll (D-Monroe), Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia), Stephen McCarter

(D-Montgomery), Brandon Neuman* (D-Washington), Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks), Michael

Schlossberg* (D-Lehigh), Kevin Schreiber (D-York), Pam Snyder (D-Fayette)

Game & Fisheries

Republican: Keith Gillespie* (R-York), Majority Chair, Harold English (R-Allegheny), Garth

Everett (R-Lycoming), Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster), Matt Gabler* (R-Clearfield), Doyle Heffley

(R-Carbon), Barry Jozwiak* (R-Berks), Mark Keller (R-Cumberland), David Maloney

(R-Berks), John McGinnis* (R-Blair), Brett Miller* (R-Lancaster), Dan Moul (R-Adams),

Michael Peifer (R-Pike), Jesse Topper* (R-Bedford), Ryan Warner* (R-Fayette), Parke

Wentling* (R-Crawford)Democrat: Ted Harhai* (D-Westmoreland), Minority Chair, Frank Burns* (D-Cambria), Michael

Driscoll* (D-Philadelphia), Frank Farina (D-Lackawanna), Marty Flynn* (D-Lackawanna),

Patrick Harkins* (D-Erie), Sid Kavulich* (D-Lackawanna), William Kortz* (D-Allegheny), Tim

Mahoney (D-Fayette), Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne), Brian Sims* (D-Philadelphia)

*New to committee or position on the committee.

Senate Environmental Committee OKs Oil Council, Leaseholder Bills


13/47

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy CommitteeWednesday approved legislation

creating a PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council and two bills protecting natural gas

royalty interest owner rights. The bills include--

-- Senate Bill 147(Yaw-R-Lycoming) allowing royalty interest owners to inspect records of gas

company to verify proper payment-- amended (sponsor summary)-- Senate Bill 148(Yaw-R-Lycoming) prohibit gas companies from retaliating against royalty

interest owner (sponsor summary).

-- Senate Bill 279(Hutchinson-R-Venango) establishing the PA Grade Crude Development

Advisory Council (sponsor summary), which was then referred to the Senate Appropriations

Committee..

Our goal is to ensure that leaseholders across Pennsylvania are treated fairly, said Sen.

Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Committee. Most notably in Bradford County,

but across my district, leaseholders have contacted me with concern over inadequate payments

and questionable deductions from their royalty checks. This legislation will undoubtedly work to

level the playing field.

These bills are needed to provide landowners with more accurate and completeinformation, said Joel Rotz, Senior Director of State Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania

Farm Bureau. The more information, the better relationship there is between landowners and

gas developers.

Unfortunately, last session, this legislation was not approved by the House of

Representatives, Sen. Yaw added. Having these bills unanimously approved during the very

first Senate Committee meeting of the new session is a clear sign that action on these bills is

essential. I do not intend to give up on this fight to protect the interests of my constituents.

On the crude oil development bill, Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) said, The

conventional oil industry is an important part of the regional economy in northwestern

Pennsylvania an economy that is already struggling. It cannot afford to be stymied by

excessive and unnecessary regulatory burdens.

The council created under my bill would work with the DEP to ensure that the

differences between the operations are taken into account as these regulations and laws are

developed and implemented.

The bills are now on the Senate Calendar for consideration.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak

(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClips:

Senate Panel OKs Oil And Gas Royalty Bills

Natural Gas Minimum Royalty Bills Face Same Challenges

Chesapeake Energy Pays $119M In Oklahoma Royalty Case

Senate Schedules Hearings On FY 2015-16 State Budget

The Senate Appropriations CommitteeThursday published a schedule of agency budget hearings

for 2015. Some of the key hearing dates for environmental programs are--

March 16-- 9:30- Governors Budget Office, 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office.

March 25-- 9:30- Dept. of Environmental Protection.
http://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%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2015%2F01%2F23%2Fchesapeake-energy-to-pay-119-million-in-oklahoma-royalty-case%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHCKBY6fgd18IPhh3e3kCJZ5HuGDAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F512%2FDespite-new-session-natural-gas-minimum-royalty-bills-face-same-challenges.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8v0ycylENdB4kki3lOcpGy_e-1whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2015%2F01%2F21%2Fstate-senate-panel-approves-oil-and-gas-royalty-bills%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENluRi38mbhbRBOlK7bXZuq73bVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15742&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYyYKp174q0v51YtxFAviCIcl1nQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D279&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk6rty-57n2WerdKJys7poRP8iPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0148&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHVfq-Y3WdR3Rw77vjTxXVBVz7TuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20150%26cosponId%3D15687&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmmKAQptBpEBMXFmI3-u_d46cp_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2015%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0147&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDlU6nC4MXExa-KbI3W9wakmJtMghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FcteeInfo%2FIndex.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS%26Code%3D9&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXZM125r9jFvvLFNAJfZNVD3DBaA


14/47

March 31-- 9:30- Public Utility Commission, 3:00- Dept. of Agriculture.

April 1-- 11:00- Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The Governors budget address is tentatively set for March 3.

All Senate budget hearing will be in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building in

Harrisburg.

News From Around The State

Citizens Advisory Council Invites Comments On Underground Mining Impact Report

The Citizens Advisory Council(CAC) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental

Protection is now accepting public comments and will accept public testimony during its March

17 meeting on the 2008-2013 Underground Coal Mining Impact Reportrequired by the states

Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act (Act 54).

The report includes information that documents and assesses the surface impacts

resulting from both longwall and traditional room and pillar underground bituminous coal

mining, including damage to surface structures and impacts to aquatic life, pH and conductivity

of streams and the loss of domestic water supplies from mining in Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria,

Clearfield, Elk, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset and Washington counties.

The report, the fourth in a series required under Act 54, was prepared by the University of

Pittsburgh and reviewed by DEP staff and released on December 30. DEP is required to submit

the impact report to the CAC, the General Assembly, and the Governor every five years. Three

previous Act 54 reports, also reviewed by the CAC, covered 1993 through 2008.

The University was selected by DEP to complete the report due to the expertise of its

faculty and research staff on all aspects of the effects of mining-related subsidence.

"Ensuring the public has the opportunity to provide input on the findings and conclusions

included in the Act 54 report is critical to the Council," said Council Chairman Terry Dayton."The CAC is very interested in hearing the public's perspectives on the report and encourages the

public to share its comments with Council."

Staff from the University of Pittsburgh will provide a presentation on the report and its

findings at the CAC's next public meeting on February 17. The meeting is open to the public.

The CAC has reserved two-hours on its March 17 meeting agenda to accept public

testimony on the Act 54 report. Pre-registration is encouraged to reserve a time to testify.

Individuals presenting testimony to the CAC will be asked to limit the duration of their

presentation to accommodate all who have pre-registered to testify.

Organizations are encouraged to designate one representative to provide testimony.

Individuals who do not pre-register may testify as time allows on the CAC's meeting agenda.

Individuals providing testimony are encouraged to submit a written copy of their testimony to theCAC.

Pre-registration is encouraged to reserve a time to testify. Individuals who do not

pre-register may testify as time allows on the CAC's meeting agenda. Individuals providing

testimony are encouraged to submit a written copy of their testimony to the CAC.

To pre-register to testify, contact Michele Tate, Executive Director of the CAC, by March

9 by calling 717-787-8171 or by sending an email to: [email protected]

Individuals in need of accommodations, as provided for in the Americans with
mailto:[email protected]://goo.gl/nF54zBhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQ


15/47

Disabilities Act, should contact the CAC to discuss their needs at 717-787-8171 or through the

Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 800-654-5984 (TDD) or 800-654-5988 (voice users).

The public is also invited to submit written comments on the Act 54 report to the Council

by March 31. Comments can be sent by mail to: DEP Citizens Advisory Council, Rachel Carson

State Office Building, 13th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459 or sent by

email to: [email protected] Council will use the comments in its own review of the Act 54 report and is expected

to issue its assessment and recommendations on the report in April.

The Act 54 Report (2008-2013) is accessible on DEP's website.

CAC meetings are held in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg.

The 18-member Citizens Advisory Council is appointed by the Governor, Senate and

House and was created in statute to advise the Department of Environmental Protection on

environmental issues affecting Pennsylvania..

For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilwebpage.


Vince Brisini, DEP Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air, Radiation and Remediation, told the DEP

Citizens Advisory CouncilWednesday the results of the TENORM Studyof radiation exposures

from natural gas-related activities lead his staff to recommend any reportable spills be tested for

radium and workers cleaning up spills should take appropriate precautions.

Hayley Book, DEP Office of Policy Director, said a revised spill testing and response

policy is being developed within the agency and no final decisions have been made on radium

testing.

Brisini also said the agency had provided additional guidance to landfills on how to

properly dispose of waste, including from drilling operations, that containing naturally occurring

radiation. Presently DEP requires a 50 to 1 ratio for waste containing TENORM.

Brisini made his comments during a presentation on the results of the TENORM Study.

He also announced he would be leaving the agency on January 23 for a new position.

Ken Murin, Chief of DEPs Wetlands, Encroachment and Training Division, briefed

Council on the interim policythe agency issued in December to implement Act 162which

changed the requirement for stream buffers in special protection watersheds.

Murin said, in addition to that guidance, DEP would be issuing two other guidance

documents: 310-2135--002: providing additional guidance on equivalency determinations and

310-2135-003: guidance on how to provide offsetting buffers as required by Act 162. He said

the additional guidance should be available in the next month or so.

Comments on the first policy are due February 18.

Rebecca Bowen, DCNRs Division of Conservation Science and Ecological Resources,told the CAC her division is about finished with a proposed rulemaking that would make

changes to the agencys endangered and threatened plant species list.

Bowen said 31 species are being added and 22 species are being removed, although some

of those changes represent changes to the formal species names. DCNR is also providing a

written justification for each of the species changes.

She said DCNR expects to put the proposed changes out for public comment in the next

few months.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2Fplants%2Fthreatenedandendangered%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgn6zTCiK88K4CYsNZ_XEj7s6eTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fnpdes_construction_erosion_control%2F21657%2Fact_162%2F1950384&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ1-rg9fdFME9lwFKKbhygNCcK5ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Ftechnical_guidance%2F21828%2Ftechnical_guidance_open_for_public_comment%2F1831378&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGg-oKPWw1R-go0eYfcRJotqIA2twhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil___gas_related_topics%2F20349%2Fradiation_protection%2F986697&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN9KFgZJvE7y0grKFfQrvO5HEWhAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://goo.gl/aydPm0http://goo.gl/nF54zBmailto:[email protected]


16/47

[Note: The transition to the Wolf Administration could adjust the timing and substance of

some of these recommendations.]

The presentations by Murin and Bowen will be published on the CAC Meetings

webpage.



Related Stories:


DEP Citizens Advisory Council Complete Transition Report To New DEP Secretary

PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference, 1st Film Festival, June 25-26

The Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Planning Committee is busily planning for the

next conference and are happy to announce that the 2015 Pennsylvania Conference on

Abandoned Mine Reclamationwill be held June 25-26 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center

in State College.The theme is "Reclaiming Our Communities."

This year, we are going to incorporate ideas, presentations, discussions, successes, and

partnerships that will showcase how the PA AMR Community does what it does best, getting our

hands dirty, reclaiming our communities.

As part of the Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference there will be a

film festivalshowcasing independently produced environmental films. The submission deadline

is March 3. The Conference planning committee is currently accepting submissions.

This is a great opportunity for watershed groups to highlight their projects and exercise

their creative skills behind a video camera.

YouTube and Vimeo submissions as well as DVD's are eligible for consideration.

Environmental topics are preferred. Films should be no longer than 30 minutes and be of original

material.

Click Hereto download the festival entry form and submission guidelines.

German Filmmakers Visit PA For Mine Fire Documentary

A crew from a Berlin-based film production company visited the coal refuse pile fire abatement

project at the Pittsburgh International Airport in Allegheny County last week. They are creating a

prime-time documentary for German television to be aired in mid-February.

Staff from DEPs Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation led the filmmakers on a tour

of the site, where they were able to see evidence of the pile fire and learn more about how thosetypes of fires are extinguished.

A producer, audio engineer and photographer from Story House Productions shot video

of the huge earthmovers as it pushed almost 430,000 cubic yards of earth at the airport's coal pile

fire remediation project site.

(Reprinted fromJanuary 22 edition of DEP News. Click Hereto sign up for your own copy and

to read back issues.)
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2015%2F2015012254.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtTO5AVAagJx09nRhyFmUWuS05sAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F2015.treatminewater.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FFilm-festival-entry-form.docx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPYuEXaj880FtKrt8aUTvGqiD_2ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F2015.treatminewater.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F01%2FFilm-festival-entry-form.docx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPYuEXaj880FtKrt8aUTvGqiD_2ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treatminewater.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFS5_zfXLL5WfpDBzBOX49X4IKEMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.treatminewater.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFS5_zfXLL5WfpDBzBOX49X4IKEMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQ


17/47

PA Growing Greener Coalition Celebrates 2015 DEP Growing Greener Grants

The PA Growing Greener CoalitionMonday celebrated the approval of more than $23 million in

Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Funds through the Department of Environmental

Protection to support 109 watershed protection efforts throughout the state.These grants will have a lasting impact on the state by supporting vital projects that

protect the Commonwealths most precious resource water, said Andrew Heath, executive

director of the PA Growing Greener Coalition.

The Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund derives its revenue from the

states tipping fee, the cost disposing trash in the Commonwealth. Each year the fee generates

about $60 million for the ESF fund, but due to legislation passed with the Growing Greener II

program in 2005, about $40 million of that revenue is used to pay the yearly Growing Greener II

bond debt service.

On the other hand, Act 13, the impact fees on natural gas drilling, generates new funds

for the ESF. Revenues from 10 percent of the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, along with a $35

million yearly transfer from the states Oil and Gas Lease Fund, help to ensure that waterprotection, conservation and recreation efforts continue across the Commonwealth.

The PA Growing Greener Coalition was instrumental in ensuring that funds collected

through the Marcellus Legacy Fund be made available for statewide environmental,

conservation, and recreation projects.

The recently announced DEP grants will be used to protect our water resources by

improving watersheds, reducing stormwater runoff and acid mine drainage, and supporting

public outreach efforts.

A recent report issued by the DEP stated that Pennsylvania has nearly 20,000 miles of

waterways that are considered impaired.

This is more evidence that cleaning our rivers and streams must be a higher priority to

our elected officials in Harrisburg, Heath said. More investments are needed to address this

growing concern.

For more information, visit the PA Growing Greener Coalitionwebsite.

NewsClips:

Berks Maiden Creek Project Awarded Growing Greener Grant

Mechanics: Brine Used On Roads Corroding Vehicles

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

CBF-PA: Erie, Greene Counties Join Clean Water Counts! Initiative

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA applauds the Erie and Greene County Commissioners foradopting a Clean Water Countsresolution, calling on state officials to make clean water a top

priority for the Keystone State.

Since launching this initiative, Berks, Luzerne, Westmoreland, Wyoming, York,

Northumberland, Schuylkill, Fayette, Cumberland, Washington, Erie, and now Greene counties

have all joined the effort and have passed resolutions.

Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on

clean water, said Harry Campbell, CBFs Pennsylvania Executive Director. We applaud and
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcbf.org%2FPAForCleanWater&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHiU6mU8PhrzaxJxQ2lLcbLuvIhdghttp://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.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7524656-74%2Fsalt-brine-corrosion&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTnpUjt5IIM5C-9oKvzfGbzrnxlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.berksmontnews.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20150121%2Fberks-county-conservation-district-maiden-creek-tributary-stream-restoration-project-awarded-grants&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH4RPN5BG1H8Jg_gGJBdXBCz1hFYQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzqaFQ5UO57_P-aA2d9NIXq3FzcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzqaFQ5UO57_P-aA2d9NIXq3FzcA


18/47

thank the Erie and Greene County Commissioners for publicly voicing their support for clean

water in the Keystone State.

CBF embarked on the Clean Water Counts campaign in response to the Department of

Environmental Protections most recent statewide surface waters assessment.

Pennsylvania has 19,761 miles of streams polluted by abandoned mine drainage,

agricultural and stormwater runoff and over 37,761 acres of lakes that do not meet water qualitystandards, according to DEPs latest water quality assessment report.

That same report said since 2007, Pennsylvania has restored just 72 miles of stream to

support aquatic life and 49 stream miles to use as potable water supplies, the two cleanest

standards. Just 853 acres of lakes were restored to support aquatic life and none to use as potable

water supplies.

DEP also reported that the top pollution sources are agricultural and urban/suburban

runoff, and abandoned mine drainage.

More than 1,700 miles of waterways flow through Erie County, but more than 200 of

those miles are polluted. The leading cause is urban/suburban polluted runoff damaging more

than 90 miles of waterways. Pollution from agriculture ranks second, polluting 60 miles of rivers

and streams.More than 1,200 miles of waterways flow through Greene County, but more than 200 of

those miles are polluted. The leading cause of pollution is agriculture, polluting 60 miles of

rivers and streams.

Through public education and engagement, CBF is hoping to increase awareness of water

pollution issues, like those in Erie and Greene counties and elsewhere in the Keystone State. The

goal is to urge state officials to make clean water a priority and commit the needed funding and

programs to ensure that the waters that we rely onfor drinking and household uses, recreation,

and to grow our foodall meet clean water standards.

In addition to calling on local officials to pass resolutions, CBF is asking residents to

show their support by signing the Clean Water Counts online petition. It takes only a few

minutes, but signatures will go a long way toward demonstrating the importance of clean water

to our elected officials.

To learn more about the campaign, visit CBF-PAs Clean Water Countswebpage.

NewsClips:

Berks Maiden Creek Project Awarded Growing Greener Grant

Mechanics: Brine Used On Roads Corroding Vehicles

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

PA American Water Accepting 2015 Environmental Grant Program Applications

PA American WaterThursday announced applications are now being accepted for thecompanys 2015 Environmental Grant Programawards. The deadline for applying is March 13.

Established in 2005, American Waters Environmental Grant Program offers funds for

innovative, community-based environmental projects that improve, restore or protect the

watersheds, surface water and/or groundwater supplies through partnerships.

American Water is committed to ensuring water quality through testing and treatment,

as well as through consumer education and community source protection programs, said Debra

Vernon, Manager of Corporate Responsibility. We are all environmental stewards in protecting
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amwater.com%2Fcorporate-responsibility%2Faddressing-climate-variability%2Fenvironmental-grant-program.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTIm0YBp9g0uEcDZdHh5Rdhwd-2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amwater.com%2Fpaaw%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbA-zCP-cvMN9v_cvGnRRK73GdMghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7524656-74%2Fsalt-brine-corrosion&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTnpUjt5IIM5C-9oKvzfGbzrnxlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.berksmontnews.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20150121%2Fberks-county-conservation-district-maiden-creek-tributary-stream-restoration-project-awarded-grants&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH4RPN5BG1H8Jg_gGJBdXBCz1hFYQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcbf.org%2FPAForCleanWater&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHiU6mU8PhrzaxJxQ2lLcbLuvIhdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_quality_standards%2F10556%2Fintegrated_water_quality_report_-_2014%2F1702856&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBBatSi8ihXTEjtNKQEtR6IOsbeg


19/47

our water supplies, and this program is one way we help communities play an active role in this

important effort.

To qualify, proposed projects must:

Address a source water or watershed protection need in the community

Be completed between May 1, 2015 and November 29, 2015

Be a new or innovative program for the community, or serve as a significant expansion to anexisting program

Be carried out by a formal or informal partnership between two or more organizations

Provide evidence of sustainability (continued existence after the American Water grant

monies are utilized)

Be located within one of American Water's service areas in Pennsylvania.

In 2014, a total of 45 projects throughout American Waters service areas in 11 states

were awarded grants totaling more than $185,000.

For more information, visit PA American Waters Environmental Grant Program

webpage.

Wissahickon Watershed Assn. Completes Insect Study In Watershed

Over 955 species of insects were discovered amid the 1,300 acres of forest, fields and wetlands

in the preserves managed by the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associationin Montgomery

County.

The study conductedin the spring and summer of 2014 by BR Environmental was the

first of its kind of the Wissahickon Creek watershed in decades. The 2014 yearlong study

highlighted the wealth of insects species identified in the field.

Some highlights include the discovery of three rare insects that at the Crossways Preserve

that are the chief pollinators of the rare Ragged Fringed Orchid. Juniper Hairstreak, a rare

butterfly in Pennsylvania, was also discovered in the same Preserve.

The site with the greatest number of species is near Parkside in Upper Gwynedd

Township where the Green Ribbon Trailruns parallel with the Wissahickon Creek.

Counting the number of species of animals and plants (inventories of fauna and flora) is a

good way to understand the ecological health of an area. With the increase of development

coupled with the loss of open space and wildlife habitat of recent decades usually results in a

decline of the variety of species that live in an area.

Insects are vital organisms they are at the bottom of the food chain. All sorts of birds

and animals rely on insects for food, said John Ferro, Manager of Conservation Resources

Program for the WVWA. Many plants cannot be pollinated without bees, wasps and flies. Our

nature preserves are healthier and wilder if there is a great variety insect species.

The study pointed to present threats to the local ecosystem. It highlighted the explosiveincrease in exotic plants that have replaced native vegetation. Callery pear, multiflora rose and

stilt grass cover wide areas and types of plants that native insects avoid feeding upon. Sustaining

native beneficial insects such as bees, wasps, butterflies and dragonflies requires a proactive

approach in controlling deer, exotic plants and mowed lawns.

Along with theNatural Resources Inventoryconducted in 2013 by the Morris Arboretum,

the WVWA has completed an amphibian and reptile inventory and will have mammal study

beginning this spring. The information will be used to develop wildlife habitat management
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.upenn.edu%2Farboretum%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEieeLIzEcLpscgVlEVXOewHEGvnghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvwa.org%2Fnri%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJvMSoVKg4RpVTUM8XQnZfkWM_cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvwa.org%2Fgreenribbontrail%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAW_6VTGxHpyRIIpbqbS3ltlb9aghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvwa.org%2Fnri%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJvMSoVKg4RpVTUM8XQnZfkWM_cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wvwa.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaDMiNxtw06e84blqEYoCbDbFmYAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amwater.com%2Fcorporate-responsibility%2Faddressing-climate-variability%2Fenvironmental-grant-program.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTIm0YBp9g0uEcDZdHh5Rdhwd-2Q


20/47

plans for the WVWA Preserves.

The full report is available online.

For more information, visit the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associationwebsite.

Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition 2014 Year In Review, Student Symposium

Two editions of The Catalyst newsletter are now available from the Slippery Rock Watershed

Coalitionin Butler County.

The December issuefeatures stories on--

-- Westminster College & SRWC Student Symposium

-- SRWC Participants Make Classroom Visits Fund, Educational

-- The Kids Catalyst: December Word Search

The January issueis the annual Year In Review - Making A Better Watershed With Help

From You! edition and articles on--

-- Celebrating 20 Years Of SRWC

-- PA Northwest GIS Conference

-- The Kids Catalyst: Cold Critters Coloring Page-- Click Hereto sign up for your own Catalyst newsletter.

50 Volunteers Participate In Friends Of Wissahickon Day Of Service

Approximately 50 volunteers participated in Friends

of the Wissahickon'sDay of Service in the

Wissahickon on January 19 celebrating Martin

Luther King, Jr. Day. The volunteers removed

invasive vines and trees near the Thomas Mansion in

Philadelphia.

Joining in the effort were groups of students

from Springside Chestnut Hill Academy and Boy

Scout Troop 221.

Photo: Volunteers Lamir Robinson, Brandon

Cornner, Graeme Brown and Jason Motley, from

Boy Scout troop 221, Chestnut Hill.

For more information on other activities and events, visit the Friends of the Wissahickon

website.

Jan. 19 Watershed Winds Newsletter Available From Penn State Extension

The January 19 issue of the Watershed Windsnewsletter is now available from Penn State

Extension featuring articles on--

-- Algae Blooms Create Their Own Favorable Conditions

-- Reducing Stormwater Runoff From Your Yard

-- Irrigation Water Toolbox Training In Hershey

-- Take The EPA Water Sense Pledge

-- Click Hereto sign up for your own copy.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fnews%2Fsubscribe&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGH_KACadvgA46Y9Wmd9llGVUcctwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fwater%2Fnews%2F2015%2Ftake-the-epa2019s-water-s

pa environment digest jan. 26, 2015

Documents