PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaDecember30,2013 ThanksToEveryoneContributingStoriesToPAEnvironmentDigestIn2013! WewanttothankeveryonewhocontributedstoriestothePAEnvironmentDigestduring2013! Withoutsharingyouraccomplishments,eventsandawardwinningperformances,theDigestwouldhave neverreachedourmilestoneofover5,000emailsubscribers! HaveaHappyandHealthyNewYear! DavidE.Hess,Editor DEPWillContinueChapter78Oil&GasRegulationUpdateAfterCourtOpinion TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondaysaiditwouldcontinuewiththeChapter78oil andgasregulationupdatenowoutforpublicreviewinresponsetoquestionsabouthowtherulemaking willbeaffectedbylastThursdaysPASupremeCourtopiniononAct13. ScottPerry,DEPDeputySecretaryforOilandGasManagement,toldmembersofthe EnvironmentalQualityBoardinanemail,whileDEPisstillevaluatingtheCourtopinion,themajorityof theSupremeCourtsopinionfocusedonthepreemptionofmunicipalzoningordinancesinTitle33of Act13.Thisissueisnotacomponentoftheproposedregulations. Thefulltextoftheemailfollows AlthoughDEPisstillreviewingtherecentSupremeCourtdecision,itisapparentthattheruling affectsverylittleoftheproposedrevisionsto25Pa.CodeChapter78SubchapterC.Themajorityof theSupremeCourtsopinionfocusedonthepreemptionofmunicipalzoningordinancesinTitle33of Act13.Thisissueisnotacomponentoftheproposedregulations. Forourpurposes,theonlycomponentoftheregulationaffectedbytherulingpertainstothe Departmentsauthoritytoissuewaivers.Theproposedregulationcrossreferencesthisauthority(58 Pa.C.S3215(b))inthreelocations.Thiscrossreferencingcaneasilybeaddressedbeforefinalizing theregulation. Itisimportanttonotethatmuchoftheproposedregulationisbeingpromulgatedpursuantto statutesotherthanAct13.Forexample,aspectsoftheregulationpertainingtoprehydraulicfracturing review,centralizedwastewaterandfreshwaterimpoundments,rockpits,brinespreadingandspill reportingandcleanuparepromulgatedpursuanttotheCleanStreamsLaw,SolidWasteManagement Act,Act2andtheDamSafetyandEncroachmentsAct. Assuch,thevastmajorityofSubchapterCisnotimplicatedbythisdecisionorevenfuture decisionsontheconstitutionalityofAct13.

Finally,IwouldnotethatbothTitle32ofAct13andtheproposedregulationapprovedbythe Boardsubstantiallyimprovetheregulatoryenvironmentinwhichtheoilandgasindustryoperates. Title32ofAct13andtheseregulationsare,inmyopinion,amodelforotherstatesand countriestofollowiftheirgoalistoensurelongtermprotectionofpublichealthandtheenvironment whileallowingforoilandgasdevelopmentwithintheirjurisdictions. IverymuchappreciateyourconcernswiththepotentialeffectoftheSupremeCourtsruling onthisregulationbutgiventheverylimitedscopeoftherulingonSubchapterC,DEPfeelsthatitis importanttocontinuewiththerulemakingprocessinordertorealizeimprovedenvironmental performanceinPennsylvania. FormoreinformationonwhenandhowtosubmitcommentsonChapter78proposed regulationchanges,visitDEPsOilandGasSurfaceRegulationswebpage. NewsClips: Letter:Act13RulingHurtsBusinessClimate OpEd:PASupremeCourtStrikesABlowForEnvironment Editorial:UseGasRulingForFurtherImprovement PennsylvaniasEnvironment2013YearInReview 2013endedwithabangasthePASupremeCourtissuedalandmarkopinionontheAct13Marcellus ShaledrillinglawandtheapplicationoftheEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentthatislikelytohave implicationsfarbeyondtheoilandgasindustry. Buttherewereothermajormilestones,anniversaries,changesandactionsin2013aswell coveredbythePAEnvironmentDigest. 2013sawachangeinleadershipatthedepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtectionand ConservationandNaturalResourceswiththeresignationofRichardAllanatDCNRandhis replacementwithEllenFerretti.ChrisAbruzzoreplacedMichaelKranceratDEPinApril.Both FerrettiandAbruzzowereconfirmedbytheSenateinDecember. TheExecutiveDirectorsofboththeSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionandtheDelaware RiverBasinCommissionalsoannouncedtheirretirements.LongtimeSRBCExecutiveDirectorPaul SwartzretiredandwasreplacedbyAndrewDehoff.DRBCsExecutiveDirectorCarolCollier announcedherretirementin2014. BothCommissionshaveasignificantroleinregulatingwaterwithdrawalsbytheMarcellusShale drillingindustryandinthecaseofDRBC,managingthedrillingmoratoriumthathasbeeninplacesince Decemberof2011. CarlRoe,whofor8yearsservedasExecutiveDirectoroftheGameCommission,announced hewouldretireinJanuary2014. Changesinleadershipwerealsoannouncedbyseveralnonprofitenvironmentalgroups, includingHarryCampbelltakingoverattheChesapeakeBayFoundationPA,CindyDunnat PennFutureandtheretirementofDavidMazzainthePAResourcesCouncilsPittsburghoffice. InAugust,CarenGlotfelty,alongtimeleaderinPennsylvaniasenvironmentalcommunity, announcedherdeparturefromtheHeinzEndowmentsafterserving13yearsastheheadof environmentalprograms.ShehasbeenasignificantforceinsupportingPennsylvanianonprofit environmentalgroups. Anotherlongtimeleaderinstateparksandforests,PatrickJ.Solano,washonoredforhis lifetimeofservicebyhavingtheEnvironmentalEducationCenteratFrancesSlocumStateParkin

LuzerneCountynamedafterhim. Pennsylvaniasenvironmentalcommunityalsolostanumberofenvironmentalpioneersincluding Dr.RuthPatrick,WilliamM.Heenan,BruceLeavitt,JimHoldenandWalterLyon. Anniversaries Pennsylvaniacelebratedthe45thanniversaryofProjectScarliftandminereclamationinthe Commonwealth,aYorkCountyhomeschoolgroupwonwith30thPennsylvaniaEnvirothonandwe celebratedthe25thanniversaryofboththeRecyclingProgramandtheFarmlandPreservationProgram andtheKeystoneFundmarkedits20thanniversary. Otheranniversariesandmilestonescommemoratedduring2013include 11thanniversaryofQuecreekMineRescue 100thanniversaryofthe1913floodinSharon Titusvilleremembers40thanniversaryofoilembargo 80thanniversaryofCivilianConservationCorps GoldenanniversaryofPineGroveFurnaceStatePark PinchotInstitutes50thanniversaryand AcenturyofelkinPennsylvania. EnvironmentalFunding 2013wastheeleventhyearinarowenvironmentalfundinghasbeencut,startingwiththe 200304budgetunderGov.Rendell.Sofar$1.9billioninenvironmentalfundinghasbeencutor divertedoverthelast11yearstobalancethegeneralstatebudgetortosupportprogramsthatcouldnot getfundingontheirown. Onthepositivesideoftheledger,the$2.3billiontransportationfundingplansignedintolawin Novemberincludeda$30millionincreaseinfundingfortheDirtandGravelRoadProgramandan increaseindedicatedfundingfortheFishandBoatCommission. Inaddition,thePublicUtilityCommissiondistributed$102.6millionindrillingimpactfeesto localgovernmentsandanother$94.7milliontostateagencyprograms. ProgramInitiatives/Changes/Actions Therewereothersignificantenvironmentalprogrammilestones,changesandactionsin2013, someofwhichareoutlinedhere. DEPpublishedacomprehensiveupdatetoChapter78drillingregulationsinDecemberrequired byAct13layingoutnewenvironmentalprotectionandpermittingrequirementsandfundamentally changingtheMarcellusShaleregulatoryprogram. DEPalsoannouncedthefirstcomprehensivestudyinthecountrytolookatthenaturally occurringlevelsofradioactivityinbyproductsassociatedwithoilandgasdevelopment. TheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmadeaseriesofrecommendationstoDEPonimproving publicparticipationintheagency,includingaskingthepublicdirectlyforideasonimprovingtheprocess fordevelopingregulationsandpolicydevelopment. InresponsetotheCouncilsrecommendations,DEPestablishedanonlinePublicParticipation Centertomakeiteasierforthepublictolearnaboutwhatissuesareinfrontoftheagencyandhowthey cangetinvolved. DEPalsostartedabiweeklyonlinenewsletterdistributedbyemail,somethingtheagencyhad notdoneforatleast8years. Inanotherimportantcourtdecision,CommonwealthCourtruledtheCityofReadingmayno longerchargearecyclingfeetosupportitscityrunrecyclingprogramputtingindoubtthefeescharges byothermunicipalitiesandcounties,includingthecitiesofPittsburghandPhiladelphia.

Othermilestones,changesandactionsofnote AFederalCourtturnsbackachallengetoChesapeakeBaycleanupstandards,butdecisionwas appealed DEPfinalizesairqualitypermitcriteriaforMarcellusgaswellsites AnIndependentreviewofDEPsOilandGasProgramsaystheprogramwellmanaged TheCenterForSustainableShaleDevelopmentisformedtoprovideindependentcertificationof drillingbestpractices Drillingfeesfundmorethan$28.5millioninenvironmental,recreationprojects AttorneyGeneralfilescriminalchargesagainstXTOEnergydrillingcompany Gov.CorbetturgedDRBCtofinalizedrillingrules TheWilliamPennFoundationannouncedthecreationofanewvisionfortheDelawareWatershed. TheStroudWaterResearchCenterformsWatershedRestorationGrouptoensurewaterquality TheAcademyOfNaturalSciencesinPhiladelphialeadsregionalwatershedprotectionefforts REAPfarmconservationtaxcreditreducesoverhalfmillionpoundsofnitrogen PAsbiggestChesapeakeBaycleanupchallenge:609millionpoundsofsediment EPAagreesLowerSusquehannaRiverisnotimpairedatthistime DEPproposesNutrientTradingProgramchanges Rediscoveredtechnologymakesminedrainagetreatmentmoreeffective,lesscostly DCNR,CONSOLagreementtorepairminingdamagetoRyersonStationStatePark CorbetturgesEPAtotakeactiontoprotectPennsylvaniaAirQuality DEPSecretarytakesstepstoend10yearinformationdrought 18States,PA:EPAcannotdictategreenhousegasstandardsforexistingpowerplants TheupdateofPennsylvaniasClimateChangePlanmovestocompletion EQBacceptedapetitionfroma19yearoldonsettinggreenhousegasreductiongoalsinPA Coalproductionisprojectedtodrop25percentandgasproductiontoincrease800percentin Pennsylvaniaby2017 95percentofDEPpermitsreviewedontime,backlogofpermitscleared KeepPABeautifulcompletesstatewidecountyillegaldumpsurvey LancasterCountypreserves100,000thacreoffarmlandand GameCommissionfilmcelebratesBaldEaglerestorationsuccess. AnalysisAndOpinionIn2013 ThePAEnvironmentDigestpublishedanumberofarticlesandopedpiecesonenvironmental issuesin2013.Hereisasampling MidYearBudgetBriefingWillShapeFutureDecisions CommitmentToRestoringPAWatershedsChangedFundamentallyBefore,After2003 HaveYouThoughtAboutHowStateGovernmentSpendsYourMoney? GrowingLeaner:ShrinkingCommitmentToTheEnvironmentOverLast10Years IronicStatementByFormerDEPSecretaryHangerOnKrancersLeaving LandmarkCourtOpinionTurnsEnvironmentalRegulationInPAUpsideDown WhyDoWeNeedToProtectEndangeredSpeciesAndWildTrout? StrikingTheAppropriationsBalanceWithTheEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationAct PAChamber,IndustryCoalitionUrgePassageOfEndangeredSpeciesChanges LegalExpertsSupportAttorneyGeneralsActionAgainstXTOEnergy RoadtoRecoveryIsntARoad,ItsARiver,WestBranchSeesBigImprovements ClimateChangeAndTheChesapeakeBayWatershed

PennsylvaniaMustShiftToRenewables KeepPennsylvaniaMovingOnRailTrails NewsClips: Letter:Act13RulingHurtsBusinessClimate OpEd:PASupremeCourtStrikesABlowForEnvironment Editorial:UseGasRulingForFurtherImprovement Top10StoresOf2013,PoolingLaw,MajorLayoffs 2013sUps,DownsInDrillingBoom StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartII StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartIII StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartIV 115StoriesAboutHundredsOfPAEnvironmentalStewardsHonoredIn2013 Hereare115storiesabouthundredsofindividuals,businesses,farmers,schools,localgovernments, studentsofallages,nonprofitgroupsandorganizationsjustlikeyouhonoredfordoinggreatthingsto protectandrestoreourenvironmentineverycorneroftheCommonwealthduring2013.Willwefind YOUonthislistin2014? PhiladelphiaHousingAuthorityWinsSustainabilityAward WinnersOfCleanupYourTurfForSuppliesContestInPittsburgh PennDOTReceivesNationalRecognitionforLitterCleanupEfforts Fish&BoatCommissionPresentsInauguralResourceFirstAward,OtherAnnualAwards DCNRBureauOfForestryApplaudedForHurricaneSandyEfforts RainforestAllianceRecertifiesManagementOfPennsylvaniasStateForests PAParks&ForestFoundationRecognizesAwardWinnersAtMay7Dinner FirstEnergyAwards$110,000ToPASchoolsInWays2SaveElectricityVideoContest PRCAnnounces2012LensOnLitterContestWinners FriendsOfTheWissahickonAnnouncesWinnersOf2012PhotoContest OnlineVotersChooseMonongahela2013RiverOfTheYearFromVotes25,450Cast KeepPABeautifulBringsHomeGoldAtNationalConference AquaAmericaRecognizedByEPAForGreenPowerPurchase 2013ParkandForestAwardWinnersAnnounced KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulReceivesNationalHonorsAsKABStateAffiliate PAEducationSecretaryNominates4ForGreenSchoolsAward PECOReceivesEPAEnergyStarPartnerOfTheYearAward ChathamUniversity,5OtherPACollegesRecognizedByTreeCampusUSA LibertyPropertyTrustRecognizedAsEPAEnergyStarPartner PhiladelphiaRanks#11InNumberOfEnergyStarBuildingsNationwide EPARecognizesBrownfieldsProgressInNorristown SewickleyCreekWatershedAssociationPresentsAnnualAwards

SRBCPresentsGoddardAwardToJamesBrozena,ActsOnWaterWithdrawalRequests PAEnvironmentalEducatorsPresentAnnualAwards Sen.ScarnatiHonoredByPARecreationAndParkSociety KeystoneFundChampionsCelebrate20thAnniversary,CiteBenefits CorbettAnnounces2013EnvironmentalExcellenceAwardWinners HelpCelebrateTheFatherOfPennsylvaniaForestryJosephT.Rothrock PeterHausmannHonoredWithLifetimeConservationLeadershipAward BuckinghamTownship,BucksCountyHonoredByPALandTrustAssociation SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContestWinners,VoteForHonorableMention PAWildsAnnouncesWinnersOfChampionAwards PennTakesTopHonorsInEPA'sGreenPowerChallenge ECOvantaAchieveseStewardsCertificationForElectronicsRecycling RiversideWestElementaryOnceAgainStatewideRecyclingCompetitionChampion DEPPresentsReforestationAwardsApril22ToSchuylkillCounty,PittsburghGroups FiveToReceiveWesternPAEnvironmentalAwardsMay23 StroudWaterCenterMoorheadEnvironmentalComplexAchievesLEEDPlatinum AquaAmericaPresidentReceivesSpecialWaterWorksAssociationAward DelawareCountysHaverfordTownshipWinsDCNR/PRPSGreenParkAward AlcoaRecycledArtCANtestWinnersAnnouncedByPAResourcesCouncil ChesterCountyDistrictReceivesDelawareWaterResourcesAssociationAward WilliamC.ForreyToBeHonoredByCentralPAConservancyMay18 ErikRossReceivesJamesMcGirrKellyAwardFromWaterIndustry TreasurerMcCordAcceptsNationalAwardForKeystoneHELPEnergyLoanProgram PhiladelphiaSpokesDogsNeededToTakeABiteOutOfPollution ChesapeakeBayFoundationAnnouncesSaveTheBayPhotoContestWinners PennStateYear2WinnerOfEcoCARCompetition 10StudentsWinPAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningScholarships PAAmericanWaterAnnouncesProtectOurWatershedsArtContestWinners EnvironmentalProfessionalsHonorDirtAndGravelRoadsCenter,CindyDunn CriscisDavidHessReceivesShippensburgUniversitysLifetimeAchievementAward DCNRSalutesEmployees'AwardWinningEfforts YorkCountyHomeschoolWins30thPennsylvaniaEnvirothon GameCommissionHonorsWildlifeConservationPioneers ChathamUniversityReceivesClimateLeadershipAward KatieKrauseWinnerOfDelawareHighlandsConservancy/YeamanScholarship PECHonorsMichaelDiBerardinis,JoanReillyWithWinsorAwards CBF:Bradford'sLovegreenReceivesLifetimeAchievementAward StateArchivesToHonorRalphW.AbeleJuly16

ChathamUniversityReceivesInternationalAwardForSustainabilityEfforts KeystoneHELPPartnersWinEnergyFinancingAward WeisMarketsReceivesDupontAwardForPackagingInnovation Sen.RaffertyReceivesConservationDistrictLegislatorLeadershipAward 3PennsylvaniaFarmsRecognizedWithCleanWaterFarmAwards NationalForestryGroupHonorsDCNR'sRachelReyna 10,000Friends:Gov.Ridge,NorristownProjectWinSmartGrowthAwards GovernorRecognizesAgenciesWithInnovationAwards,IncludingDCNR/DPW CelebrateTheGoldenAnniversaryOfPineGroveFurnaceStateParkInSept./October 2013WasteWatcherAwardRecipientsAnnounced CONSOLEnergy'sEnlowForkMineEarnsMineRescueWin KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulRecognizesPennDOTAdoptAHighwayCoordinators PACoalAllianceAnnouncesReclamationAwardWinners EnvironmentalHeritage:Happy49thBirthdayToTheFederalWildernessActOf1964 50thAnniversaryOfThePinchotInstituteForConservationSept.1922 DickinsonUniversity,ChathamUniversityNamedInTop25GreenestUniversities PennStateExtensionEducatorsReceiveNationalRecognition WestmorelandCountyConservationDistrictPresentsAwards,DedicatesBuilding Celebrating25YearsOfRecycling,LookingAtChangesForTheFuture WildlifeForEveryoneRemembers9/11ThruStateGameLands93 PAStateParks&ForestsGoddardHistoryProjectWinsNationalAward BNYMellonWinsEPAEnergyStarAwardsFor3.1MillionSquareFeetOfOfficeSpace WeisMarketsReceivesTopHonorForSupermarketSustainabilityEfforts EPAHonors24OrganizationsForGreenPowerLeadership,1InPA KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulAnnounces2013TireWarChampion SchuylkillCountyAbandonedMineReclamationProjectReceivesNationalRecognition NortheastPAEnvironmentalPartnersAnnounce2013AwardWinners GameCommission'sCalvinDuBrockReceivesNationalRecognition National,StateOutdoorWritersGroupsHonorDCNR'sTerryBrady CorbettAdministrationRecognizedWithNationalEnergyEfficiencyAward AquaPennsylvaniaReceivesAwardForElectricityDemandLoadResponsePrograms PhiladelphiaHousingAuthorityRecognizedWithNationalSustainabilityAccreditation LandStudiesWinsFirstPlaceInNationalStormTVVideoCompetition PerkiomenWatershedConservancyToHonor7WithEnvironmentalAwards Stroud'sBernSweeneyHonoredWithForestChampionLifetimeAchievementAward GrowingGreenerCoalitionMarks25thAnniversaryOfFarmlandPreservationProgram AmericanFarmlandTrustHonorsFranklinCountyFarmerWithLocalHeroAward

PennsylvaniaCelebrates25thAnniversaryOfFarmlandPreservationProgram UltraPolyCorporationHonoredByPARecyclingMarketsCenter StroudWaterResearchCenterHonorsNOAAScientistsForFreshwaterExcellence JenningsEnvironmentalCenterMineDrainageTreatmentSystemCelebrationASuccess IndianaCountyP&NCoalProjectWinsNationalCoalMineReclamationAward EnvironmentErieRecognizedByFriendsOfTomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter AquaAmericaReceivesEnergySolutionsAward EPARecognizesAholdUSA,Giant,ShopRiteForFoodRecoveryChallenge PAResourcesCouncilPresents2013EnvironmentalLeadershipAwards GregPhillips,WestmorelandConservationDistrict,ReceivesHonor,EducatorNamed EPARecognizes20PACollegesForFoodDonation,WasteDiversionEfforts PAResourcesCouncilHonorsNOVAChemicalsWithInnovativeRecyclingAward EnvironmentalEducationCenterInLuzerneNamedForPatrickJ.Solano PAAbandonedMineReclamationWatershedHeroesRecognized AquaPennsylvaniaAmongFinalistsForPlattsGlobalEnergyAward KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulRecognizesOutstandingVolunteersFor2013 PAAmericanWater:WinnersOfCommunityInvestmentGrants PPGGlassHelpsPhippsConservatory&BotanicalGardensCenterWinGreenAward NewEnvironmentalLawsEnactedIn2013 2013wasntexactlyabanneryearforenvironmentallegislation,butonehighlightwasgettingadditional fundingfortheDirtandGravelRoadsProgramfromthetransportationfundingpackagepassedin November. Unfortunately,theGeneralAssemblyandtheGovernoralsomadeanotherroundofwhathas becomeroutine,annualcutstoenvironmentalprogramfundingandpositionsintheregularstatebudget during2013aswell. Heresaquicklistofotherlegislativehighlightsfromthispastyear GeneralFundBudget:HouseBill1437(AdolphRDelaware)FY201314GeneralFundBudget wassignedintolawasAct1A.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.ClickHerefora summaryoftheenvironmentallineitemsincludedinthebudget. ClickHereforanenhancedFY201314budgetfactsheetfromtheGovernorsoffice.Click HeretoviewaSenateRepublicanspreadsheetcomparingFY201213andnewFY201314 appropriations.ClickHerefortheagencybyagencybudgetspreadsheetwhichcomparescurrentyear funding,theGovernorsrequestandtheagreedtobudgetnumbers.ClickHereforHouseDemocratic FY201314budgetspreadsheet.ClickHereforHouseRepublicansbudgetspreadsheet.Thebillwas signedintolawasAct1A. TransportationFunding:HouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)establishesa$2.3billion transportationfundingplanforhighways,bridgesandmasstransit.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNote areavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct89.ClickHereforasummaryoftheenvironmental

itemsincludedinthefundingplan. FiscalCode:SenateBill591(VulakovichDAllegheny)budgetrelatedamendmentstotheFiscal Code.ThebillincludesprovisionsrelatedtodistributionsfromtheRaceHorseDevelopmentFund.A summaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct72. Withrespecttoenvironmentalissues,thebillincludesprovisionsrelatedtoeliminatingGeneral FundappropriationstoDEPfortheConsumerEnergyProgramforFY201213andFY201314, appropriates$150,000forindependentresearchregardingnaturalgasdrillingtoDEP,givesprioritiesto municipalitiesincountiesofthesixth,seventhandeighthclasswithapprovedapplicationsforSewage FacilitiesPlanningGrants,extendsthepaybackoftheStorageTankFundtoJuly2029,$3millionwas appropriatedtotheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityforwaterandsewerprojectscostingbetween $50,000and$150,000,directingDCNRtoenterintoanagreementtomanageWashingtonCrossing HistoricParkwiththePAHistoricalandMuseumCommission. TaxCode:HouseBill465MacKenzie(RBerks)amendstheTaxCodewasamendedwithadozen newprovisions,including:extendingtheWildResourceConservationTaxCheckoffuntil2018,repeals theneverusedCoalWasteandUltracleanFuelsTaxCredit.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteare available.TheHouseamendedthebillandreturnedittotheSenatewhichconcurredinHouse amendments.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct52. AgriculturalEasements:HouseBill84(MillerRYork)requiringtheinspectionofallagricultural conservationeasements.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillwassignedintolaw asAct19. OnlotSepticSystemReviews:HouseBill1325(MaloneyRBerks)amendingAct537toprovide thatonlotsepticsystemsapprovedbyDEPmeetantidegradationrequirementssummary.Thebill wassignedintolawasAct41. Stormwater:SenateBill351(EricksonRDelaware)authorizingmunicipalauthoritiestoundertake stormwaterprojectswassignedintolawasAct68.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable. Stormwater/NonPointFunding:SenateBill196(WhiteRIndiana)furtherprovidingforfunding stormwatermanagementandnonpointsourcecontrolprojects.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNote areavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct16. PermitExtensions:HouseBill784(EvankovichRArmstrong)extendingpermitpendingand approvedintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandotheragenciesthroughJuly2,2016.A summaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct54. Oil&GasRoyalties:SenateBill259(YawRLycoming)furtherprovidingforthereportingof royaltiesfromoilandgaswellsandcombininggasleasesforhorizontaldrilling.AsummaryandHouse FiscalNoteareavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct66. CapitalBudget:HouseBill493(GablerRClearfield)furtherprovidingforthereviewandapprovalof CapitalBudgetprojectsandreducestheoverallborrowinglimitby$600million.Asummaryand

HouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ItwassignedintolawbytheGovernorasAct77. CapitalBudgetProjectsList:SenateBill680(CormanRCentre),whichprovidesforanitemized listofCapitalBudgetprojectsforFY201213.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.The billwassignedintolawandisnowAct85. OpenSpace:HouseBill1523(ToepelRMontgomery)furtherprovidingforopenspacepreservation bylocalgovernments.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ItwassignedintolawasAct 115. CombiningCommissions:HouseResolution129(CauserRForest)directingtheLegislativeBudget andFinanceCommitteetoinvestigatecombiningtheGameandFishandBoatCommissionswas reportedfromtheHouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction. EnvironmentalLegislationInPlayFor2014 ThesecondhalfofthelegislativesessionstartingJanuary7willfacelotsofleftoverissuesfrom2013. Firstandforemost,andthebiggestissuetheGeneralAssemblyandGov.Corbettwillfacein2014,is craftingtheFY201415statebudgetandmakingupforaprojected$1.7billiondeficit.Budget SecretaryCharlesZogbysmidyearbudgetbriefingDecember18demonstrateditwontbeallthat easy. Heresarundownofwheresomesignificantenvironmentalproposalsstandandattheendof thelistarelinkstothemajorHouseandSenateCommitteesshowingbillspendinginthosecommittees. Senate ReuseOfMineDrainage/MinePools:SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)providingforthe reuseofwaterinabandonedminesforMarcellusShaledrillingwasreferredtotheSenate AppropriationsCommittee.Asponsorsummaryisavailable.ClickHereformoreinformation. AbolishingPittsburghCleanFuel:SenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)torepealsummerRVP gasolinerequirementswasreferredtotheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.Asponsorsummaryis available. MarcellusHealthAdvisoryPanel:SenateBill555(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishingtheHealth AdvisoryPanelonShaleGasExtractionandNaturalGasUsewasTabled.Asponsorsummaryis available.ClickHereformoreinformation. CapitalIntensiveNutrientReduction:SenateBill994(VogelRBeaver)establishesasystemto putinplaceexpensive,taxpayerfundedcapitalintensivenutrientreductiontechnologyThebillwas Tabled.ClickHereformoreinformation. StateGreenBuildings:HouseBill34(HarperRMontgomery)settinggreenbuildingstandardsfor stateownedorleasedbuildingswasTabled.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.

EndangeredSpecies:SenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson)fundamentallychangingtheprocessin lawfordesignatingandconsideredendangeredspeciesinthepermitreviewprocesssponsor summaryisintheSenateGameandFisheriesCommittee.ClickHereformoreinformation. GeospatialCouncil:HouseBill1285(CutlerRLancaster)establishingtheStateGeospatial CoordinationBoardsummaryandHouseFiscalNotewasreferredtotheSenateAppropriations Committee. StateForestWindFarms:SenateBill684(WozniakDCambria)relatingtoleasingstateforestland forwindfarmdevelopmentwasTabled.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. WindPowerEasements:HouseBill920(SonneyRErie)amendingtheAgriculturalAreaSecurity Lawtodefinewindpowergenerationsystemandclarifyinganagriculturalconservationeasementshall notpreventgrantinganeasementforawindpowersystemsponsorsummarywasreferredtothe SenateAppropriationsCommittee. TestingEnergyTechnologies:HouseBill1672(MillerRYork),authorizingstateagenciestotest energysavingtechnologieswasreferredtotheSenateStateGovernmentCommittee.Asummaryand HouseFiscalNoteareavailable. SlagRecycling:HouseBill1527(EvankovichRArmstrong)providingforthereuseofsteelblast furnaceslagwasreferredtotheStateGovernmentCommittee.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteare available. EmissionsInspectionExemptions:SenateBill332(VogelRBeaver)intendstoexemptvehiclesof upto10yearsoldfromtheemissionsinspectionprogramwasTabled.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. MarcellusWorksNaturalGasConversions:HouseBill301(SaylorRYork)providingfor$25 millioninnaturalgasvehiclefleettaxcredits(HouseFiscalNote),HouseBill305(DenlingerR Lancaster)providingfor$5millioninnaturalgascorridortaxcredits(HouseFiscalNote),HouseBill 309(GroveRYork)providingfor$30millioninnaturalgasvehicletaxcredits(HouseFiscalNote)are intheSenateFinanceCommittee.HouseBill307(EvankovichRArmstrong)amendingtheAir PollutionControlActtoeliminateduplicationofcertificationfornaturalgasvehicles(HouseFiscal Note)isintheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.ClickHereforbackgroundon theMarcellusWorkspackageofbills. NaturalGasCompetition:HouseBill1188(PayneRDauphin)providingforascheduleoftruingup naturalgaspricestoincreasecompetitionwasreferredtotheSenateConsumerProtectionand ProfessionalLicensureCommittee.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillnow goestotheSenateforconsideration. WasteToEnergyToTierI:SenateBill1568(FolmerRLebanon)movingwastetoenergy facilitiesintoTierIoftheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsisintheEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommittee.

IncreasingRenewables:SenateBill1171(LeachDMontgomery)wouldamendthePennsylvania AlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardActtorequirePennsylvaniaelectricdistributioncompaniesto obtain15percentoftheirelectricityfromrenewablesourcesby2023.Therequirementiscurrently8 percentby2021.Asponsorsummaryisavailable.ThebillisintheSenateEnvironmentalResources andEnergyCommittee. MunicipalFees:HouseBill1052(FreemanDLehigh)furtherprovidingfortheuseoflocalrecreation andlanddevelopmentfeeswasreferredtotheSenateLocalGovernmentCommittee.Asummaryand HouseFiscalNoteareavailable. EQBCounsel:SenateBill164(YudichakDLuzerne)appointingindependentcounselforthe EnvironmentalQualityBoardwasTabled.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. WaterUseFees:SenateResolution39(AllowayRFranklin)directingtheLegislativeBudgetand FinanceCommitteetostudytheestablishmentoffeesfortheconsumptiveuseanddegradationof watersponsorsummaryisintheEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee. House EndangeredSpecies:HouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)makingfundamentalchangesintheway threatenedandendangeredspeciesarelistedandprotectedwasamendedandreportedoutofthe HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeandTabled.ClickHereformorebackground. WaterWellStandards:HouseBill343(MillerRYork)settingconstructionstandardsfordrinking waterwellssummary,wasreportedfromtheHouseRulesCommitteeandTabled.ClickHerefor morebackground. EliminatingRiparianBuffers:HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingtheriparian buffersasabestmanagementpracticetominimizepollutionfromerosionandsedimentation summaryisintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.ClickHereformore background. StreamCleaning:HouseBill443(CauserRCameron)establishingguidelinesforremovalof floodrelatedhazardsandrelatedstreamclearingactivitiessponsorsummaryisintheHouse EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.ClickHereformoreinformationontheidenticalbill fromlastsession. RepealingAEPS:HouseBill1912(SankeyRClearfield)thatwouldrepealtheAlternativeEnergy PortfolioStandardssponsorsummaryisintheHouseConsumerAffairsCommittee.ClickHerefor moreinformation. NaturalGasDistributionExpansion:SenateBill738(YawRLycoming)providingforthe expansionofnaturalgasdistributionsystemsandSenateBill739(YawRLycoming)providingfunding throughtheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityfornaturalgasinfrastructureexpansion(asummaryand SenateFiscalNoteareavailable)areintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.

ClickHereformoreinformation. MarcellusWorks:HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferringfundsfromtheOilandGasLease FundtoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgas (amendedtochangethesourceoffundstotheGrossReceiptsTax),HouseBill303(MoulRAdams) transferringfundsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFundtoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvert largemasstransitfleetstonaturalgas(amendedtochangethesourceoffundstotheGrossReceipts Tax),HouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirectingtheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFundtocreate theKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclestonaturalgas(amendedtokeep theAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFundintact),HouseBill308(SaylorRYork)redirecting$6million annuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgas(amendedtochangethe sourceoffundstotheGrossReceiptsTax)wereTabled.ClickHereforbackgroundontheMarcellus Workspackageofbills. WasteToEnergyToTierI:HouseBill1151(MillerRYork)amendingtheAlternativeEnergy PortfolioStandardsActtomovewastetoenergyfacilitiesfromTierIItoTierIisintheHouse EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. IncreasingRenewables:HouseBill100(VitaliDDelaware)wouldamendthePennsylvania AlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardActtorequirePennsylvaniaelectricdistributioncompaniesto obtain15percentoftheirelectricityfromrenewablesourcesby2023.Therequirementiscurrently8 percentby2021.Asponsorsummaryisavailable.ThebillisintheHouseEnvironmentalResources andEnergyCommittee. AgencyPerformance:HouseBill35(SaylorRYork)establishinganagencyprogramperformance programwasTabled.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. LymeDisease:SenateBill177(GreenleafRMontgomery)establishingataskforceonLymeDisease andrelateddiseasesisintheHouseHumanServicesCommittee.Asponsorsummaryisavailable. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees

Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House2014 January7(NonVoting),13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate2014 January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(January7):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPforacompetitive grantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303(MoulRAdams) transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlargemasstransitfleetsto naturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransitbusestonaturalgas HouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFund tocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclestonaturalgasand providea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308(SaylorRYork)redirecting $6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgas.<>Click HereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(January7):<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach

House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

BillsOnGovernor'sDesk
ThefollowingbillsweregivenfinalapprovalbytheSenateandHouseandarenowontheGovernor's deskforaction OpenSpace:HouseBill1523(ToepelRMontgomery)furtherprovidingforopenspacepreservation bylocalgovernments.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.ItwassignedintolawasAct 115.

NewsFromTheCapitol
SenateCommitteesSetJan.10HearingOnThreatened,EndangeredSpeciesBills TheSenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeandSenateRepublicanPolicyCommitteearescheduledto holdahearingonJanuary10onthreatenedandendangeredspeciesSenateBill1047(ScarnatiR Jefferson)andHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong). ThelegislationpendingintheSenateandHousewouldfundamentallychangetheway threatenedandendangeredspeciesaredesignedandprotectedinPennsylvaniaandeliminatehundreds ofrareandspeciesofspecialconcernfromevaluationduringenvironmentalpermitreviews. ThebillswouldalsosetadditionalpublicreviewrequirementsfordesignatingWildTrout

Streams. InNovembertheHouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeamendedandreportedoutHouseBill 1576byalargelypartylinevote.ThebillhasbeenTabledsinceNovember13.Therehasbeenno actionontheSenatebill. Huntingandanglinggroups,theGameandFishandBoatCommissionsandenvironmental groupshaveopposedthelegislation. ThehearingwillbeheldintheEberlyCollegeofBusinessandInformationAuditorium,664 PrattDr.ontheIndianaUniversitycampusinIndiana,Pastartingat10:00a.m. Sen.RichardAlloway(RAdams)servesasMajorityChairoftheGameandFisheries Committee,andSen.RichardKasunic(DSomerset)servesasMinorityChair.

NewsFromAroundTheState
OhioRiverAsianCarpTaskForceReleasesDraftManagementPlanForComment OnDecember10theOhioRiverAsianCarpTaskForcereleaseda draftmanagementplanforcommentoutliningstepstopreventthe AsianCarpfromspreadinguptheOhioRiverfromitsconfluence withtheMississippiRivertoitsheadwatersinPittsburgh. ThePlaninvolvestheeffortsofresourceagenciesin15 states,includingIllinois,Indiana,Georgia,Kentucky,Maryland, NewYork,Mississippi,NorthCarolina,Ohio,Pennsylvania,South Carolina,Tennessee,andWestVirginia. InlateNovember,testsbyofficialsinWestVirginiahaveconfirmedDNA(eDNA)fromAsian SilverCarphasbeenfoundintwowatersamplescollectedfromtheupperOhioRiverbetween Wheeling,VWandPittsburgh. ThetestsfoundeDNAinonePennsylvaniasampletakenfromtheOhioRiverinAliquippa, BeaverCounty,aboutsixmilesupstreamoftheconfluencewiththeBeaverRiver.Asecondpositive eDNAresultwasfoundinaWestVirginiasamplenearChesterinHancockCounty.Noneofthe samplestestedpositiveforbigheadcarp. ResearchersuseeDNAanalysisasatoolfortheearlydetectionofAsiancarp,whichinclude silverandbigheadcarp.Thefindingsindicatethepresenceofgeneticmaterialleftbehindbythespecies, suchasscales,excrementormucous.ButeDNAdoesnotprovidephysicalproofofthepresenceof liveordeadAsiancarp. TheDraftPlan TheintroductiontothePlansays,Immediate,coordinated,andsystematicactionsareneeded toimpedethecontinuedspreadofAsiancarpandtominimizetheirimpactsonaquaticresources, resourceusers,andeconomiesdependentuponahealthOhioRiverbasinecosystem. TheOhioRiverBasinAsianCarpManagementPlanwillemphasizecommunication,research, andimplementationofAsiancarpremovaleffortsattheirleadingedgesandwheretheyarecurrently established. ThePlanwillbeessentialnotonlyasmanagementtool,butalsoasanoticetoour congressionalleadershipthatthereisalargecontingencyofagenciesandnongovernmental organizationsthatareworkingtogethertoaddresstheAsiancarpissues. TheTaskForcehasdevelopedanActionPlanwithspecificrecommendationsforEarly

Detection,RapidResponse,PreventionandDeterrence,PopulationControl,andCommunicationand Coordinationtoachievelongtermsuccess. ClickHereforacopyofthedraftmanagementplan.CommentsonthePlanareduetoJeff Ross,AssistantDirectorFisheriesDivision,KentuckyDepartmentofFishandWildlifeResourcesby February1.Commentsmaybeemailto:jeff.ross@ky.govorhecanbecontactedbycalling 5025647109ext.4466. FederalAction InMaytheU.S.Senatehaspassedbipartisanlegislationsupportingtheimplementationofan AsianCarpmanagementplanofferedbySen.PatToomey(RPA),buttheU.S.Househasyetto considersimilarlegislation. ImpactOfAsianCarp Dr.TimSchaeffer,DirectorofPolicyandPlanningattheFishandBoatCommission,told DEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncillastyearitwasnotaquestionofif,butprobablywhen,AsianCarp arefoundinPennsylvaniawatersifstrongstepsarenottakentopreventtheirentryintothe Commonwealth.ClickHereforacopyofhispresentation. HesaidAsiancarphavehadadevastatingimpactintheMississippiRiversystemandnowpose thisthreattotheGreatLakesbasin.Asanaquaticinvasivespecies,thesefishdonotnaturallyoccurin Pennsylvaniawatersandwouldonlyoccuriftransportedandreleased. Thesecarpspeciesareathreatduetotheirlargesizesomecangrowtomorethan100 poundsandfivefeetinlength,reproductivesuccess,habitatdamageandlarge,yearroundfood consumption.Inadditon,silvercarp,whenstartled,canjumpupto10feetoutofthewaterstriking boaters,causingsevereinjury. SchaeffersaidinriverswhereAsianCarphavetakenholdupto80percentofthebiomassof theaquaticenvironmentismadeupoftheseinvasivespecieswhichwoulddestroymuchoftheprogress thestateandwatershedgroupshavemadeinrestoringPennsylvaniastreams. AvideoteachingpeoplehowtoidentifybigheadandsilvercarpisavailablefromtheUSFWS onYouTube. AnglersandboatersareurgedtocontactthePFBCorWVDNRiftheysuspectthepresenceof Asiancarp.Bothagenciesmaintainawebsiteforeasycommunication:PFBCAsianCarpand WVDNRAsianCarp. AdditionalinformationisavailableonthenationalAsiancarpwebsite.Moreinformationabout theCleanYourGeareducationalcampaignisavailableonline. RecycleYourChristmasTreeAsYouUnDeckTheHalls Astheholidayseasondrawstoaclose,youmaybesearchingforoptionsforhowtogetridofyourreal Christmastree.Luckily,therearesomeecofriendlyoptionsthatcanreducelandfillwaste,andeven contributetohabitatimprovement! AccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,approximately33millionreal ChristmastreesaresoldinNorthAmericaeachyear.Luckily,about93percentofthosetreesare recycledthroughmorethan4,000availablerecyclingprogramsnationwide. Ifyouareunsureofwhereyournearestfacilityis,theEarth911.comwebsiteoffersasearch featuretohelpyoufindalocalrecyclingcenterororganizationwheretreescanberecycled. AgoodruleofthumbisonceyouflipthecalendartoJanuary,startpackingupthelightsand ornamentsandgetyourtreereadytorecycle.MosttreerecyclingprogramswillendmidJanuaryand

youdontwanttomissthewindowofopportunity. Beforerecycling,treesshouldstrippeddowntotheiroriginalform,whichmeansremovingall thelights,ornamentsandtinsel. Whenchoosingwheretorecycleyourtree,besurethatitisnotjustgoingtobetakenawayand depositedintoalandfillthusnegatingtheimportanceofrecyclinginthefirstplace!Incitiessuchas NewYorkandDenver, Christmastreesaremulched,andtheremainingmaterialismadeavailabletothepublicfreeof charge.Yourcommunitymayalsooffertoredistributethemulchtoresidents,savingyoumoneyon gardensuppliesinthespring. Ifnotreerecyclingfacilitiesexistinyourarea,youdohavesomeotheroptionsthatyoucando onyourown: ChopitintofirewoodandkindlingAstandardNobleFirtreecanbeturnedintomorethan13 poundsoffirewoodtokeepyouwarmthiswinter.Theneedlescanbeusedforartprojectsorasmulch inyourbackyard. ImprovewaterqualityIfyouhaveapondorotherbodyofwaterinthebackyard,tossinginyour Christmastreeactuallyhelpsthefishbyprovidingshelterandnutrients.Manycommunitieshave dropofflocationsnearbodiesofwaterforthispurpose.Ifyoudonotofficiallyownthebodyofwater (suchasbeachfrontproperties),youmustgetpermissionbeforedisposingofyourtreeinthisway. InformationfromanarticlebyTreyGrangeronEarth911.com (WrittenBy:SusanBoser,WaterResourcesEducator,RenewableNaturalResourcesTeam,Penn StateExtension,BeaverCounty,,andreprintedfromPennStateExtensionsWatershedWinds newsletter.) PAEnvironmentalEducatorAwardNominationsDueJanuary14 EachyearthePAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducatorsrecognizesindividualsandorganizationsfor thecontributionstheymaketothefieldofenvironmentaleducation.Theawardsaregivenoutattheir annualconferencewhichthisyearisonMarch1415inLigonier,PA. NominationsaredueJanuary14. Awardsaregivenoutinsevencategories KeystoneAward:TheKeystoneAwardisthemostprestigiousaward.Itispresentedtosomeone whohassuccessfullydedicatedtheirtimetoadvancingthequalityandopportunitiesofenvironmental educationinPennsylvania. OutstandingEnvironmentalEducator:Tobeconsidered,thenomineemustbe"anindividualwho madeasignificantteachingcontributiontotheenvironmentaleducationfieldinaformalornonformal setting,througheithercurriculumdevelopmentorteaching." DaisyS.KlinedinstMemorialAward:Theawardrecipientshouldbe"aneducator,new(lessthan fiveyears)tothefield,whoisinvolvedinenvironmentaleducationandwhoseekstocontinuetoexpand his/herinvolvementinenvironmentaleducation." OutstandingEnvironmentalEducationProgram:Thisawardrecognizesanexemplary environmentaleducationprogramwhichcouldbeusedasamodelprogram. BusinessPartnerAward:Thisawardrecognizesamemberofthebusinesscommunitythathas madesignificantcontributionstopromoteenvironmentaleducationwithintheCommonwealthofPA. GovernmentPartnerAward:Thisawardrecognizesagovernmentofficialwhoservesonalocal,

stateornationallevelandhasdemonstratedsignificantsupportforenvironmentaleducationwithinthe CommonwealthofPA. OutstandingContributiontotheEnvironmentalField:Thisawardispresentedtosomeonewho hascontributedtoenvironmentaleducationinanonteachingarea,suchaspublishingorresearch. ClickHereforthenominationformandmoredetails. PennStateOffersFreeOpenOnlineEnvironmentalCourse YoumaynothaveheardofMOOCbefore,butitstandsforMassiveOpenOnlineCourse. Universitiesacrossthecountryareofferingthisfreeopportunityforanyonetolearnfromhigher education. AtPennStateUniversityyoucangotothewebsiteandfindwhatisbeingoffered,aswellas, registerforMOOCclasses. OnJanuary6aneightweekcourseentitledEnergy,theEnvironment,andOurFuturebegins. ThecourseisbeingtaughtbyinternationallyacclaimedresearcherandawardwinningProfessor RichardAlley.Dr.AlleyistheEvanPughProfessorofGeosciencesatPennStateUniversity. Totakethiscourse,allyouneedisanInternetconnectionandthetimetowatchlectures,read coursecontent,completelabassignments,anddiscusssomeassignmentswithyourpeers.Studentswho successfullycompletetheclasswillreceiveastatementofaccomplishmentsignedbytheinstructor. Againthisisafreecourseandyouropportunitytointeractwithaleadingexpert,andother studentsfromacrosstheworld,aboutenergy,theenvironment,andourfuture. (WrittenBy:JimClark,ExtensionEducator,WaterResources,RenewableNaturalResources, PennStateExtension,McKeanCounty,andreprintedfromPennStateExtensionsWatershed Windsnewsletter.) ShellExtendsLandOptionForEthaneCrackerPlantInBeaverCounty Gov.TomCorbettcommentedonThursdaysannouncementHorseheadCorporationhasextendedits landoptionagreementwithShellChemicalLPforasitenearMonaca,BeaverCountyandhas contractedtobegindemolishingselectbuildingsatthesiteearlynextyear. Pennsylvaniasworldclassenergyindustry,ourskilledandproductiveworkforceandourideal locationareattractingcompanieslikeShelltoinvestinourcommonwealthandcreatethousandsof familysustainingjobs,Corbettsaid.TodaysannouncementisanotherpositiveindicationforShells proposedplantinBeaverCountyandIamcommittedtoworkinginabipartisanwaytokeepthis multibilliondollarprojectmovingforward. Lastmonth,ShellnarroweditsshortlistofmajorcapitalprojectsinNorthAmerica,following theannouncementthatthecompanywillnotmoveforwardwiththeproposedGulfCoastgastoliquids (GTL)projectinLouisianaandwillsuspendanyfurtherworkontheproject. InAugust,Shellannouncedithassecuredethanecommitmentsandisseekingadditionalethane supplierstofeedtheproposedfacility.SecuringethanesupplyisoneofthekeycomponentsofShells ongoingsiteevaluationprocess. Justsixyearsago,Pennsylvaniaimported75percentofournaturalgasneeds.Today,weare competingwiththeGulfCoast,alongestablishedenergyhub,formajorenergycapitalprojects, Corbettsaid.Newmanufacturersarearrivingandbuildingplantsandcompanieswithdeephistoriesin

thefieldareexpandingandbranchingouttotheenergysupplychain.Thepotentialforgrowthisendless andwearemakingPennsylvaniaakeyplayerintheconversation. AdditionaltermsoftheextensionbeyondstatementsprovidedbyHorseheadandShellwere deemedconfidential. Formoreinformation,visitShellsU.S.AppalachianPetrochemicalProjectwebpage. NewsClips: Shell,HorseheadAgreeToExtensionForCrackerPlantSite ShellTakesFinalExtensionOnPACrackerSite DEPOffersRebatesForAlternativeFuelVehicles TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionisnowacceptingapplicationsforrebatesunderthePA AlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram.ApplicationsareduebyJune30.(formalnotice) Therebatesavailablevarywiththetypeofvehicle $2,000rebateforapluginhybridelectricvehicle(PHEV)(batterysystemcapacityequal/greater than10kWh)orbatteryelectricvehicle(EV)(batterysystemcapacityequal/greaterthan10kWh) (doesnotincludeelectricmotorcycle,scooter,allterrainvehicle(ATV)orlowspeedelectricvehicle) $1,000rebateforaPHEVorEV(batterysystemcapacitylessthan10kWh)(doesnotinclude electricmotorcycle,scooter,ATVorlowspeedelectricvehicle) $1,000rebateforanaturalgasfueledvehicle.OEM/certifiedretrofitonly $1,000rebateforapropanefueledvehicles.OEM/certifiedretrofitonly $1,000rebateforahydrogenvehicleorfuelcellvehicle,orbothand $500rebateforanelectricmotorcycle,scooter,ATVorotherlowspeedelectricvehicleif registeredinthisCommonwealth. Thereareonlyalimitednumberofrebatesleftat$3,000.Uponpaymentofthefirst500rebates at$3,000,therebateamountforPHEVsandEVs(batterysystemcapacityequal/greaterthan10kWh) willbereducedto$2,000forthenext500qualifiedapplicantsoruntilJune30,whicheveroccursfirst. Therebateamountofferedinthefuturewillbereassessedatthattime. Toqualifyfortherebate,thealternativefuelvehiclemustberegisteredinthisCommonwealth andbeoperatedprimarilywithinthisCommonwealth.Therebatewillbeofferedonafirstcome, firstservedbasisintheorderinwhichtheyarereceived. RebaterequestformsandrequireddocumentationmustbesubmittedtotheDepartmentnolater than6monthsafterthevehicleispurchased. Formoreinformation,visittheDEPPAAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgramwebpage. PUCUrgesCustomersToCallNowToRestoreUtilityService,19,653WithoutHeat ThePublicUtilityCommissionMondayreleasedtheresultsofitsannualColdWeatherSurvey,which showedthatabout19,653householdswillenterthewinterseasonwithoutheatrelatedutilityservice comparedto15,975thistimelastyear. Withthecoldestmonthsoftheyeararestillahead,itremainscriticallyimportantforconsumers withoutheatrelatedutilityservicetolearnabouttheoptionsavailabletoallowthemtoreconnect service,saidCommissionChairmanRobertF.Powelson. ThePUCencouragesconsumerswithoututilityservicetoknowtheirrightsandresponsibilities. Consumersshouldobtaininformationaboutprogramsavailabletohelpthemrestoreandmaintainutility

service.Consumerswithaseriouslyillresidentinthehouseholdoraprotectionfromabuseordermay haveadditionaloptionsforservicerestoration. Consumersshouldcalltheirutilityfirsttomakearrangementstopaytheirbill.Iftheyareunable toreachanagreementwiththeutility,thePUCmaybeabletoprovideassistance.ThePUCcanbe reachedtollfreeat18006927380. InaccordancewiththePennsylvaniaPublicUtilityCode,thestateselectricandnaturalgas distributioncompaniesunderthePUCsjurisdictionmustsurveyresidentialpropertieswhereservicehas beenterminatedin2013andhasnotbeenreconnectedduringthecourseofthiscalendaryear. Thesurveyassessesthenumberofhouseholdswithoutheatrelatedserviceenteringthewinter months.Somehouseholdsmaybewithoutbothelectricandnaturalgasservice,resultingina doublecountingofsomehouseholds. EveryDecember,thePUCreleasesthosecoldweathersurveyresults.Aspartofthesurvey, theutilityoritsrepresentativemustmakefourattemptstocontactconsumerswhoareknowntobe withoutheatrelatedutilityservice. Theattemptsmayincludetelephonecalls,lettersandpersonalvisitstotheresidenceandare doneondifferentdaysoftheweekanddifferenttimesoftheday.Ifthefirstthreecontactsare unsuccessful,thePUCrequeststhatthefourthattemptbeaninpersonvisittotheresidence. Homesusingpotentiallyunsafeheatingsourcesalsoarecountedseparatelybecausethehomeis notrelyingonacentralheatingsystem.AccordingtotheNationalFireProtectionAssociation, potentiallyunsafesourcesofheatincludekeroseneheaters,kitchenstovesorovens,electricspace heaters,fireplacesandconnectingextensioncordstoneighborshomes. Anadditional1,628residencesareusingpotentiallyunsafeheatingsources,bringingthetotal homesnotusingacentralheatingsystemto21,281accordingtothe2013survey.Thetotalnumber was18,116in2012. The2013surveyresultsalsoshowthatasofDecember16: 6,716residentialhouseholdsremainwithoutelectricservice12,693residenceswhereservicewas terminatednowappeartobevacantand99householdsareheatingwithpotentiallyunsafeheating sources.Thetotalelectricresidenceswithoutsafeheatingare6,815. 12,937residentialhouseholdsthatheatwithnaturalgasarewithoutservice6,070residenceswhere servicewasterminatednowappeartobevacantand1,529householdsareheatingwithpotentially unsafeheatingsources.Thetotalnaturalgasresidenceswithoutsafeheatingare14,466. PGWreportedthat9,049householdsthatheatwithnaturalgasarewithoutservicethehighest numberofallutilities.Atotalof13,508or63percentofthetotaloffaccountsthathavenoservicelive inthePhiladelphiaarea. Thechartsattachedtothereportshowthenumberofresidentialpropertieswithoutservicefor eachofthemajor,regulatedelectricandnaturalgasdistributioncompaniesintheCommonwealth. PrepareNow InanOctober15,2013lettersenttoelectricandnaturalgasutilitiesunderitsjurisdiction,the PUCaskedutilitiestojoinitinreachingoutandeducatingconsumersaspartofthePUCsPrepare Nowinitiative.Inits11thyear,themessageissimple:PrepareNowforhighenergycoststhiswinter. Learnaboutchangesinthelawrelatedtoutilityshutoffsandknowyourrights.Savemoneyby learninghowtoconserveenergy.Heatyourhomesafely.Explorebudgetbillingoptions.Lookinto programsthathelplowincomecustomersrestoreandmaintainservice. VisitthePUCsPrepareNowwebpageorcallthePUCat18006927380. HeatingAssistance

EverymajorutilityoffersaCustomerAssistanceProgram,underwhichqualifyinglowincome customerspaydiscountedbills.QualificationinCAPisbasedonhouseholdsizeandgrosshousehold income. LowIncomeUsageReductionProgramshelpconsumerslowertheamountofelectricityor naturalgasusedeachmonth.Thecompanymayinstallenergysavingfeaturesinyourhometohelp reducebills.Inaddition,theLowIncomeHomeEnergyAssistanceProgram(LIHEAP)mayhavefunds availabletohelpeligiblecustomershaveservicerestored. Formoreinformation,pleasecontactyourlocalCountyAssistanceOfficeorcontactthe LIHEAPhotlineat18668577095.Aninformationalbrochurealsoisavailable. NewsClips: PUC:Over19,000WithoutHeatService UtilityShutOffsSurge,LeavingHouseholdsWithoutHeat NumberOfPennsylvaniansWithoutHeatUp LIHEAPCrisisGrantsAvailableJanuary2 PhiladelphiaHousingAuthorityRecognizedForEnergyEfficiency TheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyandtheU.S.DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopmentTuesday announcedtheexpansionofthePresidentsBetterBuildingsChallengetoincludemultifamilyhousing. DOEandHUDrecognizetheenergyefficiencycommitmentthatthePhiladelphiaHousing AuthorityismakingasaBetterBuildingsChallengePartner. InhisrecentClimateActionPlan,PresidentObamacalledforleadingmultifamilyhousing ownerstojointheBetterBuildingsChallenge.AboutaquarterofU.S.householdsliveinmultifamily housingunitsandspendabout$40billiononenergycostseachyear. Makingthesehousingunits20percentmoreenergyefficientwouldsavemorethan$7billion peryearandcutgreenhousegasemissionsby430milliontons. AspartoftheBetterBuildingsChallenge,DOEandHUDarepartneringwithleadingprivate andaffordablebuildingsownersandpublichousingagenciestocutenergywasteandhelpfamiliessave money. Theseleadersalsobroadlysharesuccessfulstrategiesthatmaximizeenergyefficiencyin multifamilyhousing,contributingactualenergydatatoverifytheenergysavingsofimplementedenergy upgrades. ThroughtheBetterBuildingsChallengeexpansion,50multifamilypartnersrepresenting roughly200,000unitsandover190millionsquarefeethavecommittedtocuttingtheirenergyuseby 20percentin10years. PHAiscommittedtopreservingaffordablehousinginPhiladelphiaandsustainablepractices likereducingenergyconsumptionandcostsisakeyfactorinhelpingusaccomplishourmission, saidPHAPresident&CEOKelvinA.Jeremiah.IamexcitedtojointheBetterBuildingsChallenge andtoworkwithourpartnersatHUDandDOEtoensurethatwearecreatinghealthier,more sustainablecommunitiesforfuturegenerations. BycommittingtotheenergyefficiencygoalsoftheBetterBuildingsChallenge,PHAhastaken asignificantsteptowardsreducinglongtermenergycosts,supportinginnovativetechnologies,and creatinggoodjobs,saidHUDSecretaryShaunDonovan.Workingtogether,wewillincreasehousing affordabilityforownersandresidentsandfosterhealthiercommunitiesandneighborhoods. PartnersintheBetterBuildingsChallengeareleadingbyexample,demonstratingtheir

commitmenttoprovidingmoreefficientandcomfortablehomesfortheirtenantsthatsavemoneyand energy,saidDeputySecretaryofEnergyDanielPoneman.Weapplaudthesepartnersforjoiningin thisleadershipinitiativeandwelookforwardtoworkingwiththemastheymaketheircommunities moreenergyefficientandfostergreatereconomicgrowth. ClickHeretolearnmoreaboutPHAsBetterBuildingsChallengecommitmenttoreducingits energyintensityby20percentby2020.ClickHeretolearnmoreaboutthePhiladelphiaHousing Authority. PAHousingFinanceAgencyHouseAffordabilityAndRehabilitationDraftPlanReleased ThePAHousingFinanceAgencypublishednoticeofthe2014draftPlanforthePAHousing AffordabilityandRehabilitationProgramfundedbyMarcellusShaledrillingimpactfees. ClearWaterConservancyRecognizesVolunteersAtAnnualMeeting ClearWaterConservancyinCentreCountyhelditsboardelectionand honoreditsvolunteersatitsannualmeetingNovember21atMountain ViewCountryClub. IncumbentBoardCandidatesBradChovitandKathleen Yurchakwerereelectedtoservefrom20142016.LynnHutcheson, thePASeniorEnvironmentCorpsliaison,waselectedtoaoneyear appointment.NewcandidatesSteveMaruszewskiandRobVeronesi wereelectedtoservefrom20142016. (Photo:RodStahlofStahlSheafferEngineering,KristenSaackeBlunk,JudiSittler, JenniferShueyandFordStryker) TheGeorgeHarveyMemorialSpringCreekHeritageAward,givenjointlybyClearWater ConservancyandtheSpringCreekChapterofTroutUnlimited,wasawardedtoKristenSaackeBlunk inrecognitionofher20yearsofpassionate,creative,andinspirationalservicetotheSpringCreek Watershed. TheCommunityConservationCommendationwenttoStahlSheafferEngineeringinrecognition oftheirgenerousdonationofover$50,000ofinkindengineeringandconstructionoversightservicesto theMusserGapGreenwayProject. TheDonaldHamerLeadershipAwardwasAwardedtoFordStrykerinrecognitionofhis representationofPennStateUniversityontheBoardofDirectorsfor12yearsandhisdedicated personalleadershiponClearWater'sExecutiveCommitteeandtheOtto'sGolfFestcommittee. TheBarbaraFisherVolunteeroftheYearAwardwenttoourLegendsofFlyfishing:Mark Belden,JoeHumphreys,GregHooverandthelateVanceMcCulloughinrecognitionoftheirteam efforttoraiseawareness,support,andmoneyforClearWater'sworkinriparianconservationand restoration. Formoreinformation,visittheClearWaterConservancywebsite. AppalachianTrailMuseumAcceptingNominationsForHallOfFame TheAppalachianTrailMuseumSocietyisnowacceptingnominationsforitsclassof2014HallofFame torecognizethosewhohavemadeasignificantcontributiontowardestablishingandmaintainingthe

2,185milefootpaththatpassesthrough14statesfromMainetoGeorgia. NominationsaredueFebruary28. "ThefourthclasstotheAppalachianTrailHallofFamewillbeinductedin2014,and nominationsareopenforHallofFamenominees,"saidLarryLuxenberg,presidentoftheAppalachian TrailMuseumSocietytheorganizationthatoverseestheAppalachianTrailHallofFame."Nominees shouldbepeoplewhohavemadeasignificantpositivecontributiontotheAppalachianTrailandwho haveunselfishlydevotedtheirtime,energyandresourcestowardmakingtheAppalachianTraila nationaltreasure." The16HallofFameinducteesnamedinthefirstthreeyearsincludeMyronAvery,GeneEspy, EdGarvey,BentonMacKaye,ArthurPerkins,EarlShaffer,Emma"Grandma"Gatewood,DavidA Richie,J.FrankSchairer,JeanStephenson,WilliamAdamsWelch,RuthBlackburn,DavidField, DavidSherman,DavidStartzell,andEverett(Eddie)Stone.Withouttheirefforts,Luxenbergsaidthe AppalachianTrailprobablywouldnotevenexist. VisittheAppalachianTrailMuseumSocietyHallofFameNominationswebpageformore information. NewsClip:AppalachianTrailMuseumSearchesForHallOfFamers OpportunityToBidOnOrphanWellPluggingProjectsInWashington,Armstrong TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidonorphangas wellprojectsinWashingtonCountyandArmstrongcounties.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. January3DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. 9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePABulletin,page 7377) January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting. FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. January9EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges.

WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedaleAvenue, WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January10NEW.SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeandSenateRepublicanPolicyCommittee hearingonthreatenedandendangeredspeciesSenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson).Eberly CollegeofBusinessandInformationAuditorium,664PrattDr.,IndianaUniversity,Indiana.10:00. January13EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue,Williamsport, LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthe stateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30. January15EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,CrawfordCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January16EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,CumberlandCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. January21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr., Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg. 1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainSt., Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice)

January22EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60SouthLincolnStreet, Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January22DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30. January22DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January23EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive,Indiana, IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementationPlan formotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenancearea. DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre. 10:00.(formalnotice) VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January14NEW.PAEnvironmentalEducatorAwardNominations January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest

February4EPAEnvironmentalEducationGrants February14PHMCHistoricPreservationLocalGovernmentGrants February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing February28PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators February28NEW.AppalachianTrailHallOfFameNominations March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March3PHMCKeystoneHistoricPreservationGrants March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing June30NEW.DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects. AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Top10StoresOf2013,PoolingLaw,MajorLayoffs Editorial:Apollo8sGift Budget PennsylvaniaBudgetSeesBigShortfall TransportationBillsEconomicImpactWillBeMixed Editorial:TappingBrakesOnNaturalGasGiveaways Other RecyclingTakesGuiltOutOfChristmasTrees SouthAbingtonTwp.ToSeeSingleStreamRecycling SouthSideFlatsCompanyAcceptsFoamForRecycling ProsWeighInOnBestWayToDisposeOfBatteries HBGIncineratorSold,ParkingAssetsLeasedFor$400M FindingASolutionForASinkingRoad,200KTires StateProgramProvidesWayToSafelyDisposeOfPesticides EraOfIncandescentBulbsNearEnd WorkBeginsSoonOnBerksSuperfundSite PUC:Over19,000WithoutHeatService

UtilityShutOffsSurge,LeavingHouseholdsWithoutHeat NumberOfPennsylvaniansWithoutHeatUp LIHEAPCrisisGrantsAvailableJanuary2 DEPClimatePlanDoesntSetGoalToReduceEmissions Editorial:BiofuelFoolishness BirdEnthusiastsAcrossNETallySpecies 3rdLandmarkForestHitByInvasivePest AsianInsectThreatensSurvivalOfHemlocks StateGrantsSupportPhippsConservatoryOtherProjects PresqueIsle,PymatuningFirstDayHikes WebcamCapturesEaglesInNestAlongMonongahelaRiver AppalachianTrailMuseumSearchesForHallOfFamers InMemorium:KenHessGameCommission DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling Top10StoresOf2013,PoolingLaw,MajorLayoffs 2013sUps,DownsInDrillingBoom StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartII StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartIII StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013PartIV Editorial:TappingBrakesOnNaturalGasGiveaways Editorial:UseGasRulingForFurtherImprovement Letter:Act13RulingHurtsBusinessClimate OpEd:PASupremeCourtStrikesABlowForEnvironment GrantFundingAvailableFromMarcellusShaleImpactFees Shell,HorseheadAgreeToExtensionForCrackerPlantSite ShellTakesFinalExtensionOnPACrackerSite UnconventionalGasWellsImpactIncreasing 5FireCompaniesBattleBlazeAtDrillingServicesCompany NaturalGasFillUpsComingtoTruckingCompany Financial/OtherStates NewGasPipelineFromPAStirsControversyInKY AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Flooding/WatershedNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate SchuylkillRiverLeadsRiverOfTheYearBalloting,5DaysRemain WhichWaterwayWillWinRiverOfTheYear? LititzToReceive$300KGrantForWatershedImprovements LancasterConservationDistrictsMcNuttRetiring,ButNotReally Editorial:WaterPolicyBoostsSprawl HuntingClubhouseRestoredForJohnstownDisaster SettlementReachedOnSewerOverchargesInHBGDebtDeal AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinDecember28,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheFishandBoatCommissionpublishednoticeofchangestotheMentoredYouthFishingDay Program. ThePAHousingFinanceAgencypublishednoticeofthe2014PlanforthePAHousingAffordability andRehabilitationProgramfundedbyMarcellusShaledrillingimpactfees. TheGovernorsBudgetOfficepublishednoticeof2014costoflivingsalaryincreasesfortheGovernor andothercabinetofficialsintheDecember27PABulletin. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings

areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. January2AgendaReleased.ChesapeakeBayCommissionmeeting.GovernorsReceptionRoom, StateHouse,Annapolis,MD.9:00a.m. January3DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. 9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePABulletin,page 7377) January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting. FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. January9EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedaleAvenue, WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January10NEW.SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeandSenateRepublicanPolicyCommittee hearingonthreatenedandendangeredspeciesSenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson).Eberly CollegeofBusinessandInformationAuditorium,664PrattDr.,IndianaUniversity,Indiana.10:00. January13EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue,Williamsport, LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthe stateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel

CarsonBuilding.9:30. January15EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,CrawfordCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January16EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,CumberlandCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. January21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr., Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg. 1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainSt., Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice) January22DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30. January22DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January22EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60SouthLincolnStreet, Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive,Indiana, IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementationPlan formotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenancearea. DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre. 10:00.(formalnotice)

February5DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.CampHill,Prosser Hall,CampHillBoroughBuilding.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February6DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Conshohocken,Fire Academy,MontgomeryCountyPublicSafetyTrainingCampus.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February19DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Nanticoke, EducationalConferenceCenter,LuzerneCountyCommunityCollege.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February20DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaMilitaryMuseum.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February25DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Wexford,Pine TownshipRecreationCenter.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February26DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.ClarionClarion HolidayInn.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline. AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle

StoriesInvited
Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesorprogramsfor publicationinthePAEnvironmentDigestto:DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,aHarrisburgbased governmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500companiesandnonprofit organizations.

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