PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaFebruary3,2014

BreakingNews
CorbettUnveilsEnhancePennsWoods,$200MillionInvestmentInStateParks,Forests Gov.TomCorbettSaturdayofferedapreviewofhis201415budgetproposalwithanannouncement heislaunchingEnhancePennsWoods,a2year,morethan$200millionefforttorepairandupgrade ournaturaltreasures. TheGovernorisdirectingthepoolingofresourcesanddedicatinganadditional$45million dollarsfromGrowingGreenerIIbondfundstowardacomprehensiveinfrastructuredevelopmentplanin stateparksandforeststhroughfiscalyear201415. TherearesomanywaystoenjoyPennsylvaniasgreatoutdoors.Withsuchavarietyofunique activitiesworldclassfishing,hunting,hikingandoneofmyfavorites,kayakingtheressomethingfor everyoneintheKeystoneState,Corbettsaid.Asastrategicinvestmentinourfuture,wellmakethe largest,shortterminvestmentinstateparkandforesthistorytoEnhancePennsWoods. TheinitiativewasunveiledduringatouroftheGreatAmericanOutdoorShowinHarrisburg, wheretheGovernoralsopurchasedhisfishinglicense. Thehunters,anglers,campers,hikersandoutdoorenthusiastsofalltypesnotonlyenjoyour naturaltreasuresinPennsylvania,buttheyalsospendmoneyinourlocalcommunities,Corbettsaid. Thisshortterminvestmentwillmakesureweenjoythelongtermbenefitsofafirstclassparkand forestsystemsuchashealthyoutdoorrecreation,protectingournaturalresourcesandattracting residents,touristsandprivateinvestmenttocommunitiesaroundthestate. TheGovernorwasjoinedfortheannouncementbyDCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettiFishand BoatCommissionExecutiveDirectorJohnArwayandfamilieswithchildrenwhoparticipateinhunting andfishing. ThevisionofgreatconservationleadersinPennsylvaniashistoryhasresultedinthesystemof stateparksandforeststhatPennsylvaniansenjoyandlovetoday,Ferrettisaid.Ourmodernchallenge iscaringforourpubliclands,focusingonimprovementsforagingfacilitieswellmanagedforestsand highmanagementstandardsforourawardwinningstateparks. DCNRisgratefulforGov.Corbettscommitmenttohonorthelegacyofourstateparksand forests.Ourstaffworkstirelesslyeachdaytoprotecttheseresourcesandensureourvisitorshavea meaningfulandenjoyableexperience.Thiswillallowustobebetterstewardsoftheparksandforested entrustedtous,Ferrettisaid. Thedepartmentestimatesabout200projectswillbecoveredunderthe2yearinvestment, including: Improvementstosomeofthemostvisitedanduniqueparksinthesystemincludingavisitorcenterat

KinzuaBridgeStatePark,McKeanCountynewparkofficeatCookForestStatePark,Clarion CountyandcompletionofthevisitorcenteratOhiopyleStatePark,FayetteCounty DamrepairatSinnemahoningStatePark,CameronCountyMarshCreekStatePark,ChesterCounty ChapmanStatePark,WarrenCountyPymatuningStatePark,CrawfordCountyandGouldsboro StatePark,MonroeCounty NewopportunitiesforinteractionwiththepublicatofficesintheBuchananStateForest,Fulton County,andGallitzinStateForest,CambriaandIndianacounties Repairstofiretowersinstateforestsstatewide Adding20,000acrestothestateforestsystem TwelvecampgroundimprovementprojectsincludingatGiffordPinchot,PrinceGallitzin,Hickory Run,BaldEagle,ParkerDam,LaurelHill,HillsCreek,BlackMoshannonandCaledoniastateparks Morethan50publicaccessimprovementprojectstoroads,bridgesandtrails Seventeenstateparkdrinkingwaterorwastewatersystemprojectsand ContinuingDCNRstrackrecordofgreenbuildingsandsustainablefeatures. EnhancePennsWoodscoversthecurrentfiscalyear201314,andfiscalyear201415.The additionalspecialallocationof$45millionwillbefrompremiumsandinterestonGrowingGreenerII bondfunds. Foreachfiscalyear,theinfrastructuredesignandconstructionprojectsareexpectedtosupport almost1,000jobsintheengineering,architecture,landscapedesign,constructionandotherfields. InadditiontoannouncingEnhancePennsWoods,Gov.CorbettalsounveiledthePennsylvania OutdoorAdventureGuide.Structuredforoutdoorenthusiasts,the80pageguidehighlightsanarrayof recreationopportunitiesacrosstheCommonwealth,andconvenientlycategorizestheseadventuresand activities. Whetheritslaunchingakayakinmorethan86,000milesofthestateswildriversandscenic streamsorslidingdownchallengingrunsatoneofPennsylvanias21skiresorts,theguideoutlinesand inspiresoutdoorrecreationofeveryform. Pennsylvaniahas17millionacresofforest,attractinghikers,birdwatchers,hunters,anglersand otheroutdoorenthusiastsfromfarandwide.OurOutdoorAdventureGuidehighlightsthemanyunique tourismdestinationsthatbeckonvisitorstoPennsylvaniasnaturalyearroundplayground. Thisfirstofitskindguiderepresentsthebeginningofauniquecollaborationamongthe DepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopment,theDepartmentofAgriculture,theDepartment ofConservationandNaturalResources,theGameCommission,andtheFish&BoatCommission. Pennsylvaniahas120stateparkstotalingalmost300,000acres,and2.2millionacresin20stateforest districts.VisitorstoPennsylvaniastateparksgeneratemorethanabilliondollarsineconomicactivityin nearbycommunitiesannually,supportingalmost13,000jobs. GrowingGreenerCoalitionToCorbett:ProtectEnvironmentalFunding ThePAGrowingGreenerCoalition,thelargestcoalitionofconservation,recreationandpreservation organizationsintheCommonwealth,WednesdayissuedthefollowinglettertoGov.Corbetturginghim toprotectfundingforcriticalprogramsthathelp,protectouropenspace,preserveourfamilyfarms, supportparksandrecreation,andsafeguardourhistorictreasures. Thetextoftheletterisasfollows: OnbehalfofthePennsylvaniaGrowingGreenerCoalition,thankyouforyourrecent announcementofmorethan$20millioningrantsforwatershedprotectionprojectsacrossthe

Commonwealth. ThesegrantsfromtheGrowingGreenerEnvironmentalStewardshipFundareimportant investmentsinourcommunitiesandplayasignificantroleincombatingpollutionandkeepingour drinkingwaterclean. Asyoupreparetodeliveryourbudgetaddressnextweek,theCoalitionstronglyurgesyouto protectfundingfortheEnvironmentalStewardshipFundaswellasforothercriticalconservationand recreationprograms. InadditiontotheGrowingGreenerEnvironmentalStewardshipFund,theseprogramsinclude FarmlandPreservation,HistoricPreservation,theKeystoneRecreation,ParkandConservationFund andtheHeritageAreasprogram. TheCoalitionisfirmlyopposedtoanycutsorfreezestotheseprograms,especiallyatatime whenPennsylvanianeedstobeinvestingmoremoneytoprotectouropenspace,preserveourfamily farms,supportparksandrecreation,andsafeguardourhistorictreasuresnotless. Considerthat: TheCommonwealthstillhas19,000milesofstreamsthatareunsafeforfishingandswimming. Morethan2,000familyfarmsremainonthestatewidelistforpreservation. Pennsylvaniacontinuestolosethreetimesasmuchforest,wildlifehabitat,farmlandandotheropen spacestooverdevelopmentthanweareabletopreserve. Abandonedminesstillscaralmost190,000acresin44countiesandarethecauseofmorethan 5,000milesofdeadstreams. Also,considerthatinvestmentsinconservation,recreation,andpreservationbolsterthe economy.ATrustforPublicLandstudyfoundthatforevery$1investedinlandandwater conservation,$7innaturalgoodsandservicesisreturnedtothestateofPennsylvania. Moreover,investmentsinparksandopenspaceaddbillionsofdollarstopropertyvaluesand helpsupportPennsylvaniastourismandrecreationindustry.AreportbytheOutdoorIndustry AssociationindicatesthatoutdoorrecreationinPennsylvaniagenerates$1.6billioninstateandlocaltax revenueandsupports219,000directPennsylvaniajobs. Inaddition,conservationfundingisanessentialcomponentformeetingfederalCleanWaterAct mandatesassociatedwiththeChesapeakeBayBlueprintandtheneedtoreducepollutioninourlocal riversandstreams.Failuretomeettherequirementstoreducenitrogen,phosphorusandsediment accordingtotheBayBlueprintstimelineopenstheCommonwealthuptobackstopsfromthefederal EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.GrowingGreenergrantsareneededforonthegroundeffortsto helpmeetthesemandates. Lastly,pollsshowstrong,consistentpublicsupportforprogramsthatimproveourqualityoflife, boosttheeconomyandprotecttheenvironmentthroughoutPennsylvania.TheGrowingGreener EnvironmentStewardshipFundwhichcelebratesits15thanniversarythisyearhasenjoyedstrong, bipartisansupportfromvoters,legislatorsandgovernorssincethebeginning. Pleasedonotchangethatnow. WerecognizethechallengesaheadandlookforwardtoworkingwithyouandtheLegislatureto ensurethatfundingforprogramsthatprotectouropenspace,preserveourfamilyfarms,supportour parksandtrails,andsafeguardourhistorictreasuresremainsintact. Thankyou. Sincerely,AndrewHeath,ExecutiveDirector NewsClips: FindingRightHomeForOil&GasRevenue

WheresDCNRs$6MillionMarcellusMonitoringReport? GamesaWindTurbinePlant,ToutedByRendell,McGintyClosing HouseCommitteeHearsOverwhelmingOppositionToBillBanningStreamBufferMandate TheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeWednesdayheldahearingonHouseBill 1565(HahnRNorthampton)whichwouldeliminatethemandateontheuseofstreambuffersto controlerosionandsedimentationinHighQualityandExceptionalValueWatershedsunderChapter 102ofDEPsregulations.TheregulationswereadoptedinMayof2010. Businessesandlandownersalikehaveexpressedtheirfrustrationwithour25Pa.Code, Section102.14riparianbufferrequirementsandthenegativeimpactstheyhaveondevelopmentand landuseinmanyareasoftheCommonwealth,saidRep.MarciaHahn,primesponsorofthebill.It seemstomethatthisregulationhasresultedinamajorshiftofstatepolicy,whichineffect,amountstoa takingofpropertywithoutlegislativeoversightorapproval. HarryCampbell,PADirectorfortheChesapeakeBayFoundation,presentedtestimony stressingtheimportanceofstreamsideforestedbuffersasameansforimprovingandprotectingthe Commonwealthsmostsensitiveandpristinewaterways. Thescienceisrobust,clear,andgrowingforestedstreamsidebuffersprovideamyriadof functionsfromtheprotectionofdrinkingwaterresourcestoreducingtheimpactsofflooding,andeven supportofvitalhabitatforoureconomicallyimportantgamefisheries,saidHarryCampbell,CBF PennsylvaniaDirector.Establishingormaintainingastreamsideforestedbuffernolessthan150feet wideforourmostpristinestreams,isacriticalcomponentofreducingpollutionandimprovingwater quality. FornearlytwodecadesPennsylvaniahasinvestedinrestoringstreamsideforests.Protecting existingforestedbuffers,whileatthesametimereestablishinglostbuffers,isanintegralcomponentof PennsylvaniaseffortsundertheChesapeakeBayCleanWaterBlueprint. Withoutprotectedandrestoredstreamsideforests,theCommonwealthwillhavedifficulty meetingtargetedpollutionreductionsasestablishedinthestateWatershedImplementationPlan,and meetingourcleanwatergoalswillbefarmorechallengingandcostly,Campbellcontinued. KellyHeffner,DEPDeputySecretaryforWaterPrograms,notedtheimportanceand effectivenessofstreambuffersinprotectingwaterqualityinstreams. TheCommonwealthhasanobligationtomaintainexistinganddesignatedwaterqualityuses however,thereareseveralwaystoadheretothisobligation,onebutnottheonlyofwhichistheuse ofriparianbuffersandriparianforestedbuffers,Pennsylvania'sriparianbufferrequirementsfoundin Chapter102weredevelopedundertheauthorityoftheCleanStreamsLaw(Act394of1937). Theseportionsofthelawnotonlyunderscoretheinherentobligationtoprotectwaterquality asatrusteeoftheCommonwealth'sresources,butalsotheeconomicnecessityofmaintainingclean waters. SincetheChapter102bufferrequirementsbecameeffectivein2010,DEPhasissued approximately6,337NPDESStormwaterConstructionpermits.Ofthose6,337permits,155permits (2.4percent)includedriparianbuffersandofthatsubsetof155permits,75permits(48.3percent) qualifiedforwaiversoftheriparianbufferrequirements. HeffnersaidDEPcouldbesupportiveofthebill,butonlyifthelegislationgivestheagency sufficientflexibilitytoensureprojectsremainprotectiveofwaterquality. Thedepartmentshouldbeauthorized,onacasebycasebasis,torequireriparianbuffersor

riparianforestedbuffersifthedepartmentdeterminesthatdoingsoisnecessarytoprotectwater quality,sheadded. MarelRaub,PADirectoroftheChesapeakeBayCommission,saidPennsylvaniaisfallingshort ofitsgoalundertheBayWatershedImplementationplantoinstall158,813acresofstreambuffersby 2025andoutlinedtheconsequencesifthestatedoesnotmeetthatgoalandrelatedmilestones. "Intactfunctionalriparianbuffersareanimportantandcosteffectivepracticethatwillhelpus meetandmaintainourobligationsfordownstreamwaterquality,reducingrisktotheCommonwealth fromfederalbackstopmeasures,"saidRaub."Regulatoryprotectionofthesesensitiveareasis meaningfulandiscomplementarytostateandfederaleffortstorestorebuffersacrosstheregion." AnnSwanson,ExecutiveDirectoroftheChesapeakeBayCommission,explainedhow importantstreambufferswere,sayingtheyare"noordinarybestmanagementprocess,theyaremore importantfeaturesofourlandscape." JoeHarcum,President,DuckHarborGroup,saidhefeelspassionatelythatbufferzones shouldnotbearequirement.HesaidWayneCounty,whereheresides,containspropertywhere93 percentofthelandisnotdevelopablebecauseofthebuffer.Harcumexplainedthelandmustbe maintainedinperpetuityforeverandthathomeownerspayforthebufferstobeinspectedand maintenancetobedone. "Thereare35bestmanagementpracticesapprovedbytheDEP,"pointedoutHarcum."We supportthebillbecauseitwillgiveflexibilityandcreativityandlicenseforpeopletodowhatneedstobe donewhileensuringwaterqualitybecauseotherDEPmandatesstillhavetobefollowed." BrianOran,CFEnvironmentalConsultants,saidthegoodqualitiesandvaluescurrentlyrelated tobufferzonesaregoingtobeprotectedbecauseitiscurrentlyillegaltobuildinwetlandsorfloodways. Hesaidmostriparianbufferzonesarecurrentlyineitherofthoseareasandwillnotbeaffectedbythe bill.Oransaidafactbasedscientificapproachistheonlywaytodeterminewhichpublicpolicywillbe bestfordevelopersandtheenvironment. TomReilly,ReillyAssociates,PABuildersAssociation,explainedtherearemanyother optionsbesidesriparianbufferzonesthatwillprotecttheenvironment.Hesaidasmallponddugbya farmermanyyearsagorequiresthesame150footbufferasalargewaterwayorbodyofwater.Reilly saidcustomizingandtailoringhowthebufferzonesareusedonsitescanprotectwaterwayswhilefitting thelandinamorereasonableway.Hecalledforaholisticandflexibleapproachtocreatingaplanthat keepsthewatercleanwithoutimpedingeconomiccompetition. TestimonywasalsosubmittedtotheCommitteebyCraigTodd,DistrictManager,Monroe CountyConservationDistrictandLisaSchaefer,CountyCommissionersAssociationofPennsylvania. AvideoofthehearingwillbepostedontheCommitteeswebsite. Rep.RonMiller(RYork),MajorityChairoftheCommitteesaidhewouldbeschedulinga secondhearingonthelegislation. Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware)servesasMinorityChair. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate

CBFPATestifiesAtHouseHearingOnImportanceOfStreamBuffers HarryCampbell,PADirectorfortheChesapeakeBayFoundation, WednesdaypresentedtestimonybeforetheHouseEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommitteetostresstheimportanceof streamsideforestedbuffersasameansforimprovingandprotecting theCommonwealthsmostsensitiveandpristinewaterways. TheCommitteemettodiscussHouseBill1565 (HahnRNorthampton),whichproposestoremovetheexisting riparianforestbufferrequirementforlanddevelopmentsthatrequire erosionandsedimentationcontrolandpostconstructionstormwater permitswhenoccurringalongsidePennsylvaniasscientificallydeterminedSpecialProtectionWaters. Pennsylvaniasriversandstreamswiththemostoutstandingwaterquality,reflectedinboth waterqualitychemistryandaquaticlife,areaffordedthegreatestdegreeofprotection,andare designatedeitherHighQuality(HQ)orExceptionalValue(EV).Collectively,thesestreamsareoften referredtoasSpecialProtectionWaters. Thescienceisrobust,clear,andgrowingforestedstreamsidebuffersprovideamyriadof functionsfromtheprotectionofdrinkingwaterresourcestoreducingtheimpactsofflooding,andeven supportofvitalhabitatforoureconomicallyimportantgamefisheries,saidHarryCampbell,CBF PennsylvaniaDirector.Establishingormaintainingastreamsideforestedbuffernolessthan150feet wideforourmostpristinestreams,isacriticalcomponentofreducingpollutionandimprovingwater quality. FornearlytwodecadesPennsylvaniahasinvestedinrestoringstreamsideforests.Protecting existingforestedbuffers,whileatthesametimereestablishinglostbuffers,isanintegralcomponentof PennsylvaniaseffortsundertheChesapeakeBayCleanWaterBlueprint. Withoutprotectedandrestoredstreamsideforests,theCommonwealthwillhavedifficulty meetingtargetedpollutionreductionsasestablishedinthestateWatershedImplementationPlan,and meetingourcleanwatergoalswillbefarmorechallengingandcostly,Campbellcontinued. BenefitsofBuffers Researchhascontinuouslyindicatedthatforestedbuffersprovidesignificantremovalofnonpoint sourcepollution,suchasnitrogen,sediment,andphosphorustheleadingcausesofstreamdegradation inPennsylvaniaandthemajorpollutantsimpactingtheChesapeakeBay. Whilesitespecificconditionsdictatetheeffectiveness,manyresearchershaveconcludedthat bufferscanremoveupwardsof80to90percentofsuchcontaminantswhenequalorgreaterto100 feetinwidth. Forestedbuffersalsohelptoreducethecostsoftreatingdrinkingwater.Researchhasshown thattreesplayavitalroleinmaintainingthequalityofthewaterenteringdrinkingwatertreatmentplants and,therefore,reducethecostsoftreatment.MorethanhalfofallPennsylvaniaresidentsgettheir drinkingwaterfromstreams,reservoirs,orlakes,andaccordingtotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtection Agencyforevery$1thatweinvestinprotectingwaterqualityatthesourcewesave$27thecostof treatingthatwatertobesuitablefordrinking. Anothercostworthconsideringisthereal,andthehumancostsassociatedwithfloods.Towns acrosstheCommonwealthhavesufferedtheburdenofcostlyrepairstofloodprotectionsystems,such asundergroundpipesandlandconsumingdetentionorinfiltrationbasins.Theyhavealsosufferedthe

aftermathofcatastrophicfloods. HundredsofsmalltownsthroughouttheCommonwealthdealwiththeseissueseverytimeit rains,saidCampbell.Increasingdevelopmentpressuresandimpermeablesurfacesfurtherexacerbate theissue. Thisiswhereproactiveplanningandgreeninfrastructure,likestreamsidebuffers,cangreatly assistcommunitiesindealingwithstormwaterproblems.Ariparianbuffercanhelptopreventproperty damagebecausetheycapture,absorb,andstoreamountsofrainfallupto40timesgreaterthan disturbedsoils,likeagriculturalfieldsorconstructionsites,and15timesmorethanatypicalsuburban lawn. Researchhasconsistentlyconcludedthatbecauseofthesebenefits,thoseprojectswhich preserveandrestorebuffersystemsoftenrequirelessorsmallersizedstormwaterinfrastructure. Yetonefinalbenefitofbuffersworthnotingissimplytheaddedvalueofhavingtreesinour communities. Studieshaveshownthatthenaturalcharacterofcommunitieswithtreesresultsinincreased propertyvalues.Asanexample,inthePennypackParkareaofPhiladelphia,theforestedstreambuffer networkwasfoundtoincreaseadjacentpropertyvaluesbyanaverageof33percent,withanet increaseofmorethan$3.3millioninrealestatevalues. WebelievethattheforestedbufferrequirementunderChapter102isvitaltoassuringourmost pristinestreamsarecleanandhealthynotonlytodaybutforfuturegenerations,saidCampbell.No otherpollutionreductionpracticeprovidessomuchbenefitforsolittleinvestment. Acopyofthetestimonyisavailableonline.ClickHereformorebackgroundontheissue. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate 17GroupsExpressOppositionToHouseBillRemovingEndangeredSpeciesProtection OnMonday17environmentalgroupsfromaroundthestatewrotealettertoeverymemberofthe HouseofRepresentativesexpressingtheiroppositiontoHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)making fundamentalchangesinthewaythreatenedandendangeredspeciesarelistedandprotectedin Pennsylvania. Thegroupsincluded:PennFutureSierraClubPennsylvaniaChapterPennsylvania EnvironmentalCouncilCleanWaterActionPennEnvironmentAppalachianMountainClub ChesapeakeBayFoundationTheNatureConservancyPennsylvaniaChapterAudubonPennsylvania ConservationVotersofPennsylvaniaKeystoneTrailsAssociationPennsylvaniaForestCoalition AmericanRiversWissahickonValleyWatershedAssociationNaturalLandsTrustWildlands ConservancyandPennsylvaniaLandTrustAssociation. Thetextoftheletterfollows Onbehalfoftheundersignedconservationandenvironmentalorganizations,weurgeyouto opposeHouseBill1576andSenateBill1047.Theseproposalswouldunderminetheabilityofour

wildlifemanagementagenciestoprotectthemammals,birds,fish,reptilesandamphibiansofthe Commonwealth. ThecurrentprocessallowsscientistsandwildlifemanagementexpertsfromthePennsylvania Fish&BoatCommissionandthePennsylvaniaGameCommissiontodesignatestatethreatenedand endangeredspecies,andwildtroutstreamsinthecaseoftheFish&BoatCommission,onthebasisof thebestscientificdataavailable.Amongourseriousconcernswiththelegislation,HouseBill1576and SenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson)wouldsubjectthesedecisionstoanadditional,lengthyand cumbersomeregulatoryreviewprocessrequiringtheapprovalofpersonswithnoparticularexpertisein scienceorwildlifemanagement. Themannerinwhichthecommissionslistspeciesisdeliberate,groundedinscientificdata, subjecttorigorousanalysisandreviewbyotherscientistsandresourceprofessionals,andopento publiccomment. Protectingspeciesatthestatelevelisthemosteffectivewaytopreventtheirdeclineand extinctionnationally.Effectivestateconservationprogramsarecriticaltoavoidingalistingunderthe federalEndangeredSpeciesAct,andtherequirementsthataccompanysuchadesignation. WeurgeyoutoprotectthewildlifeofPennsylvaniaandopposeHouseBill1576andSenateBill1047. Acopyoftheletterisavailableonline. HouseBill1576hasbeenTabledintheHousesinceNovember13whenthebillwasamended andreportedoutoftheHouseGameandFisheriesCommittee.ClickHereformoreinformationonthe issue. PennFutureLaudsExtensionOfCommentPeriodOnChapter78DrillingRegulations PennFutureTuesdayapplaudedthedecisionbythestateDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionto extendthepubliccommentperiodonproposednewregulationsforoilandgasdevelopmentChapter 78oftheDEP'sregulationsfor30days. Citizensmaynowcomment,eitherinwritingorattwoadditionalpublichearingshelmedbythe EnvironmentalQualityBoard,throughMarch14. "StateagenciesincludingtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheDepartmentof ConservationandNaturalResourcesarestewardsofournaturalresourcesforallPennsylvaniansand futuregenerationsand,assuch,theymustconsiderthewillofthepeoplewhenitcomestooilandgas activitiesinourstate,"saidCindyDunn,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofPennFuture."That'swhy wecalledforanextensionofthepubliccommentperiodontheseproposednewregulations.It's imperativethatourcitizensmaketheirvoicesheard,andweurgethemtocallforthestrongestof regulations,anddiligentenforcement,onoilandgasactivitiesintheCommonwealth.Wearegratefulto DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzoforheedingthecallandagreeingthatpublicengagementiscriticalduring therulemakingprocess." Formoreinformation,visitPennFutureswebsite.VisitDEPsOilandGasRegulations webpageforinformationonhowyoucansubmitcomments. NewsClips: AllSidesWeighInOnDraftDrillingRules DEPHoldsTunkhannockHearingOnDrillingRegulations Act13RulingCouldChangeDrillingCaseLaw AmpleSuppliesOfNaturalGasStabilizePrices Editorial:NaturalGasDrillingWarmsConsumersWallets

WheresDCNRs$6MillionMarcellusMonitoringReport? OpEd:MarcellusDrillingGoodForPAWithProtection FindingRightHomeForOil&GasRevenue DrillingCompanyNamesSitesAfterSuperheros ClintonMarcellusTaskForceHitsGrabBagOfIssues BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver PARefinerIssuesCallToLiftCrudeOilExportBan Editorial:U.S.NeedsBetterRulesForTrainsHaulingOil InfrastructureCausingNaturalGasPriceBlowoutsInPA PECOCustomersCanOffsetTheirCarbonImpact MakingHeadwayOnLNGForRivers McGinty:GasIsPartOfSecretSauceToDriveEconomicGrowth MarcellusDrillingContinuesDespiteExtremeWeather OpEd:MarcellusShaleHelpingToBoostPARecovery MarcellusShaleResponsibleFor$1.14BInDeals NYExtremelyUnlikelyToAllowDrillingBefore2015 NeedForPipelinesCitedAtMarcellusUticaMidstreamConference NewPollShowsSupportForDrilling,ProtectingEnvironment AnewFranklin&MarshallPollreleasedWednesdayshows40percentofthosepolledbelievethe benefitsofnaturalgasdrillingoutweighenvironmentaldamage.Atthesametimethepollfound protectingthestatesenvironmentwasthirdonthemostimportantlistofproblemsfacingPennsylvania at19percent31percentbelieveunemploymentandtheeconomyarethestatesmostimportant problem,followedbyschoolsandschoolfunding. NewsClips: Poll:MajorityOfPennsylvaniansSupportGasDrilling Poll:MajorityOfPAVotersSupportDrilling,WantItDoneSafely Poll:MostSupportGasDrilling,NotInStateForests CorbettPollNumbersBetter,OKWithEndingGayDiscrimination Poll:CorbettSpeaksWhatHeBelieves,ButFewLikeIt Poll:CorbettOutOfStepWithVoters WillLowSupportSinkCorbetts2ndTerm? SupportForSecondCorbettTermStaysLow CorbettPopularityStalls,SupportForMedicalPot,GayMarriage CorbettInTroubleShowsKeystoneStatePoll PUCIncreasingMarcellusGasWellFeesForCalendar2013 ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishednoticeintheFebruary1PABulletinincreasingMarcellusgas wellfeesforcalendar2013basedonanincreaseintheaveragepricefornaturalgasfrom$2.78in 2012to$3.651in2013.Theincreaseinhorizontalwellfeeswillbe 20122013 Year1$45,000$50,000 Year2$35,000$40,000

Year3$30,000 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 House 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

Senate 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(February3):<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(February3):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)encouragingthereuseofminedrainage andminepoolwaterfordrillingoperationsSenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingthe StateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill1684 (EverettRLycoming)guaranteeingminimumroyaltypaymentstooilandgaswellownerssponsor summary.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:theAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1149 (BrubakerRLancaster)regulatingtheapplicationoffertilizeronlawns,golfcoursesandathleticfields sponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. Other:GovernorsBudgetAddresstheLegislativeBudget&FinanceCommitteemeetson HouseResolution129(CauserRCameron)directingtheCommitteetostudythecombinationofGame andFishandBoatCommissionssponsorsummary 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

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate House RadonMonth:HouseResolution604(ReadshawDAllegheny)recognizingJanuaryasRadon AwarenessMonthwaspassedbytheHouse. Senate GeospatialCouncil:SenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingtheStateGeospatial CoordinatingBoardwasreportedfromtheSenateAppropriationsCommitteeandisnowontheSenate Calendarforaction.

NewsFromTheCapitol
SenateCommitteesHearSupportForFederalFloodInsuranceFix ThePennsylvaniaSenateBanking&InsuranceCommitteeandtheEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommitteemetTuesdaytoheartestimonyfromstatewideorganizations,countyofficialsand residentsconcerningtheimplementationofthefederalfloodinsurancelaw,knownasthe BiggertWatersFloodInsuranceReformActof2012. Thehearingalsobroughttolightthenegativeimpactsthatthefederallawwillhaveonlocal residentsandbusinessesstatewide.OnOctober1,2013approximately4millionpropertyandbusiness ownersnationwidesawtheirfloodinsurancepremiumsskyrocketastheresultofBW12. ThejointSenatecommitteehearing,chairedbySenatorsDonWhite(RIndiana),Majority ChairoftheBanking&InsuranceCommittee,andGeneYaw(RLycoming),MajorityChair EnvironmentalResources&EnergyCommittee,welcomed17senatorsfrombothpartiesacrossthe state. Somethingmustbedonetoofferrelieftothosewhoarebeinghitwithenormous,unaffordable increasesintheirpremiums,Sen.Whitesaid.ThehearingshedlightonthisimportanttopicandI

hopeitwillencourageourcolleaguesinCongresstoactquicklytoresolvethecurrentproblem. Withoutachangetothecurrentlaw,propertyownersacrossPennsylvaniawillnotbeableto affordfloodinsurance,thatsthebottomline,Sen.Yawsaid.Wewillseehomeownerssimplywalk awayfromtheirhomesandbusinesses.Itseemstomethisfederallegislationwaspassedwithout thoroughplanningorgoodjudgment. Duringthehearing,thosetestifyingdiscussedtheirexperienceswithBW12,andthenegative impactsshouldthelegislationnotberepealedand/oramended. LycomingCountywashalfwaythroughaCountywidereassessmentwhenBW12beganto rollout,saidCommissionerJeffWheeland.SinceOctober1,2013wehaveheardreportsofbuyers leavingthetableatclosingwhenfloodinsurancerateswerequoted.Thebiggestshockcameto homeownersandbusinesspeoplewhopurchasedingoodfaithafterJuly6,2012,onlytofindoutthe premiumquoteduponrenewalAFTEROctober1,2012was1000percenthigherthanthequotethey receivedattheiroriginalclosing.Baringfullrepealofthislaw,whatdowedoascommunityofficials? Whatisthepathoutforourconstituents? Thehearingalsoprovidedanopportunityforlocalhomeownerstoventtheirconcernswiththe federallaw. IftheunintendedconsequencesoftheBiggertWatersFloodInsuranceReformActarenot reversed,Ifearmanyhardworking,middleclasscitizenswillloseeverythingtheyhaveworkedtheir entirelivesfor,makingachoicebetweenpayingforfloodinsuranceortheirmortgage,saidLurie Portanova,homeownerandresidentofJerseyShoreBorough.Thetaxbasesinthesecommunitieswill eventuallyerodeasthepropertyvaluesdecreaseandbanksforecloseonbasicallyworthless properties. Dr.VinceMatteo,PresidentandCEOoftheWilliamsport/LycomingChamberofCommerce, alsoaddressedtheSenateCommittee.ThisisWashingtonsmess,andWashingtonsgottofixit.But thisActhastoberepealedandithastoberepealednowbecausejobsaregoingtobeaffected, businessesaregoingtobeaffected. Offeringperspectiveontherealestatemarket,KimSkumanick,PresidentofthePennsylvania AssociationofRealtorssaidthelawhashurthomesales. ThePennsylvaniaAssociationofRealtorshasheardcountlessstoriesofhowtheserate increasesareimpedingrealestatesales,saidSkumanick.Forexample,inmyownoffice,werecently hadaclientwhowantedtosellhispropertyinLuzerneCountyandlisteditfor$90,000.Theproperty experiencedminorfloodinginthebasementin1996afteraheavysnowwhichrequiredthereplacement ofitshotwaterheaterandfurnace.Hisannualfloodinsurancepremiumwas$788.Heaccepteda buyersofferbutwhenthehomebuyerdiscoveredthenewfloodinsuranceratewouldbe$7,015,the dealfellthrough.Atthatrate,themonthlyescrowedfloodinsurancepaymentwouldbe$175morethan themonthlymortgagepayment. BarryDenk,ExecutiveDirectoroftheCenterforRuralPennsylvania,providedanoverviewof subsidizedandunsubsidizedfederalfloodinsurancepolicyholders,bymunicipality,tothebipartisan Senatepanel. AmongPennsylvanias2,562municipalities,218(9percent)haveahighpercentageofflood insurancepolicyholders,1,998(78percent)havelessthan5percent,and346(13percent)haveno policyholders,Denksaid. Denkaddedthat,PennsylvaniasgeographyisnotthesandycoastlinesofFlorida,North CarolinaorNewJerseyorthesealeveltopographyofLouisiana.Theoverwhelmingmajorityof Pennsylvaniahomescoveredbyfederalfloodinsuranceareprimaryresidencesandnotsecondary

resorthomes. Otherstestifyingatthehearingincluded:FranMcJunkin,LycomingCountyPlanning CommissionLisaSchaefer,DirectorofGovernmentRelationsfortheCountyCommissioners AssociationofPennsylvania(CCAP)DonaldGriffin,VicePresident,PersonalLines,Property CasualtyInsurersAssociationofAmericaDanBerninger,PresidentandCEOoftheMuncyBankand TrustCompanyandJeffWaltman,residentofMuncyBorough,LycomingCounty. AvideoofthehearingisavailableontheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committeewebsite. NewsClips: HomeownersTestifyAboutFloodInsuranceWoes EndOfFloodInsuranceSubsidiesWouldDevastateDauphinCounty U.S.SenateDelaysFloodInsuranceHikesFor4Years IceFloesOnDelawareRiverCreateMemorableSight WillIcyRiversChokePhiladelphiaEnergy,FoodTraffic? IceTwiceAsThickAsNormalOnAlleghenyRiver ColdWeatherKeepsIceOnSusquehannaRiver Rep.VitaliAnnouncesBillToKeepOil&GasFundRevenuesForDCNRUse Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,andleadersofstatewideenvironmentalgroupsThursdayurgedGov.Corbettnottousethe OilandGasLeasefundtobalancetheCommonwealthbudget. ThegroupsalsovoicedtheirsupportforlegislationintroducedbyRep.VitaliHouseBill 1500thatwouldrequiretheOilandGasLeaseFundtobeusedexclusivelyforconservation, recreation,damsorfloodcontrolprojectssponsorsummary. "RevenuefromtheOilandGasLeaseFundcomesfromdevelopmentofstatelands,"saidRep. Vitali."Thatdevelopmentinmanycasesdiminishedthevalueofthatland.Thepurposeofthefundisto serveasacounterbalancetothatdiminishmentbyprovidingmoneyforprojectsthatenhancethevalue ofstatelands." AthisCapitolnewsconference,heldlessthanaweekbeforeCorbettwillgivehisannual budgetaddress,Vitalidiscussedhislegislation.Hewasjoinedbyrepresentativesofseveral environmentalorganizationswhosaidVitali'sbillisimportanttoensurethefutureofstateparksand forests. "HouseBill1500wouldfinallyputanendtothepracticeofusingfundsintendedfor conservationandenvironmentalprogramsforoperatingexpensesthatshouldcomefromtheGeneral Fund,"saidJoanneKilgour,directorofthePennsylvaniaSierraClub."Ourvaluedpubliclandsare strainedbytheburdenofresourcedevelopment,andthecommonwealthcannotaffordtocontinue underminingconservationeffortsthatwouldhelptopreservethesesharedspacesforfuture generations." "HouseBill1500isafirststeptoensurethatallofus,aswellasfuturegenerationsof Pennsylvanians,willbeabletoliveinacommonwealththatappreciatesandunderstandsthetruevalue ofitswoodlands,"saidRalphKisbergfromtheResponsibleDrillingAlliance. FormerDCNRSecretariesJohnQuigleyandRichardJ.Allanhavebothnotedthe$1billion backlogofinfrastructureprojectsinstateparksandforests.Theseprojectsincludethereplacementof highhazarddams,therepairandmaintenanceofroadsandbridges,andwaterandsewerprojects.

BecausesomuchoftheOilandGasLeaseFundisbeingusedtorunDCNR,thereis insufficientmoneyinthefundtoaddresstheseinfrastructureneeds. Rep.Vitalisaidinthe201314fiscalyearDCNRreceived$106millionfromtheOilandGas LeaseFund,upfrom$69millioninthepreviousbudget.Inadditiontotakingawayneededfunds,the useofthefundcreatesaconflictofinterestforDCNR,Rep.Vitalisaid. "There'saninherentconflictofinterestwhenanagencywhosemissionisconservationhasto promoteextractiontofunditself,"Rep.Vitalisaid. Whileassuringthemoneywouldbeusedforconservation,Vitali'sbillwouldrestoreDCNR's exclusiveauthoritytomakedisbursementsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFund.Italsowouldreplace transfersfromthatfundtotheEnvironmentalStewardshipFundandtheHazardousSitesCleanupFund withtransfersfromtheUnconventionalGasWellFund. AlsospeakingatthenewsconferencewerePennEnvironmentFieldDirectorAdamGarber, CleanWaterActionCentralPennsylvaniaCampaignCoordinatorNathanSooy,PennFutureVice PresidentandCOOJohnNorbeckandDickMartinfromthePennsylvaniaForestCoalition. NewsClips: FindingRightHomeForOil&GasRevenue WheresDCNRs$6MillionMarcellusMonitoringReport? GamesaWindTurbinePlant,ToutedByRendell,McGintyClosing HouseEnvironmentalCommitteeHearingOnOil&GasWellRoyaltyPaymentsFeb.4 TheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeisscheduledtoholdahearingonHouse Bill1684(EverettRLycoming)guaranteeingminimumroyaltypaymentstooilandgaswellowners. (Pennsylvanias)GuaranteedMinimumRoyaltyAct(Act60of1979)providesroyaltyowners withaguaranteedminimumoneeighthroyaltyforoil,naturalgasorgasofanyotherdesignationin ordertoprotectlandownersfromunfairordeceptiveleasesfortherecoveryofthesenaturalresources, saidRep.GarthEverett,primesponsorofthebill. ThedevelopmentofunconventionalshalegaswellsintheCommonwealthhasbeen accompaniedbyaneffortbysomecompaniestoreduceroyaltiesbelowthestatutoryminimumby transferringpostproductioncoststoroyaltyowners,saidRep.Everett.Thesearecoststhatare incurredbetweenthewellheadandafinalmarketpointofsaleandtypicallyincludedehydrationand transportation.Whentheseexpensesarededucted,finalpaymentsoftenresultinroyaltysharesofless thanoneeighth. In2010,thePennsylvaniaSupremeCourtconsideredthisissueinKilmerv.ElexcoLand Services,Inc.anddeterminedthattheGeneralAssemblyisthebranchofgovernmentbestsuitedto weighthepublicpoliciesunderlyingthedeterminationoftheproperpointofroyaltyvaluation, explainedRep.Everett.WhenPAlandownerssignedleasesstatingthattheywouldreceiveoneeighth ofthevalueofthegasproduced,theyassumedthataneighthisaneighthnotsomethingsignificantly lessthanthatbecauseofdeductions.Accordingly,webelieveitiswithinthelegitimatepolicepowerof theCommonwealthtoaddressandclarifythisissueforourroyaltyowners,gasdevelopersandthe Courts. Asponsorsummaryofthebillisavailable. TheHouseCommitteehearingwillbeheldinRoomG50oftheIrvisBuildingstartingat9:00. Lastweek,Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommittee,introducedhisownpackageofbillsontheroyaltyissue:SenateBill

1236amendstheOilandGasLeaseActfurtherprovidingforpaymentofroyalties,SenateBill1237 establishingtheNaturalGasLeaseAntiRetaliationActtoprotectroyaltyinterestowners,SenateBill 1238establishingtheOilandGasLeaseSatisfactionActprovidingforcertainformsanddamages. Sponsorsummaryofallthreebillsareavailable. Rep.RonMiller(RYork)servesasMajorityChairandRep.GregVitali(DDelaware)serves asMinorityChair.

NewsFromAroundTheState
CBF:NewDraftChesapeakeBayAgreementAvailableForComment ChesapeakeBayFoundationVicePresidentKimCobleissuedthisstatementWednesdayregardinga proposednewChesapeakeBayWatershedAgreement,whichwasreleasedforpubliccommentbythe ChesapeakeBayProgram: ThereareanumberofelementstocelebrateinthisnewdraftAgreement.Iamhappytosee thatthedraftholdsstatesaccountabletotheChesapeakeCleanWaterBlueprint,theplantofinishthe jobofrestoringtheBay.However,thedraftcontainsnospecificgoalstoreducetoxiccontamination. Thatisshortsighted. CBFisshockedthatthenewdraftAgreementcontainsnospecificgoalstoreducetoxic contamination.TwentyyearsagotheExecutiveCouncildebated,thenagreedtosetagoalof eliminatingtoxicimpactsintheBay.Thisdraftagreementmovesusbackwardnotforwardwithregard tostoppingtoxicpollution. WearealsoshockedthatthisdraftAgreementfailstoaddressoneofthemostcritical environmentalchallengestoourplanetglobalclimatechange.Howcouldthisbepossiblein2014? CBFacknowledgesthehardworkandcommitmentthathasledtoprogressinrestoringthe ChesapeakeBayanditsriversandstreamsduringthepast30years.Thereismuchaboutwhich everyoneshouldfeelproud,butthereisstillmoreworktodo.CBFremainsanactiveandenthusiastic partnertoensureprogresscontinuesandthegoalofacleanBayisachieved.Wewillworksteadfastly toensurethenewBayAgreementenhancesandacceleratesBayrestoration. ThedraftChesapeakeBayAgreementandinformationonhowtocommentareavailableonline. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate AmericanFarmlandTrustCallsOnCongressToPassTheNewFarmBill TheAmericanFarmlandTrustcalledonCongressMondaytopassthenewFarmBill.Thebillincludes anumberofAmericanFarmlandTrust'slegislativeprioritiesthatwillhelppreserveagriculturalland, promotesoundfarmingpractices,andhelpkeepfarmersontheland. AmongthekeypositionsinthenewFarmBillAFTsupportsare:

Aninvestmentof$2billioninconservationeasements,helpinglimitthelossofournation'sworking farmsandranchlandstononfarmuses Requiringconservationcompliancerequirementsforfederalcropinsurancepremiumassistance.This provisionwillhelpprotecthighlyerodiblesoilsandwetlandsandprovideasafetynetforbothour nation'sfarmersandournaturalresources ReauthorizingtheEnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP)at$8billion Providingfor10millionacresperyeartobeenrolledintheConservationStewardshipProgramand $1billionfortargetedconservationthroughtheRegionalConservationPartnershipProgram. "Forthesereasons,theTrustcallsuponCongresstopromptlypassthependingFarmBill,"said AndrewMcElwaine,PresidentandCEOofAFT."Aswithanycompromisethereareprosandcons, butonthewholewecongratulatetheHouseandSenateAgricultureCommitteesforcomingtogetherto craftabill.Welookforwardtoitsswiftenactment. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. Formoreinformation,visittheAmericanFarmlandTrustwebsite. NewsClips:FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate CBFPraisesCongressionalActionOnNewFarmBill,GoodNewsForChesapeakeBay ChesapeakeBayFoundationPresidentWilliamC.Bakerissuedthisstatementregardinganewfederal FarmBill,whichwaspassedWednesdaybytheU.S.HouseofRepresentatives: CBFcommendstheHouseforpassinganewfederalFarmBill,andwecelebrateitsstrong newconservationprogram,knownastheRegionalConservationPartnershipProgram.Thisprogram willhelpfarmersintheChesapeakeBaywatershedkeepfertilizeronthelandandoutofthewater.It willhelpthemcontinuetoimplementtheChesapeakeCleanWaterBlueprint. WeencourageorganizationsthatworkwithfarmersintheregiontoparticipateintheRegional ConservationPartnershipProgram.Underthisnewprogram,organizationswillworkwithfarmerson installingspecificagriculturalconservationpracticesthatarevitaltoimprovinglocalanddownstream waterquality. WelookforwardtotheSenatespeedilypassingthebillandparticularlythankoursenatorsand representativesintheBaywatershedforensuringthattheRegionalConservationPartnershipProgram willbeavitaltoolinreducingpollutiontotheregionsrivers,streamsandtheBay. NewsClips:FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate Reminder:KeystoneColdwaterConferenceFeb.2122InStateCollege The2014KeystoneColdwaterConferencewillbeheldonFebruary2122attheRamadaInn ConferenceCenterinStateCollege.ThelastdaytoregisterisFebruary14. OnFebruary21therewillbeanoptionalafternoonworkshopthatwillfocusonhowtoprotect, conserve,andrestorestreamhabitat,whilealsoprotectingadjacentpropertyfrompotentialflooding impacts.TheworkshopwillbefollowedbyaFridayeveningsocial.Atthesocialattendeeswillhavethe opportunitytonetworkandvisitthemanyexhibitorsandposters.Theeventwillincludeappetizersand acashbar. OnFebruary22,theprogramwillbeginat8:30a.m.withourkeynotespeakerChrisWood, CEOofTroutUnlimited.Twelvebreakoutsessionswillroundoffthemorningandafternoon,with

topicsrelatedtoconserving,protecting,andrestoringourcoldwaterstreams. Thepresentationswillhighlightresearch,casestudies,proactivecommunityaction,policyand regulations,andtargetedoutreachandadvocacythathaveplayedapartinensuringenvironmental protection. TheConferenceissponsoredbytheFoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds,Pennsylvania CouncilofTroutUnlimited,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,ChesapeakeBay Foundation,PennsylvaniaWildlifeFederationandPAEnvironmentDigestCrisciAssociates. ClickHereforallthedetails. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate CBFPAReceivesGrowingGreenerGrantToExpandCleanWaterEfforts TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAcelebrateswithpartnersandfarmerstheawardofa$375,000 GrowingGreenergrantthatwillenablevitalonfarmwaterqualityimprovementstocontinueandto expandinnorthcentralPennsylvania. Thegrantaward,announcedjustlastweekbyGov.TomCorbett,isoneof118Growing Greenergrantstotaling$20.65million. CBFwillutilizethesenewGrowingGreenerfundstoexpandrestorationworkwiththeultimate goalofimprovingwaterqualityinpriority,impairedwatersheds. Todothat,CBF,partners,andfarmersinnorthcentralandcentralPennsylvaniawillestablish newstreamsidebuffersandmakeimprovementstoexistingbuffers,protectandenhancefisheries habitats,andestablishavarietyofonfarmconservationimprovementsthatareshowntoimprovewater quality. ThestatewideGrowingGreenerconservationfundingprogramisavitalresourcefor organizationsandgroupswhosemissionitistoimproveourriversandstreams.GrowingGreenergrants areawardedspecificallytoenhanceeffortsthatprotectandimprovewatersheds,reducestormwater runoffandacidminedrainage(AMD),andtosupporteducationalprogramsandothercritical conservationrelatedefforts. "TheGrowingGreenerprogramhasplayedavitalroleinimprovingwaterqualityinthe Commonwealthforwelloveradecadenow,"saidHarryCampbell,CBF'sPennsylvaniaDirector."The importanceofthisfundingsourcecannotbeoverstated,andthecleanwatersuccessesthathave resultedfromtheprogramaretobecelebrated." ThanksinlargeparttoapreviousGrowingGreenergrant,CBF,partners,and41farmers recentlycelebratedasignificantcleanwaterachievementtheestablishmentof36milesofstreamside forestedbuffersinBradford,Susquehanna,Sullivan,Wyoming,andLycomingcounties. Thesestreamsidebufferswillhelptoimprovelocalanddownstreamwaterquality,provide habitatforfishandotherwildlife,andveryimportantlyhelptokeepourfarmsviable. Additionallyover219differentconservationprojectswerecompletedonthesefarms,whichwill

furtherhelptoreducepollutionandimprovewaterquality. ThisworkispartofCBF'sPennsylvaniaWatershedRestorationProgram,andbuildsonthe organization's15yearsofrestorationexperience.Theserestorationeffortsresultindirectimprovements tolocalanddownstreamwaterquality. "TheGrowingGreenerProgramnotonlyhelpsCBFengageinonthegroundrestorationwork whichimproveswaterqualityinourownbackyards,"continuedCampbell."Butitisalsoavitalresource tobeutilizedtowardmeetingPennsylvania'sCleanWaterBlueprintrequirements." CBFisoneof162groupsororganizationsthatappliedforthisroundofGrowingGreener funding,foratotalrequestof$41.8million. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate WRENGrantFundsMountJoyRainGardenProject InMountJoyBorough,LancasterCounty,aPALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResources EducationNetworkgranthelpedABloomingGoodIdeaprojectcreateraingardensthroughoutthe community. Raingardensareanefficientandbeautifulwaytostaveofftheeffectsofpollutingrunofffrom roofs,parkinglotsandimpervioussurfaces. RaingardenshavebeengrowinginpopularityandduringthepastseveralyearsWRENhas awardedmanygrantstolocalpartnershipstocreateandinstallraingardensintheircommunities. ClickHeretolearnmoreabouttheMountJoyproject.Applicationsforthenextroundof grantsfromWRENaredueMarch21. (ReprintedfromtheJanuaryissueofWaterPolicyNews,PALeagueofWomenVotersWater ResourcesEducationNetwork.) JanuaryPAWaterPolicyNewsNowAvailableFromWaterResourcesEducationNetwork TheJanuaryissueofWaterPolicyNewsisnowavailablefromthePALeagueofWomenVoters WaterResourcesEducationNetwork.ClickHeretoreadacopy. InternationalRiverRallyComingToPittsburghMay30June2 RiverNetworkandWaterkeeeperAlliancearepartneringtohosttheInternationalRiverRally2014in PittsburghonMay30June2.. Over750advocatesforhealthyriversandwatershedsareexpectedtogatherattheconfluence oftheAlleghenyandMonongahelarivers. Thepopulartypicallysoldouteventwillfeatureeducationalworkshopsaboutstrategiesfor

restoration,fracking,techtoolsforwatershedgroups,publicoutreach,volunteers,waterquality monitoring,fieldtoursandnetworking. Learnfromthoseinthefieldandbeinspiredbyhundredsofcleanwateradvocates. Formoreinformation,visittheInternationalRiverRallywebsite. (ReprintedfromtheJanuaryissueofWaterPolicyNews,PALeagueofWomenVotersWater ResourcesEducationNetwork.) EPAAwardsGrantsToPennState,OthersToImproveWaterQuality U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyAdministratorGinaMcCarthyThursdayannouncedgrantsto fourresearchinstitutionsforinnovativeandsustainablewaterresearchtomanageharmfulnutrient pollution. PennsylvaniaStateUniversitysCenterforIntegratedMultiscaleNutrientPollutionSolutions receivedoneofthegrantstofocusonnutrientflowsinPennsylvaniaandtheChesapeakeBay watershed. NutrientpollutionisoneofAmerica'smostwidespread,costlyandchallengingenvironmental problems,andiscausedbyexcessnitrogenandphosphorusinwaterways. Thesegrantswillgotowardsresearchtohelpusbettermanagenutrientsandbetterprotectour preciouswaterresourcesfromthedangersofnutrientpollution,especiallyinachangingclimate,said AdministratorMcCarthy. Whenexcessivenitrogenandphosphorusenterourwaterwaysusuallyviastormwaterrunoff andindustrialactivitiesourwatercanbecomepolluted.Nutrientpollutionhasimpactedmany streams,rivers,lakes,baysandcoastalwatersforthepastseveraldecades,resultinginserious environmentalandhealthissues,andnegativelyimpactingtheeconomy. Forexample,nutrientpollutioncanreduceoxygenlevelsinwater,leadingtoillnessesinfishand thedeathoflargenumbersoffish.Insomecasesnutrientpollutionleadstoelevatedtoxinsandbacterial growthinwatersthatcanmakepeoplesick. TheSciencetoAchieveResultsgrants,announcedbyAdministratorMcCarthyareanintegral partofEPAsresearchonwaterqualityandavailability.Improvingexistingwaterinfrastructureiscostly, whichmakescreatingnewandsustainableapproachestowateruse,reuseandnutrientmanagement important. Thesegrantssupportsustainablewaterresearchanddemonstrationprojectsconsistentwitha comprehensivestrategyformanagingnutrientsandactivecommunityengagementthroughoutthe researchprocess. NewsClips: Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate U.S.WaterPartnershipSeeksApplicationsForWaterTechnologyProgram

TheU.S.WaterPartnershipisseekingapplicationsforitsExemplarU.S.WaterTechnologyGrant ProgramtorecommendU.S.technologiestobeshowcasedataneventattheU.S.StateDepartmentin Washington,DConMarch21.ApplicationsaredueFebruary4. Theselectedtechnologieswillbefeaturedinfrontofseniorbusinessleaders,U.S.government officials,thenewsmediaandcivilsocietyleadersthroughaseriesofignitepresentationsanda marketplaceexhibit. AttendingtechnologyproviderswouldalsobeofferedtheopportunitytoconsultwithU.S. governmentagenciessuchastheU.S.DepartmentofCommerce,ExportImportBankoftheU.S.and theU.S.TradeandDevelopmentAgency,andtodiscussexistingU.S.governmentprogramstosupport commercializationandexportassistance. ClickHerefordetails. RegistrationOpenForPAAmericanWaterWorksAssn.AnnualConferenceMay68 RegistrationisnowopenforthePASectionoftheAmericanWaterWorksAssociationannual conferenceMay68attheSandsHotelinBethlehem.ClickHereforinformationonregistration,the agendaandspecialactivities. GovernorsOfficePublishesRegulatoryAgendaForNext6Months TheGovernorsOfficepublisheditssemiannualRegulatoryAgendaforthenextsixmonthsinthe February1PABulletin(page709)outliningpendingandplannedregulatorychangesfromthe departmentsofAgriculture,EnvironmentalProtection,ConservationandNaturalResourcesandother stateagencies. Notableregulatorychangesinclude Agriculture CleanandGreen,AgricultureConservationEasementProgram PesticideProgramfeechanges Conservation&NaturalResources ChangestoNativeWildPlantspecieslistings EnvironmentalProtection NoncoalMining WaterSupplyReplacementrelatedtocoalmining ReminingRequirements Federalcoalminingconsistencychanges DesignatingBigRunWatershed,ClearfieldCountyunsuitableforcoalmining FinancialGuaranteesforminingreclamation HandlingandUseofExplosives FinalizingChapter78drillingregulations UpdatingChapter78regulationsrelatingtocasing,cementingandotherrequirements UpdatingundergroundCoalMineSafetyregulations RevisingtheTotalColiformRuleintheDrinkingWaterProgram UpdatingtheNutrientCreditTradingandOffsetProgram MakingchangesrelatedtosewagemoduleapprovalsinHQ,EVwatersheds

ClarifytrainingrequirementsintheSewageEnforcementOfficerProgram Revisingstandardsforonlotsepticsystems,experimentalandalternatesystems Settingnewparticulateemissionstandards SettingnewReasonablyAvailableControlTechnologyRequirementsforNOx,VOCemissions EliminatingtheuseofStageIIVOCcontrolsatservicestations Updatingmedicalandchemotherapeuticwasteregulations UpdatingcleanupstandardsundertheLandRecyclingProgram EnvironmentalHearingBoard Finalizingchangesinrulesofprocedure StateElectronicsRecyclingChallengeLookingForPACommunities TheStateElectronicsChallengeislookingforPennsylvanianlocalandstategovernmentsthatwantto makeadifferencein2014andreducetheenvironmentalimpactoftheirofficeelectronicequipment. TheChallengeafreeprogramcanhelpyourorganizationidentifyandpurchasegreen electronicofficeequipment,useitefficiently,andrecycleitresponsibly. TheChallengeprovidestools,resources,andtechnicalassistance,andalsohelpsyour organizationdocumentitssuccesseswithasustainabilityreportthatdetailsreductionsinenergyuse, greenhousegases,andwaste. ExemplaryprogramsarealsoacknowledgedthroughtheChallengesawardsandrecognition program. TolearnmoreabouttheStateElectronicsChallenge,registerforoneofourintroductory webinars.Notethatthewebinarswillcoverthesameinformation. February12at11:00a.m.ClickHeretoregisterand March6at11:00a.m.ClickHeretoregister. Formoreinformation,visittheStateElectronicsChallengewebsite. DEPIssuesAirQualityActionDayAlertForFeb.1InSouthcentral,SoutheastPA TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionanditsregionalairqualitypartnershipsforecastanAir QualityActionDayforfineparticlesforSouthcentralandSoutheasternPennsylvaniaonSaturday, February1.ClickHerefordetails. Corbett:PAExpandingItsCommitmentToCleanEnergy,AwardsGrants Gov.CorbettTuesdayannouncedPennsylvaniaisexpandingitscommitmenttoadvancecleanand alternativeenergysourceswiththeinvestmentofmorethan$4.5millioningrantsthroughthe CommonwealthFinancingAuthority. Energyequalsjobs,andtodaysinvestmentscontinuemycommitmenttogrowPennsylvanias diverseenergyindustries,saidCorbett.Theexpansionofalternativeenergyisresultingincostsavings forbusinessesandresidents,newjobopportunities,andacleanerenvironment. TheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityapprovedsevenprojectstodaythroughthestates AlternativeandCleanEnergyPrograminChester,Columbia,Cumberland,Lebanon,Montgomery, NorthamptonandPhiladelphiacounties.TheCFAinvestmentsareprojectedtoresultinmorethan $16.7millioninadditionaleconomicinvestments.

Theapprovedprojectsincludefundingforsixcompressednaturalgasfuelingstations.The proliferationoffuelingstationsisexpectedtoresultinreducedemissions,fuelsavingsandtheutilization ofdomesticallyproducednaturalgas. Wehaveanavailable,abundant,domestic,economicalandcleanburningsupplyofnaturalgas throughoutPennsylvania.saidCorbett.Increasingthenumberofnaturalgasfuelingstationsinthestate willgrowtheindustry,boostemploymentandresultinabetterenvironment. TheACEProgramprovidesfinancialassistanceintheformofgrantsandloanfundsthatwillbe usedbyeligibleapplicantsfortheutilization,developmentandconstructionofalternativeandclean energyprojectsinthestate. Alistofprojectsfundedisavailableonline. Formoreinformation,visittheCommonwealthFinancingAuthority. NewsClips: CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropaneFirewoodSupply CleanAirCouncilLaunchesSaveEnergyPhillyWebsite CleanAirCouncilinvitesyoutocheckouttheeasytousewebsitethatprovidesPhiladelphiaand Pennsylvaniaresidentswithimportantinformationaboutenergyefficiency. SaveEnergyPhilly.orgprovidesaonestopshopforresidentstolearnhowtomakeenergy efficiencyimprovementsintheirhomes,whattheenvironmentalbenefitsare,andtheplentifulrebate programsandtaxincentivesavailabletoPhiladelphiaarearesidents. NewsClips: CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropane,FirewoodSupply PJMElectricGridMeetsMonthLongChallengesOfColdJanuary PJMInterconnection,theelectricitygridoperatorformorethan61millionpeoplein13statesandthe DistrictofColumbia,experiencedoneofitsbiggestweatherchallengesduringthemonthofJanuary. Initsnearly87yearhistory,thisJanuary'sprolongedcoldwasrecordbreaking.Eightofthe10 highestwinterdemandsforelectricityeverrecordedinthePJMregionoccurredlastmonthasthe extraordinaryarcticcoldgrippedalargepartoftheU.S.andallofPJMforextendedperiods. PJM'snewalltimewinterpeakof141,312megawattswasrecordedtheeveningofJan.7. TemperaturesbrokearecordforcoldthatdayinseverallocationsinthePJMregion. PJMemployedanumberofemergencyproceduresatvarioustimesduringthemonth,including callingondemandresponseresourcesbusinessesandindustriesthatarepaidforcuttingbacktheiruse ofelectricity.Theycurrentlyarenotrequiredtoactinthewintermonths,butmanydemandresources didso. Withelectricitysuppliestight,PJMalsoissuedappealstothepublicforconservationonseveral occasionstohelpreducehighelectricitydemand. "PJMagainthanksconsumersforrespondingtoourrequeststoconserveelectricity,"saidPJM PresidentandCEOTerryBoston."Januarywasachallengingmonth,andthepublicresponsetoour

callstoconservehelpedusmanagetheimpactoftheextremelycoldweatheracrosstheentirePJM footprint. "Wealsoappreciatetheperformanceofourmembersthroughoutthemonthofextendedcold. Theircooperationandteamworkhelpedtheregiongetthroughthechallengingconditionswithout interruptions." AmongthechallengesforPJManditsmembersinmaintaininggridreliabilityduringthemonth wereunplannedgeneratorshutdownsfromthecoldandthestressofextendedruntimes,naturalgas curtailmentsandfueloildeliveryproblems. Allconventionalformsofgeneration,includinggas,coalandnuclearplants,werechallengedby theextremeconditions.Becausethefrigidweatheralsoaffectedneighboringgridareas,theavailability ofimportedpowertohelpmeetdemandandincreasereserveswasfrequentlylimited. Thesechallengescameagainstthebackdropofextraordinarywinterdemandconditionsin whichusageformuchofJanuarywassignificantlyhigherthannormallevelsforthemonthwithmany days15,000to20,000megawattsabovenormal.Theadditionaldemandisaboutasmuchpoweras wouldbeusedbythegreaterWashingtonandBaltimoresubregion. Becauseconsumersusedsomuchmoreelectricityduringthecoldtemperatures,theirbillsare likelytobehigherthannormal.Coldweatheralsopushedupwholesalepowerpriceshowever,the overallimpacttoconsumersfromhigherwholesalepricesshouldhavelittleimmediateeffectonmost residentialbills. NewsClips: CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropane,FirewoodSupply PACoalAllianceCallsForHearingsOnPowerSupplyProblems Asconsumersbraceforconsiderablyhigherelectricbillsinthecomingweeks,thePennsylvaniaCoal Alliancecalledforlegislativehearingstoinvestigatethereasonsforthesupplyshortagesthatarecausing pricestospike. LastweekPJMInterconnection,whichoperatestheregionalpowergrid,askedtheFederal EnergyRegulatoryCommissionforemergencyapprovaltoexceeda$1,000permegawatthourprice caponthesuddenlyneededpurchasedpower.TheaveragewholesalepriceinthePJMregionlastyear was$42permegawatthour,accordingtotheEnergyInformationAdministration(EIA). PJMthisweekhasaskedconsumerstocurtailtheiruseofelectricityduringhighdemand portionsoftheday. AlthoughPJMdidnotprovideanestimateoftheeffectthathigherwholesalepriceswouldhave onconsumers,EIAestimatedinJanuarythatsomemayseehomeheatingbillsrisebymorethan23 percentfortheseason,comparedwiththepreviousheatingseason.Thatwasbeforeoursecondvisit fromthepolarvortex,whichiscausinganextremedropintemperaturescurrently. JohnPippy,CoalAllianceCEO,notedthatPJM'sdilemmafollowstheclosingofthree Pennsylvaniacoalfiredpowerplantslastyear.Othersarealsoslatedtoclose,inlargepartdueto proposedfederalemissionstandards. "Extremeweathercancauseenergypricestobecomevolatile,butcoalfiredelectricityismuch lesslikelytobesubjecttoseverepriceswings,"Pippysaid."Coalasanenergysourcebringsastrong elementofstabilitytothepowersupplyand,therefore,towholesalepowerprices."

Afterexpressingconcernsinitially,PJMsignedoffontheclosingofthethreepowerplantslast year,contendingthattheirclosingwouldnothaveanegativeimpactonthereliabilityoftheregion's powersupply. "Obviously,wearehavingpowersupplyproblems,whichwillcauseelectricbillstoskyrocketin thenextcoupleofmonths,"hesaid."Surelytherearesomelessonsthatwecanlearnfromthis,andwe believethatlegislativehearingsareagoodwaytodothat." PJMpurchasesthecheapestpowerfirst,andmoreexpensivegenerationisaddedasitis needed. "Theproblemis,therewasn'tenoughreasonablypricedpoweravailableduringthisextreme coldsnap,andthat'sdueinparttofederalemissionregulationsthathaveforcedtheprematureclosingof coalfiredpowerplants,"Pippysaid."Federalregulatorswanttoimposestandardsthatarenot achievablewithcurrenttechnology. "We'vemadegreatstridesinreducingemissionsofsulfur,nitrogen,particulatesandeven carbon.Moreadvancesareonthehorizonthatwouldreduceemissionsevenfurther,buttheproposed standardsremovetheincentivestocontinuetheirdevelopment." Pippysaidtheaffordability,reliabilityandabundanceofcoalmakeitanessentialpartofthe energymix,tothebenefitofmanufacturers,retailersandconsumers.Unilaterallytakingcoaloutofthe mixwouldputthiscountryatacompetitivedisadvantageagainstdevelopingcountriessuchasIndiaand China,whichareincreasingtheirrelianceoncoal. "Noenergysourceisperfect,butthehigherelectricbillsconsumerswillbereceivinginthenear futureshowthatthereareunintended,negativeconsequencestoshortsightedenvironmentalandenergy policies,"hesaid."Wedon'tneedtochoosebetweenaffordable,reliableenergyandaclean environment.Wecanhavebothwithacollaborativeeffortbetweenfederalregulatorsandallenergy stakeholders." Formoreinformation,visitthePennsylvaniaCoalAlliancewebsite. NewsClips: CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropane,FirewoodSupply PUCUrgesUtilityCustomersToReviewElectricContracts,ShopForPower ThePublicUtilityCommissionFridayremindedcustomersusingacompetitivesuppliertoreviewtheir contractascoldtemperaturesandhighdemandhavedriventhewholesalepriceofelectricityhigher. Customerswithvariablecontractsorthosewithfixedcontractsthathaveexpiredandwere movedtoavariableratemayseetheirpricesincrease.Consumersareurgedtochecktheircontracts andevaluateoffersatwww.papowerswitch.com. ThePUCisseeinghigherpricesinthewholesaleelectricmarkets,whichcouldtranslateinto higherpricesforsomecustomerswhohavecontractswithcompetitivesuppliersthatallowforpricesto change. Consumersshouldcheckthetermsandconditionstheyreceivedwhentheyenrolledwiththe competitivesupplierorcallthesuppliertocheckthestatusoftheirprices. Somepricesforthoseonvariableratesmayhavealreadyincreased.Customersreceivingahigh billshouldcontacttheirsuppliertodiscussthegenerationportionoftheirbillandalsoexplorebudget billing,whichaveragesyourbillsthroughouttheyear.Consumersalsomaybeeligibleforprogramsto

helppayyourbillincludingpaymentarrangements. TheCommissionalsoremindsconsumersthatcoldtemperaturesandincreaseduseofheating systemswilltranslateintohigherenergybills.Additionalenergyconservationtipsareavailableonthe PUCwebsite. NewsClips: CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropane,FirewoodSupply PAChamberAnnualEnvironmentalConferenceAndTradeShowApril10 ThePAChamberwillholdits2014annualEnvironmentalConferenceandTradeShowApril10atthe BestWesternPremierEdenResortandSuitesinLancaster.ClickHereforallthedetails. IndependentReviewHailsManagementofPennsylvaniasStateForests DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiTuesdayreleasedresultsof anindependentreviewteamsannualstudyofstateforestlands,notingitsfindingscontinuetoaffirm BureauofForestryeffortstoconservetheseresourcesthroughsoundmanagement. Onceagainourstateforestsweredeemedwellmanagedinanofficialcertificationreflecting thepridewetakeinmanagingoursystemformanyvaluesanduses,whilemaintainingitslongterm healthandviability,Ferrettisaid.Auditorswereverypleasedwithourmanagementandthededication ofourstaff,andIextendthankstodistrictsinvolvedinthisyearsauditforanotherjobwelldone. Forthe16thconsecutiveyear,since1998whenateamofscientistsfirstbeganreviewing managementofthe2.2millionacresofstateforestlands,researchersapplaudedPennsylvanias commitmenttoitsforests,andexemplarypracticesandinnovationinmanagingforestresources Forestmanagementfacesmanythreatsandchallenges,includingfragmentationand disturbance,invasiveplants,destructiveexoticinsectsandinsufficientregeneration,notedFerretti.The certificationprocessshowswearedoingeverythingwecantoimproveourmanagementplansand practices.Moreimportantly,ithelpsusidentifyareaswecanimprovetoensureourforestsarewell managedandinlinewithpublicexpectations. ThereviewwasconductedinlateAugust2013byScientificCertificationSystems,an Emeryville,CaliforniabasedcertificationbodyaccreditedbytheForestStewardshipCouncilto conductforestmanagementandresourceevaluations. Aprojectteamconsistingofthreeforestersspecializinginwildlifebiology,ecology,forestry managementandsocioeconomicissuestouredMoshannon,Tiadaghton,ElkandCornplanterstate forestdistricts. TheSCSteammetwithDCNRofficialsandstakeholders,scoringwoodlandson timberresourcesustainability,forestecosystemmaintenance,financialandsocioeconomic considerationsandothercategories. Auditorssoughtpublicinputontopicsthatincludedeffectsofenergyextractiondeerimpactin theforestswoodlandregenerationandbureaupublicinformationandeducationefforts.Studyfocused onpublicinvolvementtimberharvestschemicaluselandscapeconsiderationsintimbersalessoil, wildlifeandotherecologicalsafeguardsanduseofnonnativespecies. Specifically,SCSapplaudedtheBureauofForestryfor:

Developingguidelinesandmonitoringsystemstohelpassess,mitigateandminimizeimpactsof energyrelatedactivities Recognizingdiverseimpactsofgasdevelopment,includingbothpositiveandnegativepotential impacts,andattemptingtoaddresstheminguidelines,managementandmonitoringsystems Communicationsandinformationprogramsthatarewelldevelopedandcontributetoincreasing publicknowledgeandunderstandingofforestryandtheservicesprovidedbyDCNR. Whilenononconformanceswerefoundinthefield,oneMinorCorrectiveActionRequest calledforattemptstomoreclearlydefineandimplementaccessiblepublicparticipationinshortterm planningprocessesfortimbersales.Theauditorsalsocalledforuniformitywithindistrictsonwhena timbersaleshouldbeshutdownbecauseofforestfloorrutting. Ineachofthefourdistrictsstudiedandatmanysitesvisited,auditorsalsolookedattheoverall conditionofourforests,roads,trailsandinfrastructure,saidFerretti.Auditorsoftencommentedthatit iseasytoseewevebeenatthisforquitesometime.Everybureauemployeeshouldfeelproudofthe worktheyhavedonetohelpusmaintainthathighstandard. TheForestStewardshipCouncilwasformedin1993byenvironmental,socialand forestproductsindustryrepresentativestoestablishguidelinesforsustainableforestmanagement practices. Certificationassuresconsumersthatwoodproductsfromthestatespublicforestscomefroma sustainable,wellmanagedsystem,whichhelpsPennsylvaniatocompeteinthegrowingnicheconsumer marketforgreenlabelwoodproducts. CopiesoftheSCS2013stateforestevaluationandtheStateForestResourceManagement Planareavailableonline. NewsClip:Poll:MostSupportGasDrilling,NotInStateForests TreeVitalizeToHostTreePlantingWorkshopFeb.11InPittsburgh TreeVitalizePittsburghishostingafreeapplicationworkshoptolearnabouthowtoorganizeatree plantinginyourcommunity.Theworkshopwillbeheldfrom6to7p.m.February11attheCCI Center,62S.14thSt.,inPittsburgh'sSouthSide.Dinnerandrefreshmentswillbeprovided.Formore informationandtoRSVP,sendemailto:trees@paconserve.orgorcall4125862386. DCNROffersEmeraldAshBorerCommunityTrainingWorkshops TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceshasscheduledfourEmeraldAshBorer CommunityTrainingsessionsincentralandwesternPennsylvania.Thesessionswillbeheld March18atWestChesterUniversity April16atGreenwoodFurnaceStatePark May14atNorthParkLodge,Pittsburghand June18atMansfieldUniversity. Localofficials,urbanforesters,pesticideapplicators,treecareprofessionals,arborists, landscapers,conservationistsandwoodlandownerswouldbenefitfromthisprogram. VisitDCNRsEmeraldAshBorerwebpageformoreinformationandfortoolsyoucanuseto spreadthewordabouttheEmeraldAshBorer. RedbankValleyInWesternPAIs2014TrailOfTheYear

DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiMondayannounced RedbankValleyTrailsinArmstrong,ClarionandJeffersoncountiesisthe2014TrailoftheYearin Pennsylvania. ThisnewdesignationiscoordinatedbyDCNR'sPennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteeto elevatepublicawarenessofthethousandsofmilesoftrailsavailableforpublicenjoymentin Pennsylvania. "Eighteenfantastictrailswerenominatedduringthisinauguralyearforthisdesignation,"Ferretti said."RedbankValleyTrailsstoodoutbecauseofthededicatedworkoftremendousvolunteersits scenicbeautyconnectiontoothertrailsystemsandquickandefficientpaceofdevelopment." Muchofthe51mileRedbankValleyTrailsrunsalongRedbankCreekandincludesmany bridgesandbeautifulstonearches.Thetrailconnectsschools,soccerfieldsandruralareasto commercialandresidentialcenters. Thetrailnetworkisaformerrailroadline.AlleghenyValleyLandTrusthastitletothecorridor andworkswiththeRedbankValleyTrailsAssociationtomakeimprovementsfortrailuse.Volunteers havecontributedmorethan3,000hoursperyearsince2010totraildevelopment. RedbankValleyTrailsconnectstotheArmstrongTrailandfromtheretotheErietoPittsburgh TrailandtheGreatAlleghenyPassagetoWashington,D.C.Itisalsopartofaninitiativetoconnect PittsburghtoRidgwayintheheartofthePennsylvaniaWilds. DarlaKirkpatrick,RedbankValleyTrailsAssociationPresidentthankedDCNRuponlearning oftheawardandcommented,"Thishonorbelongstoallofouramazing,dedicatedvolunteersandour community,localgovernmentandbusinesssupporterswhohavecommittedsomuchoftheirtime, energy,equipmentandmoney.TheTrailoftheYeardesignationwillhelpusgarnermoresupportso wecanimproveandopentheClimaxTunnelfinishsurfacingmoremilesaddamenitiesattractmore businessesforneededeconomicdevelopmentintheregionandmakemorepeopleawareofthistruly beautifulrecreationalasset." Thetrailassociationengagesthecommunitythroughevents,Facebookandawebsite. TohonortheTrailoftheYear,theadvisorycommitteeandDCNRwillcreateacommemorativeposter forstatewidedistribution. FormoreinformationvisittheExplorePATrailswebsiteandchoosethe2014TrailoftheYear slide.Featuredonthesiteare476trailscoveringmorethan10,000milesinPennsylvania. ThePennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteeincludesdifferenttypesoftrailusers,buildersand advocates,andpeoplewithdisabilities. Thecommittee'sresponsibilitiesaretoadviseDCNRontheuseoftrailfundinginPennsylvania reviewandranktrailprojectapplicationsandpresentanannualreporttothesecretaryontrail activities. NewsClips: RedbankValleyTrailsNamedTrailOfTheYear InputSoughtOnLevittownTrailProject AbandonedGoatPathCouldBecomeTrailInLancaster RiverRoadGreenwayCouldRevitalizeLowerSchuylkill 2014AdultTroutStockingSchedulesNowAvailable TheFishandBoatCommissionFridayannouncedthe2014adulttroutstockingscheduleisnow

available. JanuaryIssueOfFish&BoatCommissionsCurrentsNewsletterNowAvailable TheJanuaryissueoftheFishandBoatCommissionsCurrentsnewsletterisnowavailablefeatures storiesonawardsgivenforvolunteerservice,habitatrestorationandlifesaving.Italsoincludesa scheduleofexhibitstheCommissionwillhaveoutoutdoorshowsaroundthestate. LandAcquisitionsHighlightGameCommissionBoardMeeting TheBoardofGameCommissionersonTuesdayapprovedapurchasethatwilladdnearly13,000acres toStateGameLands25inJonesTownship,ElkCounty. Thenearly$12.2millionpurchasedoesnotincludetimberrightsformanytreespeciesonthe property.Thepropertysseller,TheConservationFund,willreservethetimberfor25yearswiththe righttoharvest,cut,removeandotherwisemanageandusealltimber,exceptconifer,whiteoak,walnut andappletrees. The12,911acreacquisitionismainlyforestedwithmixednorthernhardwoods,withasmall componentofmixedconifersinlocations,interspersedwithforestopenings.Streamsandtributaries manyofthemcontainingwildtroutaswellasuplandwetlandareas,arelocatedontheacquiredtracts. TheselandsarebisectedbyU.S.Route219,andhavemultipleaccesspointsfromtownshiproads. ClickHereformoredetails. DelawareHighlands:LoveForTheLandAcrossTheGenerations WhenJulieKulakfirstheardabouttheDelawareHighlandsConservancyalmostadecadeago,she knewshewantedtotakeactiontoprotecthercherishedfamilylandinWayneCounty,Pa. Originallyownedbyhergrandparents,the86acresispartofwhatoncewasaworkingdairy farmandisnowhealthyforestlandpermanentlyprotectedwithaconservationeasementwiththe Conservancy. Juliegrewuponthelandandfondlyremembersawonderfulchildhoodtakingwalksthroughthe woodswithhermom,fieldguidesinhand,identifyingthemanydifferentplantsandanimalstheysaw. Sherememberspickingmushroomswithherdadandgrandfather,learningtotrackanimals,and playinginthesmallwaterfallandthestreamthatrunsthroughthepropertyatributaryofthe LackawaxenRiverthateventuallyflowsintotheDelaware. Herloveforthepropertyonlygrewovertheyears,andthoughthefamilynolongerlivesthere, she,herhusbandKevin,andtheirtwosonscurrentlyages5and13returnforvisitsafewtimes eachyear. Julierelishestheopportunitytosharethelandwithanothergenerationofherfamily,andthey spendagreatdealoftimeexploringthewoodsandsearchingforJuliesfavoritefeaturethe salamandersandfrogsthatrelyonthehealthyhabitatprovidedbythestreamandforestsofthe property. Thethoughtofanybodycominginanddisruptingthatkindofbeautyorhurtingthe salamandersitwouldbreakmyheart,Julieexplains. Shehasworkedwithaconsultingforestertodevelopaforestmanagementplanforthe property,hopingtoincreasetreeandplantspeciesdiversityandmaintainandenhancetheexceptional

waterqualityfortheamphibianpopulationandtheotherwildlifefoundthere. Justasherownfamilyhasenjoyedthelandforgenerations,Juliesforesightwillallowfuture generationsofchildrenandgrandchildrentobenefitfromitsprotection. Youhavemoretogainbyprotectingthelandthanbylettingothersexploitit,Julieasserts. Mydadhadsomeconcernsabouttheeasementatfirst,butafterherealizedthatthepropertystaysin ournameandourfamily,thatwerejustgivingupdevelopmentrightsthatwewerentgoingtouse anyway,thenheunderstoodandsawitasawonderfulopportunity. TheDelawareHighlandsConservancyworkswithlandownersandcommunitiestoprotectthe healthylands,cleanwaters,eaglesandotherwildlife,andsustainableeconomiesoftheUpperDelaware Riverregion. Formoreinformation,pleasecall5702263164,8455831010,orsendanemailto: info@delawarehighlands.org. DEPNamesKellyBurchExecutiveDirectorForOilAndGasOperations DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzothisweeknamedKellyBurchtothenewlycreatedpositionofExecutive DirectorForOilandGasOperationsintheOilandGasManagementDeputate.Burchwasmost recentlytheRegionalDirectorofDEPsofficeinMeadville. BurchhasbeenwithDEPsince1986,servinginavarietyofpositionswiththeagency,andhas representedPennsylvaniaontheGreatLakesCommission. Inthisnewexecutiveleadershiprole,Kellywillleadtheimplementationofoilandgas programsinDEPsregionaloffices.Hisyearsofexperienceandfamiliaritywiththeagencywillbe valuableassetsinourgoaltoimproveconsistencyacrosstheregions,saidAbruzzo.Specifically, Kellywillcoordinateregionalofficeactionsrelatedtotheoilandgasindustrytoensuretheconsistent applicationandenforcementofprogrampoliciesandevaluateprogrameffectiveness. InternWanted:AlleghenyLandTrustSeekingChartiersCreekIntern TheAlleghenyLandTrustisacceptingapplicationsforthe2014JohnHammInternship.Thisposition ChartiersCreekWatershedInternismadepossiblebygenerousdonationsfromthePA EnvironmentalDefenseFoundationandthefriendsandfamilyofMr.JohnHamm.Applicationsaredue April1.ClickHerefordetails. CanItGetAnyBetterInPA:GroundhogDay,SuperBowlOnSameDay Thetwobiggesteventsoftheyearwillbecelebratedonthe samedayinPennsylvaniaGroundhogDaywhere PunxsutawneyPhilgiveshisannualweatherforecastfrom JeffersonCounty6moreweeksofwinteror6moreweeks untilspring(?)andtheSuperBowl! Interestingly,thehighestrankingleadersinboththe SenateandHousehailfromJeffersonCountyPresidentPro TemporeoftheSenateJoeScarnati(R)andtheSpeakerof theHouseRep.SamSmith(R). PartyOn!

NewsClips: WhosTheGreatestGroundhogOfThemAll? PunxsutawneyPhil,BeMerciful,BringOnSpring YourGuideToGroundhogDayInPunxsutawney PunxsutawneyPhilMayBeThinkingFemales,NotWeather

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased February4AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Delaware Room,16thFloorRachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. PAClimateChangeActionPlanUpdate DEPLaboratorytour ElectronicPermitsubmittalproposal OfficeofEnvironmentalAdvocateUpdate <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. February6AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsapublichearingon proposedwaterwithdrawals.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal notice) February10EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TroyHighSchool,150HighSt.,Troy,BradfordCounty.6:00p.m.ClickHereformoreinformation. February11AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. Approvalofminutes Visionofnextupdate <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts February12EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WarrenCountyCourthouse,2044thAve.,Warren.6:00p.m.ClickHereformore information. February12AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystem Operatorsmeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoomRachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts February18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. February18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. February20DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson

Building.9:15. February26DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. February26DEPpublichearingonproposedchangestotheCumberland,Dauphin,Lebanon,York countiesStateAirQualityImplementationPlanforparticulates.RachelCarsonBuilding,Harrisburg. 10:00.(formalnotice) March4NEW.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March5NEW.DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:30. March6NEW.DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. March6NEW.DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March11NEW.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286Industrial ParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. March18NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March18TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. March19NEW.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. March19NEW.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19NEW.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting.11thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February4EPAEnvironmentalEducationGrants February4NEW.U.S.WaterPartnershipWaterTechnologyProgram February14PHMCHistoricPreservationLocalGovernmentGrants February14WesternPennsylvaniaEnvironmentalAwards February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing February28POWRPARiverSojournGrants February28PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators February28AppalachianTrailHallOfFameNominations March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March3PHMCKeystoneHistoricPreservationGrants March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram March7PASectionAWWAFreshIdeasStudentPresentationCompetition March14DEPHostMunicipalityInspectorGrants March14PAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningCollegeScholarship March21WRENWaterResourceEducation,SourceWaterCollaborativeGrants March28DelawareHighlandsConservancyCollegeScholarships April15DCNRStudentCareersECOCamp April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants April30NortheastPAAudubonSocietyCollegeScholarship May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate WhosTheGreatestGroundhogOfThemAll? PunxsutawneyPhil,BeMerciful,BringOnSpring YourGuideToGroundhogDayInPunxsutawney PunxsutawneyPhilMayBeThinkingFemales,NotWeather GamesaWindTurbinePlant,ToutedByRendell,McGintyClosing Budget FindingRightHomeForOil&GasRevenue WheresDCNRs$6MillionMarcellusMonitoringReport? Other CallToConserveElectricityDuringFrigidBlastOfWeather AreaPowerCompaniesAskUsersToConserve ColdAffectsLocalPropane,FirewoodSupply ErieStudentsDesignGreenSchools HaggertyVowsToDrawStatesAttentionToCoalFires PECOCustomersCanOffsetTheirCarbonImpact PennStateProfessorClimateCrusader NobelPrizeWinnerToDiscussClimateChangeAtDickinson ValueOfFlight93CrashSiteRemainsInDispute RedbankValleyTrailsNamedTrailOfTheYear InputSoughtOnLevittownTrailProject AbandonedGoatPathCouldBecomeTrailInLancaster RiverRoadGreenwayCouldRevitalizeLowerSchuylkill GameCommissionKeepDeerHuntingSeasonsUnchanged HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass CondorsGiveAviaryBiggerReasonToFlapItsWings EagleWatchOnAudubonBucketList 61BaldEaglesFlockingToSafeHarborDam SnowyOwlKilledByPlaneAtPhiladelphiaAirport InjuredSwanRescuedInErie PunxsutawneyPhil,BeMerciful,BringOnSpring YourGuideToGroundhogDayInPunxsutawney PunxsutawneyPhilMayBeThinkingFemales,NotWeather DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling AllSidesWeighInOnDraftDrillingRules DEPHoldsTunkhannockHearingOnDrillingRegulations Poll:MajorityOfPennsylvaniansSupportGasDrilling Poll:MajorityOfPAVotersSupportDrilling,WantItDoneSafely Poll:MostSupportGasDrilling,NotInStateForests Act13RulingCouldChangeDrillingCaseLaw AmpleSuppliesOfNaturalGasStabilizePrices Editorial:NaturalGasDrillingWarmsConsumersWallets WheresDCNRs$6MillionMarcellusMonitoringReport? OpEd:MarcellusDrillingGoodForPAWithProtection FindingRghtHomeForOil&GasRevenue DrillingCompanyNamesSitesAfterSuperheros ClintonMarcellusTaskForceHitsGrabBagOfIssues BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver PARefinerIssuesCallToLiftCrudeOilExportBan Editorial:U.S.NeedsBetterRulesForTrainsHaulingOil InfrastructureCausingNaturalGasPriceBlowoutsInPA PECOCustomersCanOffsetTheirCarbonImpact MakingHeadwayOnLNGForRivers McGinty:GasIsPartOfSecretSauceToDriveEconomicGrowth MarcellusDrillingContinuesDespiteExtremeWeather LeadersBrainstormOnHowToAttractMoreMarcellusBusiness Financial/OtherStates OpEd:MarcellusShaleHelpingToBoostPARecovery MarcellusShaleResponsibleFor$1.14BInDeals NYExtremelyUnlikelyToAllowDrillingBefore2015 NeedForPipelinesCitedAtMarcellusUticaMidstreamConference

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding HomeownersTestifyAboutFloodInsuranceWoes EndOfFloodInsuranceSubsidiesWouldDevastateDauphinCounty U.S.SenateDelaysFloodInsuranceHikesFor4Years IceFloesOnDelawareRiverCreateMemorableSight WillIcyRiversChokePhiladelphiaEnergy,FoodTraffic? IceTwiceAsThickAsNormalOnAlleghenyRiver

ColdWeatherKeepsIceOnSusquehannaRiver OtherWatershedNewsClips Report:2,500MilesOfPAWaterwaysPollutionImpaired HopeForSusquehannaSmallmouthBass EPA:Alcosans$2BSewerUpgradeDoesntGoFarEnough AlcosanExpectsApprovalOfSewerPlan GrowingGreenerAlongTheQuittapahillaCreek BrokenPipelineSpillsCrudeIntoDelawareRiver FederalFarmBillPassesHouse,HeadsToSenate

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardpublishedanoticeextendingthecommentperiodfortheproposed Chapter78drillingregulationstoMarch14. TheGovernorsOfficepublisheditssemiannualRegulatoryAgendaforthenextsixmonthsinthe February1PABulletin(page709)outliningpendingandplannedregulatorychangesfromthe departmentsofAgriculture,EnvironmentalProtection,ConservationandNaturalResourcesandother stateagencies. PennsylvaniaBulletinFebruary1,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishednoticeoftheunconventional(Marcellus)gaswellfeesfor calendar2013. TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedanoticeclarifyinguseofGeneralPermit WMGR97forresearchanddevelopmentofthebeneficialuseofmunicipalandresidualwaste. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. February4GovernorsBudgetAddress.Noonish. February4HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill 1684(EverettRLycoming)guaranteeingminimumroyaltypaymentstooilandgaswellowners sponsorsummary.RoomG50IrvisBuilding.9:00. February4NEW.SenateAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill 1149(BrubakerRLancaster)regulatingtheapplicationoffertilizeronlawns,golfcoursesandathletic fieldssponsorsummary.RulesRoom.OfftheFloor. February4AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Delaware Room,16thFloorRachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. February5LegislativeBudget&FinanceCommitteemeetsonHouseResolution129 (CauserRCameron)directingtheCommitteetostudythecombinationofGameandFishandBoat Commissionssponsorsummary.HearingRoom3,NorthOfficeBuilding.9:30. February5DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.CampHill,Prosser Hall,CampHillBoroughBuilding.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister. February6AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionholdsapublichearingon proposedwaterwithdrawals.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal notice) February6DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Conshohocken,Fire Academy,MontgomeryCountyPublicSafetyTrainingCampus.9tonoon.(formalnotice)Click Heretoregister. February10SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30GovernorsBudgetOffice, 3:00IndependentFiscalOffice.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February10HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:10:00IndependentFiscalOffice. Room140MainCapitol. February10EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges.

TroyHighSchool,150HighSt.,Troy,BradfordCounty.6:00p.m.ClickHereformoreinformation. February11SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30AttorneyGeneral,3:00 AuditorGeneral.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February11HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30AuditorGeneral,2:00 AttorneyGeneral.Room140MainCapitol. February11AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. February12HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:11:00PAEmergencyManagement Agency.Room140MainCapitol. February12EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WarrenCountyCourthouse,2044thAve.,Warren.6:00p.m.ClickHereformore information. February12AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystem Operatorsmeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoomRachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. February13SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30PublicUtilityCommission. HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February18HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeinformationalmeetingtoreceivetheGame Commissionannualreport.Room60EastWing.1:00. February18SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Dept.ofRevenue,3:00 Dept.ofEnvironmentalProtection.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. February18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. February19SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:00Dept.ofConservation& NaturalResources.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February19HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30PublicUtilityCommission, 11:00PUCOfficeofConsumerAffairs/SmallBusinessAdvocate,1:00Dept.ofEnvironmental Protection.Room140MainCapitol. February19HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeinformationalmeetingonHouseResolution129 (CauserRCameron)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetostudythemergerof GameandFishandBoatCommissionsponsorsummary.Room60EastWing.9:00.

February19HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeinformationmeetingtoreceivetheFishandBoat Commissionsannualreport.Room60EastWing.1:00. February19DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Nanticoke, EducationalConferenceCenter,LuzerneCountyCommunityCollege.9tonoon.(formalnotice)Click Heretoregister. February20SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:3:00PAEmergencyManagement Agency.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February20DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaMilitaryMuseum.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister. February20DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. February2122NEW.KeystoneColdwaterConference.RamadaInnConferenceCenter,State College. February24HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:3:30Dept.ofAgriculture.Room 140MainCapitol. February24DEPKeystoneEnergyEducationWorkshop.VincentCollegeWinniePalmerNature Reserveat744WalzerWay,Latrobe.8:30a.m.to4:00p.m.Contact:SusanGoveat4124311010 oremail:sgove@gove.org. February25SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Dept.ofTransportation, 3:00Dept.ofAgriculture.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding. February25HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:11:30Dept.ofConservation& NaturalResources.Room140MainCapitol. February25DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Wexford,Pine TownshipRecreationCenter.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister. February26HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30Dept.ofTransportation. Room140MainCapitol. February26DEPpublichearingonproposedchangestotheCumberland,Dauphin,Lebanon,York countiesStateAirQualityImplementationPlanforparticulates.RachelCarsonBuilding,Harrisburg. 10:00.(formalnotice) February26DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.ClarionClarion HolidayInn.9tonoon.(formalnotice)ClickHeretoregister.

February26DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. February27SenateAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:(Reserved).HearingRoom1, NorthOfficeBuilding. February27HouseAppropriationsCommitteebudgethearings:9:30GovernorsBudgetOffice, 1:00HouseMemberTestimony.Room140MainCapitol. March4NEW.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March5NEW.HouseVeteransAffairsandEmergencyPreparednessCommitteeholdsahearingon publicsafetyandemergencypreparednesssurroundingtherailtransportationofcrudeoil.Eddystone FireCompany,1112E.7thSt.,Eddystone.9:30. March5NEW.DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:30. March5DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsProgramwebinar.10:00.(formal notice)ClickHeretoregister. March6NEW.DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. March6NEW.DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March11NEW.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286Industrial ParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. March15NEW.SchuylkillWatershedCongress.MontgomeryCountyCommunityCollege Pottstowncampus. March18NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March18TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. March19NEW.HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingondeermanagement. RoomB31MainCapitol.9:00. March19NEW.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30.

March19NEW.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19NEW.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting.11thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) April1011NEW.WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposium.ToftreesGolfResortand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege. June2627NEW.PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege. September25NEW.PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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