PAEnvironmentDigest(Updated)

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaDecember16,2013 UpdateDEPCommitteeConsidersFinalDraftClimateChangeActionPlanUpdateDec.20 TheDEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteewillmeetonDecember20whereitisexpectedto endorseadraftupdatetothePennsylvaniaClimateChangeActionPlanalongwithasetofoptionsfor futureactionstoreducegreenhousegasemissionsintheCommonwealth. ClickHereforacopyofthedraftActionPlanUpdate.ClickHereforacopyofthedraft AppendixtothePlanthatincludestheindividualworkplanrecommendations. ThisisthefirstupdatetotheoriginalClimateChangeActionPlancompletedin2009asaresult ofthe2008PennsylvaniaClimateChangeAct(Act70). ThePlannotestherehavebeensignificantchangestoPennsylvaniasgreenhousegasemissions sincethebaseyearof2000usedinthePlanresultingintheestimatethatoverallclimatechanging emissionsfromtheCommonwealthwillbelowerin2020thaninthebaseyear. Thereductionintheuseofcoalforpowergenerationandtheswitchtonaturalgasalonewill resultinemissionssavingsofabout12millionmetrictonsofcarbondioxideannually. ThedraftPlanconcludes:PennsylvaniaCO2(carbondioxide)emissionshavefallen dramatically,inlargepartbecausePennsylvaniaisgeneratingmoreelectricitywithnaturalgasinsteadof coal.However,otherfactors,includingimprovedenergyefficiencystandardsfromconsumerproducts andautomobileshavecontributedtothedeclineincarbonemissions.Pennsylvaniacontinuestobea leaderinreducingmethaneemissionfromthenaturalgasindustryandsolidwastelandfills.Moreover, furtherreductionsareoccurring,andfuturereductionswilloccur,throughnewregulatoryrequirements liketheTailoringRule,NSPS,andMACT(newairqualityregulations). ThedraftPlanUpdateincorporatesanupdatedgreenhousegasinventory,reviewsthesteps Pennsylvaniahasalreadytakentoreduceemissionsofgreenhousegasesandmakesavailablealistof optionsandinitiativesforconsiderationtoreducegreenhousegasemissionsfurtherinthefuture. Policy/ProgramRecommendations ThedraftPlanUpdateprovidesoptionsinseveralsectors ElectricityProduction,TransmissionandDistribution:Act129electricityusereduction,coal minemethanerecovery,surfaceminesandnongassyundergroundmines,gassyundergroundmines, combinedheatandpower,reducingmethaneleakagefromnaturalgasinfrastructure,wastetoenergy digesters,beneficialuseofmunicipalsolidwaste(wastetoenergyfacilities),nuclearcapacityuprates, manuredigestersandsulfurhexafluorideemissionreductionsfromtheelectricpowerindustry Residential,CommercialandIndustrial:buildingcommissioning,demandsidemanagement naturalgasandwater,highperformancebuildings,reroofPennsylvania,relightPennsylvania,industrial electricitybestmanagementpractices,heatingoilconservationandfuelswitching,improvedefficiencyat wastewatertreatmentfacilitiesandincreasedrecyclinginitiative

LandUseandTransportation:alternativefueledtransitbus,taxicabfleets,cuttingemissionsfrom freighttransportationand AgricultureandForestry:durablewoodproducts,forestprotectioneasements,forestland protectioninitiativeacquisition,urbanforestryandnotillfarming. LegislativeChanges ThePlanUpdaterecommendslegislativechangesinseveralareas CarbonCaptureLiability:Addresslongtermliabilityissuesassociatedwithcarboncaptureand sequestration CarbonCaptureIncentives:Provideincentivesforthecaptureanduseofcoalminemethane DSICProgramEffectiveness:EvaluatetheeffectivenessoftheDSIC(DistributionSystem ImprovementCharges)Programforutilitiestodeterminetheimpactacceleratednaturalgasdistribution infrastructurereplacementhasondecreasingfugitivemethaneemissions ExpandNaturalGasUse:Enactlegislativeincentivizinganddirectingnaturalgasutilitiestoexpand existingserviceterritorytounservecustomersinacosteffectivemanner AlternativeFueledVehicles:Provideadditionalincentivesfortheuseofalternativefueledvehicles, includingelectricandLNG/CNG,particularlybylargefuelconsumptionfleets EnergyUseProfiling:Considerlegislativemandatingorencouragingenergyuseprofilingfor commercialbuildings,similartotheCityofPhiladelphiaordinance CompetitiveEnergyMarkets:Expandcompetitiveelectricitymarketstofosterandencourage renewableandalternativeenergysupplierstoenterPennsylvaniasmarket SupportAEPS:ContinuetosupporttheimplementationoftheAlternativeEnergyPortfolio Standardsand AddNewWasteToEnergyToAEPS:AmendtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsto permittheinclusionofadditionalwastetoenergyfacilities. ClimateImpactAssessment InadditiontothedraftActionPlanUpdate,DEPreleasedaClimateImpactsAssessment UpdateinOctoberpreparedbyprofessorsandstudentsatPennStateUniversitysEnvironmentand NaturalResourcesInstitute. TheCommitteewillmeetinthe12thFloorConferenceRoomattheRachelCarsonBuildingin Harrisburgstartingat10:00a.m. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteewebpage. SenateConfirmsAbruzzoForDEP,FerrettiAtDCNR TheSenateTuesdayvotedunanimouslytoconfirmEllen FerrettiasSecretaryforConservationandNatural Resourcesand428toconfirmChristopherAbruzzoas SecretaryforEnvironmentalProtection. ThosevotingagainstAbruzzowereSenators AndrewDinniman(DChester),JimFerlo (DAllegheny),VincentHughes(DPhiladelphia), DaylinLeach(DMontgomery),JudithSchwank (DBerks),MattSmith(DAllegheny),LeAnna Washington(DPhiladelphia),AnthonyWilliams (DPhiladelphia).

SecretaryAbruzzoandSecretaryFerrettihavebothproventheyhavetheabilitiesand expertisetoleadourdepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtectionandConservationandNatural Resources,Gov.Corbettsaid.IwanttothanktheSenate,especiallySenatorScarnati,Senator PileggiandChairmansYawandYudichak,forconfirmingthesenominations. Today,IwaspleasedtosupportthenominationofChrisAbruzzoasSecretaryofthe PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,saidSen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),Majority ChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitte.SinceIhaveworkedwith,and knownChris,hehasgainedareputationandrespectasaproblemsolver.DuringhistenureasActing SecretaryatDEPhehastakenituponhimselftoimplementseveralinnovativeproceduresand programs.Itisobviousthatheunderstandsthecomplexitiesfacingourenvironment,andhasalready beguntoengageandaddressthem.Heisastrong,independentleaderwhoismorethanqualifiedto serveasournextDEPSecretary.Ibelievethatthiswasevidencedtodaybytheamountofbipartisan supportthathereceived. ItismyhonortoleadthemenandwomenofthisagencyandIpledgetocontinuebuildingon thegreatworkalreadyunderwaysuchasthelaunchingofourrecentpublicparticipationandeducation initiative,implementingthePermitReviewProcessandPermitDecisionGuaranteePolicyandpromoting Gov.Corbettscallformoreopen,efficientandtransparentoperations,Abruzzosaid. NewsClips: SenateConfirmsCorbettNomineesForTopEnvironmentalPosts Abruzzo,FerrettiAffirmedForCorbettCabinet FerrettiConfirmedToLeadConservationAgency SenateConfirmsAbruzzoAsDEPSecretary DEPPickConfirmed,LeavingLawmakersToSquabble CorbettPickForDEPGetsNodAfterClimateChangeDustup AbruzzoConfirmedAsDEPSecretary DemocraticChallengersCriticizeCorbettOverClimateComments HangerDemandsApologyForClimateProfessorsSlight Letter:LookAtDEPNomineesWholeStatement Editorial:WrongResumeForDEPBoss Editorial:PickForDEPFailsKnowledgeTest EQBDEPOpenCommentPeriodForOil&GasRegulationChanges TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandthe EnvironmentalQualityBoardannouncedThursdaythepublic commentperiodfortheproposedChapter78regulationssetting updatedenvironmentalprotectionperformancestandardsforoil andgasdrillingoperationswillbeopenfromDecember14 whentheyarepublishedinthePABulletinthroughFebruary12. (PABulletin,page7377) Acopyoftheproposedregulationisnowavailableon DEPsOilandGasRegulationswebpage. Publicparticipationisakeyparttoforgingthebest regulationspossible,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Anexceptionalnumberofhearingsarebeing offeredbytheEQBtogatherinformationandtobesurethatpeoplesvoicesareheard.

TheproposedregulationimplementskeyprovisionsofAct13of2012,includingfurther considerationofimpactstopublicresources,suchasparksandwildlifeareasthepreventionofspills themanagementofwasteandtherestorationofwellsitesafterdrilling. Additionally,thedraftrulemakingalsoincludesstandardsaffectingtheconstructionofgathering linesandtemporarypipelines,andincludesprovisionsforidentifyingandmonitoringabandonedwells closetoproposedwellsites. Webinars DEPwillbeholdingtwowebinarsonDecember19,from2:30p.m.to3:30p.m.,andJanuary 3,from9:30to10:30a.m.,topresentinformationandanswerquestionsontheproposedregulation. ClickHereformoreinformationortoregisterforDEPsInformationalwebinars.After registration,anemailwillbesentcontainingalinktothewebinar.Thewebinarwillberecordedand postedontheOilandGaswebinarswebpageforfutureviewing. PublicHearings Duringthepubliccommentperiod,theEQBwillbehostingsevenpublichearingsacross Pennsylvaniaandoffermultiplewaystosubmitcomments.Thepublichearingswillbeheldstartingat6 p.m.onthefollowingdates January7TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,Wyoming County January9WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110West RosedaleAvenue,WestChester,ChesterCounty January13PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue, Williamsport,LycomingCounty January15MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville, CrawfordCounty January16GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg, CumberlandCounty January22WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60 SouthLincolnStreet,Washington,WashingtonCountyand January23IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711Pratt Drive,Indiana,IndianaCounty. HearingProcedures PeoplewishingtopresentverbaltestimonyatahearingarerequestedtocontacttheEQBat leastoneweekinadvanceofthehearingtoreserveatime.Thosewhowishtopresenttestimonyatthe hearingmayusetheaddressbeloworcalltheEQBat7177874526toreservetimetotestify.All relevantwrittenandoralcommentsthatarereceivedatapublichearingwillbeconsideredwhen finalizingtheregulation. Witnessesarelimitedtofiveminutesoftestimonyandarerequestedtosubmitthreewritten copiesoftheirtestimonytothehearingchairpersonatthehearing.Organizationsarelimitedto designatingonewitnesstopresenttestimonyontheirbehalfateachhearing. IndividualsinneedofaccommodationsasprovidedforintheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct shouldcontacttheEQBtodiscusstheirneedsat7177874526ormakeaccommodationsthroughthe PennsylvaniaAT&TRelayServiceat8006545984(TDD)or8006545988(voiceusers). OnlineComments Comments,includingaonepagesummary,maybesubmittedtoEQBbyaccessingtheEQBs OnlinePublicCommentSystem.

WrittenComments Writtencommentsandonepagesummariescanbemailedto:EnvironmentalQualityBoard, P.O.Box8477,Harrisburg,PA171058477. EmailComments Peoplecanalsosubmitcommentsbysendingemailto:RegComments@pa.gov. CommentDeadline Allpubliccommentswritten,onlineandemailmustbereceivedbytheEQBonorbefore February12.Ifanacknowledgementofcommentssubmittedonlineorbyemailisnotreceivedbythe senderwithintwobusinessdays,thecommentsshouldberesenttotheEQBtoensurereceipt. Comment/ResponseDocument ThesummariesandaformalcommentandresponsedocumentwillbedistributedtotheEQB andavailablepubliclypriortothemeetingwhenthefinalrulemakingwillbeconsidered. Formoreinformationandtoviewacopyoftheproposedregulations,visitDEPsOilandGas Regulationswebpage. NewsClip:DEPOpensProposedOilAndGasRulesForPublicComment Analysis:MidYearBudgetBriefingNextWeekWillShapeFutureDecisions OnDecember18theGovernorsBudgetOfficewillholditsmidyearbudgetbriefingtoprovidea snapshotofwhererevenuesandexpendituresareforFY201314andofferaglimpseoftheyear ahead. TheIndependentFiscalOfficereleaseditsownbudgetoutlookNovember14thatprojecteda $530milliondeficitinthe201314fiscalyear,a$839milliondeficitin201415,anda$1.2billion deficitinFY201516increasingto$2billioninFY201819,ifrevenueandexpenditurepolicies remainthesame. TheGovernorsBudgetOfficestaffhavesaidtheyareshapingnextyearsstatebudget assumingitwillhavetomakeupforadeficitof$1.9billion. TherevenuereportforNovembershowscollectionswerejust$42.6millionmorethan estimatedfortheyeartodate. Thestateisalreadyfacinga$180millionlossoftobaccosettlementmoneyasaresultofa recentadversedecisionbythepaneloverseeingthemastertobaccosettlementagreement. ArecentstateSupremeCourtdecisionorderingCommonwealthCourttotakeanotherlookat the2009transferof$100millionfromthestatesMCAREFundmeansanothersizableholemayopen up. OfcoursetheotherbigticketitemtheGeneralAssemblyhasyettoaddressisstateemployee andschoolemployeepensionreform. Onthepositiveside,thechangesmadetotheSmallGamesofChanceLawallowingtavernsto offergamesisestimatedtobringinabout$156millioninnewtaxrevenuetotheCommonwealth. Withrevenuesfromexistinggamingoperationsstartingtodrop,theSenate,throughastudy authorizedbySenateResolution273(ScarnatiRJefferson)dueMay1,andtheGovernorsOffice, throughitslotteryprivatizationproposal,arelookingatthepotentialforaddingKenoandothergames totheexistinggamingmix. EnvironmentalFunding Overthelast11years,morethan$1.9billioninenvironmentalfundinghasbeencutordiverted tobalancethestatebudgetorhasgonetofundprogramsthatcouldnotattractfundingontheirown.

Gov.Rendell'sshareofthesecuts/diversionsis$1.4billion.Gov.Corbett'sshareis$533.5 million,sofar. OneresultofthesecutsisthecomplementoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhas beenreducednearly20percent,mostundertheRendellAdministration,and40morepositionsinFY 201314underGov.Corbett. MarcellusShaleimpactfeesadoptedaspartofAct13havecertainlyhelpedputmore environmentalprojectmoniesonthetableforstateagenciesandimpactedcountyandlocal governmentstobegintomakeupforsomeoftheseloses.Butnotoverallpersonnelcuts. DEP,inparticular,hasincreaseditspermitapplicationandadministrationfeesbyabout$31.6 millionannuallyoverthelastseveralyearstohelpmakeupforthecutsinstateGeneralFundsupportfor itsoperatingcosts. Thefeesfinalizedinclude MarcellusShaleDrillingPermits:$7,465,000(from$935,000to$8.4millionannually) NPDESWaterQualityPermits:$4,250,000(from$750,000to$5millionannually) Chapter102Regulations:$6,665,000(from$635,000to$7.3millionannually) LaboratoryCertification:$1,550,000(from$500,000to$1.6millionannually) BeneficialUseofCoalAsh:$75,000annually UniformEnvironmentalCovenants:$82,250annually NoncoalMiningPermitReviewFees:$2,475,000(from$25,000to$2.4millionannually) CoalSurfaceMiningPermits:$350,000(from$50,000to$400,000annually) DamSafety&EncroachmentPermits:$3,641,012(from$452,450)annuallyand TitleVAirQualityPermitFees:$5.1millionmoreannually. Pendingfeeincreasesinclude MarcellusShaleDrillingPermitsII:Generatingabout$1112millionannuallytocompensateforthe dropinthenumberofexpecteddrillingpermitapplications. TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceshashadtorelymoreandmoreon royaltiesandpaymentsgeneratedbyMarcellusShaledrillingoperationsinStateForeststofundits basicstaffandoperatingcosts,ratherthantheGeneralFund. Moretoughdecisionsareonthewayfornextyearsstatebudget. Withenvironmentalprogramsalreadycuttothebone,weneedtoatleaststopthebleedingin thesevitalprogramsandfindcreativewaystorestorestategovernmentscommitmenttothe environment. NewsClips: TopRepublicanBracingForRoughBudgetSeason BucksGOPLawmakerWantsToTaxGasDrilling $500,000InDrillingFeesToBenefitLackawanna $2.3BInfluxPutsPennDOTBigTicketProjectsInPlay 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/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House December16,17,18(NonVoting) 2014 January7(NonVoting),13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate2014 January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30

May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(December16):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPfora competitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303 (MoulRAdams)transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlarge masstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransit busestonaturalgasHouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternative FuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclesto naturalgasandprovidea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308 (SaylorRYork)redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversions tonaturalgas.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(January7):[theSenatehasadjournedfortheyear]<>ClickHereforfullSenateBill Calendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theHouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeholdsahearingonclimatechange.<>Click HereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:[theSenatehasadjournedfortheyear]<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure

Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek RepealingAEPS:HouseBill1912(SankeyRClearfield)wouldrepealtheAlternativeEnergy PortfolioStandardssponsorsummary.

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

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate Senate OpenSpace:HouseBill1523(ToepelRMontgomery)furtherprovidingforopenspacepreservation bylocalgovernmentsHouseFiscalNotewasreportedfromtheSenateAppropriationsCommittee andpassedbytheSenatewithoutamendment.ThebillnowgoestotheGovernorforhisaction.

NewsFromTheCapitol
Senate,HouseSendBillToGovernorToPromoteOpenSpacePreservation SenateunanimouslypassedandsenttotheGovernorHouseBill1523(ToepelRMontgomery)to provideclaritytoPennsylvaniamunicipalitiesregardingthetypeofprojectsthatcanbefundedbythe localoptiontaxlevy. Thisbillgivesthosemunicipalitiesthatchoosetoenactanopenspacetax,theflexibilitytousea portionofthetaxtomaintainandimprovethelandacquiredthroughthetax,saidRep.MarcyToepel. Presentlythelawlackedclarityregardingtheusageofthetax.Also,undercurrentlaw,thistaxmay

onlybeimposedthroughvoterreferendumhowever,thereisnomechanismtorescindthetax.Thisbill correctsthatoversightbyprovidinglanguagethatwouldprovideanavenueforvoterstorescindthetax throughareferendumvoteifthetaxisnolongerneededordesired. HouseBill1523wouldamendtheOpenSpaceLawtoauthorizethelocaltaxingoptionlevyto beusedforexpensesnecessarytopreparetheresource,recreationorlanduseplanorforcosts associatedwiththedesign,engineering,improvementanddevelopmentoftherealpropertyconsistent withtheapprovedplan. Currently,thefundsraisedfromthelocaloptiontaxcanonlybeusedforthepurchaseofopen spaceland,retiringofdebtincurredinpurchasingsuchlandandtransactionfeesrelatedtothepurchase, including,butnotlimitedto,thecostofappraisals,legalservices,titlesearchesandinsurance,document preparation,closingfeesandsurveyexpenses. ThislegislationhasgarneredthesupportofthePennsylvaniaStateAssociationofBoroughs, PennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownshipSupervisors,PennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownship Commissioners,PennsylvaniaLeagueofCitiesandMunicipalities,andthePennsylvaniaLandTrust. HouseDemocratsToHoldClimateChangeHearingDec.16 TheHouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeisscheduledtoholdahearingDecember16onsteps Pennsylvaniacantaketoaddressclimatechangeissues.Ontheagendaare RichardAlley,EvanHughprofessor,PennStateUniversity TomPeterson,presidentandCEO,CenterforClimateStrategies JanetMilkman,executivedirector,DelawareValleyGreenBuildingsCouncil ChristinaSimeone,PennFutureandchairofDEPsClimateChangeAdvisoryCommittee RickPrice,executivedirector,WesternPennsylvaniaCleanCitiesand ErikJohanson,strategyandsustainabilityplanner,SEPTA. ThehearingwillbeinRoom418oftheCapitolBuilding,Harrisburg,startingat10:00a.m. Rep.MikeSturla(DLancaster)isChairoftheCommittee.Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware), MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,willserveascochairof thishearing.

NewsFromAroundTheState
DEPDec.20WebinarCoversProposedChangesToGP8StreamCrossings TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdawebinaronDecember20startingat10:00a.m. toprovideinformationonproposedchangestotheGP8coveringtemporarystreamcrossings, environmentaltestingandmonitoringactivities. ConcernswereexpressedbyapresenterattheNovemberDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil meetingthatthescopeoftheGeneralPermitisbeingexpandedtoincludemoreactivitiesthanoriginally coveredbyGP8. ThepubliccommentperiodfortheproposedchangestoGP8endsJanuary10. Toregisterforthisevent,visittheGP8Webinarwebpage. KeystoneColdwaterConferenceSetForFebruary2122,NewStudentPosterContest

The2014KeystoneColdwaterConferencewillbeheldonFebruary2122attheRamadaInn ConferenceCenterinStateCollege. 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. ImportantDeadlines EarlyregistrationwithadiscountendsJanuary31,butthedeadlineforthelimitednumberofrooms setasideattheRamadaInnfortheConferenceisJanuary21. StudentPosterContest:ThedeadlineforsubmissionsforthenewStudentPosterContestis January10. ExhibitSpace:ThedeadlineforreservingexhibitspaceisFebruary1,butforadiscountreserve yourspacebyJanuary31. TheConferenceissponsoredbytheFoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds,Pennsylvania CouncilofTroutUnlimited,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,ChesapeakeBay Foundation,PennsylvaniaWildlifeFederationandPAEnvironmentDigestCrisciAssociates. ClickHereforallthedetails. CallForPresenters2014PAGroundwaterSymposiumMay7 IncelebrationofNationalDrinkingWaterWeek,PennStateExtensionsMasterWellOwner Network,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandthePAGroundWaterAssociationalong withnumerousothersponsorsareorganizingthe2014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposiumatthe RamadaInnConferenceCenterinStateCollege,PAonMay7,2014. TheSymposiumtheme:BuildingGroundwaterKnowledgethroughMonitoringwillprovidea forumforresearchers,students,professionalsandeducatorsworkinginthegroundwaterfieldto exchangeinformationandpromoteprotectionofgroundwaterresources. AbstractswillbeacceptedthroughJanuary31fororalorposterpresentationsonawidevariety ofgroundwatertopicsincludinggroundwatermonitoring,dataavailabilityandaccess,groundwater processes,wellheadprotection,waterwellstudies,emergingcontaminants,aquiferstudies, groundwater/surfacewaterinteractions,issuesrelatedtoenergyextraction,educationandoutreach,and groundwateruseforgeothermalenergy. Theconferenceplanningcommitteewillreleaseafinalagendaandregistrationinformationfor thesymposiuminFebruary. Thankstogeneroussupportfromsponsors,thedaylongsymposiumincludingrefreshmentsand lunchwillonlycost$30!WehopeyoucanjoinusforthiseventshowcasingPennsylvaniasvaluable groundwaterresource! Tolearnmoreaboutthesymposiumandtosubmitanabstracttobeapresenter,visitthe

Conferencewebsite. (WrittenBy:BryanSwistock,WaterResourcesSpecialist,RenewableNaturalResources,Penn StateExtension,DepartmentofEcosystemScienceandManagementandreprintedfromthe PennStateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) PAAmericanWater:WinnersOfCommunityInvestmentGrants PennsylvaniaAmericanWaterWednesdayannouncedthewinnersofitsCommunityInvestment Challenge,acontestwherevotersonthecompanysFacebookpagedeterminedgrantawardsto supportenvironmentalprojectsandcommunityimprovementprograms. Inall,17organizationsfromacrossthecommonwealthenteredprojectsinthecontest,and FacebookuserswereabletovoteonceeachdaybetweenNovember8andDecember8fortheir favoriteprojects. Afteratotalof2,689voteswerecastduringthemonthlongcontest,thetopthreewinnersare: Firstplace(737votes):DowntownScrantonSpringPlanterBeautificationProjectwill receivea$1,000grantforcleaningupdebrisandplantingflowersandbushesthroughouttheplantersin ScrantonsMainStreetdistrict.TheUniversityofScrantonsOfficeofCommunityRelationsand studentgovernmentispartneringwithScrantonTomorrowandPennStateMasterGardenersin LackawannaCountytoextenditsannualspringStreetSweepneighborhoodcleanupeventinto downtownScranton. Secondplace(695votes):DerryTownshipEnvironmentalActionCommitteewillreceivea $700grantforitsRainBarrelWorkshop,whereattendeescanpurchasehighqualityrainbarrelsata reducedcostandlearnaboutstormwaterrunoffandwaterconservation. Thirdplace(247votes):Mt.LebanonEnvironmentalSustainabilityBoardwillreceivea $300grantforitsEnergyCamelsProjecttorewardresidentswhomakedocumentedprogressin energyorwaterconservation.EnergyCamels,whenplacedinresidents'frontyards,aredesignedto engagethecommunitybymakingbehaviorchange"fun"througheducationaboutconservation. WeareexcitedandhonoredtoearnfirstplaceinPennsylvaniaAmericanWatersCommunity InvestmentChallenge,saidJulieSchumacherCohen,directorofCommunityandGovernment RelationsatTheUniversityofScranton.Thisgrantwillmakeasignificantimpactinhelpingtobeautify downtownScranton,thankstoPennsylvaniaAmericanWatersgenerosityandthesupportofour Facebookcommunity. Eligibleprojectsfellintooneoffourcategories:WaterandtheEnvironment,WaterandHealthy Living,EnvironmentalEducationorCommunitySustainability,andwilltakeplacewithinPennsylvania AmericanWatersserviceareasin2014. Weareverypleasedwithhowthecontestengagedabroadrangeofcivic,nonprofitand environmentalgroups,whoralliedandmobilizedtheirsocialmedianetworkstoearnsupportfortheir localprojects,saidPennsylvaniaAmericanWaterDirectorofCommunicationsandExternalAffairs TerryM.Maenza. Whilewecongratulatethewinners,wealsoapplaudtheotherentriesfortheinnovative projectsandterrificworktheyaredoingintheircommunities. Formoreinformation,visitthePAAmericanWaterwebsite. ChesapeakeBayFoundationPAUrgesFullFundingForFarmBillConservationPrograms

HarryCampbell,PAOfficeExecutiveDirectoroftheChesapeakeBayFoundation,Fridaywroteto PennsylvaniaCongressmanGlennThompsonurginghimtosupportfullfundingforconservation programsinthefederalFarmBillnowthesubjectofconferencecommitteenegotiationsbetweenthe SenateandHouse. ThompsonchairstheU.S.HouseAgricultureCommitteeSubcommitteeonConservation, EnergyandForestryandisamemberoftheSubcommitteeonLivestock,RuralDevelopmentand Credit. Thetextoftheletterfollows ThankyouforyourcontinuedworktonegotiateafederalFarmBill,andweurgeyoutodoall youcantohelpPennsylvaniafarmstocontinuetheireffortstobegoodstewardsofwaterwhile remainingeconomicallyviable. AswithpreviouscommunicationstoyouregardingtheFarmBillnegotiations,wearesharing successstoriesfromtwoPennsylvaniafarmsthathavereliedonUSDANaturalResources ConservationServicesprograms,createdinpreviousFarmBills,torestorelocalwatersandimprove theirfarmsabilitytosustainprofitabilityforthelongterm. MikeMarquardtscovercrops,notillcultivation,carefulmanuremanagement,andstreamside forestareallhelpingtomaintainPennsCreekasaworldclasstroutfishery.NotonlyisthisCentre CountyfarmerhelpingwaterqualityinPennsCreek,butbyassuringthisstreamremainsa worldrenownedfisheryhisworkalsoisanassettothecommunityseconomy. InBradfordCounty,RandyandTinaKuhnestablishedastreamsideforesttofilternutrients andsedimentfromtherunoffenteringapondandstream,andnowseethatthepondisahealthy environmentforfishandotherwildlifewhilealsoprovidingtheirlivestockaccesstocleandrinkingwater. Theirfarmproducesmeat,poultry,eggs,vegetablesandeggswhichtheyselldirectlytoconsumers. Havingahealthysoilsandcleanwaterisessentialtotheirsuccess. BothofthesefarmsreliedonprogramsliketheEnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram (EQIP),theConservationReserveProgram(CRP)andtheRegionalConservationPartnershipProgram (RCPP)toestablishthesepractices.Thetechnicalandfinancialassistancethesefarmsandsomany otherfarmsinPennsylvaniarelieduponhelpedmakethesepracticespossible. ThesefarmsarebuttwoofthethousandsoffarmsinPennsylvaniathatcanbecalledFarmBill successstories.Theirstoriescanbethestoryofthousandsofotherfarmerswithastrong conservationbasedFarmBill. Formoreinformation,visitCBFsFederalFarmBillwebpage. NewsClip:NoFarmBillInSightAsRecessLoomsForCongress AFT:SurveyOfFarmersDemonstratesCongressNeedsToPassNewFarmBill ArecentsurveyoffarmersandranchersbyAmericanFarmlandTrustandtheUniversityof NebraskaLincolnshowstheneedforCongresstopasstheFarmBill,accordingtoAndrew McElwaine,PresidentandCEOofAFT.AFTandtheUniversitysurveyedfarmersandrancherswho havebenefittedfromthebillsFarmandRanchLandProtectionProgram. TheFarmandRanchLandProtectionProgramisoneofmanycriticalagricultureprograms threatenedbyCongressinabilitytopassafiveyearFarmBill,notedMcElwaine.Itisvitalthe SenateHouseconferencecommitteefinishitsworkandpassanewFarmBillthatfullyfundsfarm conservationprograms.

TheFarmandRanchLandProtectionProgram(FRPP)providesfederalmatchingfundsto protectfarmlandbypurchasingeasements.Theseinturnkeepproductivefarmandranchlandfrom beingdevelopedandinsteadkeepitinagriculturaluse. Thesurveyshows96percentoffarmersandrancherswhopermanentlyprotectedtheirland undertheFarmandRanchlandProtectionProgramkeptthelandinagriculturalproductionandthe majorityreinvestedtoimprovetheenvironmentandeconomicperformanceoftheiroperations. OursurveyaskedacriticalquestionisthefederalFarmandRanchLandProtectionProgram reallydeliveringonitspromisetoprotectfarmlandandencourageconservationpractices,said McElwaine.TheoverwhelminganswerwereceivedwasYes! Forthesurvey,theUniversityofNebraskaLincolninterviewed506landownersparticipatingin theprogramtodetermineiftheywereachievingitsstatedpurposes. Ninetysixpercentofthosereceivinghelpthroughtheprogramarecontinuingagricultural productiononsomeorallofthelandprotectedand70percentkeptatleastthreequartersin production,saidMcElwaine.Morethan68percentoftheowneroperatorsimplementednew managementpracticestopreventsoilerosionand/ortoprotectwaterquality.Bycomparison,only23 percentoftheNationsoperatorsoverallsaidtheyusedconservationmethodstoachievecomparable outcomes. Thesurveyalsofound84percentoflandownerswhosoldeasementsreinvestedtheproceeds toimprovetheirfarmsbybuildingstructures,buyingequipment,purchasingland,orinstalling conservationpractices. Farmerstendtobelandrichandcashpoor,explainedJuliaFreedgood,AFTsmanaging directorofFarmlandandCommunityInitiatives.FRPPprovidesliquidcapitalforfarmerstoimprove theeconomicviabilityandenvironmentalperformanceofworkingfarmsandranches.Justasimportant, FRPPdollarstendtobespentlocally,supportinglocalbusinessesandgrowingruraleconomies. ThisProgramdeliverstremendousvaluetofarmersandtaxpayersnotonlykeepingfarmand ranchlandinproduction,butalsoattracting$2inlandowner,privateorstateandlocalmatchingfunds forevery$1investedbythefederalgovernment,saidMcElwaine.Congressneedstocontinueitand todothattheymustpasstheFarmBill. Acopyofthestudyisavailableonline. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. Formoreinformation,visittheAmericanFarmlandTrustwebsite. NewsClip:NoFarmBillInSightAsRecessLoomsForCongress AmericanFarmlandTrustOpposesNewFederalConservationFeeOnFarmers Congressisabouttoimposeanewconservationfeeonfarmersandrancherswhovolunteertohelpthe environmentaspartoftheSenateHousebudgetagreement,accordingtoAndrewMcElwaine, PresidentandCEOofAmericanFarmlandTrust. AFTThursdaysaiditwillopposeaprovisionintheagreementauthorizingtheUSDANatural ResourcesConservationServicetochargefarmersupto$150tohelpthempreparefarmconservation plans. Reducingnutrientsfromfarmrunoffcostsalmost60percentlessthanthesamereductionfrom asewagetreatmentplant,saidMcElwaine.Weshouldberewardingfarmerswhovoluntarilyput conservationplansinplace.Insteadweregoingtochargethem.

Conservationplansareafundamentalfirststepfarmerstaketoreduceerosionandkeep sedimentandnutrientsfromrunningofftheirland.Withoutthisplan,thosereductionswonttakeplace andinsteadtaxpayerswillhavetopaytoupgradelocalwaterandsewersystems. TakingthisactionatatimewhenitappearsCongressionalnegotiatorshavefailedtocometo agreementonanewFarmBillisextremelydisappointing.Manycriticalfederalfarmprogramsended onSeptember30whenthelastFarmBillexpiredandthousandsoffamilyfarmersandranchersare facinganuncertainfuture. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. Formoreinformation,visittheAmericanFarmlandTrustwebsite. TransportationFundingBillImprovesDirtAndGravelRoadsAcrossPA DirtandgravelroadsacrossPennsylvaniawillseeenvironmentallyandeconomicallysustainable improvementsthrougha$30millionfundingboostaspartofcomprehensivetransportationlegislation signedbyGov.Corbett. Pennsylvaniasdirtandgravelroadswillbeimprovedjustliketheirpavedcounterparts, benefittingthefourmillionPennsylvanianswhotravelruralroadseveryday,saidAgricultureSecretary GeorgeGreig.Bettermaintenancemeanslessrunoffandsedimenttoclogandpolluteourwaterways. Itwillalsoimprovetransportconditionsforthetractorsandtrucksthathaulfarmequipment,milk, lumberandotherproductsonthese20,000milesofroads. Thetransportationpackageprovides$28millionannuallytothePennsylvaniaState ConservationCommissionsDirtandGravelRoadsMaintenanceProgram,whichdistributesthefunds to65participatingcountyconservationdistrictsacrossthestate.Atleast$8millionofthattotalis earmarkedeachyearforlowvolumesealedandpavedroadsthatcarrylessthan500vehiclesperday. Theadditional$7millionwillbedistributedtotheDepartmentofConservationandNatural ResourcesBureauofForestryforimprovingstateparkandforestryroads.Totalprogramfundingis $35million. Previousfundinglevelslimitedworktoabout200sitesperyear.Theadditionalfunding increasesthatnumberto800.Yearsofunderfundinghavecreatedabacklogof14,400worksites. Withinkindfundingandtightadministrativespendinglimits,theprogramestimatesforeverystatedollar invested,$1.15ofprojectworkiscompleted. Thecommission,partoftheDepartmentsofAgricultureandEnvironmentalProtection,provides supportandoversighttothestates66countyconservationdistricts.Itworkswithgovernmentagencies andindustry,professionalandnonprofitorganizationstohelpimplementconservationprogramsinan efficientandresponsiblemanner. Formoreinformation,callthecommissionat7177878821orvisittheCommissionsDirtand GravelRoadsProgramwebpage. (ReprintedfromDCNRsDecember11Resourcenewsletter.) KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulRecognizesOutstandingVolunteersFor2013 EachyearKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulprovidesanopportunityfortheirstatewideaffiliatestorecognize theoutstandingeffortsoftheirlocalvolunteers.KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifuls2013AffiliateVolunteers

oftheYearawardwinnersare: AlleghenyCleanWaysHannahGraceforherunwaveringworkwiththeDumpBusterscrew PACleanWaysofCumberlandCountyMikeOnofreyforthecoordinationofnumerousphasesof aneventthatcollectedover9,000tires KeepHuntingdonCountyBeautifulJuniataCollegeCommunityServiceOfficefortheirenthusiastic andinvaluablecleanupeffortsovertheyears PACleanWaysofMifflinCountyDanDunmireforhisassistancewithgrantwritingandgeneral supportsincetheaffiliatesinceptionin2000andJustinKozakforhisexpertwatershedknowledgeand computerskillsandassistancewithcoordinatingevents KeepPerryCountyBeautifulCarsonLongMilitaryAcademyEnvironmentalClubfortheiractive participationinoutdooreducationopportunities,illegaldumpcleanups,androadadoptionsand KeepRoyalGardensBeautiful,PhiladelphiaZamirChandlerforhisprojectmanagementskillsand workwithyouthvolunteers. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulbelievesthatbyengagingvolunteers,weextendthereachofour educationaleffortsandmultiplytheimpactofouractions.Ithankallthevolunteersfortheirhardwork andefforts.Itdoesnotgounnoticed,saidShannonReiter,KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulPresident. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulaffiliatesandlocalKeepAmericaBeautifulaffiliatesnominated theirownvolunteeroftheyearandthesevolunteerswerepresentedwithacertificateofappreciationas atributetotheireffortstokeepPennsylvaniabeautiful. AwardwinnersandtheirprogramscanbefoundonKPBsGrants&Awardswebpage. NewsClip:KeepPABeautifulRecognizesVolunteers LakeErieInternationalCoastalCleanupVolunteersCleanUp25MilesofShoreline ThenumbersareinfortheSeptemberLakeErieInternationalCoastalCleanup.OnSeptember21, volunteerspickedup2,484poundsoftrashalong24.75milesofLakeErieshorelineandwaterways withinthecounty. Asthose676volunteerscleaned13differentlocationsaroundLakeErie,theyalsodocumented thecollectionof36,270piecesoftrash.Amongthemostunusualitemsfoundwereafullsetofclothing andatoilet.Thetopfivecategoriesofcollectedtrashwere: Cigarettebutts16,276 Foodwrappers3,161 Plasticpieces2,754 Fishingline1,756feet Plasticbeveragebottles1,574 Our11thcleanupalongtheLakeErieshorelineanditstributarieswasanothersuccess,inspite ofthisyearsinclementweather,DEPNorthwestRegionalDirectorKellyBurchsaid.Asaresultof thecontinuedsuccessofthisevent,weareworkingtoincreasevolunteernumbersandcleanuplocations downtheroad. Informationgatheredinpastcleanupshasbeenusedaseducationalmaterialforenvironmental programsinlocalschoolsandhighlightedintheErieTimesNews,NewspapersinEducationsection. Duringtheschoolyear,theErieTimesNewspublishesapagededicatedtoenvironmentalissuesevery Tuesday. TheInternationalCoastalCleanupistheoldestandlargestvolunteerprojectofitskindandthis yearcelebratedits27thanniversary.Fromitsbeginningsin1986with12sitesontheTexascoastline,

theICChastransformedtomorethan6,000sitesinabout100countrieswithmorethan500,000 volunteers.Itisthelargestvolunteerdriven,beachcleanupeffortofitskindintheworld. DEPsCoastalResourcesManagementprogramhasbeenthemainsponsorofthePALake ErieInternationalCoastalCleanupsince2003. Formoreinformation,tovolunteerfornextyearscleanup,orchecktheErieICCstatistics onlineorvisittheOceanConservancysInternationalCoastalCleanupwebpage. AnnualPABrownfieldsConferenceASuccess AttendeesatthisweeksannualPennsylvaniaBrownfieldsConferenceheldinKingofPrussia, MontgomeryCounty,expressedoptimismaboutthestateseconomyandimprovingbusinessclimate. Thethemeofthisyearsconference,PositioningfortheFuture,highlightedbuildingcommunity partnerships,incorporatingsustainabledesignintoprojects,accessingfinancialassistanceandkeeping abreastofregulatorychanges. BrianONeill,chairman,CEOandfounderofONeillPropertiesGroupofKingofPrussia, deliveredtheopeningplenarysessionontherealestateforecastforbrownfields.Hespokeaboutwhat hecallednewurbanism,theconstructionoffullfeaturedcommunitieswhereresidentscanlive,work, andplay. ONeillPropertiesisaleadingprivatelyownedrealestatedevelopmentcompanyspecializingin identifyingandacquiringabandonedorunderutilizedindustrialsites,remediatingandtransformingthem intohighquality,ClassAcommercialspaceorluxurymultifamilycommunities. Thecompanycurrentlyisbuildingover$2billionofprojectsintheNortheast.ONeills PennsylvaniaprojectsincludeTheLoftsatValleyForge,aluxuryresidentialdevelopmentandUptown WorthingtoninMalvern,a1.6millionsquarefootmixedusedevelopmentfeaturingluxuryresidential, retailandofficespace. ThiswasDEPsninthPennsylvaniaBrownfieldsConference,andthesecondthatinvolveda partnershipwiththeEngineersSocietyofWesternPennsylvania.Itfeaturednearlytwodozen educationalsessionsandtwomobileworkshops.Conferencecontentisdevelopedwithinputfroman advisorypanelofindustryexperts. Formoreinformation,visitthePABrownfieldsConferenceandDEPsEnvironmentalCleanup andBrownfieldswebpages. (ReprintedfromtheDecember12issueofDEPNews) PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducatorsNowAcceptingNominations TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,inpartnershipwiththeWhiteHouseCouncilon EnvironmentalQuality,iscurrentlyacceptingapplicationsuntilFebruary28forthethirdannual PresidentialInnovationAwardforEnvironmentalEducators. TheawardrecognizesoutstandingK12teachersandtheirlocaleducationagenciesnationwide forexcellenceinintegratingenvironmentaleducationintotheirlessonsanddemonstratingtheconnection betweenhealthandtheenvironmentfortheirstudents. Successfulapplicantsdemonstratecreativity,innovation,communityengagementandleadership asstudentslearnmoreaboutcivicresponsibilityandenvironmentalstewardship.Pastwinnershave increasedstudentparticipationinlocalwatershedcleanupefforts,createdschoolwiderecycling

programs,andimplementedgreenlandstewardshippractices. Winnerswentontousetheirawardstobringhightechscienceequipmentintotheclassroom andexpandthenumberofstudentsonfieldtripsandinlabs. Uptotwentyteachersnationwidewillreceiveawardplaquesandafinancialawardof$2,000to supporttheirprofessionaldevelopmentinenvironmentaleducation.Eachteachersschoolwillalso receivea$2,000awardtohelpfundenvironmentaleducationactivitiesandprogramsthatsupportthe teacher. WinnerswillalsobeconsideredfortheNationalEnvironmentalEducationFoundationsRichard C.Bartlettaward,whichrecognizesoutstandingteacherswhoengagestudentsininterdisciplinary solutionstoenvironmentalchallenges. Formoreinformation,visitthePresidentialInnovationAwardforEnvironmentalEducators webpage. EPASeeksEnvironmentalEducationGrantApplications TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyisnowacceptingapplicationsforenvironmentaleducation projectsundertheagencysEnvironmentalEducationGrantProgram.ApplicationsaredueFebruary4. Theprogramworkstoengagecommunitiesacrossthecountrythroughawidevarietyof educationalprojectsthathavealastingimpactonpeopleshealthbyfacilitatingenvironmental stewardship. Projectsinthepasthaveengagedstudentsinstreammonitoring,createdsustainablementoring communities,andprovidedprofessionaldevelopmenttoteachersonsubjectsincludingscience, technology,engineeringandmath. Eligibleorganizationsincludelocaleducationagencies,collegesoruniversities,stateeducation orenvironmentalagencies,tribaleducationagencies,501(C)(3)nonprofitorganizations,and noncommercialeducationalbroadcastingentitiesworkingineducation. Thiscompetitivegrantsprogramwilltotal$2.77million.EachofthetenEPAregionaloffices willawardtwoorthreegrantsandoneortwograntswillbeawardedfromEPAsheadquartersin Washington,DC. Eachawardwillbeanestimated$75,000to$200,000.EPAexpectstoawardbetween22and 32grantsnationwide. Formoreinformation,visitEPAsEnvironmentalEducationGrantwebpage. JuniorHighStudentsVieForNationalRecognitionJan.25InFutureCityRegionalFinals Asglobalurbanpopulationsrise,energyandclimatechangeissuesareincreasinglyprevalent.Thus,the demandforcreatingtransportationsolutionsthatarequick,safe,reliableandsustainablehasneverbeen moreurgent. Throughouttheworld,apersonsabilitytofunctionandcontributetosocietyisreliantonhisor hercapacitytomobilize,whetherbyair,foot,car,bikeorpublictransit. Morethan40,000middleschoolstudentsfrom1,350schoolsin37regionsnationallyhave beentaskedwithTomorrowsTransit:DesignAWayToMovePeopleInAndAroundYourCity, figuringoutthosemuchneededsolutionsforDiscoverEs201314FutureCityCompetition. Sincereturningtoschoolinthefall,studentteamshavebeenhardatworkontheirFutureCity projectsandpreparingforregionalfinalsinJanuary2014.

FirstplacewinnersfromeachqualifyingregionalcompetitionreceiveatriptotheFutureCity CompetitionNationalFinalsinWashington,D.C.,February1518,2014duringEngineersWeek. Thenationalgrandprizeis$7,000fortheteamsschoolorafterschoolsSTEMprogramanda triptoU.S.SpaceCampinHuntsville,Alabama. InCentralPennsylvania,thereareapproximately37teamscompetingintheFutureCity CompetitionRegionalFinals,whichwillbeheldonJanuary25,2014atthePennsylvaniaState Museum. FutureCityhasreceivednationalattentionandacclaimforitsroleinencouragingmiddle schoolersnationwidetodeveloptheirinterestinscience,technology,engineeringandmath(STEM). Theannualchallengeisoneofthenationsleadingengineeringeducationprogramsandamongthemost popular. Ledbyaneducatorandengineermentor,studentslearnthebasicsofcityplanningand managementastheydesignavirtualcityusingSimCitysoftware.Viatheresearchessay,thestudents delvedeeperintoacitywideissue. Thisyearsquestionasksthemtoreviewthetransportationoptionsandneedsoftheirowncity, createviableideasthatconsidersafety,accessibility,intermodalityandsustainabilityinaneffortto reimagineabetterandmoreefficientcity.Fromthere,eachteambuildsaphysicalmodeloftheircity usingrecycledmaterialscostingnomorethan$100. Alongtheway,thestudentsalsolearnabouttheengineeringdisciplinesthatencompasstheir solutions,includinglearningandidentifyingthestepsofthedesignprocess. Formoreinformationonjudgingormentoring,visittheFutureCityCompetitionwebsite. Opinion:LegalExpertsSupportAttorneyGeneralsActionAgainstXTOEnergy WhilelegalspectatorsexpectedthecriminalchargesbroughtagainstXTOEnergytobemetwith disdain,thecompanysabilitytoplaythevictimcaughtmanybysurprise.Itsnoteverydaythata subsidiaryofthelargestcompanyontheplanet,ExxonMobil,getstoarguethattheyretheDavidina legalDavidvs.Goliathbattle. YetwhenPennsylvaniaAttorneyGeneralKathleenKanebroughtcriminalchargesagainstXTO onSeptember10fortheillegaldischargesfromtheirfrackingfacilityinPennTownshipinLycoming County,thecompanywagedastatewidemediacampaigntocriticizetheiraccusersanddiscreditthe AttorneyGeneralsefforts. Thisincludedcallingthecharges"unprecedented,baseless,andanabuseofprosecutorial discretion."Thecompanyrannewspaperadvertisementsclaimingthechargesareunwarranted,and toutingXTOsgreentrackrecordtodeflecttheclaimsofillegalpollutionbytheAttorneyGeneral. ButwhileXTOattemptstosolicitsympathyfromthegeneralpublic,statelegislatorsandothers, manylegalexpertsacknowledgethattheAttorneyGeneralsofficeisjustusingthelegaltoolstoensure thebestresultfortheCommonwealth. XTOsPRoffensiveringshollow,statedAttorneyJordanYeager.TheAttorneyGenerals officeisdoingherjob,whichistobringchargesforclearviolationsofourlaws.Thesecompaniesneed tounderstandtherearerealconsequencesforrepeatedlybreakingthelaw. "Thereisnothingunusualaboutaviolatorofenvironmentallawsbeingheldbothcivillyand criminallyliableforegregiousmisconduct.SaidJoshKratka,SeniorAttorneyattheNational EnvironmentalLawCenter.JustlookattheGulfoilspilldisaster:BPanditscorporatepartnerswere assessedheftycriminalfinestheypaidbillionstocompensateindividualsharmedbythespillandthey

arenowbeingforcedtopaybillionsmoreincivilpenaltiesundertheCleanWaterAct." Inlate2010,astoragecontainerownedandcontrolledbyXTOdumpedapproximately57,000 gallonsoffrackingwastewatercontainingchlorides,aluminum,bariumontotheground,contaminateda localspring.ThewastewateralsoranintoanearbytributaryofSugarRun,whichthenflowsintothe SusquehannaRiver. Pollutantswerestillpresentfor65daysafterthespillhadbeendiscoveredandhaltedbythe PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(PADEP).TheGrandJurysindictmentnoted thattherewasevidenceatthesiteofthespillofprevious,unreportedspillsofwastewater. Whatwehaveseenhereisapatternofimpunitycompaniesactingwithindifferencetoour waterandourhealth,statedJohnRumpler,SeniorAttorneyforEnvironmentAmerica.Weneed morecriminalcharges,notless. TheallegedcrimesbyXTOfitintoalargerpattern,andsupportersoftheAGsactionsnote thatthisisalsonotthefirsttimeXTOhasviolatedenvironmentallaws.In2012,PennEnvironment Research&PolicyCenteruncoveredthousandsofviolationsbygasdrillingoperators,159from 20092011byXTOalone. TheAttorneyGeneralsOfficedeservesourthanksforholdingXTOaccountableforthisspill, anddemonstratingthatnooneisabovethelaw,saidEricSchaeffer,ExecutiveDirector,Environmental IntegrityProject.Publicofficialsshouldntbeintimidatedbypollutersifanythingweneedmore publicofficialswhoarewillingtostandupandprotecthumanhealthandtheenvironmentbyenforcing thelaw. Thetoxicsubstancesusedinfrackingfluidandwastewaterhavebeenlinkedtoavarietyof negativeandserioushealtheffects,suchascancer,endocrinedisruption,andneurologicalandimmune systemproblems. TheAttorneyGeneralisdoingexactlywhatsheissupposedtodoholdingapolluter accountableunderourlaws,StatedJenniferClark,ExecutiveDirectorofthePublicInterestLaw CenterofPhiladelphia.Pennsylvaniansdeserveahealthyenvironment,andwewillstandbehindour officialsforfightforourhealthandourenvironment. NewsClip:DrillingSpillCitedInLawsuitNotReportedToState ScottRoyElectedChairOfMarcellusShaleCoalitionBoard RangeResourcesCorporationvicepresidentofgovernmentandregulatoryaffairs,K.ScottRoy,has beenelectedastheMarcellusShaleCoalitionsnextchairmanbytheorganizationsboardofdirectors. Mr.RoypreviouslyservedastheMSCsvicechairmanandtreasurer. HeatherLamparter(VicePresident,Legal,EXCOResources(PA),LLC),MarkHager (SeniorGovernmentAffairsRepresentative,Williams)andGarySmith(VicePresidentandGeneral Manager,EOGResources)wereelectedtoserveasvicechair,treasurerandsecretary,respectively. Scottsleadershipandexperience,andourboardscollectivelaserfocusoncriticallegislative andregulatoryissues,willcontinuetoserveourentireindustryandtheCommonwealthwell,saidMSC presidentDaveSpigelmyer.Ourleadershipteamalsorecognizestheimportanceofsustainedpublic educationandoutreachtocommunitiesineachofour67countiestoensurequestionsareanswered, concernsareaddressedandthatPennsylvaniansaremoreawareoftheopportunitiesandbenefitstied toshaledevelopment. Organizedinlate2008,theMSChasgrownfromseveralexplorationandproduction companiestoarobustorganizationwithnearly300membersthatspanthebroadshalesupplychain.

MSCmembercompanieswereresponsiblefor96percentofPennsylvaniasshaleproductionin 2012. AndaccordingtoaU.S.EnergyInformationAdministrationreportissuedthisweek,The Marcellusregion,whichproducedlessthan2Bcf/dasrecentlyas2010,isexpectedtoprovide18 percentoftotalU.S.naturalgasproductionthismonth. ItsanhonortohavebeenelectedbymycolleaguestoserveastheMSCsnextchairman, saidRoy.AsalifelongPennsylvanianwhohasseentheupsanddownsofourregionseconomy firsthand,especiallyourmanufacturingsector,itisdeeplyrewardingtoseethenewopportunitiestiedto responsibleshaledevelopmentthatarecascadingfromErietoPhiladelphia,ScrantontoSouthpointe andallpointsinbetween.Ourindustrycertainlyappreciatesthegreatresponsibilitythatwehaveto continuetomakecertainthatshalerelatedbenefitsarefullyleveragedandthatPennsylvaniaremainsa shiningexampleregardingenvironmentalcomplianceandresponsibledevelopment. OtherexecutiveboardmembersincluderepresentativesfromChesapeakeEnergy,Chevron, CONSOLEnergy,EQTCorporation,MarkWestEnergyPartners,PennsylvaniaGeneralEnergy,XTO Energyandexecutiveboardmemberatlarge,NobleEnergy. Formoreinformation,visittheMarcellusShaleCoalitionwebsite. CorbettUrgesEPAToTakeActionToProtectPennsylvaniaAirQuality Gov.TomCorbettTuesdayannouncedPennsylvaniahassignedapetitionwitheightotherNortheast andMidAtlanticstatestorequireupwindstatestoreduceozoneemissions. Pennsylvaniaispartoftheozonetransportregion,agroupof12statesintheNortheastthathas beenheldtosomeofthecountrysmoststringentairpollutionstandardsforthelastdecade. ThepetitionrequeststheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencytosubjectIllinois,Indiana, Kentucky,Michigan,NorthCarolina,Ohio,Tennessee,VirginiaandWestVirginiatothesesame federalairqualitystandards. MyadministrationisstronglycommittedtoprotectingairqualityandthehealthofPennsylvania residents,Corbettsaid.Signingthispetitionreflectsthatcommitment,andourhopeisthattheEPA willleveltheplayingfieldbyensuringotherstatesarebeinggoodneighborsbyabidingtothesame standardswehaveinPennsylvania. Newstatessubjectedtotheairqualityruleswillhavetosubmitastateimplementationplanto EPAwithinninemonthsincludingastrategytocontrolozoneproducingemissions. Pennsylvania,alongwiththeotherstatesintheNortheast,continuestoworkhardtoattain acceptablelevelsofozoneemissions,DEPActingSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Partofthesolution tothisproblemistohavetheupwindstatesimplementequallystringentairqualitycontrols. ThecurrentozonetransportregionconsistsofConnecticut,Delaware,Maine,Maryland, Massachusetts,NewHampshire,NewJersey,NewYork,Pennsylvania,RhodeIsland,Vermont,the DistrictofColumbiaandnorthernVirginia. EPAwillmakeadecisiononthepetitionwithin18monthsafterreceivingit. NewsClips: PAJoinsEffortToLimitPollutionDriftingIntoState PAJoins8StatesAskingEPAToReduceMidwestAirPollution CorbettSignsPetitionCallingForTighterPollutionControlsUpwind 8NortheastStatesSueOverMidwestPollution StatesPetitionEPAToCrackDownOnMidwestPollution

CourtCaseAgainstHomerCityToBeHeardNextWeek ConemaughPowerPlantTrespassChargeDismissed PlanForBadAirDaysWouldCurbIndustryInAlleghenyCounty Editorial:StateSlowToSeekEPAsHelpOnBadAir FinalTitleVAirQualityPermitFeeIncreasesNowInEffect ThefinalregulationincreasingAirQualityTitleVemissionfeesfrom$57.50pertonofemissionsto$85 pertonwerepublishedintheDecember14PABulletin. Thechangeisestimatedtoinitiallygenerateabout$5.1millionmoreinrevenuetothe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontoadministertheTitleVprogram. ThefeesarerequiredbystateandfederallawtocoverthecostofTitleVprogram administration,butduetodecliningairemissions,theexistingfeestructurewasnotadequatetomeet agencycosts. AquaPennsylvaniaAmongFinalistsForPlattsGlobalEnergyAward AquaPennsylvania,Inc.wasnamedafinalistforthePlatts2013GlobalEnergyAwardsintheEnergy EfficiencyCommercialEndUsercategoryforitseffortstoreduceelectricityuseduringperiodswhen theelectricgridisatmaximumcapacity. AquaAmericaChairmanandCEONicholasDeBenedictissaid,"Iamproudthatweare aggressivelyworkingtoreduceAqua'selectricitycosts,whichisabenefittoourcustomers.Wearenot onlyrealizingdirectsavingsofmorethan$500,000tothecompany,wearealsodoingourpartin helpingtostabilizetheelectricgridwhenitisstressedbyhighdemand." AquaworkswithConstellationtoparticipateintwoloadresponseprograms:PJMs EmergencyDemandResponse(DR)programandConstellationsPeakResponse,whichallows Constellationelectricitysupplycustomerstoreducefuturecapacityandtransmissioncostsbylowering electricityconsumptionduringthehoursofpeakdemand. Aqua'sabilitytoeffectivelyparticipateinbothprogramshasbeensignificantlyenhancedbyits useofConstellation'sVirtuWatttechnology,whichprovidesrealtimeelectricmonitoringofthe company'selectricusageandperformancetrackingoffacilitiesparticipatingintheloadresponse programs. ConstellationispleasedtosupportAquascommitmenttoreducedenergycostsand sustainablebusinesspractices,saidGaryFromer,seniorvicepresident,energymanagementprograms, forConstellation.Aquaisaperfectexampleofthewaycommercial,industrialandinstitutionalpower customerscanbeproactiveandstrategicabouthowandwhenelectricityisused,withoutcompromising businessoperations. ThePlattsEnergyEfficiencyCommercialEndUserawardrecognizesalongterm, systematiccommitmenttoenergyefficiency.Nomineeswerejudgedonperformanceandachievements sinceJanuary2012. OthernomineesincludedHughesNetworkSystems,LLCAnEchoStarCompany,IBM, MetsoCorp,TescoPlc.andtheUnitedStatesNavy. December12IssueOfDEPNewsNowAvailable

TheDecember12issueofDEPNewsfeaturesarticlesonChrisAbruzzosswearinginasDEP SecretaryafterhisconfirmationbytheSenatethisweek,theopeningofthecommentperiodon proposedchangestooilandgasregulationsandareviewofthisweeksPABrownfieldsConference. ClickHeretosignupandgetyourowncopybyemail. PennsylvaniaAdds4,000AcresToFarmlandPreservationProgram PennsylvaniasAgriculturalLandPreservationBoardThursdaysafeguarded4,181additionalacreson 41farmsin21countiesthroughthestatesnationallyrenownedFarmlandPreservationProgram. TheboardpreservedfarmsinAdams,Allegheny,Beaver,Berks,Bucks,Butler,Chester, Cumberland,Greene,Huntingdon,Lancaster,Lebanon,Luzerne,Mifflin,Monroe,Northampton, Snyder,Somerset,Union,WestmorelandandYorkcounties. Sincetheprogrambeganin1988,state,countyandlocalgovernmentshaveinvestedmorethan $1.2billiontopreserve484,270acreson4,532farmsin57countiesforfutureagriculturalproduction. Withthismeeting,weconcludeasuccessful25thyearfortheprogrambysurpassingthe4,500 farmmilestone,saidAgricultureSecretaryGeorgeGreig.PreservingPennsylvaniasfarmlandrequires passionatefarmersanddedicatedprogramadministratorswhoworktogethertokeepPennsylvania growingforgenerationstocome. ThePennsylvaniaAgriculturalConservationEasementPurchaseProgramidentifiesproperties andslowsthelossofprimefarmlandtononagriculturaluses. Theprogramenablesstate,countyandlocalgovernmentstopurchaseconservationeasements, alsocalleddevelopmentrights,fromownersofqualityfarmland. Insomecases,thefederalFarmandRanchlandsProtectionProgramprovidesadditional assistance.Lastfiscalyear,Pennsylvaniareceived$4.2millioninfederalreimbursements. Formoreinformation,visitAgriculturesFarmlandPreservationProgramwebpage. NewsClip:MiniCityToRiseOnBethlehemTownshipFarmland DCNRSchedulesCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantWorkshopsInFebruary TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceswillstartacceptingCommunityConservation PartnershipGrantapplicationsonJanuary15andhasscheduledworkshopsinFebruarytowalk applicantsthroughtheprocessandprovideinformationonotherDCNRgrantopportunities.The deadlineforapplicationsisApril16. Theworkshopswillbeheld February5:CampHill,ProsserHall,CampHillBoroughBuilding February6:Conshohocken,FireAcademy,MontgomeryCountyPublicSafetyTrainingCampus February19:Nanticoke,EducationalConferenceCenter,LuzerneCountyCommunityCollege February20:Boalsburg,PennsylvaniaMilitaryMuseum February25:Wexford,PineTownshipRecreationCenterand February26:Clarion(ClarionHolidayInn. TheworkshopswillprovideindepthinformationonprojectseligibleforDCNRsgrantfunds, howtodevelopacompetitivereadytogoapplication,eligibleapplicants,andmatchingfund requirements. ParticipantswillalsoreceiveguidanceandupdatesontheeGrantsapplicationprocessandhave anopportunitytointeractwithBureaustaff.Communityleaders,municipalofficials,consultants,land

trusts,boardmembers,trailmanagers,andparkandrecreationprofessionalsareencouragedtoattend. Preregistrationisrequired.ClickHeretoregisterfortheindividualworkshopeventyouwould liketoattendandthenscrolldowntothebottomofthepagetoregister. Formoreinformation,visitDCNRsGrantswebpageorsendemailto:LindaManningat: linmanning@pa.gov. (ReprintedfromDCNRsDecember11Resourcenewsletter.) StateParks,ForestsOfferVisitorsAWinterPlayground Thecalendarmaysaywinteris10daysaway,butPennsylvaniasstateforestandparksystemsagain arerollingoutthewelcomematforvisitorsintentonenjoyingcoldweatheroutdoorfun. Winterhasmadeanearlyentryacrossthestate,andastemperaturesdropandsnowandice beginstoaccumulate,ourstateforestsandparksofferwoodlands,lakesandtrailsforoutdoor enthusiasts,saidDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerretti. Wearehopingfamiliesseekoutasleddinghillatanearbystateparkorstrollonaforesttrail andenjoythebeautyandpeacewinterlandscapesoffer,Ferrettisaid.Forothers,snowmobileand ATVtrailssoonwillbeopening,andhuntersandanglerswillbeheadingtoourstateforestsandparks forlateseasonhuntingandicefishing. Belowisalistofactivitiesandeventsthatvisitorscanexplorethiswinter: Winterevents:Whenwinterweathercooperates,stateparksandforestsalsoarethesceneof coordinatedwinterfestivalswithgames,dogsledraces,sleighridesandfuncompetitionsforfamilies. Toviewscheduledactivitiesaroundthestate,visittheGetOutdoorsPAwebsite. Overnightstays:TheNatureInnatBaldEagleStateParkoffersagreatbaseforwinteractivities likecrosscountryskiing,icefishingandotheroutdooradventuresinthePennsylvaniaWilds.Itoffers modernovernightaccommodationsandbreakfast,aswellasalargestonefireplaceinthegreatroomto warmupafteroutdooractivities. Severalstateparkshavewintercabinrentalsavailable.Cabinreservationscanbemadeby callingthetollfreeinformationandreservationline,1888PAPARKS(18887272757),Monday throughSaturdayfrom7a.m.to5p.m. Snowmobiling:TheseasonbeginsDecember15andclosesApril1,2014,instateforestsandparks whereconditionspermit.SnowmobileridersinPennsylvaniasstateforestsandparkshaveaccessto almost3,000milesofmarkedjointusestateforestroads,closedroads,andtrailsin18ofthestates 20stateforestdistrictsandin32stateparks.Morethan170milesofwinterATVtrailsinsevenstate forestdistrictsalsoopenDecember15. DCNRisprovidingconditionupdatestollfreethrough1877SNOMBLE(18777666253) or7177875651.Recordedmessages,providingreportsonsnowdepthsandtrailconditionsacross thestate,areupdatedaroundnooneachTuesdayandThursday. Snowmobileenthusiastswillfindmaps,conditions,andotherdetailedinformationatDCNRs StateForestRecreationwebpage.Snowmobilemapsareupdatedtoshowstormdamageandother conditionsthatmayaffectthetrails. AllsnowmobilesandATVsinPennsylvaniamustberegisteredwithDCNRssnowmobile/ATV Unit.Formoreinformationonregistration,calltollfree8665452476,orvisitDCNRswebsite. Skiing:Forthecrosscountryskiingenthusiast,morethan330milesofmarkedcrosscountryski trailsareofferedonPennsylvaniasmorethan2.3millionacresofstateforestland.Alsoavailableare

nearly400milesofgroomedandungroomedcrosscountryskitrailsin73stateparks.Downhillskiing isofferedatBlueKnobStatePark,BedfordCountyDentonHillStatePark,PotterCountyand Camelback(BigPoconoStatePark),MonroeCounty.Skiingagainisnotbeingofferedthisseasonat LaurelMountain,WestmorelandCounty. OtherActivities:Moststateparkswithbodiesofwaterareopen,weatherpermitting,for iceskating,icefishingandiceboating.Sleddingandtobogganingalsoareavailableatmanyparks. UpdatedstateparkiceconditionsandsnowdepthsareavailableatDCNRsStateParkThings ToDowebpage.Visitorsalsomaycalltheneareststateparkorstateforestdistrictoffice. Hunting:Archers,muzzleloadersandotherlateseasonhuntersareremindedthatmorethan400 milesofnormallygatedstateforestroadswereopenedforthelatefallandearlywinterseasonsto provideeasyaccesstooftenremoteareas.Asmuchas3,040mileshadbeenopentohunters,but openingsandclosingsareatthediscretionoflocalforestryofficialsandareweatherdependent.Hunters areurgedtocheckwithforestdistrictofficesaboutspecificroads. LackawannaRiverHeritageTrailOpens AthreemilesegmentoftheLackawannaRiverHeritageTrailinArchbaldBorough,Lackawanna County,openedDecember5,helpingtopiecetogethermoresegmentsinalargeregionaltrailnetwork innortheasternPennsylvania. CalledthePowdermillSectionbecauseofthenearbyremainsofagunpowdermillalongthe LackawannaRiver,thisnewsegmentcompletesaneightmilesectionoftrailthatwilllinkeight municipalitiesintheMidValleyarea. ThissectioncreatesavitalconnectionbetweentheonstreetportionsoftheLackawannaRiver HeritageTrailinJermyn,totherailtrailsectionfromArchbaldtoBlakelyknownastheMidValley Trail. Weknowthatwhatpeoplewantthemostwhenitcomestooutdoorrecreationare opportunitiesclosetohomeintheirneighborhood,atalocalparkortrail,oratastateparkorforesta shortdistanceaway,"DCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettisaid.Thistrailatruecollaborationbetween DCNR,PennDOT,DCED,LackawannaCounty,theLackawannaValleyHeritageAreahelps accomplishthatfornortheasternPennsylvaniaresidents. DCNRsBureauofRecreationandConservationhasgrantedmorethan$1milliontoLHVfor trailplanninganddevelopment.Attheribboncuttingceremony,Ferrettideliveredthegoodnewsthat DCNRcommittedanadditional$773,000tosupportfurtherworkontheLackawannaRiverHeritage TrailaswellassupportfortheLackawannaHeritageValleyAuthorityaspartofits2013Community ConservationPartnershipsgrantsannouncedthatsameday. NatalieGelb,executivedirectoroftheLackawannaHeritageValley,saidtheorganizationis developingthetrailnotonlyforrecreationandtransportationbutalsotointerpretthehistoricand culturallifeoftheregion. ThePowdermillSectiontakestrailusersalongtheabandonedOntario&WesternRailroad wheremanypiecesofrailroadhistoryarevisible,includinga300footretainingwallthatLHVintendsto becomeahistoricandculturalmural. TheLackawannaRiverHeritageTrailruns40milesalongtheLackawannaRiver,beginningat theconfluencewiththeSusquehannainPittston,joiningtheDelawareandHudson(D&H)trailin Simpson,andcontinuingtoUnionDaleattheStillwaterDam.Fromthere,thetrailextendsnorthtothe NewYorkStatebordertocompletethe70miletrailsystem.

TheHeritageTrailisusedbythousandsofpeoplethroughouttheyearforhealthandwellness, recreation,alternativetransportation,accesstotheriverandsimpleenjoymentoftheareasnatural beauty. Formoreinformation,visittheLackawannaHeritageValleywebsite. (ReprintedfromDCNRsDecember11Resourcenewsletter.) FriendsOfTheWissahickonOfferTrailAmbassadorWalks,TalksInJanuary TrailAmbassadorsfortheFriendsoftheWissahickoninMontgomeryCountyareofferingfreehikes andlecturesatCedarsHouseinWissahickonValleyParkduringthemonthofJanuary.ClickHerefor ascheduleofupcomingactivities. DCNROffersHolidayGiftIdeasThatSupportStateParks,Forests TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceshasseveralholidaygiftgivingideasperfectfor thosewhowanttoprotectPennsylvaniasnaturalresourcesandenjoystateparksandforests. HolidaygiftgiverscansupportPennsylvanias120stateparksbypurchasingthe2014special editionStateParkcalendarfeaturingstateparkseasonalscenes.The10x13calendarcosts$8.49, plussalestaxandshipping,andcanbeorderedbycalling1888PAPARKS. Astateparkgiftcardcanbepurchasedinanydollaramountandmaybeusedforcampsites, cabinsandpavilions.Parksareagreat,inexpensivegetawayandoffertheopportunitytowatchwildlife andconnectwithnature.Toorderagiftcard,visitDCNRsGiftCardwebpage. RecipientscanuseagiftcardforastayattheNatureInnatBaldEagleinCentreCounty.With itsgreenfeatures,hugestonefireplace,largewindowsforwatchingtheoutsideworld,andconnectionto milesoftrailsatBaldEagleStatePark,theNatureInnisayearroundgetaway. Also,considergivingagiftthatsupportsthenonprofitPAParksandForestsFoundation. PPFFhelpsenhanceparksandforests,andsupportsconservationandenvironmentalprograms. Visitorsmightenjoythe135pagepassportwithmaps,ahistoryofthestateparkandforest system,andabriefdescriptionandmostmemorablefeatureofeachstateparkandforest.PPFFhas teamedupwithDesignaTeatoofferorganic,fairtradeteasavailableinbothbagsandlooseleaf. TwentyfivepercentofyourtotalpurchasewillbereturnedtoPPFF. SupportingtheWildResourceConservationProgramisanothergiftoption.Since1982,the programhasstudiedandworkedtoconservePennsylvaniasrarespeciesandhabitats.TheWild ResourceConservationProgramalsohasafree2014Calendaravailabletodownload. WildResourceConservationProgram,StateParkCalendarsNowAvailable Afree2014CalendarisnowavailablefromtheWildResourceConservationProgram.Since1982, theprogramhasstudiedandworkedtoconservePennsylvaniasrarespeciesandhabitats. Pennsylvanias120stateparksarefeaturedinthe2014specialeditionStateParkcalendar. The10x13calendarcosts$8.49,plussalestaxandshipping,andcanbeorderedbycalling 1888PAPARKS. PennsylvaniaParksAndForestsFoundationElectsNewBoardMembers

ThePAParksandForestsFoundationThursdayannouncedtheappointmentofMaraMonteroand LenwoodSloantoitsBoardofDirectors.MonteroservesasexecutivedirectorofthePennsylvania CommissionforWomenandtheGovernor'sAdvisoryCommissiononLatinoAffairs. SloanservedasdirectorofPennsylvania'sCulturalandHeritageTourismProgramforsixyears, andiscurrentlyworkingasaconsultantonaninternationalWorldWarIIheritagetrail. Weareexcitedtohavetheenthusiasm,knowledge,andskillssetsthatLenwoodandMaria bringtothePennsylvaniaParksandForestsFoundation,saidMarciMowery,presidentofthe Foundation.Theywillbecriticalinhelpingistoensurethatthereisaplaceandanexperiencefor everyoneinPennsylvaniasstateparksandforests. ThePPFFBoardofDirectorsunanimouslyelectedMonteroandSloan,andtheytaketheir placesonthepanelinJanuary2014.CurrentboardmemberGeorgeAsimosofSaulEwingwas nominatedandelectedtobetheChairmanoftheboard. Forhispart,Sloanthankedtheboardforitsendorsement,Ilookforwardtotheinvestmentof ourresourcesinPPFF,engagementandservice. MaraMontero:AsexecutivedirectorofthePennsylvaniaCommissionforWomenandthe Governor'sAdvisoryCommissiononLatinoAffairs,MonteroleadsPennsylvania'soutreacheffortsfor womenandLatinoHispanics,includingdiversityeducationforallstateagencies. ShewasrecentlynamedoneoftheDelawareValley'sMostInfluentialLatinos.Montero holdsalawdegreefromWidenerUniversity,andisaprofessionalpresenteronwomenandLatino leadershiptopics.Clickhereforphoto:MaraMontero LenwoodSloan:Forthepast40years,Sloanhasprovidedinspiration,leadershipandtechnical assistanceinthepublicandprivatesectors.InadditiontohisworkwiththeU.S.EmbassyinBrussels ontheWWIILiberationRoute,SloanisacreativeconsultantfortheCameronMuseuminNorth CarolinaandresidentplaywrightfortheASHECulturalCenterofNewOrleans. Amonghisaccomplishments,SloanhasalsoservedasPennsylvania'sfilmcommissionerand directoroftheSanFranciscoDanceFilmFestival.Clickhereforphoto:LenwoodSloan PennsylvaniaParksandForestsFoundationBoardofDirectors InMemorium:WilliamM.Heenan,FormerSteelRecyclingInstitutePresident,KPBChair OnDecember6WilliamM.Heenan,Jr.,theformerPresidentofthe PittsburghbaseSteelRecyclingInstituteandachairofKeepPennsylvania Beautiful,passedawayattheageof65. HeenanwaspresidentofSRIfrom19902010.PriortojoiningSRI,Heenan wasgeneralmanager,tinmillproducts,fortheUnitedStatesSteelCorp.,a positiontowhichhewasappointedin1988. HewasalifetimeboardmemberoftheNationalRecyclingCoalition,servedas aboardmemberofKeepAmericaBeautiful,Inc.andwaschairofKeep PennsylvaniaBeautiful. InMaytheSteelMarketDevelopmentInstituteannouncedHeenanasthe2013recipientofthe SteelMarketDevelopmentInstituteLifetimeAchievementAward. HeenanwasrecentlyhonoredbythePennsylvaniaRecyclingMarketsCenterwhichnamedits annualrecyclingawardtheWilliamM.Heenan,Jr.PennsylvaniaRecyclingMarketsDevelopment Award.

ClickHeretoreadhisobituary.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased December17CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduledmeetingis January21.(formalnotice) December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. December19NEW.DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePA Bulletin,page7377) December20NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetstoconsiderfinaldraft ClimateChangeActionPlanUpdate.12thFloorConferenceRoomattheRachelCarsonBuilding, Harrisburg.10:00a.m. January3NEW.DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePA Bulletin,page7377) January7NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty. 6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January9NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedale Avenue,WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January13NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue, Williamsport,LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14NEW.DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulation fromthestateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,Crawford County.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377)

January16NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,Cumberland County.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January22NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60South LincolnStreet,Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive, Indiana,IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23NEW.DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementation PlanformotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenance area.DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare, WilkesBarre.10:00.(formalnotice) VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. December20WesternPAConservancy,DominionWatershedMiniGrants December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February4NEW.EPAEnvironmentalEducationGrants February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing

February28NEW.PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram April16NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate SenateConfirmsCorbettNomineesForTopEnvironmentalPosts Abruzzo,FerrettiAffirmedForCorbettCabinet FerrettiConfirmedToLeadConservationAgency SenateConfirmsAbruzzoAsDEPSecretary DEPPickConfirmed,LeavingLawmakersToSquabble CorbettPickForDEPGetsNodAfterClimateChangeDustup AbruzzoConfirmedAsDEPSecretary DemocraticChallengersCriticizeCorbettOverClimateComments HangerDemandsApologyForClimateProfessorsSlight Letter:LookAtDEPNomineesWholeStatement Editorial:WrongResumeForDEPBoss Editorial:PickForDEPFailsKnowledgeTest NamingEnvironmentalCenterWellDeservedHonorForPatSolano Budget TopRepublicanBracingForRoughBudgetSeason BucksGOPLawmakerWantsToTaxGasDrilling $500,000InDrillingFeesToBenefitLackawanna $2.3BInfluxPutsPennDOTBigTicketProjectsInPlay Other KeepPABeautifulRecognizesVolunteers PAJoinsEffortToLimitPollutionDriftingIntoState PAJoins8StatesAskingEPAToReduceMidwestAirPollution CorbettSignsPetitionCallingForTighterPollutionControlsUpwind

8NortheastStatesSueOverMidwestPollution StatesPetitionEPAToCrackDownOnMidwestPollution CourtCaseAgainstHomerCityToBeHeardNextWeek ConemaughPowerPlantTrespassChargeDismissed PlanForBadAirDaysWouldCurbIndustryInAlleghenyCounty Editorial:StateSlowToSeekEPAsHelpOnBadAir PJMBoardOKs$4.6BillionInChangesToRegionalElectricGrid TrialSetToResolveControversyOverMulchOperation FoxChapelLeakCausedByOldOilWell BrownfieldDevelopmentRevivesHopeForHazelwood NewRuleExtendsPermitForWindProjectsToKillEagles GreeningPittsburgh:5ProfilesInSustainableBusiness GreenBuildBringsGlobalDesignLeadersToPhiladelphia 500LeadersGatherInPittsburghToDiscussSustainability MiniCityToRiseOnBethlehemTownshipFarmland PAOneOfTopsInU.S.ForChristmasTrees OverallForestLandNumbersNotImpactedByDevelopment OpEd:OhDeer,HuntingPacksAPunchInPA Wildlife:ExploringTheWildsOfNEPA 50YearsAgo,FirstMoveToSaveU.S.Wilderness PAMayIssueFirstBountyIn50YearsForCoyote Editorial:Bicyclists,DriversMustShareTheRoad DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere December12DEPNews

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling DEPOpensProposedOilAndGasRulesForPublicComment OppositionToGasLeaseSettlementLawsuitGrows DrillingSpillCitedInLawsuitNotReportedToState RepublicansSurfingTheMarcellusFrackingWave WesternPACountiesWeighDrillingOnPublicLand ProjectedDrillingRevenueUseAtIssueForAllegheny,Union FindlayNeighborsWantDrillingSiteAtAirportMoved $500,000InDrillingFeesToBenefitLackawanna FoxChapelLeakCausedByOldOilWell UGIToReplaceLeakyWilkesBarreNaturalGasPipeline CouncilMemberFloatsNaturalGasAsPhillyFleetFuel PhillysRefineryBoomWorriesSafetyExperts

DeltaExpectsRefineryToMakeMoneyNextYear MethodMakesShaleWastewaterRecyclable WilliamsportPlantToRecycleDrillingWastewater FormerDrillingExecChargedIn$9.2MillionScam Financial/OtherStates Unions,EnvironmentalistsAdvocateFixToLeakyGasPipelines ResearchFlightToProvideEstimatesOfPipelineMethaneLeaks AMarcellusNaturalGasBonanza StudyShowsOil&GasDevelopmentLacksGenderDiversity Editorial:InflatingGasJobNumbers HowOilFrackingWillBenefitYou

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding CaseyWorksToQuellRiseOfFloodInsuranceRates OtherWatershedNewsClips PlansUnveiledToTreatOldForgeBoreholeDrainage NoFarmBillInSightAsRecessLoomsForCongress RiverUsersHopingTheOhioCanEarnStateHonors MethodMakesShaleWastewaterRecyclable WaterAuthoritySignsOffOnDEPSanction

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedproposedchangestoChapter78drilling regulationsrequiredbyAct13(PABulletinpage7377)andpublishedfinalregulationssettingrevised permitfeesundertheTitleVAirQualityProgram. DEPpublishednoticeoftheproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthestateAir QualityImplementationPlanandnoticeofapublichearingonJanuary14. DEPsBoardofCoalMineSafetypublishedfinalregulationscoveringmaintenanceofincombustible contentofrockdust. PennsylvaniaBulletinDecember14,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage

ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeoffinaltechnicalguidanceonNew SourceSamplingRequirementsforSurfaceWaterSources,NewSourceSamplingRequirementsfor GroundwaterSourcesandNewSourceSamplingRequirementsforTransientNoncommunity GroundwaterSourcesundertheDrinkingWaterProgram. DEPpublishednoticeofaproposedrevisiontothestateAirQualityImplementationPlanformotor vehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaste8hourozonemaintenanceareaandnoticeof aJanuary23publichearing. DEPalsopublishedanoticeextendingthecommentperiodonthetechnicalguidanceforimplementing thePermitReviewandPermitDecisionGuaranteeProgramtoDecember31andnoticeofachangeto thelistoffirmscertifiedtoperformradonrelatedactivities(PABulletinpage7347). TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionpublishednoticeofactionstakenduringitsSeptember19 meeting. Final:DEPID:3933130108.Title:NewSourceSamplingRequirementsforSurfaceWater Sources.Description:Departmentregulationsin25Pa.CodeChapter109(relatingtosafedrinking water)requireallnewsurfacewatersourcesthatintendtoserveasapublicwatersystem(PWS)to monitorfortheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)regulatedcontaminantsinthe rawwatersource.Monitoringofthesecontaminantsisnecessaryforpublichealthandcompliancewith theSafeDrinkingWaterAct(SDWA).Asaresult,thisguidanceisintendedtoestablishthesampling requirementsforcontaminantstobemonitoredbyallnewPWSsthatintendtousesurfacewaterasthe source.Thescopeofthispolicyincludesadetailedlistofallcontaminantstobemonitoredforand guidanceanddirectiononhowandwhenthesourcewatersamplesshouldbecollected.Finally,this policyreflectsandsupplementstheDepartment'sregulationsin25Pa.CodeChapter109. Final:DEPID:3933130208.Title:NewSourceSamplingRequirementsforGroundwaterSources forCommunityandNoncommunitySystems.Description:Departmentregulationsin25Pa.Code Chapter109requireallnewgroundwatersourcesthatintendtoserveasaPWStomonitorfortheEPA regulatedcontaminantsintherawwatersource.Monitoringofthesecontaminantsisnecessaryfor publichealthandcompliancewiththeSDWA.Asaresult,thisguidanceisintendedtoestablishthe samplingrequirementsforcontaminantstobemonitoredbyallnewPWSsthatintendtouse groundwaterasthesource.Thescopeofthispolicyincludesadetailedlistofallcontaminantstobe monitoredforandguidanceanddirectiononhowandwhenthegroundwatersamplesshouldbe collected.Finally,thispolicyreflectsandsupplementstheDepartment'sregulationsin25Pa.Code Chapter109. Final:DEPID:3933130308.Title:NewSourceSamplingRequirementsforTransient NoncommunityGroundwaterSources.Description:Departmentregulationsin25Pa.CodeChapter

109requireallnewgroundwatersourcesthatintendtoserveasaPWStomonitorfortheEPA regulatedcontaminantsintherawwatersource.Monitoringofthesecontaminantsisnecessaryfor publichealthandcompliancewiththeSDWA.Asaresult,thisguidanceisintendedtoestablishthe samplingrequirementsforcontaminantstobemonitoredbyalltransientnoncommunitysystemsthatdo notrequireaDepartmentissuedconstructionpermitandthatintendtousegroundwaterasthesource. Thescopeofthispolicyincludesadetailedlistofallcontaminantstobemonitoredforandguidanceand directiononhowandwhenthegroundwatersamplesshouldbecollected.Finally,thispolicyreflects andsupplementstheDepartment'sregulationsin25Pa.CodeChapter109. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. December16HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteehearingonclimatechange.Room418Capitol Building.10:00. December17CANCELED.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetsto considerHouseBill1699(RossRChester)settingairqualitystandardsforbackupgenerators summary.Room205RyanBuilding.9:00. December17CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduledmeetingis January21.(formalnotice) December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. December19NEW.DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePA Bulletin,page7377) December20NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetstoconsiderfinaldraft

ClimateChangeActionPlanUpdate.12thFloorConferenceRoomattheRachelCarsonBuilding, Harrisburg.10:00a.m. January3NEW.DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePA Bulletin,page7377) January7NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty. 6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January9NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedale Avenue,WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January13NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue, Williamsport,LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14NEW.DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulation fromthestateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,Crawford County.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January16NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,Cumberland County.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January22NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60South LincolnStreet,Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulation Changes.IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive, Indiana,IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23NEW.DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementation PlanformotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenance area.DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare, WilkesBarre.10:00.(formalnotice) February5NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.CampHill,

ProsserHall,CampHillBoroughBuilding.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February6NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Conshohocken, FireAcademy,MontgomeryCountyPublicSafetyTrainingCampus.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February19NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Nanticoke, EducationalConferenceCenter,LuzerneCountyCommunityCollege.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February20NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaMilitaryMuseum.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February25NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Wexford,Pine TownshipRecreationCenter.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February26NEW.DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Clarion ClarionHolidayInn.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozensof topics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose?Justclickonthesearchpage. PAEnvironmentDigestweeklywasthewinnerofthePAAssociationofEnvironmental Educators'2009BusinessPartneroftheYearAward. AlsosignupfortheseotherservicesfromCrisciAssociates AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.

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