PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaDecember23,2013 PASupremeCourtRulesAct13DrillingLawMunicipalPreemptionUnconstitutional ThePASupremeCourtThursdayissuedalandmarkopinion declaringunconstitutionalprovisionsoftheAct13MarcellusShale drillinglawrelatingtopreemptinglocalregulationofdrilling operations,accordingtotheDelawareRiverkeeper. TheCourtalsoinvalidatedprovisionsofthelawestablishing setbacksfromriversandstreams,therequirementforDEPto evaluatetheimpactstopublicresourcesandrestrictionsontheright ofmunicipalitiestoappealDEPpermitdecisions. TheCourtalsodirectedCommonwealthCourttorehearcomplaintsbymunicipalitiesthatAct 13preventsdoctorsfromtellingpatientsofthehealthimpactsofchemicalsusedinnaturalgaswell frackingoperations. Thesignificanceofthisrulingisnotthatitdeclaredthoseprovisionsunconstitutional,butthe legalbasisfortheopinionArticleI,Section27ofPennsylvaniasConstitution,theEnvironmental RightsAmendment. Inthenearfuture,theCourtopinionwillhaveanimpactonportionsofDEPsproposed revisionstoChapter78drillingregulationsrequiredbyAct13sincetheyimplementthesetback provisionsandtherequirementforDEPtoevaluatetheimpactonpublicresourcesstruckdownas unconstitutionalbytheopinion. Theopinionwouldalsoallowcountiesandmunicipalitiestoadopttheirownenvironmental standardstocoverdrillingonStateForestLand,ratherthanrelyingsolelyonthestandardssetbythe DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources.Inparticularthecontroversyoverdrillinginthe LoyalsockStateForestinLycomingandSullivancountiescomestomind. Thisdecisionislikelytochangethewayenvironmentalimpactsareregulatedinthestatefar beyondtheOilandGasAct.(Seerelatedarticle.) ClickHereforacopyofthedecision.ClickHereforacopyoftheconcurringopinion. Overview TheDelawareRiverkeepersaidtheCourtstated,Asthecitizensillustrate,developmentofthe naturalgasindustryintheCommonwealthunquestionablyhasandwillhavealasting,andundeniably detrimental,impactonthequalityofthesecoreaspects[life,health,andliberty:surfaceand groundwater,ambientair,etc.]ofPennsylvaniasenvironment,whicharepartofthepublictrust. Additionally,theCourtstated,Byanyresponsibleaccount,theexploitationofthe MarcellusShaleFormationwillproduceadetrimentaleffectontheenvironment,onthepeople,their children,andfuturegenerations,andpotentiallyonthepublicpurse,perhapsrivalingtheenvironmental

effectsofcoalextraction. TheCourtsdecisionupholdstheabilityoflocalgovernmentstoprotecttheirlocalcommunities andnaturalresourcesthroughzoning.ChiefJusticeCastilleauthoredthehistoricmajorityopinion. JusticesTodd,McCaffreyandBaerjoinedintheresult. JusticesCastille,Todd,andMcCaffreyheldthattheprovisionsviolateArticleI,Section27of thePennsylvaniaConstitutiontheEnvironmentalRightsAmendment.JusticeCastillestated thatweagreewiththecitizensthat,asanexerciseofthepolicepower,Sections3215(b)(4)and(d), 3303,and3304areincompatiblewiththeCommonwealthsdutyastrusteeofPennsylvaniaspublic naturalresources. IndiscussingSection3304suniformzoningprovisions,JusticesCastille,Todd,andMcCaffrey agreedthattheprovisionssanctionedadirectandharmfuldegradationoftheenvironmentalqualityof lifeinthesecommunitiesandzoningdistricts. TheyalsoconcludedthattheActforcedsomecitizenstobearheavierenvironmentaland habitabilityburdensthanothersinviolationofSection27smandatethatpublictrustresourcesbe managedforthebenefitofallthepeople. JusticeBaerconcurredinfindingAct13unconstitutionality,agreeingwiththeCommonwealth Courtsreasoning.JusticeBaerstatedthattheprovisionsforcemunicipalitiestoenactzoning ordinances,whichviolatethesubstantivedueprocessrightsoftheircitizenries. HefurthernotedPennsylvaniasextremediversityinmunicipalitysizeandtopographyandthat zoningordinancesmustgiveconsiderationtothecharacterofthemunicipality,amongotherfactors, whichAct13didnot. TheCourthasvindicatedthepublicsrighttoacleanenvironmentandourrighttofightforit whenitisbeingtrampledon.TodaytheenvironmentandthepeopleofPennsylvaniahavewonand specialinterestsandtheiradvocatesinHarrisburghavelost.ThisprovestheConstitutionstillrules, despitethegreedypursuitsofthegasandoilindustry.Withthishugewinwewillmoveaheadtofurther undotheindustrysgripofourstategovernment,saidMayavanRossum,theDelawareRiverkeeper. Thisisagreathistoricvictoryforlocaldemocracy,forpublichealth,andforthehealthofour environment.Theshalegasindustryoverreached,greedilywantingtooperatewithoutrespectinglocal concernsandwithoutplayingbythesamesetofruleseveryoneelsehastoplayby.TheCorbett AdministrationandtheGeneralAssemblywentalongwithitandtriedtogiveawayourrightstothegas industry.TheSupremeCourthasmadeitclearthatwhattheyweretryingtodoviolatesourstate Constitution.ItsagreatdayfortheConstitutionandthepeopleoftheCommonwealth,saidJordan Yeager,counselfortheplaintiffs. ThePennsylvaniaSupremeCourtalsoreversedCommonwealthCourtsfindingthatthe DelawareRiverkeeperNetworklackedstandinginthiscase.Specifically,thecourtfoundthatDRNs membersengenderedasubstantialanddirectinterestintheoutcomeofthelitigationpremiseduponthe seriousriskofalterationinthephysicalnatureoftheirrespectivepoliticalsubdivisionsandthe componentsoftheirsurroundingenvironment.Thisinterestisnotremote. ThecourtalsofoundthatMayavanRossum,astheExecutiveDirectoroftheDelaware RiverkeeperNetwork,alsohasstandinginherofficialcapacitytorepresentthememberships interests. Therulingthereforesetsimportantprecedentforwhatimmediateinterestorharmenvironmental organizationsandtheirmembersneedtodemonstrateinordertoproperlyestablishstanding. ReactionGov.Corbett Gov.CorbettreleasedthefollowingstatementregardingtheSupremeCourtsdecisiononAct

13: "IamdisappointedthattheSupremeCourthasinvalidatedsomekeyprovisionsofAct13.We arecontinuingtoreviewtoday'sdecision.Act13wasabipartisanaccomplishmentbetweenthe AdministrationandmembersoftheGeneralAssembly,whichraisedthebaronenvironmentalprotection standardswhilerespectingtherightsoflocalgovernments. "TheActwascraftedwithstronginputandsupportfromPennsylvania'slocalgovernment organizations.Wemustnotallowtoday'srulingtosendanegativemessagetojobcreatorsandfamilies whodependontheenergyindustry.IwillcontinuetoworkwithmembersoftheHouseandSenateto ensurethatPennsylvania'sthrivingenergyindustrygrowsandprovidesjobswhilebalancingtheinterests oflocalcommunities." IndustryReaction MarcellusShaleCoalitionpresidentDaveSpigelmyerissuedthisstatementontheruling: WearereviewingtheSupremeCourtsdecisioninfulltoevaluateitsimpactonouroperations acrossPennsylvania.AswedidpriortoenactmentofAct13andhavedoneduringthisperiodof reviewbythestateSupremeCourt,Pennsylvaniasnaturalgasindustrywillcontinuetowork collaborativelywiththecommunitiesinwhichweoperatetoensureshaledevelopmentmovesforward andwecontinuetorealizethebenefitsatthelocallevelandstatewide.Althoughwewillcontinueto collaboratewithcommunitiesacrosstheCommonwealth,todaysdecisionisadisappointmentand representsamissedopportunitytoestablishastandardsetofrulesgoverningtheresponsible developmentandoperationofshalegaswellsinPennsylvania. ThisoutcomeshouldalsoserveasastarkremindertopolicymakersofPennsylvaniasbusiness climatechallenges.Ifwearetoremaincompetitiveandourfocusistrulymorejobcreationand economicprosperity,wemustcommittoworkingtogethertowardcommonsenseproposalsthat encourageratherthandiscourageinvestmentintotheCommonwealth. Sen.Scarnati,SpeakerSmithOnRuling SenatePresidentProTemporeJoeScarnati(RJefferson)andSpeakerSamSmith (RJefferson)issuedthefollowingstatementregardingthedecision: ThedecisionmadebyfourSupremeCourtJusticestodaytoinvalidateaportionofAct13of 2012isincrediblydisappointing.Whilerecognizingthatadecisionofthislengthwilltakeweekstofully absorb,wearestunnedthatfourJusticeswouldissuethisrulingwhichwillsoharshlyimpactthe economicwelfareofPennsylvanians.Themajoritydecisionseemstoraisesignificantlymorequestions thanitanswers. ChiefJusticeCastillesopinionreliesinpartoninaccurateantidotesandunprovenscience. Theconsequencesofthisdecisionwilllikelybetheincreaseofnaturalgaspricesforconsumers,whileat thesametimecostingamultitudeofjobsinPennsylvania.Itisimportanttonotethatthisdecisionresets theclockonzoningpriortotheenactmentofAct13,thereforemunicipalitieswillcontinuetohavesome statewidechecksonlocaldiscretion. TheMarcellusShaleImpactFeelegislationwastheresultofgreatcollaborationbetweenstate officials,localofficials,industryleadersandenvironmentalgroups.Thereweredozensofstrong environmentalprotectionsincludedinAct13andduetotheCourtsjarringdecisionitseemsthatthe Courteveninvalidatedsomeofthem. ThePennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownshipSupervisorswasfullyengagedinnumerous legislativediscussionsandsupportedthezoninglanguageduringpassage,untiltheylaterdecidedto opposeitincourt.Thelanguageindisputewascraftedwiththeirfullinput. Inlightofthebroadseverabilitylanguagediscussioncontainedinthemajorityopinion,thereis

somequestionwhethertheimpactfeewhichhasresultedinover$400millionoverthepasttwoyears, willremaininplacegoingforward. AreasonablelevelofregulatoryconsistencyacrosstheCommonwealthisvitaltothesuccess ofanymajorindustryoremployerhowevertheSupremeCourtfailedtorecognizethatintheir majoritydecision.Ourfearnowisthatlandownersandhardworkingindividualswillsufferbecauseof todaysdecision. SenateDemocrats Sen.JayCosta(DAllegheny),theSenateDemocraticleader,offeredhisreactiontothe decision: ThecourtsdecisiontooverturnportionsofAct13thoseprovisionsthatinvolvezoning restrictionsandthecommunitysrighttoprotecttheirownwaterresourcesprovidesPennsylvania lawmakerswithasecondchancetocraftabetter,moreresponsiblelaw.Thisisanopportunityto revisitanissueanddeviseashaledrillinglawthatismeaningfulonethatoffersprotectionsforour citizens,communitiesandavaluablePennsylvanianaturalresource. WhileAct13includedawiderangeofsubjects,itfailedtoinstituteareasonableshaledrilling taxandtooktoomuchcontrolawayfromlocalmunicipalities.Welefttoomuchcontrolinthehandsof gasdrillingcompaniesandthegovernorwastoolenientindealingwithenergycompaniesattheexpense ofPennsylvaniascitizensandourcommunities. SenateDemocratsarehopefulthatthegovernorwillworkwithlegislatorsonabalancedplan thatincludesaresponsibleapproachtodrillingrestrictionsandcommunityprotections. Earlierthisyear,SenateDemocraticCaucusfiledanamicusbriefinsupportofoverturningthe blanketlocalzoningpreemptionprovisionandthesetbackrequirementsrelatedtosensitivewater resourcesinAct13. Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne),MinorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResources andEnergyCommittee,saidinastatement "Today'sSupremeCourtdecisionisasignificantvictoryforPennsylvania'slocalgovernments, ourenvironmentandoureconomyasitrestoreslocalcontrolandgivesthelegislatureanother opportunitytomaximizetheeconomicpotentialofourMarcellusshaledrillingindustry. "Act13wronglystrippedawaytherightsoflocalgovernmentstozoneindustrieswithintheir municipalboundariesandthislengthyopinionrightlyrestoreslocalcontrolandallowstheselocal governmentstohaveaninputinprotectingtheenvironment. "TheMarcellusshaleindustryhasthepotentialtochangethecourseofPennsylvania'seconomy forthenextgenerationaslongaswecontinuetoenactsmartregulationsandenforcestrongpoliciesto protectourenvironment.Itismyhopethatthisopinionforcesthelegislature'shandstoseriously considerstrongerenvironmentalprotectionsandaresponsibleseverancetaxin2014. HouseDemocrats HouseDemocraticLeaderFrankDermody(DAllegheny)said,"Thisrulinggivesusan opportunitytogobacktothedrawingboardanddothisright.Wewanttoworkwithindustryand environmentalstakeholderstocraftalawthatwillconstitutionallyprotecttheenvironmentandalso includeafairandreasonableseverancetaxontheoilandgasindustry. "Today'srulingreaffirmswhatHouseDemocratshavebeensayingfortwoyearsthatGov. Corbett'sshamofaMarcellusShaledrillinglawwronglyandunconstitutionallystrippedlocal communitiesoftheirzoningpowers.ThestateSupremeCourttodaystoodupfortheimportant principleoflocalcontrol,restoringzoningauthorityinPennsylvaniabacktoresidentsandmunicipalities. Itisanimportantvictoryfortheenvironmentandthecommunitieswelivein."

NewsClips: SupremeCourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatDrillersDo Corbett,GasIndustryDecryCourtRuling CorbettVoicesDispleasureWithGasZoningRuling CourtSendsAct13DoctorGagRuleBackToLowerCourt CourtStrikesDownZoningLimitsOnDrilling CourtDeclaresPartsOfDrillingLawUnconstitutional Court:StateCantMakeMunicipalitiesAcceptDrilling CourtStrikesDownAct13LocalZoningRestrictions PASupremeCourtJoltsShaleIndustry CourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatGasDrillersDo PACourtSidesWithTownsInGasDrillingFight CourtStrikesDownMajorPartOfGasDrillingLaw ForDrillers,Act13RulingCreatesUncertainty WhatAct13RulingWillMeanToMunicipalities,Drillers CourtDecisionOnDrillingDrawsVariedReactions Editorial:CourtReinsInDrillingExcessesOfAct13 CriminalCaseAgainstMarcellusDrillerGetsUnderway GOPLawmakersJoinCallForHigherDrillingTax DrillingCompanyToKeepWaterTanksAtHomes MarcellusShaleDrillingBecomesMoreEfficient CandidateForGovernorCallsOnDEPToReviewWellContamination NewGasPipelinesEndangeringSomeWildAnimals Editorial:StopCoddlingDrillers,PassFairTax OpEd:SaveLoyalsockStateForestFromFracking ConsolEnergyToReduceAirPollutionFromAirportDrilling ConsolUsingElectricEnginesForAirportDrilling AlleghenyParkDrillingOfferIncludes$3.5MillionBonus AlleghenyParkDrillingCouldReap$73Million DeerLakesParkDrillingMightNetUpTo$74Million Editorial:Drill,Carefully,DrillInAlleghenyCounty SafetyConcernsOverCrossStateNaturalGasPipeline CoastGuardMullsMovingDrillingWastewaterByBarge PanelDiscussesPros,ConsOfFrackingInLigonierValley Audubon:WhatHappensWhenWeFrackTheForest? Analysis:LandmarkCourtOpinionTurnsEnvironmentalRegulationInPAUpsideDown Itsdangeroustodoananalysisofa162pagecourtopinionin24hours,butthedecisionThursdayby thePASupremeCourtdeclaringthepreemptionoflocalregulationundertheAct13MarcellusShale drillinglawunconstitutionalisclearlyalandmarkbyanydefinition.Manyenvironmentallawexpertssay ithasthepotentialtoturnthewayenvironmentalimpactsareregulatedinPennsylvaniaupsidedown. Bygivingcounties,townshipsandboroughsthebroadauthoritytosettheirownenvironmental standardsthroughzoningandothercontrolsunderArticleI,Section27ofPennsylvaniasConstitution theEnvironmentalRightsAmendmenttheimpactoftheopinionwillnotjustbefeltbytheoilandgas

industry. Environmentalstandardsforpowerplants,landfills,hazardouswastefacilities,biosolids application,farmoperations,miningandmuchmorewouldstillbesetbyDEP,butnowcouldalsobe setbylocalgovernmentsiftheychooseandmoreeasilychallengedbycitizensgiventhesweeping languageintheopinion. Asaresult,somesay,Pennsylvaniacouldhave2,500miniDEPssettingdifferent,more stringent,environmentalstandardsanddevelopmentandimpactfeesinthestatewhichpleasessome andworriesothers. Severalotherenvironmentalstatutesalsopreemptmunicipalregulationinonewayoranother, eitherexplicitlyorasaresultofearliercourtdecisions.Asaresult,theirlegalstatusmaybeindoubtas aresultoftheopinion. Thoselawsinclude:theAirPollutionControlAct,theSolidWasteManagementAct,the NutrientManagementActandtheAgricultureandtheCommunitiesandRuralEnvironmentAct (ACRE). Theopinionalsoseemstogivecitizensandgroupstheabilitytochallengedirectlyanystate environmentalstandardasbeinginadequateinatleastthreeotherways:throughtheirlocalgovernments, potentiallythroughpreenforcementreviewofstateenvironmentalregulationsorincasesinvolving environmentaljusticeconcerns. Inaddition,moretraditionallocalchallengestozoningandlanddevelopmentordinancesand decisionscouldbeexpandedtoincludeotherenvironmentalrequirementsandstandardssincetheCourt gavemunicipalitiestheauthoritytosettheirown. Inthenearfuture,theCourtopinionwillhaveanimpactonportionsofDEPsproposed revisionstoChapter78drillingregulationsrequiredbyAct13sincetheyimplementthesetback provisionsandtherequirementforDEPtoevaluatetheimpactonpublicresourcesstruckdownas unconstitutionalbytheopinion. Theopinionwouldalsoallowcountiesandmunicipalitiestoadopttheirownenvironmental standardstocoverdrillingonStateForestLand,ratherthanrelyingsolelyonthestandardssetbythe DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources.Inparticularthecontroversyoverdrillinginthe LoyalsockStateForestinLycomingandSullivancountiescomestomind. Inreality,thebroaderapplicationofthedecisionmaynotbefeltforyearsasindividuallegal caseschallengespecificstatutesandlitigationoverspecificlocalenvironmentalstandardsworktheir waythroughthecourtsystem. AndsincetheCourtopinionwasbasedonthePennsylvaniaConstitution,passinganewpiece oflegislationtomodifytheimpactoftheopinioncouldhavelimitedimpact.Thatlegislationitselfwould thenbesubjecttolegalchallengeonthesameconstitutionalgroundsandthesameprecedentestablished bytheopinion,atleastuntilthecompositionofthePASupremeCourtchanges. Eitherway,theopinionisgoingtogeneratelotsofnewworkforenvironmentallawyers. EnvironmentalRightsAmendmentSponsor FormerSen.FranklinKury(DNorthumberland)andprimesponsoroftheEnvironmental RightsAmendmentlegislationin197071toldtheDigesttheCourtgotitrightandhewasgratifiedto seetheCourtrecognizedthelanguageintheAmendmentashavingrealmeaning. TheopinionasitrelatestoArticleI,Section27iseverythingIhopeditwouldbe.Ittook everythingwedidthenandsetanewstandardforprecedent,saidKury.Environmentallawsand actionswillnowhavetobejudgedagainsttheAmendment. TheCourtsopinionquotedfrompapersandotherinformationKuryenteredintotherecord

whiletheAmendmentwasconsideredintheGeneralAssembly,althoughhewasnotinvolvedinthe caseinanyway. KuryistheauthorofCleanPolitics,CleanStreams:ALegislativeAutobiographyand ReflectionsabouthiscareerintheGeneralAssemblyandtheissueshewasinvolvedin. OtherComments ApluralityofourSupremeCourtrecognizesthatArticleI,Section27isactualconstitutional law,andthatitstextmatters.Thisisahugestepintherightdirection,saidJohnDernbach,aformer DEPattorney,nowprofessoratWidenerLawSchoolinHarrisburgandanothersourcequotedinthe Courtsopinion. ThisdecisionobviouslyhasmajorconsequencesforMarcellusShaledevelopmentin PennsylvaniaaswellasArticleI,Section27.MajorpartsofAct13willneedtoberewrittenbythe GeneralAssembly,andtheremaybeanotherroundoflitigationafterthat.Buttherevitalizationof ArticleI,Section27maybeofevengreaterimport,eventhoughitdidcommandthevotesofa majority.Anditisimpressivethatthepluralityframedtheamendmentsrelationshipwithother provisionsoftheconstitutionintermsofsustainabledevelopment. ClickHereforacopyofthedecision.ClickHereforacopyoftheconcurringopinion. NewsClips: SupremeCourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatDrillersDo Corbett,GasIndustryDecryCourtRuling CorbettVoicesDispleasureWithGasZoningRuling CourtSendsAct13DoctorGagRuleBackToLowerCourt CourtStrikesDownZoningLimitsOnDrilling CourtDeclaresPartsOfDrillingLawUnconstitutional Court:StateCantMakeMunicipalitiesAcceptDrilling CourtStrikesDownAct13LocalZoningRestrictions PASupremeCourtJoltsShaleIndustry CourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatGasDrillersDo PACourtSidesWithTownsInGasDrillingFight CourtStrikesDownMajorPartOfGasDrillingLaw ForDrillers,Act13RulingCreatesUncertainty WhatAct13RulingWillMeanToMunicipalities,Drillers CourtDecisionOnDrillingDrawsVariedReactions Editorial:CourtReinsInDrillingExcessesOfAct13 BudgetOfficeProjectsNeedToFill$1.7BillionHoleInFY201415Budget BudgetSecretaryCharlesZogbyWednesdaysaidtheCorbettAdministrationisprojectingtheneedto filla$1.7billionholeintheFY201415budgetcausedbytheusualbudgetdriversincreasesinstate andschoolemployeepensionpayments,medicalassistancecostsandattheDepartmentofCorrections. TheBudgetOfficeexpectsFY201314revenueestimatestobeontrackwhichwillresultin a$232millionsurplusfortheyearendingJune30. Pensionpaymentsforstateandschoolemployeesareexpectedtoincreaseabout$610million forthecomingfiscalyear. SecretaryZogbysaidtheGovernorisparticularlyworriedaboutthetsunamiofpension paymentincreasescomingforschooldistrictsandtheirpotentialimpactonstudentsintheclassroom.

HesaiddiscussionscontinuewiththeGeneralAssemblyonpensionreformandhesaidhebelievesthey areonapathtoseepositivedevelopmentsintimetoimpacttheFY201415budgetdiscussions. Inadditiontotheusualincreasesinmedicalassistancecosts,SecretaryZogbysaidchangesin thewaythefederalgovernmentcalculatespaymentstothestateforthesecostswillcutthestates federalpaymentsbyanextra$300millionnextyear. Healsoexplainedanaddedbudgetconcernisthe$180millionlossoftobaccosettlement moneyasaresultofarecentadversedecisionbythepaneloverseeingthesettlementagreement.He notedthosemonieswereexpectedintheSpringandhavealreadybeenfrozeninthecurrentyear budget. HesaidtheenactmentofSmallGamesofChancechangeswereapositivedevelopmentinthe statesrevenuepicture.Thesechangesareestimatedtobringinabout$156millioninnewtaxrevenue totheCommonwealth. Healsopointedtothe$2.3billionbipartisantransportationfundingpackageapprovedin Novemberasasignificantimprovementinfundingfortransitsystemsandhighwayandbridgeprojects. Thefundingplanwillincreasethe2014taxongasolineto40.7centspergallon,anincrease from31.2centspergallonin2013,and51centspergallonfordieselfuel,anincreasefrom38.1cents pergallonin2013. SecretaryZogbysaidtheGovernorissuedinstructionstoagenciestopresentabudgetfornext yearwithlevelfunding,butwhichwillactuallyresultinan8percentcutduetoincreasesinpensionand salaryexpenses. HesaidhisOfficeislookingatalloptionsforbringinginnewrevenues,shortofnewtaxes. Whenaskedaboutadoptinganewseverancetaxonnaturalgasproduction,SecretaryZogby notedtheexistingdrillingimpactfeesarebringinginsubstantialrevenuestolocalandstategovernment andanewtaxisnotpartofthemixofoptionsbeingconsidered. OnslowingdownthephaseoutoftheCapitalStockandFranchiseTax,SecretaryZogbysaid nooptionsareoffthetableandsaidthisissuewaspartofthediscussionfortheFY201314budget. However,hesaidhewouldnotbereactingtoindividualoptionsbeforetheGovernorhasanopportunity toreviewthem. ClickHereforacopyofSecretaryZogbysmidyearbudgetbriefingpresentation. NewsClips: StateFacesGrimBudgetOutlook BudgetChiefWarnsOfGapingStateDeficit StateCouldBeInStoreForAnotherBigDeficit PAAgainFacesBudgetShortfall CostOfStateEmployeesToClimb9%In201415 Corbett,LawmakersSeekCashToPlugDeficit Editorial:StopCoddlingDrillers,PassFairTax GOPLawmakersJoinCallForHigherDrillingTax PAClimateChangeActionPlanUpdateMovesToCompletion OnFriday,DEPsClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemettoprovideitslastcommentsonaPA ClimateActionPlanUpdateandindividualworkplanrecommendations,buttooknooverallvoteor actiononthedocuments. DEPsaidthePlanUpdatewouldbefinalizedbyDecember31andpresentedtotheGovernor

andtheGeneralAssembly. VinceBrisini,DEPDeputyforWaste,Air,RadiationandRemediation,toldtheCommitteethey wouldhaveanopportunitytosubmitcommentsonthePlanthatwouldbereflectedinanappendixto thePlanUpdate. HealsonotedthereareprovisionsintheCommitteesbylawsforaformalminorityreportiffour ormoremembersoftheCommitteecanagreetoitscontent.Theminorityreportwouldbepostedon theCommitteeswebpagealongwiththePlanUpdate. Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommitteeandamemberoftheCommittee,saidhewasdisappointedthePlanUpdatedidnot includeaspecificgoalforreducinggreenhousegasemissions.NordidthePlancallforanincreasein renewableenergyundertheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardshesaid. BoththePlanUpdateandtheAppendixareundergoingrevisionsandwillbepostedonthe Committeewebpagewhencompleted. 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 ThePlanUpdateincludesrecommendationsforlegislativechangesmadebyDEPinseveral areas 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. NewsClips: PAClimatePlan,RecommendationsReleased OpEd:ClimateChangeConvertsNuisanceInsectsIntoRealThreat Editorial:IgnoringScienceIsAMistake(OnClimateIssues) OzoneHoleStabilizingButNotShrinkingYet RelatedStories PAEnvironmentalCouncilOpposesRollbackOfAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards DEPPublishesScheduleOfAdvisoryCommittee,BoardMeetingsFor2014 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommitteeand boardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. DEPRemindsPennsylvaniansTisTheSeasonToRecycleElectronics Thisholidayseason,manypeoplewillreceivenewTVsandcomputers,oftenasreplacementsforolder electronics.DEPremindsPennsylvanianstorecycleunwantedelectronicsinsteadofthrowingthemin thetrash. Whenelectronicitemsarethrownaway,theyoftenendupinalandfillwhereheavymetals withintheelectronics,suchaslead,cadmiumandmercury,poseathreattotheenvironment. Recyclingisasimplewayforallofustodoourpartinprotectingourenvironment,DEP SecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Letsmakethisholidayseasonalittlebitgreenerbyproperlyrecycling ourunwantedelectronicdevices. OnJanuary24,2013,PennsylvaniasCoveredDeviceRecyclingActtookeffect,banning landfilldisposalofcertainelectronics.Underthislaw,TVs,desktopandlaptopcomputers,tablets, computermonitorsandprintersfromresidentsandsmallbusinesseswithfewerthan50employeesmust berecycled. Thelawalsorequiresmanufacturerstodevelopsystemstorecyclecertainelectronics.Thisputs theresponsibilitytorecycleontheproducer,makingrecyclingeasierforconsumers. Thereareseveralwaysconsumerscaneasilyrecycleelectronicitems: Somelocalgovernmentsoffercurbsideelectronicsrecycling.Consumersshouldfirstcheckwiththeir localmunicipalitytoseeifcurbsideordropoffserviceisprovided. ManyretailandnonprofitoutletsrecyclemostelectronicitemsforfreeincludingBestBuy,Goodwill, SalvationArmyandStaples.Itsbesttocallaheadtoconfirmwhichelectronicsareaccepted. Therearefreecollectioneventsthattakeplacethroughouttheyearatvariouslocations,whichmay beorganizedbycounty,localgovernmentsandnonprofitpartnerships.TheRecyclingHotline

(18003464242)providesstatewideinformationaboutrecyclingservicesandupcomingevents. Consumerscanalsotaketheiritemstopermittedelectronicsrecyclers,someofwhichofferpickup service. Manywasteandrecyclinghaulingcompaniesalsocollectelectronicitemsdestinedforrecycling. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsElectronicsRecyclingwebpage. PAEnvironmentalCouncilInterviewWithDCNRSecretaryEllenFerretti ThismonthsissueofthePAEnvironmentalCouncilsForumnewsletter featuresaninterviewwithDCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettitouchingona varietyofissuesfacingtheagency,includingtraildevelopment, conservationlandscapes,naturalgasdrillingandothertopics.TheDigest reprintstheinterviewhere FORUM:Whatareyourthoughtsaboutthedepartmentworkinginlargerlandscapes throughouttheCommonwealth?AndwhatisthestatusofthedepartmentsConservation LandscapesProgram? FERRETTI:Frommyperspective,DCNRhasalwaysworkedinlargelandscapesthroughoutthe CommonwealthsincetheoldBureauofForestsandWatersdays.Fromour2.2millionacresofstate forestsandour120stateparkscomprisingatotalof300,000acrestoourBureauofTopographicand GeologicSurveywhichliterallyworksoneverysquareinchoftheCommonwealthtothehundredsof conservation,park,trail,greenwayandbluewayprojectscompleted,plannedandunderwayby communities,organizationsandmunicipalitiesthroughoutPennsylvaniathathavereceivedfundingfrom ourBureauofRecreationandConservationthroughourwildplantprogramthatisstatewideDCNR isrightthereworkingwithourlocalpartners. TheConservationLandscapesprogramisdoingwellinthesevendesignatedlandscapes.We areworkingonourcommittedprojectsandwillbelookingtobetterunderstandthecommunityand resourceimpactsfromthemorethan10yearsofthisinitiativeaswemoveahead. FORUM:AndhowabouttheWaterTrailPartnership?WheredoesthisprogramfitinDCNRs plans? FERRETTI:DCNRseesthePennsylvaniaWaterTrailsPartnershipasanintegralpartofitsRivers Program.ByactivelyworkingtodevelopPennsylvaniasWaterTrailSystem,thepartnershipprovides citizensandvisitorstheopportunitytoeasilyengageinpaddlesports. Thisrecreationaluseestablishesadirectrelationshipbetweentheparticipantandthenatural resourcetheyarepaddlingon,therebyeducatingtheuserandencouragingtheresponsibleuse, conservationandstewardshipofourstatesriversystems.Inshort,weareusingfunrecreational pursuitstoengagecitizensinwaterwayconservation. PECandDCNRhaveworkedverycloselyonwatertrailissuesformorethanadecade.In 2008,DCNRandPECteamedupwiththePennsylvaniaFishandBoatCommissionandtheNational ParkServicetoformthepartnership.Itspurposeistofurtherdevelopandpromoteasystemofwater trailsinPennsylvania.Therearecurrently25watertrailsdesignatedstatewide.

FORUM:Couldyougiveusapeekinsidesomeofyourthinkingaboutthingsliketrailsand greenwaysinDCNRsfuture? FERRETTI:Weknowfromsurveysdonerelatedtoourstatewideoutdoorrecreationplanthatwhat peoplewantmostrelatedtooutdooractivitiesistrailsthatareclosetohome.Basedonthe recommendationsfromthecurrentplan,weareworkingtoprovideinformationaboutlocaltrails throughwebsitesandsojourns,includingtheincreasinglypopularandgrowing www.ExplorePAtrails.comwebsiteforsearching,mappingandsharingtrailsinformation. Wealsodidatrailgapanalysis,andnowhaveacomprehensivetrailplantoinformwhereto makeourinvestmentsthroughourgrantprogramsothatwearestrategicwithfundingtoclosegapsin trailsystemsandconnectuserstotrails. Relatedtogreenways,wecontinuetousethecountynaturalheritageinventorydataasakey buildingblockforcountygreenwayandopenspaceplanningsupportedbyDCNR.Almostallofour countiesnowhavecompletedplans.Weusethemtohelpdevelopthestatewidenetworkofgreenways, aswellasencouragemoredetailedplanningatthelocallevel. FORUM:HowisDCNRassessingtheimpactsofnaturalgasdrillinginPennsylvaniasstate forests? FERRETTI:Pennsylvaniasrichconservationlegacyemergedfromlessonslearnedduringpasterasof naturalresourcedevelopment.Conservationactionorientedtowardprotectingwildplacesand producingasustainablesupplyofresourcesforpeopleisacomplementaryapproachundertakenby DCNReachday. SincethearrivalofMarcellusShaledevelopment,DCNRsfocushasbeenonthedevelopment ofguidelinesandproceduresthatareconsistentwithitsecosystemmanagementapproach.Asthe infrastructureisbuilt,monitoringisnecessarytodocumentbothpositiveandnegativechanges. Ourmonitoringeffortsfocusonplants,wildlife,waterresources,socialandrecreationalvalues. ThemonitoringteaminourBureauofForestryislookingtodetectchanges,trackactivities,reportingon thefindingsandmodifypracticeswhereapplicable.Wearecurrentlyfinalizingourfirstmonitoring reportandanticipatereleasingitinthefirstquarterof2014. FORUM:Thestatesforestsystemcontinuestobecertifiedforsustainablepractices.Whyis thatsoimportant? FERRETTI:Ourforestsystemsupportsthousandsofjobsinthestatesmultibilliondollartimberand energyindustries.Stateforestsalsopromotecleanwaterandairconservescenicbeautyandhabitat andactasahavenforthosewholiketohunt,fish,hikeandpursueoutdooractivities. Ourstateforesthasbeenindependentlycertifiedformorethan15yearsatestimonyto DCNRsabilitytomanageourforestsbalancingtheirmanyusesandvalues. Thiscertificationallowsremovedtimbertobesoldassustainablyharvested,givinganedgeto ourtimberandwoodproductindustries. FORUM:TheCommonwealthsstateparkswererecentlyrecognizedasthebestinthe country.WhatisDCNRdoingtoimprovethequalityandbenefitsofourstateparks?

FERRETTI:ThevisionofgreatconservationleadersatcriticaltimesinPennsylvaniashistoryhas resultedinthesystemofstateparksandforeststhatPennsylvaniansenjoyandlovetoday.Ourmodern challengeiscaringforourpubliclands,focusingonimprovementsforagingfacilitieswellmanaged forestsandhighmanagementstandardsforourawardwinningstateparks. DuringmytimeatDCNR,IintendtoworkwithGov.Corbetttoimprovetheefficiencyofour currentassetsandoperations,anddirectourresourcesintothemaintenanceandrenewalofour campgrounds,waterresources,buildings,roadsandtrailstomaintainandimprovetheexperienceofour visitors. FORUM:Lookingahead,whatcanweanticipateassomenewareasofattentionforDCNRin thenextcoupleofyears? FERRETTI:Forme,promotingopportunitiesforchildrenandyoungpeopletoconnecttonature throughourstateparksandforestsisapriority. Igrewupinanareathathadbeenstrippedfromcoalmining.Naturetomewasblackhills andbirchtrees,untilmyparentsintroducedmetothenaturalbeautyinourstateparks.Thesevisits resonatedwithmeandforgedmyfutureloveoftheoutdoors. Ibelievethatyoungpeoplevisitingourstateparksandforestswiththeirfamilies,theirscout troops,theirschools,andparticipatingintheuniqueprogramsweofferincludingAdventureCampsfor kidsfromurbanareasECOCamptointroduceteenstoenvironmentalcareersandournewlylaunched ProjectLearningTree,willcometoknowandappreciateournaturalresourcesandthegreatoutdoors. Theywillbethefuturestewardsofourpubliclands.Withstudyafterstudyshowingthatbeing outdoorspresentsamentalandphysicalbenefittousall,wecanconcurrentlyconserveour Commonwealthsnaturalheritageandproducearealbenefittoourcitizens. (ReprintedfromDecember2013Forumnewsletter,PAEnvironmentalCouncil) 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 House2014 January7(NonVoting),13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate2014 January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(January7):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPforacompetitive grantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303(MoulRAdams) transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlargemasstransitfleetsto naturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransitbusestonaturalgas HouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFund tocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclestonaturalgasand providea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308(SaylorRYork)redirecting

$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgas.<>Click HereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(January7):<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theFinanceCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill1461(KillionRChester)establishinga waterfrontdevelopmenttaxcreditsummaryinPhiladelphia.<>ClickHereforfullHouse CommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek

EndangeredSpecies:HouseResolution586(McCarterDMontgomery)commemoratingthe40th anniversaryoftheEndangeredSpeciesActsponsorsummary.

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

NewsFromTheCapitol
NewBipartisanMarcellusShaleDrillingTaxProposalAnnouncedByHouseMembers AbipartisanMarcellusShaledrillingtaxproposalwasannouncedTuesdaybyabipartisangroupof statelawmakers,ledbyReps.GeneDiGirolamo(RBucks)andTomMurt(RMontgomery).The proposalwillbesimilartoHouseBill1863fromlastsession. RepresentativesDiGirolamoandMurtareworkingwithabipartisanteamoftheircolleagues Reps.HarryReadshaw(DAllegheny)andPamDeLissio(DPhiladelphia)todeveloplegislationthat wouldimplementaseverancetaxondrillingintheMarcellusShaleasawaytosupplementfundingfora numberofimportantprogramsinPennsylvania.TheCommonwealthistheonlymajorgasproducing statethatdoesnotimposeadrillingtax. Foryears,wehavebeenhearingaboutthelargenaturalgasdepositsthroughoutmuchofthe Commonwealth,andhowPennsylvaniasnaturalassetshavethepotentialtohelpfundsomeofthemost criticalneedsforourresidents,Rep.DiGirolamosaid.Althoughanimpactfeewasadoptedacouple ofyearsagotohelpcommunitiesimpactedbythedevelopmentcausedbydrilling,thereisstillsomuch morepotential. Theproposedlegislationcallsfora4.9percentseverancetaxtoreplacetheimpactfeethatwas enactedin2011andwouldbelowerthantheratealreadyimposedinneighboringWestVirginia. Underthecurrentimpactfeestructure,eachwellisassessedafeewhichdeclinesovertimefor thefirst15yearsofoperation.Allunconventionalwellsdrilledeachyear,nomatterhowmuchnatural gasisproduced,paythesamefee. Forwhatisthoughttobeatypicalunconventionalwell,thetotalimpactfeespaidover15years amounttolessthan2percentofthevalueofthenaturalgassoldfromthewell. The$400millioninimpactfeerevenueforthefirsttwoyearshasmadeanincredibledifference inmitigatingmanyimpacts,theynoted,butitistimetoallowtherestoftheCommonwealthtoreapthe benefitsofdrilling. Everyyear,thebudgetbattlebecomesatugofwarfordisabilityfundswithnocertaintyuntil sometimearoundmidnighteachJune30,Rep.Murtsaid.Thisisnotacceptabletothefamilieswho relyonhumanservicestosurvive,anditsnotacceptabletous. DuetothehigherrateandPennsylvaniasrapidlyincreasingnaturalgasproduction,aseverance taxwouldgenerateadditionalfundsabovetheexistingimpactfee.Asproductiongrows,thisdifference growslarger,andastheseverancetaxgrows,theseprogramswouldreceivemorefundingthanthey

wouldundertheimpactfee. Underthelegislation,40percentoftherevenuewouldbedirectedtolocalgovernmentsinthe drillingareastohelpwiththecostofreplacementandrepairofdeterioratedbridges,waterandsewer infrastructureandenvironmentalinitiatives. Theremaining60percentofthedrillingtaxrevenuewouldprovideenhancedfundingtothe followingprogramsthatinvestineducation,theenvironment,humancapitalandeconomicdevelopment. Morespecificallythefirstyear,60percentofthetaxrevenuewouldbeallocatedto 40%Basiceducation 10%EnvironmentalStewardshipFund(GrowingGreener) 10%InvestmentinPublicLandsStateParksandStateForests 4%SolarenergyPennsylvaniaSunshineProgram 8%DrugandAlcoholPrograms 8%AdultswithSpecialNeeds 5%BehavioralHealth 5%HumanServicesDevelopmentFund 3%HEMAP 2%RapeandDomesticViolencePrograms 2%VeteransHomesand 3%IndustryPartnerships. Ifthislegislationisenacted,thewaitinglistforserviceswillshrinkandthepressureonour overburdenedcountieswillbereduced,Rep.Murtsaid.Mostimportantly,wewillendtheannual budgetritualofwonderingifthestatewillfundthesecriticalprograms. Anygooddrillingtaxproposalshouldbefairandreasonable,assisthostcommunitieswiththeir needsandimpacts,makelongterminvestmentsinournaturalresourcesandenvironmentalprograms, investinoureconomyandhumancapital,strengthenoursafetynetandensurethateverycitizenofthe CommonwealthwillbenefitfromthedevelopmentoftheMarcellusShaleandotherdeepgasreserves, Rep.DiGirolamosaid.Webelievethismeetsallofthesecriteria,andwelookforwardtointroducing thelegislationinthenearfuture. Asummaryoftheproposalbythesponsorsisavailableonline. ClickHereToviewRep.DiGirolamoscomments.ClickHeretoviewRep.Murtscomments. NewsClip:GOPLawmakersJoinCallForHigherDrillingTax HouseDemocratHearingOnClimateChangeBasedOn2009ClimatePlan,Not2013Plan Pennsylvaniashouldbedoingmoretoaddressclimatechange,apanelofexpertstoldtheHouse DemocraticPolicyCommitteeMondayduringahearingorganizedbyRep.GregVitali(DDelaware), MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee. "Staterenewableportfoliostandardsarethemosteffectivetoolsforreducingcarbon,"said BruceBurcat,executivedirectoroftheMidAtlanticRenewableEnergyCoalition. BurcatsaidhisorganizationsupportsHouseBill100(VitaliDDelaware). HouseBill100wouldamendtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsActbyrequiring Pennsylvaniaelectriccompaniestoobtain15percentoftheirpowerfromrenewablesourcesby2023. TheAEPSnowrequireselectriccompaniestopurchase8percentoftheirpowerfromrenewable sourcesby2021. Accordingtothe2009Pennsylvania'sClimateActionplan,emissionsassociatedwithelectric

companiesareprojectedtobethelargestfuturecontributortogreenhousegasses. However,the2013PlanUpdatetobeconsideredFridaybyDEPsClimateChangeAdvisory CommitteenotestherehavebeensignificantchangestoPennsylvaniasgreenhousegasemissionssince thebaseyearof2000usedinthePlanresultingintheestimatethatoverallclimatechangingemissions fromtheCommonwealthwillbelowerin2020thaninthebaseyear. Thereductionintheuseofcoalforpowergenerationandtheswitchtonaturalgasalonewill resultinemissionssavingsofabout12millionmetrictonsofcarbondioxideannually. ThedraftPlanconcludes:PennsylvaniaCO2(carbondioxide)emissionshavefallen dramatically,inlargepartbecausePennsylvaniaisgeneratingmoreelectricitywithnaturalgasinsteadof coal.However,otherfactors,includingimprovedenergyefficiencystandardsfromconsumerproducts andautomobileshavecontributedtothedeclineincarbonemissions.Pennsylvaniacontinuestobea leaderinreducingmethaneemissionfromthenaturalgasindustryandsolidwastelandfills.Moreover, furtherreductionsareoccurring,andfuturereductionswilloccur,throughnewregulatoryrequirements liketheTailoringRule,NSPS,andMACT(newairqualityregulations). RichardAlley,professorofclimatologyatPennStateUniversity,saidgreenhousegaseshave causedtemperaturesacrosstheglobehaverisenbyonedegree.Hesaidiftemperaturescontinueto rise,itwillbemoredifficulttogrowcropstherewillbemorefloodsanddroughtsandstrongerstorms, andsealevelswillcontinuetorise. DelawareValleyGreenBuildingsCouncilPolicyandAdvisoryCoordinatorHollyShieldssaid moreenergyefficientbuildingsalsocouldhelpcombatclimatechange. "DVGBCrecommendsthatthelegislatureinstituteanenergybenchmarkingpolicyfor stateownedorleasedbuildingsoveracertainsizetoenabletheperformanceofthosebuildingstobe comparedtoothersnationallyandtoencourageprivatebuildingownerstofollowsuit,"Shieldssaid. ShieldsalsosaidherorganizationsupportsHouseBill34(HarperRMontgomery),which wouldrequiretheDepartmentofGeneralServicestoadopthighperformancebuildingstandards. Thestatecouldencouragetheexpansionofrenewableenergyandenergyconservationthrough "GreenBanks,"whichhelpfinanceprojects,saidThomasD.Peterson,presidentofTheCenterfor ClimateChange.HenotedthatNewYorkisformingthe$1billionNewYorkGreenBank. Alleysaidthestateshouldactsoon. "Wecanbeatclimatechange,butthelongerwewaitthehigherthecostandthemoredifficultit willbetoaddress,"Alleysaid. NewsClips: PAClimatePlan,RecommendationsReleased OpEd:ClimateChangeConvertsNuisanceInsectsIntoRealThreat Editorial:IgnoringScienceIsAMistake(OnClimateIssues) OzoneHoleStabilizingButNotShrinkingYet RelatedStories PAClimateChangeActionPlanUpdateMovesToCompletion PAEnvironmentalCouncilOpposesRollbackOfAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards DecemberEnvironmentalSynopsisAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee TheDecemberissueoftheEnvironmentalSynopsisnewslettersisnowavailablefromtheJoint LegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee. Theissuefeaturesarticleson:alternativefueledvehicles,carboncapturetechnology,wildlife

tourism,newpowerplantemissionlimitsandasummaryofrecentCommitteeactivities. Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheCommittee.

NewsFromAroundTheState
FarmersImprove36MilesOfStreamsInUpperSusquehannaWatershed TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPA,41farmersandCBFspartnersinnorthernPennsylvaniaFriday celebrateasignificantcleanwaterachievement:36milesofforestbuffershavebeenplantedalong streamsinBradford,Susquehanna,Sullivan,Wyoming,andLycomingCounties. Thesebufferswillimprovelocalanddownstreamwaterquality,improvefarmviability,provide habitatforfishandotherwildlife,andcounttowardPennsylvaniasCleanWaterBlueprintrequirements. ThefouryearprojectwasfundedbyaUSDAConservationInnovationGrant,DEPGrowing Greener,andbyCBFsBufferBonusprogram,andyieldedimpressiveresults. Inadditiontothe36newlyestablishedstreamsideforestedbuffers(atotalof430acres), farmersalsoinstalled219differentonfarmconservationpracticesforahealthierenvironment. Statecompliantsoilconservationandmanuremanagementplansweredevelopedforeachofthefarms, withtwentyeightalsoreceivingComprehensiveNutrientManagementPlans. Theseimprovementsallhavepositiveeffectsonlocalwaterquality,whileatthesametimehelp toimprovetheoverallproductivityofthefarm,saidStephanieEisenbise,CBFsPennsylvania WatershedManager. Streamsinthisnorthernregionofthestateareveryimportantbecausetheyaretheheadwaters totheSusquehannaRiver.Sothisworknotonlyhelpsimprovewaterqualityhereathome,butalso nearly400milesawayintheChesapeakeBay. ForBillHouseknechtofBradfordCounty,andoneofthe41farmers,workingwithBuffer Bonusmeantanewstreamsidebufferandamuchneededmanurestoragefacilitythatenableshimto storeroughlysevenmonthsworthofmanure. Weusedtohavetospreadtwoloadsadaythroughouttheyear.Nowwestoreituntilwe needit,spreadingitprimarilyinthespringandsummer,andmaybealittlebitinthefallifwevegot somethinggrowing,Billsaid.Itsbeenatremendouslaborsavingsforus,especiallyinthewinterwhen youdonthavetoworryaboutspreadingitonthesnow. ManurestoragefacilitiesareoneofseveralBufferBonussupportedimprovementsthatcan deliverdirectwaterqualitybenefits.Theprogramfocusesfirstonthepollutionreductioncapabilitiesof forestedstreamsidebuffers. Inreturnforestablishingabufferofatleast35feetinwidth,participatingfarmersreceivea vouchertohelppayforotheronfarmconservationpractices.Thiswinwinprogramimprovesboth farmproductivityandwaterquality. TheCleanWaterBlueprintoutlinesPennsylvaniasgoalsformeetingpollutionreductionsfrom farming,saidEisenbise.Andfarmbyfarmthosegoalsarebeingmet.Buttheresmoreworktodo. Thatswhyweareworkingwithfarmerstoimplementcleanwaterconservationpracticesthathave localanddownstreambenefits. PracticessupportedthroughtheBufferBonusprograminclude:Plantingstreamsideforested buffersLivestockstreamfencingandcrossingsConstructingmanurestoragefacilitiesControlling runofffrombarnyards,pastures,&rooftopsConstructingcontainmentfacilitiesformilkhousewastes Improvingbarnyardareasandlivestocklanesandmanyothers.

Additionalfundingfortheseprojectswasprovidedby:USDANaturalResourcesConservation Service,USDAFarmServiceAgency,PennsylvaniasREAPtaxcreditprogram,PAGrowing Greener,theBradfordCountyConservationDistrict,andbyothergenerousdonors. ProjectPartners:ChesapeakeBayFoundation,BradfordCountyConservationDistrict, USDANaturalResourcesConservationService,PheasantsForever,USDAFarmServiceAgency, RedBarn,Inc.,TeamAg,Inc.,andtheTowandaCreekWatershedAssociation. ToreadaboutthemanyfarmingsuccessstorieshappeninginPennsylvaniaandthroughoutthe watershed,visitCBFsFarmSuccesseswebpage.VisitCBFsPennsylvaniaCleanWaterBlueprint webpagetolearnmoreabouttheprogressPennsylvaniaismakingtowarditsChesapeakeBaycleanup goals. ChesapeakeBayCleanupFactSheets TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAOfficehasissuedaseriesoffactsheetsoutliningthe waterqualityproblemsandsolutionsbeingimplementedinthePennsylvaniaportionoftheChesapeake BayWatershed APrimerOnPollutantsOfConcernoutlinesthecontributionsPennsylvaniasportionofthe ChesapeakeBayWatershedmakestonitrogen,phosphorusandsedimentpollutiontotheBay. Nearly20,000MilesOfPAStreamsArePolluteddetailsthefacttherearethousandsof streammilesandhundredsofacresoflakesallacrossPennsylvaniathatareconsideredimpaired underthefederalCleanWaterActthateitherhaveorwillrequirewhatisknownasaTotalMaximum DailyLoad(TMDL). CostEffectiveSolutionsAreKnown,DocumentedForTheChesapeakeBaynotescost effectivepollutionsolutionshavealreadymadesignificantprogressinreducingpollutiongoingtothe Bay,particularlyinPennsylvania. LancasterCountyPlainSectFarmsAsCleanWaterStewardsprovidesasnapshotofthe BufferBonusinitiativefromCBFtoencouragetheinstallationofstreambuffersbyAmishandPlainSect farmersinLancasterCounty. AmishandOldOrderMennoniteFarmsProtectStreamsAndTheBayprovidesan overviewofaCBFinitiativetoworkwithPlainSectfarmersinLancasterandChestercountiestoinstall bestmanagementpracticesunderfederalFarmBillProgramsliketheConservationReserve EnhancementProgram(CREP). Inaddition,Dr.BethMcGee,SeniorWaterQualityScientistatCBF,gaveaPowerPoint presentationOctober16onthestatusoftheChesapeakeBayCleanupinPennsylvaniaandthe challengesthatremain. NewsClips: IsTheSusquehannaRiverWatershedHealthyOrAtRisk? BoostersTryToDrumUpVotesForKiskiConemaughRivers DecentFoodFromLocalFarmersShouldNotBeLuxury ImprovingStreams,RiversInPAAnAcreAtATime DrivewaySealerToxinsFoundInConodoguinetCreek PUCOKsDealToSubsidizeRuralWastewaterSystems ConewagoCreekInitiativeFeaturedInPennStateVideo PennStatePublicMediarecentlyreleasedAConewagoStory,avideodocumentingtheworkof farmersandotherlandownersaspartoftheConewagoCreekInitiativeinDauphin,Lancasterand

Lebanoncounties. Overthelastseveralyears,apartnershipofoverthirtyorganizationscalledtheConewago CreekInitiativehasbeenworkingcooperativelytoincreasewatershedengagementandworkwith farmersandlandownerstoadoptlandmanagementpracticestoimprovewaterquality,accordingto MatthewRoyer,DirectoroftheAgricultureandEnvironmentCenteratPennState. ThepartnershipisfacilitatedbythePennStateAgricultureandEnvironmentCenter,and supportedbyagrantfromtheNationalFishandWildlifeFoundation.Furthersupportwasprovidedby theUSDAsdesignationoftheConewagoasaShowcaseWatershedandDEPthroughtheSection 319program. Theresultsareimpressiveanddemonstratewhatlocalpartnershipsandcitizenscandoto improvewaterquality. ClickHeretowatchthevideo.Tolearnmore,visittheConewagoCreekInitiativewebsite. StateImpactPA:IsTheSusquehannaRiverHealthyOrAtRisk?Jan.20Program StateImpactPennsylvaniaishostingapaneldiscussiononIsThe SusquehannaRiverHealthyOrAtRiskatWITFstudiosinHarrisburg from6:30to8:30p.m. Apanelofexpertsandbepartofacommunitydiscussionaboutissues affectingtheSusquehannaRiverwatershedeverythingfromcurbing pollutionandprotectingtheChesapeakeBaytopromotingbusiness, tourism,andrecreation. SpeakerswillincludeJohnArwayoftheFishandBoatCommission, AndrewDehoffoftheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommission,DonMcNuttfromtheLancasterCounty ConservationDistrict,andAlexandraChiaruttini,anattorneywiththeYorkfirm,StockandLeader. Askquestionsandairyourviews.Youllleavewithamuchrichersenseofhowthe Susquehannaisdoing.ForthosewhocantmakeittoHarrisburg,theeventwillbelivestreamedonline. Eventisfreeandopentothepublic.Registrationisrequired.ClickHeretosignup. NewsClips: IsTheSusquehannaRiverWatershedHealthyOrAtRisk? BoostersTryToDrumUpVotesForKiskiConemaughRivers PennState:NewSustainableAgFarmersNeedAccess,FarmManagementKnowledge Onfarminternshipsandlandlinkprogramsaretwoimportantmodelsforincreasingthenumberof farmersinthesustainableagriculturemovement,accordingtoresearchersinPennState'sCollegeof AgriculturalSciences. Themajorityofnewcomerstosustainableagriculturedonotenterfarmingthroughafamily enterprisethetraditionalsuccessionprocessoflearningskillsandinheritingpropertyisnotcommon amongthesefirstgenerationfarmers. Asaresult,noviceproducersoftenlackessentialknowledgeandaccesstoland,bothcritical forsupportingnewfarmersgrowingfoodforlocalmarkets,explainedKathleenWoodandLesliePillen, bothmaster'sdegreestudentsinruralsociology. Fortheseaspiringfarmers,learningtofarmoftencomesthrougharelationshipwithan experiencedfarmer,andgainingaccesstolandoccursthroughanagreementbetweenlandseekerand

landowner. Fortheirtheses,WoodandPillenconductedresearchexaminingtherolethatfarminternships (Wood)andlandlinkprograms(Pillen)playinsupportinganewgenerationofbeginningfarmersinthe Northeast. Intheirresearch,whichwaspartiallyfundedthrough2012NortheastSAREGraduateStudent ResearchAwards,WoodandPillenexploredthesocialprocessesandstructuresoffarminternships andlandlinkprograms,andstudiedtheimplicationsoftheseforprovidingthenecessaryresourcesto newfarmers. Theirdatawereindependentlycollectedthroughmixedmethodresearchdesigns.Bothstudies includedintensiveinterviewingandWebsurveys,andWoodalsoconductedfocusgroupsand distributedtimeusediariestofarminterns.Therearefewsociologicalstudiesconductedoneithertopic. Woodfocusedontherolefarminternshipsplayforcuriousoraspiringfarmerstogainhandson farmingskills.Shefoundthattheemphasistheseinternshipsplaceonlaborimpartspracticalskillsto interns.However,themodelleavesgapsinknowledgeprovidedtoparticipantsifworkisnot supplementedwithinstructionfromafarmmentor. "Farmersareexpectedtoofferabroaderpictureoffarmingbyincludinginternsinlabortasks andprovidinginstructiononarangeoffarmingtopics,sotheinternswillgraduallygainexperience,"said Wood. "Butinmanycases,internsfeeltheyarelaborersmorethanlearners,andfarminternsreceive limitedinstructionapartfromlaboractivities." Althoughmostfarminternsweregivenalternateremunerationfortheirlabor,theyweremore motivatedbyskillslearnedandthevalueoftheirwork,notedWood.Manyofthemwishedthattheir employershadspentmoretimetrainingtheminareasofmanagementorfarmplanninginadditionto labor. SincethefarmpopulationintheUnitedStateshasdwindled,andgrowingnumbersoffarmers arenearingretirementage,newfarmersarecrucialtocontinuinglocalandsustainableagriculture. Organizationsandindividualsthatoffertheirlandtofarmlandseekersthroughlandlinkprogramsseeit puttogooduseandsupportthegrowingoffoodonthelocallevel. Nevertheless,accordingtoPillen'sresearch,theselandownersmainlylookforcredibilityamong potentiallesseeswhendecidingtoleasetheirland. "Ownersmaylookforpriorfarmmanagementexperiencebeforetheytrustlandseekersto leasetheirland,"saidPillen."Inmyresearch,Ifoundthatoverathirdoftheseekersdidnothave experienceinfarmmanagement." Landlinkprogramsoftenmotivatedbysupportingbeginningfarmersandlocalagriculture managedatabasesoffarmlandtohelpbeginningfarmerslocatepropertiestocultivate.However,itis lesscommonthattheysupportfarmersandlandownersinestablishingclearexpectationsofthe partnershipinaleaseagreement,Pillenpointedout. "Ownerinexperienceandowner'farmingfantasies'aretwobarrierslandlinkprogramsface whenfacilitatingalease,"shesaid."Somelandownersmaybeexcitedaboutsupportinglocalagriculture, buttheymightnotknowexactlywhatitentailsincaseswheretheythemselveshaveneverfarmedor experiencedafarm." Thegoalsofthelandseekerandthelandownermustbeclearlycommunicatedandcompatible, Pillenemphasized,sobothpartiescanengageinasuccessfulpartnership. Landaccesssecurityisanotherbarrierofleasesfacilitatedthroughlandlinkprograms."Owners retainultimatecontrol,"Pillensaid."Theyhavetheabilitytoendthepartnershipiftheyareunhappywith

it." Theneedfornewfarmersisevident,theresearchersagreed.Butthereisalsoaneedfor farmersandlandownerswhoarepreparedtoteachaspiringfarmersproperfarmmanagementandto providethemaccesstoland. "Withoutaddressingthechallengespresentininternshipsandlandlinkprogramswithincurrent sustainableagriculturesystems,thefuturesustainabilityoftheseeffortstosupportbeginningfarmerswill remaininquestion,"Woodsaid. DEPJan.7WebinarOnGP8StreamCrossingsPermitChanges TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionannouncedWednesdayitwillholdasecondwebinaron January7,at2:30p.m.,todiscussproposedrevisionstotheGP8permitusedfortemporaryroad crossings. ThewebinarwillfocusonaDEPproposaltomodifyapermitfortemporaryroadcrossings whichallowsfortheconstruction,operation,maintenanceandremovalofvarioustypesoftemporary crossingsthroughbodiesofwaterandwetlands. Theproposedpermitincludesastandardizedformatofdefinitionsofterms,instructions,forms, examplesandsampledrawings. Theproposalalsorevisesthescopeofthepermitfortemporaryactivities,suchasapipeline, electrictransmissionline,telephoneorwaterlineandenvironmentaltestingormonitoringactivities,such astemporarysoilsamplingandseismictestinglines.Theactivitiescoveredunderthepermitproposal willbeheldtothespecificpermitconditionsprovidedwhentheproposedpermitmodificationsbecome final. Publiccommentsontheproposedpermitrevisionsarewelcome.Thepubliccommentperiod runsuntilJanuary10,2014.WrittencommentscanbemailedtotheDepartmentofEnvironmental Protection,BureauofWaterwaysEngineeringandWetlands,DivisionofWetlands,Encroachmentsand Training,P.O.Box8460,Harrisburg,PA171058460oremailedto:RAGP8Comments@pa.gov. Toregisterforthisevent,visittheDEPsWebinarwebpage. AlleghenyFrontRadioSeriesFeaturesAbandonedMineDrainageTreatmentEfforts TheAlleghenyFront,aradionewsprogramfeaturedonPittsburgh'slocalNationalPublicRadio,NPR, ishostinganewseriescalled"RippleEffects:WaterPollutionandSolutions." RippleEffects,partiallyfundedbytheFoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds,haspublished threestoriesaboutAbandonedMineDrainage. TohearthereportsandenjoyinterviewswithsomeofWesternPennsylvania'smostinfluential andnotableacidminedrainageremediationvolunteersandadvocates,clickonthelinksbelow CanBigGasHelpPACleanUpItsCoalMiningPast? MiningCompanyInvestsBigToTreatAcidMineDrainage TurningAcidMineDrainagePollutionIntoPottery (WrittenBy:AnneDaymut,WatershedCoordinator,WesternPACoalitionforAbandonedMine ReclamationandreprintedfromAbandonedMinePosts.) PennStateExtensionOffersWaterTestingClinicsIn2014

PennStateExtensionisofferingaseriesofDrinkingWaterClinicsin2014thatincludediscountedwater testingthroughthePennStatewatertestinglaboratory. Clinicsarebeingofferedforthefollowingdatesandlocations:January14(MercerCounty), March12(WestmorelandCounty),March27(ButlerCounty),April8(McKeanCounty),April15 (JeffersonCounty),June4(FranklinCounty). HomeownerswhoregisterforacliniccanpickupawatertestkitfromtheExtensionofficeand dropoffthesampleonanappointeddate,approximatelyonemonthbeforetheClinic.Watertestresults arethendistributedattheClinicwherehomeownerscanreceiveindividualizedinterpretationand informationonpropermanagementoftheirwaterwell,springorcistern. Thecostfortheseworkshopsis$72(a40percentsavings)whichincludesawatertestfor coliformbacteria,E.colibacteria,pH,totaldissolvedsolids,nitrateandarsenic. ClickHeretoregisterorformoreinformation. (ReprintedfromPennStateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) WaterResourcesEducationNetworkDecemberPolicyNewsNowAvailable ThePALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResourcesEducationNetworkDecemberWaterPolicy Newsisnowavailable.ClickHeretoreadyourcopy. StormwaterPABlueprintForSuccessFeaturesTaconyCreekRestoration ThelatestissueofStormwaterPAsBlueprintForSuccessfeaturesavideooftheTaconyCreek RestorationProjects.ClickHeretowatchthevideo. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulNetworkHoldsOver60SpecialCollectionsDuring2013 KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulsaffiliatenetworkheldover60specialcollectioneventsacrossthestate during2013collecting30,928tires,448.5tonsofelectronics,19.8tonsofscrapmetaland17.9tonsof householdhazardouswasteatonedayeventsandpermanentdropofflocations. Iapplaudouraffiliatesforprovidingthisvaluableservicetotheircommunities.Withoutspecial collections,wewouldbeexpendingfarmoreresourcesonpullingthosematerialsupthehillside,states ShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulworkstoincreasetheavailabilityofconvenient,affordabledisposal forcertainitems,suchastires,householdhazardouswaste,pharmaceuticals,andappliances.Our affiliatechaptersoftenworkwithlocalsolidwasteandrecyclingofficestoidentifylocaldisposalneeds andimplementspecialcollections. VisittheKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulsCalendarofEventswebpagetofindaspecialcollection sitenearyou. Gov.CorbettLaunchesStatewideDrugTakeBackProgram Gov.CorbettMondaylaunchedapermanentstatewidedrugtakebackprogramtoprovideupto250 securemedicinereturnboxesthroughoutPennsylvania.

ThenewMedReturnboxes,installedin29Pennsylvaniacounties,allowindividualstodispose ofunusedandexpiredprescriptionandoverthecountermedicationsafelyandanonymously. MyHealthyPennsylvaniaDrugTakeBackinitiativeisanimportantstepinalleviating Pennsylvaniaspublichealthandsafetyconcernsregardingprescriptiondrugabuseandmisuse, especiallyamongouryouthwhodonthavetolookfurtherthantheirownfamilysmedicinecabinet, Gov.Corbettsaid. Gov.CorbettsHealthyPennsylvaniaDrugTakeBackinitiativeisapartnershipbetweenthe PennsylvaniaDistrictAttorneysAssociation,theDepartmentofDrugandAlcoholProgramsandthe PennsylvaniaCommissiononCrimeandDelinquency. Abuseofprescriptiondrugsisaseriousproblemthatcanleadtoaddiction,overdoseand death,saidDDAPSecretaryGaryTennis.IwanttothankGovernorCorbettforhisleadershiponthis issueandformakingthedrugtakebackprogramapriorityunderhisHealthyPennsylvaniaplan. Pennsylvania,alongwiththerestofthenation,isexperiencinganincreaseinthemisuseand abuseofprescriptionmedications,especiallyinschoolagedyouth.A2010nationalsurveyfromthe CentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionfoundthatoneinfivehighschoolstudentshaveabused prescriptiondrugs. Unfortunately,districtattorneysaroundPennsylvaniahaveseenthenegativeeffectsof prescriptiondrugabuse,saidPDAAPresidentandCumberlandCountyDistrictAttorneyDavid Freed.Safeandanonymousdisposalofprescriptiondrugsisanimportantwaythatstate,law enforcementandindividualscanallparticipateinapartnershipfocusedonprevention. TheannouncementhighlightedtheMedReturnboxrecentlyinstalledintheEastWingentrance tothestateCapitol. MedicationsacceptedintheCapitolboxinclude:Prescriptions,prescriptionpatches, prescriptionmedications,prescriptionointments,overthecountermedications,vitamins,samples,and petmedications. MedicationsnotacceptedintheCapitolboxinclude:Needles,inhalers,aerosolcans,and thermometers. IndividualswithunusedorunwantedmedicationscanbringthemtotheCapitolEastWing, MondaythroughFriday,between7a.m.and6p.m.PennsylvaniaCapitolPoliceInvestigativeSection willcheck,weighanddestroythecontentsmonthly. PCCDreceivedafederalgrantof$100,000fortheboxes.Localdistrictattorneyoffices throughoutthestatecouldapplyforaportionofthefundingbyprovidingaplanfortheinstallationofthe MedReturnboxesanddisposalofthemedications. ClickHeretofindaMedReturnboxinyourarea. NewsClips: PALaunchesDrugDropOffProgram NewProgramProvidesSafe,SecurePlaceForUnusedMedicine FishCommission:DrugTakeBackInitiativeWillProtectFish AninitiativebyGov.Corbetttosafelydisposeofunusedandexpiredprescriptionandoverthecounter medicinealsowillimprovethehealthoffish,saidtheexecutivedirectoroftheFishandBoat CommissionTuesday. Researchshowsthatonceprescriptiondrugsandothermedicinesendupinourwaterways, theyarebeingabsorbedbyfish,saidPFBCExecutiveDirectorJohnArway.Lowdosesofthese

drugscanultimatelyharmfish. Forexample,wehaveseenagreaterfrequencyofanintersexconditioninsmallmouthbassin theSusquehannaRiver,withmalesshowingsignsofeggsintheirreproductivesystemsandhavinga proteinintheirsystemsthatshouldonlyoccurinfemales,hesaid.Wehavealsofoundsoresand lesionsonfish,whichmayduetotheexposureofthesefishtotheunintendedconsequencesofthese drugs. Wehavealwaysbeentoldtoflushourexpiredmedicinesdownthetoiletorwashthemdown thedrain,butourwastewatertreatmentplantsarentdesignedtoremovethembeforetheygetintoa nearbystream,addedArway.TheMedReturnprogramnowprovidesuswithamuchbetterandsafer disposaloption. WefullysupportthegovernorsinitiativeandencourageallPennsylvanianstoproperlydispose oftheirunusedorexpiredmedicines,hesaid.Thisimprovesoverallwaterqualityandinturnprotects thehealthofourCommonwealthsfisheries. NewsClips: PALaunchesDrugDropOffProgram NewProgramProvidesSafe,SecurePlaceForUnusedMedicine PAEnvironmentalCouncilOpposesRollbackOfAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards OnDecember12Rep.TommySankey(RClearfield)introducedHouseBill1912whichwouldrepeal theAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsadoptedin2004thatrequireselectriccompaniestoobtain 15percentoftheirpowerfromrenewablesourcesby2023. Inannouncinghislegislation,Rep.Sankeysaid,InthenearfutureIwillbeintroducing legislationwhichwouldrepealtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsAct.Itismybeliefthat alternativeenergywillbeanimportantfactorinourenergygridinthefuture.Ifwewanttosee alternativeenergycompeteandthrive,wemuststoprewardingfailedprograms.Itrulybelievenecessity isthemotherofinvention,andifwecontinuefundingfailedpolicy,wemayneverseealternativeenergy becompetitive. Inresponsetothisproposal,thePAEnvironmentalCouncilissuedthisstatement ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilbelievesthatrecentlyproposedlegislation(HouseBill 1912)aimedatrepealingtheAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandards(AEPS)Actismisguidedand wouldsetbackPennsylvaniasenergyfuture,resultinjoblosses,andunderminegainsincontrollingair emissions(includinggreenhousegases)acrosstheCommonwealth. Alternativeenergysourcesplayavitalroleinourstateseconomy.Newbusinesseshave locatedheretosupportthegrowthinwind,solar,geothermalandrelatedrenewableenergyindustries sincepassageoftheAEPSin2004.ThePennsylvaniaEnergyDevelopmentAuthorityhasinvested morethan$10millioneachyearsince2004incleanenergyprojects. Theprojectsselectedfor2010aloneareexpectedtocreate1,400jobsandgeneratealifetime energysavingsof10.9billionkilowatthoursofelectricity. Callsforeliminatingtherequirementforutilitiestopurchaserenewableenergyarepubliclybased ontheargumentthatthesesourcesshouldcompetewithtraditionalenergysources(coal,naturalgas)in anopenmarketplacewithoutgovernmentsubsidies. Butthetruthisthatfossilfuelshavelongenjoyedsubstantialsubsidiesandtaxcreditsfrom stateandfederalgovernment.Asanexample,arecentreportbytheEnvironmentalLawInstitute identifiedmorethan$25billioninfederalsubsidiesforcoalproduction,transport,useandwaste

disposalfortheperiodfrom20022010. Despiterecordprofitsfossilfuelscontinuetobenefitfromtaxpayersupport,andwillcontinue todoso. RepealingtheAEPSisathinlyveiledattempttofurthersupportfossilfuels. Therealityisthatfossilfuelswillcontinuetoplayamajorroleinourenergymixforyearsand decadestocome.Evenso,Pennsylvanianeedsrenewableenergysourcestoremaincompetitiveinthe globaleconomy,reduceitsconsiderablecarbonfootprintfromthecombustionoffossilfuels,and providemuchneededjobs. IfPennsylvaniaistogrowitseconomyandprovideahighqualityoflifeforitspeopleand businesses,andistoreduceitsimpactonglobalclimatechange,wemustexpand,noteliminate, alternativeenergyproduction. Therefore,westronglyopposeanylegislationthatwouldrepealorweakentheAEPSand supportthoughtfulmeasuresalreadyintroducedintheGeneralAssemblythatwillincreasetheuseof renewableenergyinPennsylvania. Gov.CorbettAwardsNearly$2MillionInAlternativeFuelIncentiveGrants Gov.CorbettMondayawardednearly$2millioninAlternativeFuelIncentiveGrantstofoursuccessful applicantsfortheirinnovativealternativefueltechnologyprojects. IamparticularlypleasedtobeawardingGETransportation$1milliontodemonstratetheir naturalgasdualfueltechnology,Corbettsaid.Suchinnovationiskeyinfindingevenmorebenefitfrom Pennsylvaniasabundantshaleformations. Inaddition,threeotherinnovationprojectsrepresentgreatopportunitiestodiversifyourfuel portfolio,aswellasmaximizeenergyefficienciesforelectricvehicledeployment,Corbettsaid. InadditiontoGEsdemonstratingofadualfuellocomotive,theinnovativeprojectsinclude upgradingtechnologyforrechargingelectricvehiclesandhydrogenfuelingstations,anddesignand testingofnaturalgasretrofitkitsforgasolinedirectinjectionengines. Thoseeligibletoapplyforthe2013AFIGround,whichranMay25throughJuly26,included nonprofitagencies,forprofitcompanies,commonwealthormunicipalauthorities,andlocal transportationorganizations. Applicationswereacceptedforinnovationinalternativefueltransportation,includingnonroad vehicles,suchasnaturalgaspoweredtrainsormarinevessels. AFIGgrantswerealsoawardedonNovember7to33businesses,countiesandorganizations convertingorpurchasing351naturalgasvehiclesand337propanevehicles.Anestimated15new fuelingstationsand30existingstationswillbesupportedbythesevehicles. AFIGgrantsareanannualsolicitation,providingfinancialincentiveforavarietyof transportationprojectswiththeresultofreducingairemissionsinPennsylvania.DEPwillannouncethe focusofthenextround,expectedtoopeninspring2014. Alistofgrantsawardedisavailableonline. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsNaturalGasVehicleGrantProgramwebpage. DEPLaunchesNewInteractiveOnlineOilandGasWellMappingTool TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannouncedithasmadeavailableanewonline OilandGasMappingToolonitswebsite.

WeunderstandhowimportantitisforPennsylvanianstohaveaccesstoasmuchinformation aspossibleabouttheoilandgasindustryinPennsylvania,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Forthis reason,DEPcreatedthiseasytousetooltopromoteknowledgesharing,increasetransparencyand provideconvenientaccesstowelldata. TheonlinemappingtooldisplaysthelocationofwellsacrossPennsylvaniaandallowsusersto searchandviewspecifictypesofwellsbycounty,suchasconventionalgas,unconventionalgas,oilor coalbedmethanewells.Usersarealsoabletofiltersearchresultsbasedonthestatusofthewellby selectingactive,pluggedorabandoned. Aftersearchfiltersareapplied,userswillhavetheabilitytoviewwellsviasatellitephotoview, topographicmapvieworanimatedmapview.Onceanindividualwellisselected,themappingtoolwill displayrelevantdataaboutthewell,suchastheoperatorname,wellpermitnumber,location informationsuchascountyandtownship,andnameofthewell.Userswillalsobeabletoclickthewell permitnumbertoviewtheproductionandwastedatareportedfortheselectedwell. Inthefuture,themappingtoolwillprovideallrecordsanddatacollectedbythedepartment associatedwitheachindividualwellacrossthestate.Thisinformationcouldincludewellpermit documents,welldrawingsandmaps,wellrecords,completionreports,hydraulicfracturingchemicals usedtostimulatethewell,inspectionreportsandphotographsofthewellandwellsite. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsOilandGasMappingToolwebpage. PandaPowerFundsFinances2ndPANaturalGasPowerProjectInLycomingCounty PandaPowerFundsFridayannouncedithascompletedtheacquisitionandsuccessfulfinancingof MoxieEnergysplanned829MWnaturalgasfueled,combinedcyclePatriotgeneratingstation, locatedinLycomingCounty,Pennsylvania. Whencompleted,thePatriotprojectwillbethesecondnewpowerplantintheKeystoneState afterPandasLibertypowerplantspecificallydevelopedtotakeadvantageofitsproximityto theMarcellusShale. Pandawillimmediatelystartconstructiononthe85acresiteandexpectscommercial operationstobeginbythemiddleof2016. GoldmanSachs,CreditSuisse,AresCapital,UnionBankandInvestecactedasjointlead arrangersfortheseniordebtfinancingoftheplant.PandaPatriotraiseddebtcapitaltotaling$651.5 million.PandaLiberty,financedinAugustofthisyear,raiseddebtcapitaltotaling$627million. ThePatriottransactionmarksthefifthfinancingofalargescalepowerfacilitybyPandaPower Fundsin17months.ThefundissupplyingequityforthePatriotprojectalongwithalargeinstitutional coinvestor. ThePatriotprojectisPandaPowerFundsseconddevelopmentacquisitionfromMoxieEnergy inthePJMInterconnection. Theresnograssgrowingunderourfeet.ImextremelyproudofaPandateamthathasclosed fivedealsofthissizein17months,saidToddW.Carter,presidentandseniorpartnerofPandaPower Funds.IamalsopleasedtoaddanotherPennsylvaniaprojecttoourportfolio.Usingnaturalgasfrom theMarcellusShale,thePandaPatriotgeneratingstationwillprovideclean,lowcostpowerto Pennsylvaniansforgenerationstocome. MoxieEnergyistobecommendedfordevelopingtherightpowergenerationprojectsin preciselytherightplace,attherighttime. Pandaperformsexhaustiveduediligence,andwhenitstimetoact,theymovequickly,said

AaronSamson,chiefexecutiveofficerofMoxieEnergy.Weveenjoyedworkingwiththemthrough bothacquisitions. ThePandaPatriotprojecthasbeenstrategicallysitedontheMarcellusShale,estimatedtobe thesecondlargestnaturalgasfieldintheworld.TheMarcelluscontainsuptoaprojected330trillion cubicfeetofrecoverablenaturalgas,ortheequivalentof115yearsofproductionatcurrentlevels.The Patriotprojectsproximitytosuchalargesupplyofnaturalgasisexpectedtoprovideasignificant operatingcostadvantageforthepowerplant. ThePatriotplantwillutilizeSiemensHclassgasturbinestheworldsfirstgeneration technologytoachievecombinedcyclenetoperatingefficienciesofgreaterthan60percent.Thetwo singleshaftpowertrainswillmakethePatriotplantoneofthecleanest,mostefficientnaturalgasfueled powerplantsintheUnitedStates. Inaddition,unlikeapproximately95percentofthenationsgeneratingfacilities,theplantwillbe cooledwithairratherthanwater.Asaresult,thePatriotplantwillnotdrawwaterfrom,ordischarge waterinto,theWesternBranchoftheSusquehannaRivereliminatingpotentialimpactstospeciesin theSusquehannawatershed. ThePatriotplantwillmakeasignificanteconomiccontributiontotheareaduringconstruction andthefacilitysfirst10yearsofoperation.Approximately500jobswillbecreatedtoconstructthe Patriotpowerplantatpeakconstruction.Duringoperations,thegeneratingstationwillcreatean estimated27skilledjobstooperatethefacilityand45indirectjobswithinthecommunitytosupportthe plant. GemmaLanewillserveastheprojectEPCContractorandSiemensEnergyInc.willprovide thepowerislandpackage,includingthegasturbines,steamturbinesandheatrecoverysteam generators.GemmaLanewillberesponsibleforinstallingthepowerislandequipmentandforthe engineering,procurementandinstallationofthebalanceoftheplant,andthecommissioningofthe facility. Constructionwilltakeapproximately30months. SouthJerseyResourcesGroup,asubsidiaryofSouthJerseyIndustries,Inc.,isthecontracted gassupplierfortheplant. ThegeneratingstationwillbelocatedinClintonTownshipinLycomingCounty,approximately 125milesnorthwestofPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania.Whencompleted,thegeneratingstationwillbeable tosupplythepowerneedsofupto1millionhomesinPennsylvania. PUCUpdatesAct129EnergyConservationTechnicalReferenceManual ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayapprovedanupdatedTechnicalReferenceManual,whichis usedtoassessenergysavingsattributabletoenergyefficiencyanddemandresponsemeasuresforthe implementationofthestatesAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsofAct213andtheenergy efficiencyandconservationprovisionsofAct129of2008. TheCommissionvoted50toapprovetheupdatedTRM,whichsetsthestandardsusedto measureandverifyapplicableenergyefficiencymeasuresusedbythestateselectricdistribution companies.TheupdatedTRMwillgointoeffectonJune1,2014. InitiallyestablishedinMarch2005,theTRMisupdatedannuallyinordertokeeppaceand remainrelevantandusefulasexperienceandtechnologyrelatedtoenergyefficiencyevolves.In addition,energyefficiencymeasureshavebecomemoreprevalentandnecessary,asevidencedbythe enactmentofAct129of2008.

AEPSspecificallyrequiredtheCommissiontodevelopstandardsfortrackingandverifying savingsfromenergyefficiency,loadmanagementanddemandsidemanagementmeasures. Generally,AEPSrequiresthatacertainpercentageofallelectricenergysoldtoretailcustomers bederivedfromalternativeenergysourcessuchassolar,wind,hydropower,geothermal,biomass,and demandsidemanagementresources.ThelawappliestobothEDCsandelectricgenerationsuppliers, whichmustdemonstratetheircomplianceonanannualbasis. Act129expandedthePUCsoversightresponsibilitiesandimposednewenergyefficiencyand conservationrequirementsonEDCswithatleast100,000customers,withtheoverallgoalofreducing energyconsumptionand/ordemand. Formoreinformation,visitthePUCsAct129webpage. PPGGlassHelpsPhippsConservatory&BotanicalGardensCenterWinGreenAward PittsburghbasedPPGIndustriesMondayannounceditsglassproductshelpedtheCenterfor SustainableLandscapesatPhippsConservatoryandBotanicalGardensinPittsburghwina2013Green DesignAwardfromUSGlassmagazine. PPGsuppliedSolarban60,Sungate500andStarphireglassesfortheproject. The24,000squarefootbuilding,whichisLEEDPlatinumcertified,featuresthePPGglassesas partofanintegratedenergymanagementsystemthathelpsthecenterproduceasmuchenergyasit consumes. ChrisMinnerly,AIA,LEEDAPandprincipalofTheDesignAllianceArchitects,Pittsburgh, specifiedtwotriplepaneinsulatingglassunitconfigurationsfeaturingPPGglassfordifferentpartsofthe buildingfacade. IGUswithSungate500passive,lowemissivity(lowe)glassclearglassandStarphire ultraclearglasswereinstalledabovethebuildingssunshadesandlightshelves.IGUswithSolarban60 solarcontrol,loweglassandStarphireglasswereusedbelowthem. Oneofthekeyaspectsofglassselection[was]tobalancethesolarheatgaincoefficientagainst thevisiblelighttransmittancetogetthebestoverallperformance,Minnerlyexplained.Theglass assemblieshadtohavethebestUV(ultraviolet)transmissionincertainlightspectrumstofacilitatethe growthofplants. Minnerlydesignedthecenterasalong,windowlinedrectangletoenablelighttopenetrateinto thedeepestpartsofthebuilding.Glassrelatedfeaturessuchaslouvers,Brisesoleilscreensand overhangsminimizesummercoolingloads,reduceglareandcontainheatinthewinter. ThetriplepaneIGUswithSungate500,clearandStarphireglasseshaveVLTof63percent andaSHGCof0.51,whichproducesalighttosolargainratioof1.24.TheIGUswithSolarban60 andStarphireglassgenerateanLSGratioof1.90basedonVLTof61percentandaSHGCof0.32. BothconfigurationshavewinternighttimeUvaluesoflessthan0.20. TheCenterforSustainableLandscapesatPhippsConservatoryandBotanicalGardenswas selectedfora2013GreenDesignAwardbyjudgesfocusedonhighperformance,energyefficientand greendesignpractices USGlassmagazinesgreendesignawardsrecognizeprojectsthattrulyembrace highperformance,sustainabledesignpractices,saidEllenRogers,editor.ThePhippsConservatory andBotanicalGardens,CenterforSustainableLandscapesprojectismorethandeservingofthis award,andweapplaudPPGandallthoseinvolvedwithitfortheirworkincreatingatrulygreen structure.

PPGisthefirstU.S.floatglassmanufacturertohaveitsproductsrecognizedbytheCradleTo CradleCertifiedprogram,anditoffersmoreC2Ccertifiedarchitecturalglassesthananyotherfloat glassmanufacturer. Tolearnmore,visitPPGshighperformancePPGglasseswebpageorcall1888PPGIDEA (7744332). PAChamber,IndustryCoalitionUrgePassageOfEndangeredSpeciesChanges ThePAChamberofBusinessandIndustryWednesdayjoinedacoalitionofdiverseindustriesand chambersofcommercethroughoutPennsylvaniainsendingalettertotheGeneralAssemblyurging supportforlegislationthatwouldprotectthreatenedandendangeredspecieswithoutstiflingeconomic growth. ThecoalitionispushingforpassageofHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)andSenateBill 1047(ScarnatiRJefferson),theEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationAct.Themeasurewouldsubject thePennsylvaniaGameCommissionandtheFishandBoatCommissionsdesignationsofthreatened andendangeredspeciestoreviewbytheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommission. Thebillwouldnotusurptheauthorityoftheseagenciestolistspeciesasthreatenedand/or endangered,butwouldsimplyrequirethemtofollowthesameopenandtransparentregulatoryreview processthatisrequiredofeveryotherstateagency,includingtheDepartmentofEnvironmental ProtectionforitsenvironmentalregulationsandtheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources foritsthreatenedandendangeredspeciesdesignations,PAChamberGovernmentAffairsDirector ShawnGoodsaid. Thecoalitionisadvocatingforpassageofthebillbecauseregulatedindustriesthatdisturbland andthatmustaccountfortheimpactsoftheiroperationsonthreatenedandendangeredspeciesand theircriticalhabitatsareexperiencingunnecessaryandcostlyprojectdelaysunderthecurrentspecies evaluationsystem. Thisincludesnotonlythenaturalresourceextractionindustry,butalsotheforestproductsand concreteandaggregatesindustries,alongwithanyPennsylvaniabusinessseekingpermitsfor developmentorredevelopmentprojectsi.e.,bridgework,highwayconstruction,hospitalorhousing developmentdesign. Intheletter,thecoalitionexpressesitsunequivocalsupportofthreatenedandendangered speciesdesignationandprotectionandstressesthatthereneedstobeabalancebetweenspecies managementandeconomicdevelopment. ThisfallsinlinewiththePennsylvaniaChambersmemberdrivenenvironmentalpolicy,which statesthateconomicgrowthandenvironmentalprotectionshouldnotbemutuallyexclusivethatthere shouldbeabalancebetweenthetwo. TheEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationActwouldhelptoachievethisbalancebyestablishinga morereasoned,transparentrulemakingprocessforspeciesdesignation,andallowingforopen, consistentaccesstodatabyallimpactedparties. Bringingbalancetothreatenedandendangeredspeciesmanagementwillhaveadirectpositive impactonmultipleindustriesintheCommonwealth,creatingamoreconduciveclimateforeconomic developmentandjobgrowthandensuringthatourmembershaveallofthenecessaryinformationto adequatelyplanfortheprotectionofthreatenedandendangeredspecies,Goodconcluded. Forthesereasons,weareproudtostandwithourmemberstourgetheswiftpassageofthe EndangeredSpeciesCoordinationAct.

Acopyoftheletterisavailableonline. Opinion:WhyDoWeNeedToProtectEndangeredSpeciesAndWildTrout? ByJohnA.Arway,ExecutiveDirector,PennsylvaniaFish&BoatCommission Althoughthisquestionmayseemrhetoricaltomanyofusintheconservation community,thereareotherswhocantseemtounderstandthereasonswhyits necessarytoprotectendangeredspeciesandwildtroutandfurtherbelievethat theyshouldbesacrificedforeconomicgrowth. TheresponsibilitiesforprotectingourCommonwealthsnatural resourcesareincludedinmostofourlawsthatdealwithenvironmental protection,whichareadministeredbythePennsylvaniaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection(PADEP). Theselawsarepassedbyourlegislatureandarefurtherdefinedbytheregulationspromulgated byourEnvironmentalQualityBoard,ofwhichIamamember,andapprovedbytheIndependent RegulatoryReviewCommission(IRRC)andthestandingCommitteesoftheHouseandSenate. Asyoucansee,theygothroughmanystepsbeforetheybecomefinalandareopenforpublic andindustryreviewandcommentthroughouttheentirerulemakingprocess.Someofthelawsthatwe createourselvesarePennsylvaniaspecific,andothersareguidedbyfederallawsthatrequireusto abidebycertainstandardsforthegoodofourstateandcountry. OurKeystoneStatehasbeenregardedasaleaderinprotectingair,waterandnaturalresources formanyyears,andourstatelawshaveoftenbeenusedasmodelsforthedevelopmentoffederallaws. PrimeexamplesincludeourCleanStreamsLawof1937,ourSurfaceMiningConservationand ReclamationActof1945,thefederalCleanWaterActof1972andthefederalSurfaceMiningControl andReclamationActof1977. Ourlawsandregulationsarenotdevelopedinsecret,assomemightlikeyoutothink,andcan bechangedbyourlawmakersandregulatorsatanytime.Illsharemoreonthatlater. WealsohaveabroaderConstitutionaldutyassetforthinArticle1,Section27ofour PennsylvaniaConstitution.OurforefathersamendedthissectionintoourConstitutionin1971with overwhelmingpublicsupport.Iwouldhazardtoguessthatthepublicwouldstillstronglysupportthis dutyifanotherpublicreferendumwereheldtoday. TheWidenerSchoolofLawsEnvironmental&NaturalResourcesLawClinicpublisheda CitizensGuidetothisConstitutionalAmendment(2010),whichprovidesthefollowingguidanceabout howitshouldbeinterpreted: Afairreadingof27isthatitcreatedapublictrustinthestategovernmenttoensurethe preservationofthestatesnaturalresources.Thismeansthestategovernmentisresponsiblefor protectingPennsylvaniasenvironmentonbehalfofitscitizens.Theresultiscontrolleddevelopmentof thestatesnaturalresourcesratherthannodevelopmentatall.Thejobofthestateistobalancethe detrimentaleffectsanactivitywouldhaveontheenvironmentagainstthesocial,economicand environmentalbenefitsgained. Asmysignaturelineonmyemails,IoftenusethequotefromformerPennsylvaniaFish&Boat Commission(PFBC)ExecutiveDirectorRalphAbele,Doyourdutyandfearnoone.Ibelievethat thedutyofstategovernmentisassignedtous,aspublicservants,bythelawsthatwehaveinadditionto thedirectiongivenbyourStateConstitution,whichIsworetoupholdwhenItookmyoathofofficeas

yourDirector.Furthermore,stategovernmentincludesPFBCandallotherstategovernmentagencies withintheadministrativebranchofgovernmentinadditiontothelegislativeandjudicialbranchesof government.Together,itisourcollectiveresponsibilitytoconserveandmaintainourair,waterand publicnaturalresourcesforthebenefitofallofthepeople,includinggenerationsyettocome. Ineededtoprovidethisbackgroundtosetthestageforansweringthequestionposedinthetitle ofthisarticle.Therehavebeentwobills(HouseBill1576andSenateBill1047)introducedinthe PennsylvaniaHouseandSenatetocreateanEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationAct. Thetitleofthelegislationsoundslikeagoodidea.Whowouldntsupportcoordinatingthe protectionandconservationofendangeredspecies?However,itisobviousbyreadingthedraft legislationthatthebillsgofarbeyondcoordination. TheycreatenewrulesforhowPFBC(forfish,amphibiansandreptilesandaquaticlife), PennsylvaniaGameCommission(forbirdsandmammals)andPennsylvaniaDepartmentof ConservationandNaturalResources(forplants)wouldlistormoreappropriately,notlist,speciesas threatenedandendangered(T&E)inthefuture. Whyisthischangesignificant? Itisgenerallyunderstoodthatunlessthestatesprotectthespeciesattheedgesoftheirranges, wewillcontinuetoaddmorespeciestothefederallist.Inaddition,thelegislationalsorequiresthatthe designationofwildtroutstreamsandrarespecieslistingsgothroughtheaddedreviewstepofthe IRRC. AsIwritethisarticle,thebillwasjustamendedandpassedoutoftheHouseGameand FisheriesCommitteebyavoteof16to8.Thebillinitscurrentformwouldchangethejurisdictional dutyofthenaturalresourceagenciesandturntheprocessfromonebasedonsciencetoonebasedon politicsandeconomics. Thelegislatureandindustrycontinuetosaythattheywantconsistencyandtransparencyin decisionmaking.SodoI.However,wealreadyhaveaconsistentandtransparentprocessthatthe legislaturedesignedwhentheygaveusourauthorityalmost30yearsago. Inaddition,industryandthepublichavetherighttodueprocessiftheydisagreewithany decision.Infact,theyhavetwochancestodisagreeoneinanappealofthelistingdecisionandthe otherinanappealofthePADEPpermit. Thiseffortissupportedbyavarietyofindustriesthatseeitasawaytosavetimeandmoney.If onewantedtosavetimeandmoney,whywouldweaddanadditionalregulatoryreviewstepthatwould requiremoretimeandmoneytogettothefinaldecision? Iseeitasawaytocreateapathwaytoadifferentanswer.Currently,weusescientific observationandfactwhichcreatesfrustrationforsomewhoareusedtopoliticalhorsetradingcoupled witheconomicbalancing. Thequestionishowdoyouseeit?IhavepledgedtomakeitmypersonalNewYears resolutiontocontinuetoarguethatwildtroutandrarespeciesdesignationsarescientificandnotpolitical decisions.Iwouldlikeyoutoconsidercontactingyourlocallegislatorsandlettingthemknowyour opinion.Thefutureofourrarespeciesandwildtroutdependsonit! Formoreinformation,readEndangeredSpeciesandthePFBContheFishandBoat Commissionswebsite. Fish&BoatCommissionDecemberCurrentsNewsletterNowAvailable TheDecemberissueoftheFishandBoatCommissionsCurrentsnewsletterisnowavailable.Click

Heretoreadthismonthsissue. January25IsEagleDayAtPPLsLakeWallenpaupackEnvironmentalLearningCenter OnJanuary25thfrom1p.m.4p.m.,jointheDelawareHighlandsConservancy,PPL,andotherlocal organizationsforaneducational,funandfreeEagleDayforthewholefamily,locatedatPPL'sLake WallenpaupackEnvironmentalLearningCenterinHawley,PA. EnjoyapresentationwithlivebirdsfromBillStreeter,helptobuildaneaglesnest,and participateinotherhandsonactivities. TheUpperDelawareRiverregionisoneofthelargestwinteringhabitatsforeaglesinthe northeastUnitedStatesbecauseofabundantcleanwaterandlarge,undisturbedstandsoftrees. ProtectedlandsinSullivanCounty,NYandPikeandWayneCountiesinPAprovideasafehavenfor thesemigratorybirds,aswellasbreedingeaglesthatlivehereyearround. TwentyyearsagotherewasjustoneeaglesnestinPAandoneinNYnow,thereare hundredsineachstate. JoinusaswecelebratetheeaglesresurgenceintheUpperDelawareRiverregionandlearn whatwecandotoensureitcontinuestosurviveandthrive. ChecktheDelawareHighlandsConservancyscalendarofeventstolearnaboutadditional upcomingeagleeventsincludingaseriesofEagleWatchbustripsscheduledthroughoutJanuaryand February. FormoreinformationonthenonprofitDelawareHighlandsConservancy,pleasecall 5702263164,8455831010,orsendanemailto:info@delawarehighlands.org. FormoreinformationonthePPLWallenpaupackEnvironmentalLearningCenter,pleasecall 5702537001orsendanemailto:pplpreserves@pplweb.com. StateParksMarkNewYearWithFirstDayHikes Topromoteahealthystartinthenewyear,theDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceswill sponsorfree,guidedhikesin19stateparksonNewYear'sDayaspartofanationwideefforttoget peopleactiveoutdoors. "OurFirstDayHikeshelpremindpeoplethatourstateparksandforestsareopenforhealthy outdooradventuresinallfourseasons,includingwinter,"DCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettisaid."They areagreatwaytostartthefirstdayoftheyearandmakearesolutiontoenjoynatureandgetmore exercise." OrganizedbytheNationalAssociationofStateParkDirectorstopromotebothhealthy lifestylesthroughouttheyearandyearroundrecreationatstateparks,all50statesjoinedtogetherfor thefirsttimein2012tosponsorFirstDayHikes. ThefollowingPennsylvaniastateparksareparticipatingin2014:BaldEagle,BlackMoshannon, Chapman,DelawareCanal,FrenchCreek,HillsCreek,JacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenter, JenningsEnvironmentalEducationCenter,KingsGapEnvironmentalEducationCenter,MarshCreek, Moraine,Nescopeck,NoldeForestEnvironmentalEducationCenter,Ohiopyle,ParkerDam,Presque Isle,PromisedLand,PymatuningandRaccoonCreek. PennsylvaniaStateParkstaffandvolunteersareleadingthehikes,whichareusuallyaboutone ortwomiles,butcanbelongerdependingontheparkanditsterrain. "Lastyear,wehostedapproximately785peoplewhohikedovermorethan2,000milesinour

stateparksacrossPennsylvania,"Ferrettisaid."Whetheryou'restayingclosetohomeortraveling,join usatoneofPennsylvania'sstateparksonNewYear'sDay!" ParticipantsareencouragedtologtheirFirstDayHikeadventuresonsocialmediawith #firstdayhikes. AdditionaldetailscanbefoundattheVisitPAParkswebsiteclickon"EventsCalendar"onthe leftandselectJanuary1. FriendsOfTheWissahickonInviteYouToBeATrailAmbassador JointheFriendsoftheWissahickoninMontgomeryCountyandbecomeaTrailAmbassadorthis winter.FOWisofferingwintertrainingforthispopularvolunteerprogram.Theapplicationdeadlineis January31. TrailAmbassadorsareparkvolunteerswhoassistandeducatepeopleintheparkwithanything fromdirectionstosafetyneedstoparkhistory,flora,andfauna.Ambassadorsperformtheirservicein theparkandparticipateinongoingeducation.TheybecomeexpertsintheWissahickonandhavethe opportunitytodelvedeeplyintotheirparticulartopicsofinterestwhileprovidingavaluablepublic service. TrailAmbassadorssharetheirknowledgeby: interactingwithandprovidingassistancetoparkuserswhilewalkingthetrails staffinginformationtablesatFOWvolunteerdaysandevents leadingwalksintheWissahickonValleyand conductingsurveysofparkusersandwildlife. TrainingwillbeheldonWednesdayevenings,6to8p.m.,fromFebruary5throughMarch26. TherewillalsobeoneSaturdayFirstAidtrainingsession(datetobedetermined.) Applicantsacceptedintotheprogramarerequiredtopaya$100registrationfee,signa onetimevolunteerreleaseform,andobtaintheircriminalbackgroundcheckandchildabuseclearance. AmbassadorsmustbeFOWmembersorwillingtojointheorganization.Thenumberofopenpositions islimited. Formoreinformation,programrequirements,andanapplicationformvisitFOWsTrail AmbassadorswebpageorcontactFOWOutreachManagerSarahMarleywithquestionsandto scheduleaninterviewbysendinganemailto:marley@fow.orgorcall2152470417x109. YouCanParticipateInUpperDelawareFishing,BoatingEconomicImpactsStudy DelawareCounty(NY)EconomicDevelopmentandFriendsoftheUpperDelawareRiverareinviting businessestoparticipateinanonlinesurveyaspartofalargerstudyoftheeconomicimpactofthecold waterfisherythatnowexistsontheDelawareRiversuppersections,includingtheEastandWest Branches. Thestudyhasbeenunderwayforapproximatelytwomonthsandanonlinebusinesssurveyis nowbeingconductedtogatherfurtherinformationthatwillquantifythoseeconomicimpacts,whichare believed,basedonpreliminaryresearch,tobeinexcessof$200million. Thissurveywillprovideareabusinessesrangingfromfishingguideservicestofoodmarketsand conveniencestoreswithanopportunitytoconfidentiallyshareinformationontheimportanceofthecold waterfisheryandotherrelatedrecreationalactivityontheirbusinesses. ThesurveyisalsoavailableinhardcopyfromDelawareCountyEconomicDevelopment,which

canbereachedat6077468595.Theirofficeislocatedat1CourthouseSquare,Suite4,Delhi,NY 13753. "Thebusinesssurveyisanimportantsourceofdatatodemonstratethatprotectingand enhancingthecoldwaterecosystemoftheUpperDelawareRiverthroughimprovedandconsistent waterreleasesfromtheNYCDelawareRiverbasinreservoirscangeneratesignificanteconomicgains forourregion,"saidJeffSkelding,ExecutiveDirectoroftheFriendsoftheUpperDelawareRiver. ThesurveyandstudyarebeingconductedwiththeassistanceofShepstoneManagement Companyandwilladdressimpactsfortheregionasawhole,includingBroome,Delaware,Sullivanand WayneCounties. Preliminaryresultsindicatethecombinedpresentvalueofthefishingindustryintheimpacted areaisatleast$199.9millionwiththepotentialtoaddasmuchas$66.6millionfromaconsistentwater releasesprogramthatdeliversaseasonlongcoldwaterfishery. DelawareCountyEconomicDevelopmentDirector,GlennNealis,saysWeareconfidentthe economicimpactsareverylargeandanswerstothesequestionswillhelpillustratethis. ThesurveysarenowavailabletocompleteandNealisindicatesthestudywillbefinalizedin January. ClickHeretobepartoftheonlinebusinesssurvey. PAWildsDecemberENewsUpdateNowAvailable TheDecemberENewsUpdatefromthePAWildsProgramisnowavailable. AuditorGeneralEncouragesDCNRToAdhereToGrantProcess AuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualeFridayreleasedareportshowingtheDepartmentofConservation andNaturalResourcesmishandleda$250,000grantandfailedtoensurethatpostprojectinspections werecompletedformorethan1,400LandandWaterConservationFundprojectssince2008. WhileIcommendDCNRformakingsomeprogresstowardbettermanagingtheCommunity ConservationPartnershipsProgram,ourauditfoundapotentiallyseriousissuewiththeagencysgrant applicationandreviewprocess,DePasqualesaid.Specifically,DCNRcircumventeditsestablished processinawardinga$250,000granttoanonprofitorganizationthatdidnotmeettheapplication deadline.Toensureafairandequalgrantprocesseveryonemustfollowtherules.Thatdidnthappen here. Whenquestionedbyauditors,themanagementattheBureauofRecreationandConservation acknowledgedthenonprofitorganizationdidnotsubmitanapplicationfora$250,000grantbythe deadline,butwasguidedthroughtheprocessattherequestoftheformersecretaryofDCNRin September2012. Theprojectwasawardeda$250,000grantintheCommunityConservationPartnerships Programbuttheproposedcomfortstation/showerhousebuildinghasnotyetmaterializedbecauseof otherissues,includingnotsecuringmatchingfunds.DCNRdidnotprovidegrantfundsasofAugust. Initsresponsetotheauditfinding,DCNRofficialsdefendedthegrantshandling,sayingitwas anexecutivepriorityanddidmeetthegrantawardingrequirements.Theyalsoobjectedtobeingsingled outforoneprojectwhennearly350projectswereconsideredand198awarded. Additionally,auditorsfoundthatDCNRfailedtoensurethatrequiredpostprojectinspections werecompleteformorethan1,400LandandWaterConservationFundprojects.Theseinspections

helpensurethattheseprojectsareadequatelymaintainedandavailabletothepublic,DePasqualesaid. IgnoringtheseinspectionscouldjeopardizefederalfundsfromtheNationalParkService,which requiresthepostcompletioninspections. DePasqualecommendedtheDCNRforestablishingastrategicoperationalplanforfuture inspectionsandencouragestheDCNRtofollowthroughon14recommendationsbyauditors. IamgladtoseeDCNRtakingstepstoensurefutureinspectionoversightisadequate,hesaid. Ourcommunityconservationprojectsaresomethingweshouldcherish.Weneedtobegoodstewards topreserveandenhancethesecommunityassetsforgenerationstocome. ThespecialperformanceauditcoveredDCNRoperationsfromJuly2008toJune2013.The DCNRawarded$143.9millionfor1,064projectssince2009. Acopyoftheauditisavailableonline. PHMCAcceptingApplicationsForHistoricPreservationGrants ThePennsylvaniaHistoricalandMuseumCommissionisnowacceptingapplicationsforfederalHistoric PreservationCertifiedLocalGovernmentGrants.ThedeadlineforapplicationsisFebruary14. Approximately$115,000willbeawardedthroughacompetitiveselectionprocesscontingent onavailabilityoffederalfunds. PHMCisalsoacceptingapplicationsfortheKeystoneHistoricPreservationProgramfunded bytheKeystoneRecreation,ParkandConservationFund.ApplicationsaredueMarch3. TheCLGprogramisadecentralizedpartnershipamongtheNationalParkService(NPS), states,andlocalgovernments.PHMCadministersthegrantprogramonbehalfoftheNPS. Grantsareavailabletosupportprojectsinthefollowingcategories:planningdesignguidelines ordesignassistanceNationalRegisternominationsculturalresourcesurveyspubliceducationtraining revitalizationandreusestudiesandprogramadministration.Thisreimbursementgrantprogramrequires a50/50match. Therearecurrently44CertifiedLocalGovernmentsinPennsylvania.Projectsundertaken betweenAugust1,2014andJuly31,2015,areeligible. MunicipalitiesdonothavetoachieveCLGstatusbythetimethegrantapplicationisdue,butif awardedagrant,theymusthaveachievedCLGstatusbythecontractstartdateinordertoreceive funding. Grantapplicantswillneedtosubmitacompletedapplication.Formoreinformation,visit PHMCsGrantsandFundingwebpage. OpportunityToBidOnDCNRStateParkProjectsInBucks,Clarion,ErieCounties TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcespublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidon stateparkprojectsinBucks,ClarionandEriecounties. HelpWanted:PerformanceSystemsDevelopmentEnergyConsultant PerformanceSystemsDevelopment,anenergymanagementconsultant,islookingforcandidatestofilla customerservicerepresentativepositioninitsPhiladelphiaoffice.ClickHereforthedetails.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas

Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. January3DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. 9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePABulletin,page 7377) January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8NEW.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipment meeting.FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9NEW.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. January9EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedaleAvenue, WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January13EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue,Williamsport, LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthe stateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15NEW.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15NEW.DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30. January15EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,CrawfordCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January16EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,CumberlandCounty.6:00

p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January21NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. January21NEW.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 11:00. January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr., Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice) January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg. 1:00.(formalnotice) January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainSt., Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice) January22EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60SouthLincolnStreet, Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January22NEW.DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentralOffice, 909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30. January22NEW.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January23EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive,Indiana, IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementationPlan formotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenancearea. DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre. 10:00.(formalnotice) VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February4EPAEnvironmentalEducationGrants February14NEW.PHMCHistoricPreservationLocalGovernmentGrants February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing February28PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March3NEW.PHMCKeystoneHistoricPreservationGrants March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate

Poll:CorbettTrailsPotentialDemChallengers Budget StateFacesGrimBudgetOutlook BudgetChiefWarnsOfGapingStateDeficit StateCouldBeInStoreForAnotherBigDeficit PAAgainFacesBudgetShortfall CostOfStateEmployeesToClimb9%In201415 Corbett,LawmakersSeekCashToPlugDeficit Editorial:StopCoddlingDrillers,PassFairTax GOPLawmakersJoinCallForHigherDrillingTax Other HersheyGardensOffersStudentGardenDesignCompetition PALaunchesDrugDropOffProgram NewProgramProvidesSafe,SecurePlaceForUnusedMedicine YorkCountyAuthorityOffersElectronicsRecycling ButtsTopTrashListInPA,ErieCountyCleanups PAClimatePlan,RecommendationsReleased OpEd:ClimateChangeConvertsNuisanceInsectsIntoRealThreat Editorial:IgnoringScienceIsAMistake(OnClimateIssues) OzoneHoleStabilizingButNotShrinkingYet SunocoWillMoveOutOfPhiladelphiaToSuburbs WesternPAConservancyBuys2MoreParcels DCNRGrantsToHelpUpgradeButlerCountyParks MoraineStateParkOfficialsUrgeSafetyWhenIceFishing OpEd:EnforceTheBikeBufferInPennsylvania PresqueIsleBayAdvisoryGroupDiscussesItsFuture Audubon:WhatHappensWhenWeFrackTheForest? GameCommissionRemindsHuntersToReportDeerHarvest DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling SupremeCourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatDrillersDo Corbett,GasIndustryDecryCourtRuling CorbettVoicesDispleasureWithGasZoningRuling CourtSendsAct13DoctorGagRuleBackToLowerCourt CourtStrikesDownZoningLimitsOnDrilling CourtDeclaresPartsOfDrillingLawUnconstitutional Court:StateCantMakeMunicipalitiesAcceptDrilling CourtStrikesDownAct13LocalZoningRestrictions

PASupremeCourtJoltsShaleIndustry CourtRulesMunicipalitiesCanLimitWhatGasDrillersDo PACourtSidesWithTownsInGasDrillingFight CourtStrikesDownMajorPartOfGasDrillingLaw ForDrillers,Act13RulingCreatesUncertainty WhatAct13RulingWillMeanToMunicipalities,Drillers CourtDecisionOnDrillingDrawsVariedReactions Editorial:CourtReinsInDrillingExcessesOfAct13 CriminalCaseAgainstMarcellusDrillerGetsUnderway GOPLawmakersJoinCallForHigherDrillingTax DrillingCompanyToKeepWaterTanksAtHomes MarcellusShaleDrillingBecomesMoreEfficient CandidateForGovernorCallsOnDEPToReviewWellContamination NewGasPipelinesEndangeringSomeWildAnimals Editorial:StopCoddlingDrillers,PassFairTax OpEd:SaveLoyalsockStateForestFromFracking ConsolEnergyToReduceAirPollutionFromAirportDrilling ConsolUsingElectricEnginesForAirportDrilling AlleghenyParkDrillingOfferIncludes$3.5MillionBonus AlleghenyParkDrillingCouldReap$73Million DeerLakesParkDrillingMightNetUpTo$74Million Editorial:Drill,Carefully,DrillInAlleghenyCounty SafetyConcernsOverCrossStateNaturalGasPipeline CoastGuardMullsMovingDrillingWastewaterByBarge PanelDiscussesPros,ConsOfFrackingInLigonierValley Audubon:WhatHappensWhenWeFrackTheForest? Financial/OtherStates ChiefAcquiresChesapeakeGasLeasesFor$500Million Feds:NaturalGasWillDethroneCoalAsElectricPowerSource PAFastestGrowingStateForNaturalGasProduction USGS:MethaneCommonInGroundwaterInNYsSouthernTier EQTToDrillOutsideMarcellusAsGasPricesRise DrillingEfficiencyGushingInMarcellusShale ScienceDoesntBacktheMethaneBlameGame

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate IsTheSusquehannaRiverWatershedHealthyOrAtRisk? BoostersTryToDrumUpVotesForKiskiConemaughRivers DecentFoodFromLocalFarmersShouldNotBeLuxury ImprovingStreams,RiversInPAAnAcreAtATime

DrivewaySealerToxinsFoundInConodoguinetCreek PUCOKsDealToSubsidizeRuralWastewaterSystems

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinDecember21,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofdrafttechnicalguidanceonguidelines foridentifying,trackingandresolvingviolationsforerosionandsedimentationcontrol,NPDES stormwaterconstruction,damsafetyandwaterwaysmanagementprograms. DEPpublishedanoticeofavailabilityofGeneralPermitPAG06relatedtodischargesfrompetroleum productcontaminatedgroundwaterremediationsystems. DEPpublishednoticeofproposedchangestotheRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrelatedto theCheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCountyandthreepublichearings. TheStateConservationCommissionpublishednoticeofcountyallocationsundertheDirtandGravel RoadProgram. DEPID:3634000002.Title:StandardsandGuidelinesforIdentifying,TrackingandResolving Violationsfor:ErosionandSedimentControlProgram,NationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem StormwaterConstructionProgram,DamSafetyProgram,WaterwaysManagementProgram. Description:Thisdocumentwaspublishedasdraftat36Pa.B.447(January28,2006).The Departmenthasdeterminedthatthisdocumentisnolongernecessaryand,bythisnotice,iswithdrawing thedraftfromconsideration. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

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CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. December23NEW.HouseFinanceCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill1461 (KillionRChester)establishingawaterfrontdevelopmenttaxcreditsummary.IndependentSeaport Museum,211S.ColumbusBlvd.,Philadelphia.10:00. January2NEW.AgendaReleased.ChesapeakeBayCommissionmeeting.GovernorsReception Room,StateHouse,Annapolis,MD.9:00a.m. January3DEPinformationalwebinaronproposedChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. 9:30to10:30a.m.ClickHereformoreinformationortoregister.(formalnoticePABulletin,page 7377) January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8NEW.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipment meeting.FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9NEW.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. January9EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedaleAvenue, WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January13EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue,Williamsport, LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthe stateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice)

January15NEW.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15NEW.DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30. January15EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. MeadvilleAreaSeniorHighSchoolAuditorium,930NorthStreet,Meadville,CrawfordCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January16EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. GoodHopeMiddleSchoolAuditorium,451SkyportRoad,Mechanicsburg,CumberlandCounty.6:00 p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January21NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. January21NEW.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 11:00. January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr., Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice) January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg. 1:00.(formalnotice) January21NEW.DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainSt., Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice) January22NEW.DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentralOffice, 909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30. January22NEW.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January22EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60SouthLincolnStreet, Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. IndianaUniversityofPennsylvaniasConventionandAthleticComplex,711PrattDrive,Indiana, IndianaCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377)

January23DEPpublichearingonproposedrevisionstothestateAirQualityImplementationPlan formotorvehicleemissionsbudgetsinAllentownBethlehemEaston8hourozonemaintenancearea. DEPNortheastRegionalOffice,2ndFloorLittleSchuylkillRoom,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre. 10:00.(formalnotice) February5DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.CampHill,Prosser Hall,CampHillBoroughBuilding.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February6DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Conshohocken,Fire Academy,MontgomeryCountyPublicSafetyTrainingCampus.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February19DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Nanticoke, EducationalConferenceCenter,LuzerneCountyCommunityCollege.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February20DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Boalsburg, PennsylvaniaMilitaryMuseum.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February25DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.Wexford,Pine TownshipRecreationCenter.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. February26DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrantsWorkshop.ClarionClarion HolidayInn.9tonoon.ClickHeretoregister. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle StoriesInvited
Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesorprogramsfor publicationinthePAEnvironmentDigestto:DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,aHarrisburgbased governmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500companiesandnonprofit organizations. 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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