PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaJanuary6,2014 CorbettAdministrationFilesForReconsiderationOfAct13DrillingLawOpinion TheCorbettAdministrationThursdayfiledforreconsiderationoftheDecember19PASupremeCourt opiniondeclaringunconstitutionalprovisionsoftheAct13MarcellusShaleDrillinglawrelatedto preemptinglocalregulationofdrillingoperations. JamesD.Schultz,GeneralCounseltotheGovernor,releasedthefollowingstatementonthe motionforreconsideration "Today,lawyersrepresentingCommonwealthagenciesandofficialsintheRobinsonTownship matterhavesoughtreconsiderationoftheSupremeCourt'sDecember19,2013,OpinionsandOrder. IntheRobinsonTownshipdecision,theCourtdeclaredkeyprovisionsofAct13of2012(the Commonwealth'soilandgaslaw)tobeunconstitutional. Inannouncinganeverbeforeemployedbalancingtestagainstwhichtheconstitutionalvalidity ofthelawistobejudged,thePennsylvaniaSupremeCourtmadeitsownsweepingfactualfindings regardingtheimpactofAct13,noneofwhichfindsanysupportinthesparseandunevenfactualrecord thatwasmadebeforeCommonwealthCourt.TheSupremeCourt'sdecisionisastunningdeparture fromthehistoricalpracticeofthatCourt,andanunrestrainedventureintoafactfindingrolethatthe Courtalwayshasinsistedisnotitsproperplaceinthejudicialsystem. Accordingly,today'srequestforreconsiderationseekstogiveAct13itsfairdayincourt,as everylawofthisCommonwealthdeserveswhenchallenged.WeareaskingtheSupremeCourtto followitsownestablishedprecedentandremandthecasetoCommonwealthCourtforthedevelopment ofanevidentiaryrecord(throughafairandthoroughprocessinwhichallpartieshavearealandequal opportunitytoparticipate),applicationoftheCourt'snewlypronouncedstandardstothefactsasfound bytheCommonwealthCourt(withlegalbriefsfromallparties),andfinallyafairandfinaldetermination astowhetherAct13violatesArticleI,Section27basedonafullrecordandformalfindings. Inaddition,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionisaskingtheSupremeCourtto reconsideradecisionthatcertainprovisionsofAct13thatinvolvetheagency'sresponsibilitytoprotect publicresources(suchaspublicparks)cannotstandseparatelyfromprovisionsthattheCourthas determinedareunconstitutional. TheDepartmentcontendsthattheSupremeCourtmisunderstoodhowthestatutoryprovisions workseparatelyfromeachotherandaskstheCourttodirectCommonwealthCourttostudythat questionaspartoftheothermattersitmustexamineonremand." NewsClips: CorbettDeclinesToDiscussChallengeToAct13Decision LawyersAskCourtToRethinkGasDrillingOpinion CorbettAsksCourtToReconsiderAct13Decision

PALawyersAskCourtToRethinkGasDrillingOpinion RemandedDrillingImpactFeeCouldBeRuleOutPendingDecision Act13RulingRevivesQuestionsOnDoctorGagOrder PAOfficialsReactToSupremeCourtOil&GasActRuling StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013IA StateImpact:TopStoriesOf2013IB KeyGasDrillingHealthStudyCollectingPAData HealthStudyOnDrillingContinuesCollectingDataInPA CriminalCaseAgainstXTOEnergyHeadsToCourt Editorial:ExtendedOptionLooksGoodForShellPlant ExtensionOfficePlans2MarcellusShaleSeminars KeystoneDrillServicesInnovatesToLeaveDiesel NaturalGasBillsSetToRiseInWesternPA NaturalFuelGasPricesCouldFallSlightly Survey:MostAmericansDontKnowMuchAboutFracking FinalPAClimateChangeActionPlanUpdateGoesToGovernor,GeneralAssembly OnDecember31,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzoforwardedthefinalversionofthePAClimateChange ActionPlanUpdatetoGov.CorbettandmembersoftheSenateandHouseEnvironmentalResources andEnergyCommittees. ThePlanUpdatetransmittalletter,thePlanUpdateandtheAppendicescontainingindividual sectoroptionsforfutureactionsareavailableonline. "Asthisplanshows,Pennsylvanianscanbeproudoftheprogressweareallmakingtoward improvingairqualityandaddressingclimatechange,"DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid."Muchofthis successcanbeattributedtoexpandingtheuseandavailabilityofrenewableandalternativeenergy sources,higherstandardsformobileandstationarysourcesofemissionsandDEP'scontinued commitmenttoeffectiveprograms. "Eachoneofuscanplayaroleinhelpingtoreduceouremissionsfootprint,"Abruzzosaid. "Pennsylvaniaiscommittedtoworkingwithotherstatesandnationstoaddressthisglobalissue." ThefinalversionofthePlanUpdatewasreviewedbyDEPsClimateChangeAdvisory Committee,butthecontentsofthereportareacombinationofrecommendationsmadebyCommittee membersandDEP.TherewasnooverallvotebytheCommitteetoendorsethePlan.Anydifferences betweenCommitteemembersandDEParenotedinthePlanUpdateandAppendices,accordingto DEP. TheAppendicestothePlanUpdatealsoincludecommentsonthePlansubmittedbyindividual Committeemembersstartingonpage232. Overview ThePlannotestherehavebeensignificantchangestoPennsylvaniasgreenhousegasemissions sincethebaseyearof2000usedinthePlanresultingintheestimatethatoverallclimatechanging emissionsfromtheCommonwealthwillbelowerin2020thaninthebaseyear. Thereductionintheuseofcoalforpowergenerationandtheswitchtonaturalgasalonewill resultinemissionssavingsofabout12millionmetrictonsofcarbondioxideannually. ThePlanconcludes:PennsylvaniaCO2(carbondioxide)emissionshavefallendramatically,in largepartbecausePennsylvaniaisgeneratingmoreelectricitywithnaturalgasinsteadofcoal.However,

otherfactors,includingimprovedenergyefficiencystandardsfromconsumerproductsandautomobiles havecontributedtothedeclineincarbonemissions.Pennsylvaniacontinuestobealeaderinreducing methaneemissionfromthenaturalgasindustryandsolidwastelandfills.Moreover,furtherreductions areoccurring,andfuturereductionswilloccur,throughnewregulatoryrequirementsliketheTailoring Rule,NSPS,andMACT(newairqualityregulations). TheplanhighlightsseveralofPennsylvania'semissionreductionefforts,including: DEPimplementingnew,morestringentrequirementsforthenaturalgasindustrythatarereducing methaneemissions.Pennsylvaniaisthefirststatetorequireleakdetectionandrepairovertheentirewell sitetominimizeemissions. Gov.CorbettsigningAct13of2012,providing$20millionfromnaturalgasoperatorimpactfeesfor thepurchaseorretrofitofheavydutyvehiclestooperateonnaturalgas.Itisprojectedthatthese projectswilldisplace3.67milliongallonsofgasolineeachyear. DEPproviding,throughtheAlternativeFuelIncentiveGrantProgram,$3millionforAlternativeFuel Vehicle(AFV)rebatesforPennsylvaniaconsumerssince2011.Inaddition,another$1millionhasbeen committedforAFVrebatesin2014tosupportpluginhybridelectricvehiclesandelectricvehiclesas wellasotherAFVspurchasedandregisteredbyPennsylvanians. DEPreimbursing$5.5millioninsolarrebatestohomeownersandsmallbusinesses,resultingin energysavings,reductioninheatingfuelconsumptionandreductioninGHGemissionssinceJanuary 2013. Providing$46.5million,since2011,throughtheKeystoneHomeEnergyLoanProgramto Pennsylvaniahomeownerslookingtoimplementenergyefficiencies. Preservationofforestsandopenspacethroughforestprotectioneasementsandacquisition.Act13 providedthefirstinfusionofmoneyintotheGrowingGreenerProgramsince2005,aswellasproviding over$20millionannuallyinnewpark,openspaceandrecreationfunding. DuetoPennsylvania'seffortsoverthelastdecade,accordingtoEPA'sGreenhouseGasEmissions Inventory,thestate'sGHGsareexpectedtobelowerin2020thanin2000,withreductionsinthe residential,commercial,transportation,agricultureandwastesectors. Policy/ProgramRecommendations ThePlanUpdateprovidesoptionsinseveralsectors 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 InadditiontotheActionPlanUpdate,DEPreleasedaClimateImpactsAssessmentUpdatein OctoberpreparedbyprofessorsandstudentsatPennStateUniversitysEnvironmentandNatural ResourcesInstitute. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteewebpage. CBFFindsFedsAreFallingShortInKeyForestedStreamBufferMilestones AChesapeakeBayFoundationreviewofthefederalgovernments201415draftmilestonesandother recentactionsreleasedMondayhasdeterminedthefederalgovernmentisfallingshortinits commitmentstoexpandforestbuffers,reininairpollution,andcomplywiththeCleanWaterActwhen approvingpermitstoreducestormwaterpollutionfromurban/suburbanrunoff. WhiletheCleanWaterBlueprintissuccessfullyreducingpollutionfromsomesources,federal effortsinkeyareasarefallingshort,saidCBFSeniorWaterQualityScientistBethMcGee.Ofeven moreconcernisthatimportantactionstoachievethosecommitmentshavenotbeenincludedinthenext twoyearmilestones.Oneofthethingsthatdistinguishescurrenteffortsfrompasteffortsthatfellfar shortofthemarkaretheseclearandtransparentshorttermcommitments. PresidentObamasExecutiveOrderin2009requiredthefederalgovernmenttodevelopand implementtwoyearmilestonestosupportstatepollutionreductionefforts. AllthemajorBaystatesrelyheavilyonforestbufferstoachievetheirwaterqualitygoals.In fact,accordingtotheChesapeakeBayProgram,thesebuffersarethesecondmostimportantpractice toreducenitrogenpollution. Statepollutionreductionplanscallforroughlyanadditional185,000acresofforestbuffersby 2025,anaverageincreaseof14,200acresperyear.Implementationprogressin2012wasroughlyan additional2,600acres.Thisislessthan20percentoftheamountneededannually,andoneofthe lowestacreagegainssincethelate1990s. Fundingforbuffers,andthetechnicalassistancetoimplementthem,comesprimarilyfromthe

FarmBill.The2008FarmBillprioritizedbufferplantingandprovidedadditionalassistancetothe regionsfarmers.MuchofthatfundingexpiredthisfallwhenCongressfailedtopassanextensionofthe legislation. Thelackofprogresstowardforestbuffergoalsisalarminggiventheimportanceofthispractice toachievingcleanwater,CBFsMcGeesaid.BayProgramstaffareawareoftheshortfallandCBF callsonUSDAtoincludemilestonecommitmentsthatwillaccelerateimplementationofforestbuffersin theBaystates. AspartoftheCleanWaterBlueprint,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencycommittedto reducingnitrogenpollutionfromtheairbyanestimatedthreemillionpounds.Thatreductionwas expectedtobeachievedbyairpollutionregulationsthathavenowbeentiedupincourtforyears.And thoseregulationsonlycovercoalfiredpowerplants. Federalcourtshaveruledthatsourcesofairpollutionthatareknowntodirectlydischarge pollutantsintowatersoftheUnitedStatescanberegulatednotjustundertheCleanAirAct,butunder theCleanWaterActaswell. CBFiscallingonEPAtoutilizeitscurrentauthoritytodojustthat.Inadditiontocoalplants, majorpolluterslikeasphaltplants,cementkilns,andpulpandpapermanufacturerswithinthe ChesapeakeBayairshedcouldbeforcedtoreducepollutiondamaginglocalrivers,streams,andthe ChesapeakeBay. Finally,CBFandtheChooseCleanWaterCoalitionareconcernedthatmanypermitsthat reducepollutedrunofffromurbanandsuburbanareasarefailingtocomplywiththeCleanWaterAct. Theyfailtosetdeadlinesandregularbenchmarksforreducingpollutionfromrunoff,failtopromotethe kindsofrunoffcontrolpracticesthatwouldbestprotectwaterqualityintheriversandstreamsthe runoffenters,andfailtorequireadequatemonitoringofresults.EPAisresponsibleforfinalreviewand approvalofthesepermits. InPennsylvania,whichhaspermitsthatdontexplainthekindsofimplementationplansthatare expectedoflocalities,EPAhasnotexerteditsauthoritysufficientlytoensuretransparencyand accountability,andthatpollutionisreducedanddeadlinesaremet. Restoringlocalrivers,streams,andtheChesapeakeBaywillonlybeachievedwhenallthe partnersdotheirfairshare,McGeesaid.Thefederalgovernmentmuststepupitsoversightand clearlydefinetheactionsitwilltakeoverthenexttwoyearstoensureprogress.Meetingthemilestones willnotjustbenefitustoday,butalsoourchildrenandfuturegenerations. ChesapeakeBayCleanupFactSheets TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAOfficehasissuedaseriesoffactsheetsoutliningthe waterqualityproblemsandsolutionsbeingimplementedinthePennsylvaniaportionoftheChesapeake BayWatershed APrimerOnPollutantsOfConcernoutlinesthecontributionsPennsylvaniasportionofthe ChesapeakeBayWatershedmakestonitrogen,phosphorusandsedimentpollutiontotheBay. Nearly20,000MilesOfPAStreamsArePolluteddetailsthefacttherearethousandsofstream milesandhundredsofacresoflakesallacrossPennsylvaniathatareconsideredimpairedunderthe federalCleanWaterActthateitherhaveorwillrequirewhatisknownasaTotalMaximumDailyLoad (TMDL). CostEffectiveSolutionsAreKnown,DocumentedForTheChesapeakeBaynotescosteffective pollutionsolutionshavealreadymadesignificantprogressinreducingpollutiongoingtotheBay, particularlyinPennsylvania. LancasterCountyPlainSectFarmsAsCleanWaterStewardsprovidesasnapshotoftheBuffer

BonusinitiativefromCBFtoencouragetheinstallationofstreambuffersbyAmishandPlainSect farmersinLancasterCounty. AmishandOldOrderMennoniteFarmsProtectStreamsAndTheBayprovidesanoverviewofa CBFinitiativetoworkwithPlainSectfarmersinLancasterandChestercountiestoinstallbest managementpracticesunderfederalFarmBillProgramsliketheConservationReserveEnhancement Program(CREP). Inaddition,Dr.BethMcGee,SeniorWaterQualityScientistatCBF,gaveaPowerPoint presentationOctober16onthestatusoftheChesapeakeBayCleanupinPennsylvaniaandthe challengesthatremain. LearnAboutSavingEnergy,AlternativeFuelsRebatesAtDEPsFarmShowExhibit TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwilldisplayitsinteractiveDEPatHomeexhibitduring the98thPennsylvaniaFarmShowintheMainHallofthePennsylvaniaFarmShowComplexandExpo CenterinHarrisburgfromJanuary4to11. DEPatHomeisaninteractive,educationalhomestructurethatfeaturespracticesandproducts promotingenergyefficiencyandsustainablebuildingmaterials,aswellasenvironmentallyfriendlyand Pennsylvaniaproducedproductsforthehome. Thisyear,ourexhibithasarenewedfocusonalternativefuels.DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo said.Iencourageallfarmshowvisitorstostopbyandlearnhowtopluginanelectricvehicle,orfuela truckthatrunsoncompressednaturalgas. Theexhibit,whichmadeitsdebutatthe2012FarmShow,nowfeaturesagaragetoshowcase vehiclesthatrunonalternativefuels. Thereareuseablepumpsandreceptaclesforcompressednaturalgasandelectricvehicles(EV) sovisitorscanexperiencefuelinganalternativefuelvehicle(AFV).Thegaragealsoboastsflooring madefromrecycledtires,informationaboutproperdisposalofhouseholdhazardouswaste,aswellas landscapingwithnativeplantsandtipsonproperpestmanagement. DEPhaspartneredwithNissanNorthAmericatobringaNissanLeafallelectricvehicleto theirFarmShowexhibit.TheLeafwasmanufacturedattheNissanplantinTennesseeandwillsitinthe drivewayofDEPsexhibit.FarmShowvisitorswillbeabletousetheEVchargertopowerthe vehicleandsitatthewheeltoenvisiondrivingthisinnovativecar. ResidentsthatareinterestedinpurchasinganAFV,liketheNissanLeaf,cantakeadvantageof DEPsAFVRebateProgram,whichprovidesrebatestoPAresidentsthatpurchasecertaintypesof alternativefuelvehicles. Becauseofthepopularityandsuccessofthisrebateprogram,wehavedecidedtoinfusean additionalonemilliondollarsintotherebatefundsothatmorePennsylvaniansareabletopurchasethese vehicles,Abruzzosaid. ReturningtotheDEPatHomeexhibitthisyeararethepopularkitchenwithrecycledglad countertopandaworkingradonmitigationunit. RadonActionMonth JanuaryisRadonActionMonthandisagoodtimetoconsidertestingthehomeorworkplace. OnJanuary5,stafffromDEPsBureauofRadiationProtectionwillbeavailableattheexhibitfrom noonto4p.m.toanswervisitorsradonquestions. FarmShowHours ThePennsylvaniaFarmShowrunsJanuary4to10from8a.m.to9p.m.andJanuary11from

8a.m.to5p.m.Admissionisfreeandparkingis$10.ThePennsylvaniaFarmShowComplexand ExpoCenteriseasilyaccessedfromnearbyInterstate81. DEPcreatedtheexhibitthroughfundsprovidedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEnergysState EnergyProgram. NewsClip:HowArtBecomesEnergy,1,000PoundButterSculpture AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House 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 Senate January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 BillCalendars House(January7):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPforacompetitive grantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303(MoulRAdams) transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlargemasstransitfleetsto naturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransitbusestonaturalgas HouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFund tocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclestonaturalgasand providea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308(SaylorRYork)redirecting $6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgas.<>Click HereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(January7):<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices

Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees

NewsFromTheCapitol
StateCollects1.6PercentLessThanAnticipatedInDecember Pennsylvaniacollected$2.4billioninGeneralFundrevenueinDecember,whichwas$40million,or1.6 percent,lessthananticipated,SecretaryofRevenueDanielMeuserreportedThursday.Fiscal yeartodateGeneralFundcollectionstotal$12.3billion,whichis$2.6millionaboveestimate.Click Hereformoredetails. NewsClips: PATaxRevenuesRemainSlightlyAboveEstimates DecemberRevenueReportShowsProofOfTepidChristmas ErieToSeeGasTaxHikeIn2014 HigherGasTaxes,GasPricesWillDropSlightly PennsylvaniaGasolineTaxesGoUpJan.1 CoalitionPledgesToKeepProTransportationLawmakersInOffice ItTookAWolffToShepherdTransportationFundingBill Editorial:TheTaxman Editorial:FocusShouldBeOnPropertyTaxReform TurnpikeTollHikesPromoteEZPass CommonwealthFinancingAuthoritysProjectsExamined

NewsFromAroundTheState
RegistrationNowOpenForSchuylkillWatershedCongressOnMarch15 TheSchuylkillWatershedCongressisaanannualgatheringofcitizensinterestedinwatershed protectionandrestorationwhichthisyearwillbeheldonMarch15attheMontgomeryCounty CommunityCollegecampusinPottstown.

The2014WatershedCongressprogramkicksoffwithakeynotepanelpresentedbystaffof theWilliamPennFoundationwhowillbespeakingabouttheFoundation'sDelawareRiverWatershed ProtectionGrantProgram. ConcurrentsessionsfortheupcomingprogramincludepresentationsontheSchuylkillRiver watertrail,abandonedminedrainage,invasiverocksnot,habitatrestoration,greenconstruction,native meadowmanagement,rainbarrelsandraingardens,livingwithfloodplains,watershededucation,and muchmore. Registrationfeesstartat$40(coversparticipationinSaturdaysprogram,Saturdaymornings refreshments,andlunch). Formoreinformationandtoregister,visittheSchuylkillWatershedCongresswebpage. PennStateExtension:UpdateOnThePAMasterWellOwnerNetwork FundingprovidedbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandPennsylvaniaGroundWater AssociationwasusedtodevelopandimplementprogramsofPennStateExtensionsMasterWell OwnerNetworkoverthepastyear. Thisvolunteernetworkisdedicatedtoprovidingunbiased,researchbasededucationforthe millionsofprivatewaterwellownersinPennsylvania.AglanceataccomplishmentsfromtheMWON programincludes: Atotalof54newMWONvolunteerswererecruitedandtrainedatfacetofaceworkshopsanda sevenweekonlinecoursejoiningatotalof249activeMWONvolunteersin64counties. MWONpartneredwithvariousagenciestoprovide30educationalworkshopsorwebinarsto1,225 privatewatersupplyownersandfreewatertestingtonearly400homeownersandfarmers. ActiveMWONvolunteersreportedspending1,447hourseducatinganadditional3,197private watersupplyownersinPennsylvania.73percentofvolunteerseducatedwatersupplyownersthrough oneononeconversationswhile26percentutilizedthetabletopdisplayateventsand21%gave presentationstosmallgroups. Sinceitsinception,MWONvolunteershavededicatednearly8,000hoursoftheirtimetodirectly educatenearly34,000privatewatersupplyowners.Additionalindirecteducationthroughnewsletters, newspapersandpublicationshasbeenprovidedtoover100,000privatewatersupplyowners throughoutthestate. 23newvolunteersarecurrentlyenrolledintheonlinetrainingcoursethisfall.Anadditionaltraining coursefornewvolunteerswillbeofferedonSaturday,December14,2013inBucksCounty. InMay2013MOWNpartneredwithnumerousagenciestopresentthe2013Pennsylvania GroundwaterSymposiumatPennStatefor150groundwaterprofessionals.Planningisalready underwayforthe2014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposiumonMay7,2014attheRamadaInnin StateCollege,PA. Tolearnmore,visittheMasterWellOwnerNetworkwebsite. (WrittenBy:BryanSwistock,WaterResourcesSpecialist,RenewableNaturalResources,Penn StateExtension,DepartmentofEcosystemScienceandManagement,andreprintedfromPenn StateExtensionsWatershedWindsnewsletter.) $1.1MillionMineReclamationContractsAwardedInClearfield,Northumberland

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannouncedcontractawardsfortwoabandoned minereclamationprojectsinClearfieldandNorthumberlandcounties,totaling$1,113,300. ThecontractawardedinWoodwardTownship,ClearfieldCountytotals$324,767forthe implementationofanerosionandsedimentcontrolplan,excavatingasubsurfacedrainof1,720linear feet,grading219,300cubicyards,incorporating2,400tonsoflimestone,andseeding24acres. Totaling$788,533,thecontractawardedinCoalTownship,NorthumberlandCountywillfund theimplementationofanerosionandsedimentcontrolplan,clearingandgrubbingvegetation,grading 490,740cubicyards,excavating2,050cubicyardsfordrainage,lining1,540squareyardsofrock,and seeding73.1acres. E.M.BrownInc.ofClearfieldwasselectedtocompletetheWoodwardTownshipproject.The projectisexpectedtostartinearlyJanuaryandbecompletedbyJuly14ofthisyear. TheCoalTownshipprojectcontractwasawardedtoJBSDirtInc.ofCanastota,NewYork. TheprojectisexpectedtostartinJanuaryandbecompletedbyMarch9,2015. ContractswereawardedonacompetitivebasisandarefederallyfundedbyOfficeofSurface Mininggrants.Grantfundsaresupportedbyafeeonthemoderncoalindustryandaredistributedto statesasannualgrantstoreclaimminesitesthatwereabandonedpriortopassageofthefederalSurface MiningControlandReclamationActof1977. Formoreinformation,call7177832267. DEPEmployeesRecognizedForAbandonedMineReclamationProjectWork TwoDEPemployeesfromtheWilkesBarreDistrictoftheBureauofAbandonedMineReclamation wererecognizedfortheireffortsincompletingtheongoingworkattheBoyersKnobLookout AbandonedMineReclamationProjectatarecentmeetingoftheAnthraciteOutdoorAdventureArea AuthorityinNorthumberlandCounty. JohnCurley,chiefoftheDesignSection,andLarryDobash,chiefoftheSouthern ConstructionSection,werebothlaudedfortheirhardworkingettingtheprojectofftheground.A representativefromAOAAsaidthegroupappreciatesthereclamationandviewstherestorationeffort asagreatstepinaverypositivedirection. TheBoyersKnobLookoutproject,startedinMarch2013andisscheduledtobecompletedin March2014.TheworksiteislocatedbetweentheVillagesofExcelsiorandGowenCityinCoal Township,NorthumberlandCounty.TheprojectaccessroadisontheeastsideofStateRoute125, approximately1.1milesnorthoftheintersectionofSR2044andSR125. ThissitewaspartoftheEnterpriseCollieryandhadbeendeepminedfromthelate1800sto the1950s.Stripminingoccurredinthe1950sto1960s.Theminingleftbehindanumberof abandonedstrippitsandmineopenings.Thepitsandmineopeningsarebeingreclaimedbybackfilling withonsitematerial,gradingthelandbacktoitsapproximatepreminingcontoursandthenreplanting thedisturbedareawithgrass,legumeandtreeseedmixtures. Also,certainareasofthefinalgradedprojectsitewillbepreparedforfutureplantingof AmericanChestnuttrees.Thusfar,abouttwothirdsoftheprojectiscomplete,over30acreshave beenrevegetated,theninemineopeningsreclaimedandseveralsmallhazardousstructuresremoved. ThecontractworkisbeingperformedbyMorgansExcavatingofMountUnion,atthebid priceof$1.2million.TheprojectisbeingfundedbyTheAbandonedMineReclamationTrustFund whichissubsidizedbythecoalindustryviafeespaidoneachtonofcoalmined.

(ReprintedfromtheDecember26issueofDEPNews.) DEPInvitesCommentsOnOctoraroCreekWatershedTMDL TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedanoticeinvitingcommentsonaproposalTotal MaximumDailyLoadsPlanfortheOctoraroCreekWatershedinLancasterCounty(PABulletinpage 95).AcopyoftheplanisavailableonDEPsTMDLwebpage. December26DEPNewsNowAvailable TheDecember26DEPNewsonlinenewsletterisnowavailablefeaturingarticlesonAct13PA SupremeCourtruling,DEPsnewinteractivegaswellmappingtool,DEPemployeesrecognizedfor abandonedminereclamationprojectworkandDEPatHomeenergyexhibitattheFarmShow.Click Heretosignupforyourowncopy. PAStatewideSustainableEnergyBoardToMeetJan.9 ThePAStatewideSustainableEnergyBoard,inconjunctionwiththePublicUtilityCommission,will holditsannualmeetingat11a.m.,January9,inHearingRoom1oftheCommonwealthKeystone Building,Harrisburg. Intheeventofinclementweather,theeventwillbeheldJanuary23inthesamelocation. Themeetingwillprovideupdatesfromtheregionalsustainableenergyfunds(SEFs)andisbeing heldtoupdateCommonwealthagenciesandotherinterestedgroupsonactivitiesoftheenergyfunds. Someoftheprojectsbeingdiscussedatthemeetingwillincludethefollowing: TheSustainableEnergyFund,operatinginthePPLElectricUtilitiesCorp.serviceterritory,will highlightEnergyPath2013andtheSustainableEnergyFinanceProgramwhichisanewprogramthat provides0percentloanstomunicipalitiesandnonprofitorganizations. TheSustainableDevelopmentFund,operatinginthePECOserviceterritory,willpresentinformation onlessonslearnedfromenergylending,withspecialattentiononvariouslocalprojects. TheMetropolitanEdisonCo.andPennsylvaniaElectricCo.SustainableEnergyFundwillfocuson itsEnergyandEducationPlan,whichisacomprehensive,educationbasedenergyconservation program. TheWestPennPowerCo.sSustainableEnergyFundwillprovideanoverviewoftheprogramsand projectswhichithelpedcofund,includingeffortstosupporttheuseofbiomassforthermallydriven, industrialandinstitutionalapplications. RepresentativesfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,OfficeofConsumer Advocate,theDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopment,andthePennsylvania EnvironmentalCouncilhavebeeninvitedtoattend. Formoreinformation,visitthePAStatewideSustainableEnergyBoardwebpage. PRCsPECOSmartIdeasProgramSetForPhiladelphiaHomeShowJan.1012 ThePAResourcesCouncilEastiscontinuingtoconducteducationaloutreachonthePECOSmart IdeasProgramin2014whichisdesignedtohelpcustomersreduceenergyconsumptionthrough conservationandefficiency.

Theeducationstaffvisitsfairs,festivals,marketsandhomeshowstoshareinformationwith residentsinthePECOserviceregion.Mostoftheideasarelowornocost.Unpluggingtoreduce "PhantomDraw"isoneexample.SwitchingtoCFLorLEDbulbsisanother.Inaddition,thereare incentivestopurchaseenergyefficientappliancesandequipmentforthosewillingtoinvestinenergy reductionoptions. JanuarybeginstheHomeShowseason.FirstupistheACSGreaterPhiladelphiaSpringHome ShowheldattheValleyForgeResort,1160FirstAve.,KingofPrussia,MontgomeryCounty.Wewill bethereJanuary10,11and12.Formoreinformationaboutshowhourspleasevisitthewebsiteor contactJayneYoungat6103531555ext.222orsendemailto:young@prc.org. AnthraciteHeritageFoundationMiningHistoryWeekJan.822 AregionalobservanceofMiningHistoryWeekwilltakeplaceJanuary822atprogramsin WilkesBarre,Scranton,Pittston,PortGriffith,andAshley.Theannualeventfocusesonanthracite mineworker,familiesandcommunities,andthehardcoalindustryinNortheasternPennsylvania. TheprogramsaresponsoredbytheAnthraciteHeritageMuseum,theAnthraciteHeritage Foundation,King'sCollege,theLackawannaHistoricalSociety,theLuzerneCountyHistoricalSociety, theHuberBreakerPreservationSociety,theAnthraciteLivingHistoryGroup,theOldForgeCoal Mine,theGreaterPittstonHistoricalSociety,andtheKnoxMineDisasterMemorialCommittee. Thepubliciscordiallyinvitedtoattendtheevents.Allbutoneisopenfreeofcharge. Schedule January8:7p.m.,WilliamConolgue,ProfessorofEnglish,MarywoodCollege,willspeakonhis recentbook,"HereandThere:ReadingPennsylvania'sWorkingLandscapes,"LackawannaHistorical Society,CatlinHouse,232MonroeAvenue,Scranton.Refreshmentsserved. January9:7p.m.,ThomasDublin,ProfessorEmeritusofHistoryatSUNYBinghamton,willdeliver theAnnualMsgr.JohnJ.CurranLecture,"WhentheMinesClosed,"atKing'sCollege,Burke Auditorium,McGowanBusinessSchool.Refreshmentsservedat6:30p.m. January12:2p.m.,RobertThomasHugheswillpresentadramaticreadingofhiswork,"AMiner's Tale,"whichtellsthestoryoftheanthracitecoalminerinNortheasternPennsylvaniathroughmonologue. TheeventwillbehostedbyAnthraciteHeritageMuseum,McDadePark,Scrantonthecostof$5.00 perpersonalsoincludesadmissiontoalloftheMuseum'sexhibits. January18:2p.m.,TheAnnualKnoxMineDisasterCommemorativeProgram,AnthraciteHeritage Museum,McDadePark,Scranton.F.CharlesPetrillo,WilkesBarre,willpresentamultimedia programon,"TheEndofDeepCoalMiningFollowingtheKnoxMineDisasterof1959."Guest musicianLexRomanewillplayoriginalmusicalselections.Alargeneedleworkdesignedand embroideredbyAudreyBalogaCalvey,asatributetoherfather,KnoxvictimJohnBaloga,andthe othermenlostthatday,willbeexhibited.Otherspeak.Refreshmentsserved. January19:10a.m.,AnnualKnoxDisasterMemorialMass,St.JohntheEvangelistChurch, Pittston. January19:11:30a.m.,AnnualKnoxDisasterCommemorativeCeremony,PHMCKnoxDisaster HistoricalMarkerlocatedinfrontofBalogaFuneralHome(formerlySt.Joseph'sChurch),MainStreet, PortGriffith.Coffeeserved. January21:7p.m.,WilliamA.Hastie,WestPittston,willspeakonhisrecentcoauthoredbook: "AnthraciteLaborWars:Tenancy,Italians,andOrganizedCrimeintheNorthernCoalfieldof Northeastern,PA,18971959,"HuberBreakerPreservationSociety,EarthConservancyBuilding,101

SouthMainSt.,Ashley.Refreshmentsserved. January22:morning(timeandplaceTBA),DedicationandUnveilingofthePHMCHistorical MarkerforTheBaltimoreTunnelMineDisasterof1919,inWilkesBarre. January22:3p.m.,PaneldiscussionontheBaltimoreTunnelMineDisasterof1919,featuring King'sCollegesProfessorsThomasMackamanandDanClasby,KatieLaverywholosttwounclesin thedisaster,andKing'sstudentswhoworkedwiththeabovepersonsinsecuringthePHMCmarker FitzRoom,SheeheyFarmerCampusCenter,King'sCollege,WilkesBarre. WesternPA2013HouseholdChemical,PharmaceuticalCollectionRecap ThePAResourcesCouncil,wantstothankthoseofyouwhohelpedmakethe2013Household Chemical&PharmaceuticalCollectionsseasonawhoppingsuccess!PRCtrulyappreciatesyour participation,interest,inputandifyouvolunteered,yourdedicationandperseveranceinlessthanideal weatherconditions. Notonlydidweattractmoreparticipantsthisyearthanever,butwealsocollectedover60,000 morepoundsofmaterialthananyotheryearoftheprogramdatingbackto2003.Itdemonstrateshow importantandneededthisprogramistohelpensurethehealthandenvironmentalwellbeingofwestern Pennsylvaniaresidents. Followingisashortrecapofactivities: Totalparticipants5,271 Householdchemicalscollected366,995lbs. Pharmaceuticalwastecollected2,146lbs.and Totalwastecollected369,141lbs. Beonthelookoutforthe2014schedulewhichwillbepostedhere.Forsponsorship,volunteer orotherinformationpleasecontactMichaelStepaniakat4124887452orsendemailto: michaels@ccicenter.org.Thanksagainforagreat2013! PRCWestRecognizedForContributionToCleanPittsburghCommission CongratulationstoallofthemembersoftheCleanPittsburghCommissionforreceivingaproclamation fromMayorLukeRavenstahl. AttheDecembermeetingthe15commissionmembers,whichincludeDaveMazzaandSarah AlessioSheaofPAResourcesCouncilWest,weresurprisedwithproclamationsfromtheMayor stating"IdoherebydeclareandcelebrateDecember12,as'CleanPittsburghCommissionDay'herein ourmostlivableCityofPittsburgh." TheCleanPittsburghCommission,establishedin2005,workstoimprovetheenvironmental qualityoflifeofPittsburghresidentsthroughlitterandillegaldumpingprevention,cleanupand enforcementefforts. CongratulationstoalloftheCPCmembers,yourworkhasmadePittsburghacleaner,greener City! Mt.LebanonTownship,PRCBeginRecyclingProgramIn2014 Mt.LebanonTownship,AlleghenyCounty,willbetacklingbusinessandmultifamilyunitrecyclingover thenextyearwiththehelpofthePAResourcesCouncil.

ThetownshipwillutilizefundingfromDEPandteamupwithPRCtoincreaserecyclingin neighborhoodbusinesses,multifamilyunitsandinstitutions. PRCrepresentativeswillbeworkingwithcommunitymembers,businessownersandpublic officialsaliketoincreaserecyclingparticipation.InthefirstfewweeksoftheNewYearPRCstaffwill bemakingintroductionsanddistributingsurveys,educationpacketsandimportantrecyclinginformation. PRCWestislookingforwardtoworkingwithlocalbusinesses,multifamilyunitbuildingowners andresidentsandinstitutionstoincreaserecyclingandmakeMt.Lebanonamoresustainable community.Lettherecyclingbegin! EnvironmentalThemeForDelawareValleyEducatorsConferenceMarch2122 ThethemeofthisyearsDelawareValleyAssociationfortheEducationofYoungChildrenisTakeA WalkontheWildSideConnectingChildrenwithNaturesetforMarch2122inthePAConvention Center,Philadelphia.ClickHereforregistrationandotherdetails. WildlandsConservancySpecialHomeschoolProgramsBeginJan.23 TheWildlandsConservancyissponsoringaseriesofspecialeducationaleventsatthePoolWildlife SanctuaryinEmmausLehighCountyforhomeschoolstudents.ClickHeretoseeacalendarofthe events. JanuaryIsRadonActionMonthInPennsylvania TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionremindedPennsylvaniansThursdayJanuaryisRadon ActionMonth. Radonisacolorless,odorless,radioactivegasthatoccursnaturallythroughthebreakdownof uraniuminsoilandrocks.Itcanseepintohomesthroughcracksinbasementsandfoundationsandcan buildupinsidetoconcentrationsmanytimestherecommendedlevel. "ElevatedlevelsofradonaffectnearlyhalfofallPennsylvaniahomes,butitiseasilyfixed,"DEP SecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid."Don'tallowyourhomeorfamilytobecomeastatistic.I'vetestedmy homeforradon.Testyoursnow." RadonisthesecondleadingcauseoflungcancerinPennsylvaniaandcausesabout20,000 lungcancerdeathsintheUnitedStateseveryyear.Pennsylvaniaisparticularlypronetoelevatedradon levels,withabout40percentofhomesinthestatehavingradonlevelsabovetheU.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency'sactionleveloffourpicocuriesperliter. Whileradonproblemsmaybemorecommoninsomeregionsofthestate,thepotentialexists foranyhomeinPennsylvaniatohavehighradonlevels. Testingforradonistheonlywaytoknowifahomeorotherstructurehaselevatedlevelsof radon.DEPrecommendstestingallhomesandpublicandprivatebuildings.Thebesttimetotestis duringthecoldweathermonths,whenhomesandbuildingsareclosedandradonismostlikelytobuild uptounhealthylevels. Residentsmayhireacertifiedradontestingcompany,thoughitiseasytoperformaradontest byusingakitthatcanbepurchasedatahomeimprovementstoreoraPennsylvaniacertifiedradon laboratory. CompletedtestkitsshouldbesenttoaPennsylvaniacertifiedlaboratory,wheresamplesare

analyzed.Ifresultsrevealradonlevelsabovetheactionlevel,aradonmitigationsystemmaybe necessary. Radonmitigationsystemscostbetween$800and$1,200andrequireminimalmaintenance. Mosthomeorbuildingownerschoosetohirearadonmitigationprofessionaltoinstallthesystem. FarmShow ResidentsseekingmoreinformationaboutradoncanstopbyDEP'sexhibitatthePennsylvania FarmShowonJanuary5fromnoonto4p.m.totalktoaradonprofessionalwiththedepartment's BureauofRadiationProtection. Formoreinformationaboutradon,includinginformationoninterpretingtestresultsandfindinga Pennsylvaniacertifiedradoncontractor,visitDEPsRadonwebpageorcall180023RADON. WesternPAConservancyProtects2PropertiesAlongGreatAlleghenyPassage TheWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyhaspurchasedtwopropertiesalongtheGreatAllegheny Passage,cappingoffayearinwhichtheConservancy,withthesetwoacquisitions,hasprotected18 properties. ThetworecentpurchasesinSomersetCountypreservehillsideviewssurroundingConfluence, oneofthecenterpiececommunitiesalongtheGreatAlleghenyPassagealsoknownastheGAPtrail. TheacquisitionsenhancethehikingandbikingtrailthattheConservancyhelpedcreatemore than35yearsagoandprovideaccesstothenearbyCasselmanRiver,WPCannouncedtoday. TheConservancypurchasedthe49acreforestedpropertyinConfluenceanda96acreparcel thatsitsinbothConfluenceandLowerTurkeyfootTownship.TheGAPtraileitherbordersorruns throughbothSomersetCountyproperties.BothsitescontainfrontagealongtheCasselmanRiverthe largerpropertywillprovidepublicaccessbetweentheGAPtrailandtheriver. Decemberisafuntimeinthelandconservationbusiness,becausemanyofourkeyacquisitions closethen.Thisyear,theConservancyhasprotecteddiverseproperties,suchasonesinErie,French Creek,LigonierValleyandthesetwowonderfulpropertiesalongtheGreatAlleghenyPassage,said TomSaunders,WPCspresidentandchiefexecutiveofficer.Thirtyfiveyearsago,somanypeople hadsuchvisiontobegintheacquisitionsfortheGAPtrailfromPittsburghtoWashington,D.C.Now thatitscomplete,itsexcitingtobeabletoacquireandprotectsomeofthekeyvistasalongthetrail. TheConservancyreceivedhelpfromstatepartnersandprivatefundersduringtheacquisitions, Saunderssaid.WPC,thestate,keyfoundationsandotherpartnersidentifiedprioritylandconservation opportunitiesalongtheGAPtrail,basedontheirhighlevelofvisibility,usebythepublicandtheir proximitytotheCasselmanRiver. ThesmallerparcelbordersasectionoftheGAPtrailjustbeforeitcrossestheCasselmanRiver intoConfluence.Itencompassesmostofascenichill,soanydevelopmenttherewouldbehighlyvisible fromConfluenceandthetrail. AmileandahalfsectionoftheGAPtrailpassesdirectlythroughthelargerpropertyasthetrail entersConfluencefromtheeast. A50lotresidentialdevelopmenthadbeenplannedforthepropertyabout10yearsago,said MichaelKnoop,alandprotectionandplanningmanagerattheConservancy.Fortunately,the landownerchosetosellthepropertytoWPCforconservationpurposes. Sincethe1950s,theConservancyhasprotectedmorethan81,000acresofprioritylandinthe LaurelHighlands.Inthelate1970s,WPCpurchasedthefirstpropertythatwouldbecomepartofthe GAPtraila27milestretchfromConnellsvilletoConfluencefromtheWesternMarylandRailway

Company.NinemilesoftrailfromOhiopyletoRamcat,nearConfluence,wereopenedin1986.The trailnowstretches150milesfromCumberland,Md.,toPittsburgh. FinancialsupportfortheprojectcamefromthefamilyofB.KennethSimon,Departmentof ConservationandNaturalResourcesCommunityConservationPartnershipsProgram,theNimick ForbeswayFoundationandtheKatherineMabisMcKennaFoundation. TheConservancyplanstoownandmanagethepropertiesforpublicuseandtheprotectionof conservationvalues.TheConservancysBenjaminHollandMemorialStewardshipFundwillsupport stewardshipexpenses. ClearWaterConservancyForTheLoveOfArtAndChocolateEventFeb.7 Forthe15thyearofClearWaterConservancysFortheLoveofArt&Chocolate,hassomenew thingsinstore.Gourmetchocolateandnatureinspiredlocalartwillstillbethefoundationofour signaturewintergala,butamoreintimatesetting,apreeventsponsorreceptionandotheradditionswill addsomespicetothisevent. JoinConservancymembersandsupportersFebruary7from7to9:30p.m.attheRamada ConferenceCenterandGolfHotelinStateCollegetoenjoysilentandliveauctions,raffles,hors d'ourves,livemusicandofcourse,gourmetchocolate.Attendanceislimitedto250.Nowalkins. R.S.V.P.byJanuary17.Reservationscanbemadeonline. JustaweekbeforeValentinesDay,guestscantreattheirsweethearttoanindulgenteveningof chocolatewhileproclaimingtheirloveforourbeautifulnaturalenvironmenthereintheheartof Pennsylvania.AllproceedsfromthiseventgotosupportClearWatersmissionofconservinglandand waterresourcesinCentralPennsylvania. TheConservancywillfeatureoneofthelongstandingprogramsatFortheLoveofArt& Chocolatethisyear.ClearWatersConnectionsprogramraisestheneededfundseachyeartosend 2,000+localstudentstoMillbrookMarshNatureCenterforhandsonoutdoorenvironmental education.Todothis,weneedatleast$20,000eachandeveryyear.Onaverage,itcosts$10per childtocovertheadmissionfeeandbustransportationtoMillbrookMarsh. Formoreinformation,visittheClearWaterConservancysFortheLoveofArt&Chocolate webpage. FriendsOfTheWissahickonNamesSarahWestAsVolunteerOfTheYear TheFriendsoftheWissahickoninMontgomeryCountyawardedSarahWesttheVolunteeroftheYear AwardatitsannualVolunteerRecognitionNightatValleyGreenInninDecember.Westisalongtime FOWmember,formerFOWBoardMember,andacurrentTrailAmbassador. "ThegrowthandpopularityofFOW'sTrailAmbassadorhikesandtalksisdueinlargepartto herdedication,"saysFOWOutreachManagerSarahMarley."SarahWestwasnominatedbyher peersfortirelesslycontributinghertimeandexpertisetoFOWandthepark,andforservingasan inspirationandmentortoherfellowvolunteers." SarahWestwaspresentedwithahandcarvedhikingstick,createdbylocalartisanIsaac Maefieldfromlocallysourcedwood.MaefieldincorporatedWissahickonschistintoitsdesign especiallyforWest,wholeadsgeologyhikesintheWissahickonasaTrailAmbassador.Shewasa secondaryandcollegeteacherinthesciencesfor40years,25ofthoseyearsatGermantownFriends School.

FOWvolunteersserveonvariouscommittees,participateinworkdaysinthepark,orserveas TrailAmbassadors.Thesehardworkingindividualshelpbuildstructuresinthepark,repairtrails,assist withfundraising,writeforthenewsletter,patrolthepark,leadhikes,andcountlessothertasks. TovolunteerwithFOW,contactVolunteerCoordinatorEricFalkbysendingemailto: falk@fow.orgorcall2152470417x107. GameCommissionHabitatSeedlingSalesBeginJan.6 Whileitmightbewinter,landownerscanbeginmakingplanstohelpwildlifethisspringandbeyond byplantingtreeandshrubseedlingsofferedbytheGameCommissionsHowardNursery.The2014 seedlingorderformisavailableonline,andsalesaresettobeginJanuary6. Mostseedlingsaresoldinunitsof25,but100seedlingbundlesalsoareavailableinmixesto benefitdeer,gamebirdsandsongbirds,aswellastoimproveriparianandwinterthermalhabitats. The2014orderformcontainsawideselectionofevergreens,shrubsandfruitandnutbearing trees.MostspeciesarenativetoPennsylvania,andwiththeexceptionofblacklocust,allofthe availablehardwoodsaregrownfromseedcollectedfromPennsylvaniasourcesandprocessedby GameCommissionpersonnel. Twoofferingshavebeenaddedtotheorderformthisyear.Blackgum/BlackTupeloisa slowgrowingtreethatprovidesfoodforbirdsandwildlifeand,asitgrows,oftenprovidesnesting cavities.Aunitof251yearoldseedlingsisavailablefor$12.50. Alsoavailablethisyearisamixedoakcollection,whichmaycontainsomeorallofnorthernred oak,whiteoak,chestnutoak,pinoakandblackoakseedlings.Aunitof25seedlingsisavailablefor $8.75,butlikemanyoftheseedlingsofferedforsalecanbepurchasedatadiscountedprice. Althoughadiscountisnotofferedforallspeciesorhabitatbundles,ordersof12ormoretotal unitsqualifyforapplicablediscountedpricing.Withthediscount,pricesareaslowas$3.75perbundle, or15centsperseedling. Themixedoakbundlecosts$6.25withthediscount. Speciesthatqualifyforthediscountaremarkedontheorderform. AnnettaAyers,superintendentatHowardNursery,saidthereisaverylimitedsupplyofsome oftheseedlingsforsale.ThosewhoareinterestedmightwanttocallHowardNurseryat 8143554434.HoursofoperationareMondaythroughFridayfrom7a.m.to3:30p.m. Orderscanbeplacedbytelephone,aswell. TheorderformandinformationabouttheseedlingsforsaleareavailableattheGame Commissionswebsite. Theorderformcanbecompletedandsubmittedonline,orprintedoutandfaxedormailed. PaymentsarenotdueuntiltheorderisconfirmedbyHowardNursery. ForthosewithoutInternetaccess,orderformscanbeobtainedatGameCommissionofficesor variousdisplaysorboothsatshowsinwhichtheagencyparticipatesthroughthespringorbysendinga selfaddressed,stampedenvelopeto:HowardNursery,197NurseryRoad,Howard,PA16841. Whiletheorderformprovidesabriefdescriptionofthetreespeciesavailableandtheirbenefits tobirdsandwildlife,moreinformationisavailableonthewebsiteunderTreeSeedlingIndex. ThepreferredmethodofdeliveryisbyUnitedParcelService.Shippingandhandlingchargesdo apply.OrdersareshippedonlyMondaythroughWednesdaytoassuredeliveryforweekendplanting. However,ordersalsomaybepickedupinpersonatthenurseryoncebuyersarenotifiedtheorderis ready.

Generally,seedlingsshipinthemonthofApril.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased. NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting. FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9AgendaReleased.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. Updateonregulatorypackages,NPDESpermitting,ABSLegacyTrustAccount,PermitDecision GuaranteeProgram,BondRateGuidelines,AbandonedMineReclamationReport BeneficialUseOfCoalAshAtMineSitespresentation <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. 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) January15DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15AgendaReleased.DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30. UpdateOn2014CoastalZoneGrants UpdateonCoastalMarineSpatialPlanning,BoundaryExpansion <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

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

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January14PAEnvironmentalEducatorAwardNominations January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February4EPAEnvironmentalEducationGrants February14PHMCHistoricPreservationLocalGovernmentGrants February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing February28PresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators February28AppalachianTrailHallOfFameNominations March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March3PHMCKeystoneHistoricPreservationGrants March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate EmergencyHeatingGrantsAvailableForLowIncomePeople OpEd:EndangeredSpeciesRulesAreANecessaryChange HowArtBecomesEnergy,1,000PoundButterSculpture Budget ErieToSeeGasTaxHikeIn2014 HigherGasTaxes,GasPricesWillDropSlightly PennsylvaniaGasolineTaxesGoUpJan.1 TransportationBillBigVictoryForLegislature CommonwealthFinancingAuthoritysProjectsExamined Other PennDOTUsesBeetJuiceToTreatIcyRoads RecycledChristmasTreesToBeUsedAsTrailMulch ChristmasTreecyclingOfferedThisWeekend PittsburghNativeReturnsToLeadPRCPittsburgh MedicalWasteStillPoppingUpInMonroevilleLandfill RecyclingFacilityPlansHaltedInZelienople Over$2KWorthOfScrapMetalStolenFromRecyclingPlant MoreHouseholdsLeftOutInColdThisWinter 40WattBulbsToDisappearFromShelves AnthraciteMuseumHostsReadingForMiningHistoryWeek HistoricPreservationGrantsAvailable Rails,TrailsProveEssentialToConnellsvillesFuture HikersStartNewYearOffOnRightFoot BicycleEnthusiastsPumpedAboutGreenwaySojourn CitizenScientistsCountBirdsForAudubon InvasionOfSnowyOwlsIntoPennsylvania GameCommissionTestsConfirmCWDCase Moscow25thAnniversaryAsTreeCityUSA IceDunesAtPresqueIslePretty,Dangerous December26DEPNews DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling

CorbettDeclinesToDiscussChallengeToAct13Decision LawyersAskCourtToRethinkGasDrillingOpinion CorbettAsksCourtToReconsiderAct13Decision PALawyersAskCourtToRethinkGasDrillingOpinion RemandedDrillingImpactFeeCouldBeRuleOutPendingDecision Act13RulingRevivesQuestionsOnDoctorGagOrder PAOfficialsReactToSupremeCourtOil&GasActRuling StateImpact:Top10StoriesOf2013IA StateImpact:TopStoriesOf2013IB KeyGasDrillingHealthStudyCollectingPAData HealthStudyOnDrillingContinuesCollectingDataInPA CriminalCaseAgainstXTOEnergyHeadsToCourt Editorial:ExtendedOptionLooksGoodForShellPlant ExtensionOfficePlans2MarcellusShaleSeminars KeystoneDrillServicesInnovatesToLeaveDiesel NaturalGasBillsSetToRiseInWesternPA NaturalFuelGasPricesCouldFallSlightly Financial/OtherStates Survey:MostAmericansDontKnowMuchAboutFracking

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate CostOfCleanWaterActIsUnequalBurden CostSharingAmong4TownsEasesWaterManagement WarrenCountyTreatmentPlantWantsLawsuitTossedOut EnvironmentErieHoldsWorkshopOnSepticSystems MassiveWaterPipelineProposedForAlbionSmeltingPlant NewStateLawABoonToProduceFarmers

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinJanuary4,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofextensionofNPDESGeneralPermit (PAG04)fordischargesfromsmallflowtreatmentfacilitiesandpublishednoticeofdraftchangesto NPDESGeneralPermit(PAG04)fordischargesfromsmallflowtreatmentfacilities. DEPpublishedanoticesuspendingcertificationtoperformradonrelatedactivitiesforThomas OConnor(PABulletinpage94). ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishednoticeofStandardsfortheParticipationofDemandSide ManagementResourcesTechnicalReferenceManual. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. NOTE:TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedascheduleof2014advisorycommittee andboardmeetingsintheDecember21PABulletinstartingonpage7503. January7EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. TunkhannockHighSchoolAuditorium,135TigerDrive,Tunkhannock,WyomingCounty.6:00p.m. (formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January8DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting. FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00. January9AgendaReleased.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January9EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges.

WestChesterUniversityofPennsylvaniasSykesStudentUnionTheater,110WestRosedaleAvenue, WestChester,ChesterCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January9NEW.PAStatewideSustainableEnergyBoardmeeting.HearingRoom1,Keystone Building.1:00. January10SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeandSenateRepublicanPolicyCommitteehearing onthreatenedandendangeredspeciesSenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson).EberlyCollegeof BusinessandInformationAuditorium,664PrattDr.,IndianaUniversity,Indiana.10:00. January13EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. PennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologysKlumpAcademicCenter,OneCollegeAvenue,Williamsport, LycomingCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January14NEW.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouse Bill1699(RossRChester)settingairqualitystandardsforbackupgeneratorssponsorsummary. Room205RyanBuilding.9:00. January14DEPpublichearingonproposedrepealoftheportablefuelcontainerregulationfromthe stateAirQualityImplementationPlan.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve., Harrisburg.1:00.(formalnotice) January15DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:30. January15AgendaReleased.DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,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) January21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. January21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthwestRegionalOffice,400WaterfrontDr., Pittsburgh.1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe

CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg. 1:00.(formalnotice) January21DEPhearingonRegionalHazeStateImplementationPlanrevisionsrelatedtothe CheswickPowerPlant,AlleghenyCounty.DEPSoutheastRegionalOffice,2EastMainSt., Norristown.1:00.(formalnotice) January22DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPSouthcentralOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30. January22DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. January22EnvironmentalQualityBoardhearingonChapter78OilandGasRegulationChanges. WashingtonandJeffersonCollegesRossinCampusCenter/AllenBallroom,60SouthLincolnStreet, Washington,WashingtonCounty.6:00p.m.(formalnoticePABulletin,page7377) January23NEW.HouseFinanceCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill1461(KillionR Delaware)establishingawaterfrontdevelopmenttaxcreditsponsorsummary.IndependentSeaport Museum,211S.ColumbusBlvd&WalnutSt.,4thFloor,Philadelphia.10:00. 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.

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