PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaMarch10,2014 PAEnvironmentalCouncilOpposesBillRemovingProtectionForEndangeredSpecies ThePAEnvironmentalCouncilTuesdaysentalettertoeverymemberofthe HouseexpressingitsoppositiontoHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)thatis expectedtobeupforafinalvotebeforethefullHouseTuesday.Thetextof theletterfollows OnbehalfofthePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,Iamwritingtoexpress ourstrongoppositiontoHouseBill1576(P.N.2647),whichwould fundamentallyimpedeendangeredandthreatenedspeciesprotectionin Pennsylvania. Theissuescitedbythosespeakinginsupportofthislegislationconcernpermit reviewandPennsylvaniaNaturalDiversityInventory(PNDI)consultationprocesswiththeFish&Boat CommissionandtheGameCommission.HouseBill1576makesnoactualchangestothecurrent permitreviewprocessinstead,itplacespoliticalhurdlesinfrontofnewspecieslistings,andimposes unclearstandardsonlistingdeterminationsanddatasharing.Italsosystematicallydropshundredsof speciesofconcernfromthepermitreviewprocess,irrespectiveoftheirstatusinthestate,welcoming potentialfederallistingsinthefuture. Inotherwords,HouseBill1576doesnothingtoaddressthestatedproblemswithpermit reviews. ThelegislationalsoignoresrecentkeydevelopmentsdesignedtoimprovethePNDIreview process: InMay2013,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionissuedupdatedpolicyguidancefor PNDIcoordinationduringpermitreviewandevaluation[DocumentNumber0210200001].This policy,whichhasbeeninplacelessthanayear,clarifiesthePNDIconsultationprocessandestablishes cleardeterminationguidelines. TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,inpartnershipwithbothCommissions,is alreadyundertakinganoverhaulofthePNDIsystemthatwillprovidevalidpermitapplicantswith greateraccesstospeciesdataaswellastheabilitytoexpandthescopeofenvironmentalreviewfor proposedprojects. Bothoftheseeffortswillhelpfacilitatemoreefficientpermitreviewwithoutsacrificingspecies protectioninPennsylvania. Withoutquestion,thereareopportunitiestoimprovetransparencyandpartnershipbetween resourceprotectionagenciesandpermitapplicants.Butthesegoalscanbeachievedwithouttheneed forlegislation,anditisourunderstandingthattheresourceprotectionagenciesarenowdiligently workingwithmembersoftheGeneralAssemblytoidentifyconcreteconcernsanddeveloptangible

solutions. Onbehalfofourmembership,weurgeyoutoopposethislegislation. Thankyouforyourconsideration. JohnWalliser VicePresident,Legal&GovernmentAffairs PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil NewsClips: Sen.AllowaySeeksCommonGroundOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ErieRidgeCenterProgramFocusesOnInvasiveSpecies ChesapeakeBayFoundationUrgesActionToOpposeEndangeredSpeciesBill TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAsentanactionalertouttoitsmembersurgingthemtooppose HouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)sayingitwouldsignificantlyreduceprotectionforendangered species.ClickHeretotakeaction. ThebillisexpectedtobeupforafinalvoteintheHouseTuesday. NewsClips: Sen.AllowaySeeksCommonGroundOnEndangeredSpeciesBill ErieRidgeCenterProgramFocusesOnInvasiveSpecies AdditionalGasLeasingInStateForestsSparksDebateThisWeek Gov.Corbettsproposalforadditionalnonsurfaceimpactleasingofadditionalnaturalgasrightsunder StateForestsandParksthisweekgeneratedanexchangeofviewsintheHarrisburgPatriotNews betweenRickCarlson,formerDirectorofDCNRsOfficeofPolicyunderGovernorsRidgeand RendellandtheGov.CorbettsEnergyExecutivePatrickHenderson. HereisthetextofbothCarlsonsopedfromthePatriotandHendersonsresponse OpEd:CorbettProposalMissesThePointOfDrillingMoratorium ByRickCarlson PennsylvaniaDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerretti'srecent commentsclearlyimpliedGov.TomCorbett'sbudgetproposalwouldaidpubliclandstewardshipwith twoinitiatives. Thefirstwouldliftthecurrentmoratoriumonnewgasleasinginourstateparksandforests wheretherewouldbenosurfaceimpacts. AsthebudgethearinginHarrisburglastweekdemonstrated,thecurrentadministrationhas failedtounderstandthefullintentofthecurrentmoratoriumdevelopedunderformerGov.EdRendell. Specifically,themoratoriumrecognizedtheimportanceofprotectingsurfaceandgroundwater, andtheresultwasDCNRinitiatingalargescalewatermonitoringandevaluationprogrambeforenew areaswouldbeleasedfordrilling. Surelytheadministrationunderstandsbeingaresponsiblestewarddictatesthatwenotliftthe currentmoratoriumuntilDCNR'swatermonitoringandevaluationhasassuredusthatbothsurfaceand

groundwaterqualityarenotbeingthreatenedbytheextensivedrillingandfrackingcurrentlyunderway onexistingleasedsites. Instead,wearetobefooledintobelievingthatleasingnewforestlandwillbeOKaslongaswe don'tseeanysurfacedisturbances...shameonthem. WearebeingfooledintobelievingthatleasingnewforestlandwillbeOKaslongaswedon't seeanysurfacedisturbances...shameonthem. Evidently,theAdministrationhasalreadydecidedtheywanttomoveforwardwithouthaving providedthepublicwithanyofthesurfaceandgroundwaterinformationthatDCNRhasbeen collectingforthepastthreeyears. Therehasbeennopublicoversighttodateinthedevelopmentofthemonitoringplanandno publicreviewoftheagency'sevaluationmethodology. It'slongpasttimeforSecretaryFerrettitolayoutthespecificsofDCNR'swatermonitoring program,whentheinitialeffortistobecompleted,howitwillcontinue,andhowtheyintendtoinvolve thepublicinthereviewofthisinformationbothnowandinthefuture. TheexceptionalvalueofthesurfaceandgroundwaterresourcesinourstateParksandforests demandnothingless. Thesecondinitiativeisnothingmorethanaslightofhandthatwouldfoolusintobelievingthat Gov.Corbettismakingahugenewfinancialinvestmentinourparksandforestswheninfactabout75 percentofthemoneyislargelybeingreshuffledfromexistingconservationaccounts. WhileSecretaryFerrettitoutsthebenefitsofthis"EnhancePenn'sWoods"initiative,whatshedoesn't sayisthatGov.CorbettisagainproposingtoguttheDepartment'sOilandGasFundanddivertthe moneyforotherpurposes. ThisfundwasproposedbySecretaryGoddardnearly60yearsagototakerevenuefromthe saleofmineralsonstatelandsandreinvestthatmoneyinlandandconservationinfrastructurethatwould providelonglastingbenefitsforallofourcitizenstoenjoy. However,oncetheMarcellusgasrevenuesstartedtoproducebigmoney,theOilandGas Fundhasessentiallyhasbeenlootedtoaddressotherfundingneeds. WhatFerretttidoesn'tsayinhercommentaryisthattheadministrationhastakenmostof DCNR'sgeneralfundmoniesthathistoricallyfundedtheoperationandstaffingofourParksand Forests,divertedthemtootherpurposes,andhastappedtheOilandGasFundtoreplacethediverted funds. ThismeanstheOilandGasFundsnowsupportingthedailyoperationsofParksandForests arelostforthoseconservationinvestmentstobuylandandbuildfacilitiesbenefitingourParksand Forests. ThemagnitudeofthislossunderGov.Corbettisstaggering...over$350millionandnowthis Administrationwantstoliftthemoratoriumformoreleasingsotheycantransferanother$75millionto addressotherpurposes...shameonthem. Partofanycabinetsecretary'sjobistosupporttheadministration'sbudget.Butthisjustdoesn't addup,andbyanymeasure,conservationistheloser.It'stimetoendthisTomFoolery,andifwe don't'pushourelectedleaderstogetseriousaboutimprovingthestewardshipofourpubliclands,then shameonus. AndiftheSecretarywantstoinvokethehistoriceffortsofMauriceGoddardinher commentary,thensheshouldworkhardertopreserveoneofGoddard'sgreatestconservation achievementsandspeakabouttheimportanceofusingtheOilandGasFundtoputinplacea permanentconservationlegacythatwillendurelongaftertheMarcellusgasrevenueisgone.

RickCarlson,ofHarrisburg,servedasapolicydirectoroftheDepartmentofConservationof NaturalResourcesunderformerGovs.TomRidgeandEdRendell. ResponseByPatrickHenderson,Gov.CorbettsEnergyExecutive DearEditor: IwriteinresponsetoRickCarlsonsrecentpiece(Corbettproposalmissesthepointofdrilling moratorium)whichcontainsfactuallyinaccurateandoutofcontextinformationforyourreaders. Simplyput,GovernorCorbettsproposedbudgetgivesDCNRadditionalfundstodoitsjobbetter, whileatthesametimehelpsthecommonwealthgeneraterevenuetomeetcriticalprioritiesinawaythat prohibitsnewwellpads,pipelinesandroadsonnewareasinstateparksandforests.Nowletslookat thefacts. Mr.CarlsonsaysthatthegovernorscurrentproposalmissesthepointoftheRendell moratorium,whichwasintendedto,amongotherthings,protectsurfaceandgroundwaterfromimpacts fromdrillingactivity.NevermindthatDCNRofficialsexpressedinlate2010thattheRendell administrationwrotetheexistingmoratoriumtoonarrowly,becauseitprohibitedtheverytypeof projectsnowunderconsideration.Mr.Carlsonsnewfoundpositionseemstocontrasthisadvicefrom February2011,whenheurgedthegovernortomaintainthemoratoriumforawhileuntilnew environmentalprotectionswereputinplace. SoletslookatwhatGovernorCorbetthasdonesinceMr.Carlsonsadvice.First,hehasnot leasedandwillnotleaseasingleacreofstateforestorparklandwhichwillresultinnewor additionalactivityonthesepubliclands.Second,heproposed,championed,andsignedintolawthe mostsweepingenhancementofPennsylvaniasenvironmentallawsinnearlythirtyyears.These enhancementsincludenewprotectionsforgroundandsurfacewater,wellconstructionmandatory inspectionsondrillingsitesdisclosureofchemicalsusedandsignificantlyexpandedsetbackdistances betweenwaterways,waterwellsanddrillingactivity.Thisincludesanew1,000footbufferbetween drillingandallpublicdrinkingwatersupplies. Therevenuesfromanynewactivityfromadjacentlandsorexistingandalreadyauthorizedpads wouldallowforhistoricstateinvestmentsineducationfunding,healthcareandothercriticalneeds,while allocatingfutureroyaltiesforstateparkandforestimprovements. Mr.CarlsonalsomisrepresentsthegovernorsEnhancePennsWoodsinitiative.Thisproposal willallocate$211milliontostateparkandforestryinfrastructureovertwoyears,byinvestingover $100millioninnewmoneywhilemorestrategicallytargetingexistingdollarstoprovidethe improvementsourparkandforestvisitorsdeserve.GovernorCorbettsinitiativerepresentsthelargest infusionofmoneyintostateparkandforestinfrastructureinPennsylvaniashistory.Thisinvestmentwill allowDCNRtoaddnearly20,000newacrestoourparkandforestsystem,ontopofthe8,000acres alreadyaddedunderGovernorCorbett. Finally,Mr.Carlsonissimplywrongwithrespecttothebudget.Forthreeyearsunder GovernorCorbett,oilandgasleaseroyaltieshaveonlybeenutilizedtohelpoperateourstateparkand forestsystem,aswellasenvironmentalgrantprogramssuchasGrowingGreener.Contrastthattothe priorAdministrationunderwhichMr.Carlsonserved,where$240millionwastransferredoutofthe agencytothegeneralfund. Mr.Carlsonisentitledtohisownopinionsevenifhiscurrentviewscontradicttheadvicehe

gavethegovernorin2011.Butnooneisentitledtotheirownfacts. NewsClips: VitaliDemandsDocumentsBehindCorbettDrillingPlan CorbettEnergyExecutiveCallsVitaliDrillingCommentsIrresponsible OpEd:CorbettDrillingProposalMissesThePointOfMoratorium 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 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 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(March10):HouseResolution583(MolchanyDAllegheny)designatingJanuary1319Mt. WashingtonEmeraldViewParkTrailWeeksponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBill Calendar. Senate(March10):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)encouragingthereuseofminedrainage andminepoolwaterfordrillingoperationsSenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingthe StateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theInsuranceCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseResolution648(MillardRColumbia) urgingCongresstoreconsiderfloodinsurancepolicyincreasessponsorsummarytheEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming) relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsorsummaryandHouseBill2039(MoulRAdams) furtherprovidingformembershipoftheInterstateCommissiononthePotomacRiverBasinsponsor summary.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:theEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1155 (ScarnatiRJefferson)establishinganAggregateAdvisoryBoardatDEPsponsorsummary,Senate Bill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswellstoinspectrecords ofgascompaniestoverifyproperpaymentssponsorsummary,SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming) prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswellsby terminatingtheirleaseagreementsponsorsummary,SenateBill1238(YawRLycoming)requiring gascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecountyRecorderofDeedsofficewhenoilandgasleases areterminatedsponsorsummary,SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionof leadfreeunderthePlumbingSystemLeadBanandNotificationActtoconformtofederal requirementssponsorsummary.<>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
Rep.VitaliFilesRightToKnowRequestOnAdditionalStateForestGasLeasing Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,filedaRighttoKnowrequest,seekingadditionaldetailsontheCorbettAdministration's plantoraise$75millionthroughadditionalsocalled"nonimpactsurfacedrilling"instateparksand forests.ThisplanwascontainedinthebudgetproposalunveiledbytheGovernoronFebruary4. Specifically,Rep.VitalihasaskedtheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesto detailwhichparksandforestsitisconsideringforadditionaldrilling,howmanyacreswouldbeleased, thecalculationsusedtodeterminethe$75millionfigure,whichdrillingcompanieshaveexpressedan interest,andinformationaboutenvironmentalimpactsofdrillingalreadyoccurringonstateland.The recordsarebeingrequestedforthetimeperiodof2010untilthepresent. "Wehavebeencompelledtotakethisactionbecausethisinformationhasnotbeenforthcoming fromtheCorbettAdministration,"saidRep.Vitali."ItissimplynotbelievablethatGov.Corbettcould proposesuchaplanwithouthavinganestimateofhowmanyacrestheywouldneedtoleaseandwhat stateparksandforestsmightbeimpacted.Thegovernor'sproposalcannotbeproperlyconsideredby thelegislaturewithoutthisinformation.Additionally,thepublicneedsthisinformationtogiveustheir inputonCorbettsproposal. Underthestate'sRightToKnowLaw,DCNRhasfivebusinessdaystorespondtothe request.Ifnecessary,DCNRcanextendthetimeforaresponseupto30days.Otherwise,DCNR mustgranttherequest,denyit,ordenyinpartandgrantinpart.Denialofaccesswouldhavetoinclude

areasonforthedenial. GovernorsOfficeResponse PatrickHenderson,theGovernorsEnergyExecutive,respondedbylettertoRep.Vitalis RighttoKnowpressrelease.Thetextfollows DearRep.Vitali: YourrecentpressreleaseannouncingthatyouhadfiledaRighttoKnowrequestwiththe DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources(DCNR)deservesaresponse. WhileDCNRsRightToKnowofficewillreviewandrespondtoourrequestappropriately,it isirresponsibleandoffensivetostatethatGovernorCorbettsproposalisnotbelievableandthatyou havenotreceivedtheinformationyouhaverequested.Todate,youhavechosentodrawconclusions andjuryaccusationsaboutthisproposalthroughmultiplepressconferences,newslettersandpress releases.YoualsohadnumerousquestionsrespondedtobyDCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettiatthe HouseAppropriationsCommitteesrecentpublichearing.Notonceonthisoranyothersubstantive policymaterhaveyousoughtoverthepastthreeyearstohaveameetingtositdownandhavea rationaldiscussionwiththeGovernorsOffice. YourrecentactionsaretransparentlypoliticalandHypocritical.Justafewshortyearsago,in October2009,youvotedforabudgetunderformerGovernorRendellthatlegallycompelledDCNRto raise$60millionforFY0910fromtheleasingofstateforestlandfornaturalgasdevelopment(Act 50of2009).AndinJuly2010,youagainvotedforabudgetunderformerGovernorRendellthatlegally compelledDCNRtoraise$180millionforFY1011fromtheleasingofstateforestlandfornatural gasdevelopment(Act46).ThesetransferstotheGeneralFund,totaling$240million,alsodonot include$100millionthatwasallocatedovertwoyearsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFundtounderwrite DCNRsoperations. GovernorCorbettsproposalprohibitsenteringintoanynewleasesthatwouldresultinnewor additionalsurfaceactivityonstateownedlands.However,thebudgetsyouvotedforhadnosuch restrictiononsurfaceactivitycontainedsignificantlyhigherrevenuerequirementsthanarecurrently underconsiderationwereamendedintothebudgetverylateintheprocessandperhapsmost importantly,precededtheenactmentofsignificantenhancementstoPennsylvaniasenvironmental protectionlaws(Act13)championedbyGovernorCorbett. IfyouhaveaninterestingareasoneddiscussiononGovernorsCorbettsproposals,please contactme. Sincerely, PatrickHenderson DeputyChiefofState&EnergyExecutive NewsClips: VitaliDemandsDocumentsBehindCorbettDrillingPlan CorbettEnergyExecutiveCallsVitaliDrillingCommentsIrresponsible OpEd:CorbettDrillingProposalMissesThePointOfMoratorium Sen.BoscolaToIntroduceBillsToAddressVariableElectricRates Sen.LisaBoscola(DLehigh),MinorityChairoftheSenateConsumerProtectionandProfessional LicensureCommittee,Fridayannouncedsheisintroducinglegislationthatwouldbenefitconsumerswho switchelectricsuppliersorchooseavariableratepaymentplan. OneofSen.BoscolasbillswouldrequirethestatePublicUtilityCommissiontoshortenthe

waitingperiodbeforepeoplecanswitchretailelectricsuppliers.Anotherbillwouldmandatestronger consumernotificationrequirementsforutilitycompaniesthatoffervariableratedeals. Thisbrutalwinterhascausedsomeelectricsupplierstodrasticallyincreasetheirconsumer pricing,Sen.Boscolasaid.Iseenoreasonwhyfamilieswishingtooptforalessexpensiveprovider shouldbesaddledwiththesehigherpriceswhiletheywaitforsomeartificialwaitingperiodtoelapse. AccordingtoSen.Boscola,consumerswhoopttoswitchelectricprovidersoftenhavetowait upto45days.Thisdelayincludesa10daywaitingperiodandanewmeterreadingcyclebeforethe switchcanactuallytakeplace. Underherlegislation,thestatePublicUtilityCommissionwouldberequiredtodevelop regulationstoshortenthetimeframeforswitchingsuppliersnottoexceed15days. TheNorthamptonlawmakeralsointroducedasecondbillaimedatimprovingnotification consumerrequirementsforelectricsuppliersthatoffervariableratedeals. Manycustomerswhoareonvariableratepricingwereshockedwhentheyopenedtheirlatest electricbill,Sen.Boscolasaid.Exorbitantpricesforvariablerateelectricity,alongwithincreased usage,havecausedunnecessaryfinancialstressinmanyhouseholdsthroughoutPennsylvania. Sen.Boscolasaidmanypeopledonotunderstandoranticipatethepotentiallyhugeprice swingsthatcanoccuraspartofvariableratedeals.Herlegislationwouldrequireelectricsuppliersto: adheretoa24hournotificationrequirementtoalertresidentialcustomersattimeswhentheir variablerateincreasedby200percentormorefromtheprevioushourlyrate posttheirvariableratepubliclyontheirwebsitewithcontinuousrealtimeupdatesand mandatepersontopersoncommunicationtoclearlyandplainlydisclosethefulldetailsofvariable rateplans,including:thatthevariablerateisuncapped,themarketinwhichtherateisderivedfrom, andthefulltermsandconditionsofthecontractthecustomerisentering. Thewholepointoftheelectriccompetitionlawwastoempowerconsumerstochoosea supplierthatbestfitstheirneeds,Sen.Boscolasaid.Formostcustomers,pricingisthetoppriority. Thisiswhywecannottoleratetheexistingsystemthatsaddlesthesefamilieswithskyhighelectricrates whiletheyenduresomesenselessandarbitrarywaitingperiod. Wealsoneedtoseetoitthatpeoplewhochoosevariableratedealsknowexactlywhatthey aregettinginto. NewsClips: ComplaintsGrowAboutHighElectricBills ElectricBillSpikeStirsLawmakers SpikeInElectricityBillsTriggersActionFromAG,FrustrationInYork CouldElectricPriceSpikesRecur?AnalystSaysYes ElectricCustomersHeldHostageToHighRates Editorial:PUCShrugsAtLicensesToGouge Editorial:KeepChoiceInElectricChoiceProgram MenschDropsControversialDefaultElectricityBill LawmakerRevisingElectricShiftPlan HouseCommitteeToHoldHearingOnVariableRateElectricPlansMarch20 TheHouseConsumerAffairsCommitteewillholdahearingMarch20onvariablerateelectricplanin responsetothousandsofcomplaintsbyindividualswhoenteredintovariableratecontractswiththeir electricgenerationsupplierandexperiencedskyrocketingelectricratesduringrecentperiodsofcold

winterweather. Legislationisbeingdraftedtorequireallsuppliercontractstocontainspecific,easyto understandinformation,saidRep.BobGodshall(RMontgomery),MajorityChairoftheCommittee. Thebillwouldalsocaptheamountavariableratemaychange,prohibitcancellationandearly terminationfees,requirethepostingofcurrentandhistoricratesonthePAPowerSwitchwebsiteand reducethetimeittakestoswitchelectricgenerationsuppliers. ThehearingwillbeheldinRoom140MainCapitolstartingat9:15. Rep.PeterDaley(DWashington)servesasMinorityChair. NewsClips: ComplaintsGrowAboutHighElectricBills ElectricBillSpikeStirsLawmakers SpikeInElectricityBillsTriggersActionFromAG,FrustrationInYork CouldElectricPriceSpikesRecur?AnalystSaysYes ElectricCustomersHeldHostageToHighRates Editorial:PUCShrugsAtLicensesToGouge Editorial:KeepChoiceInElectricChoiceProgram MenschDropsControversialDefaultElectricityBill LawmakerRevisingElectricShiftPlan HouseCommitteeToConsiderGasWellRoyalty,PotomacRiverBasinBillsMarch11 TheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeisscheduledtomeetonMarch11to considerlegislationtoaddressrecentissueswithcalculatingroyaltiesfromoilandgaswelland legislationondesigneestothePotomacRiverBasinCommission.Thebillsinclude HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsor summaryand HouseBill2039(MoulRAdams)furtherprovidingformembershipoftheInterstateCommission onthePotomacRiverBasinsponsorsummary. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom205oftheRyanBuildingstartingat10:00a.m. Rep.RonMiller(RYork)isMajorityChairoftheCommitteeandRep.GregVitali (DDelaware)isMinorityChair. NewsClips: Lt.GovCandidatesClashOnDrilling Lt.GovCawley:ChesapeakeEnergyRoyaltyPracticesAreEgregious ChesapeakeEnergysPatternOfRoyaltyPaymentDisputes SenateCommitteeConsidersOilAndGasWellRoyaltyBillsMarch11 TheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeisscheduledtoconsiderathreebill packageontheissueofcalculatingoilandgaswellroyaltiesandotherlegislationatameetingonMarch 11.Thebillsinclude SenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswellsto inspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpaymentssponsorsummary SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyalty interestownersofoilandgaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementsponsorsummary

SenateBill1238(YawRLycoming)requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecounty RecorderofDeedsofficewhenoilandgasleasesareterminatedsponsorsummary SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishinganAggregateAdvisoryBoardatDEPsponsor summaryand SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionofleadfreeunderthePlumbing SystemLeadBanandNotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirementssponsorsummary. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom8EBEastWing,CapitolBuildingstartingat9:30. Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)servesasMajorityChairandSen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne) servesasMinorityChair. NewsClips: Lt.GovCandidatesClashOnDrilling Lt.GovCawley:ChesapeakeEnergyRoyaltyPracticesAreEgregious ChesapeakeEnergysPatternOfRoyaltyPaymentDisputes

NewsFromAroundTheState
March18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilMeetingFeaturesFY201415BudgetDiscussion TheMarch18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeetingwillfeatureadiscussionoftheFY201415 budgetrequestforDEPbyJeffLogan,ExecutiveDeputySecretaryforAdministration. OtheritemsontheagendaincludeadiscussionofDEPandCACprioritiesfor2014andthe regularreportfromDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo. DEPs15pagewrittenreportforMarchtotheCAC.Amongtheinformationincludedis:an updateonproposedchangestoChapter78drillingregulations,finalizationofthePolicyonPublic ParticipationinthePermitReviewProcess,anupdateonEnvironmentalEducationGrantapplications receivedbyDEP,areportsayingabout$12.5millionwillbeavailableforfinancialassistancethisyear throughthePAEnergyDevelopmentAuthority,anotethefinalfundingunderthePASunshineProgram willbeawardedsoonandafinalreportontheprogramisbeingprepared,noticethatDEPwillsoon publishedtheresultsof2013streamassessmentsunderSections303(d)and305(b)ofthefederal CleanWaterAct,andanannouncementDEPwillseekthepublicshelpindevelopinganewinlieuof feeprogramcalledthePAIntegratedEcologicalServices,CapacityEnhancementandSupport Programthatwillallowpermitapplicantstooffsettheiraquaticresourceimpactsandstillmeetstateand federalpermitrequirements(seerelatedarticle). ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom105RachelCarsonBuildinginHarrisburgstartingat10:00 (not11:00). Formoreinformation,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwebpage. DEP:RadiationLevelsNormalAfterGreeneCountyWellFire TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsBureauofRadiationProtectionFridayannounceddata collectedinresponsetotherecentChevronwellfireinGreeneCountyshowednoradiationlevels abovenormalbackgroundlevels. DEPiscommittedtoensuringpublichealthandsafety,andprovidingopen,transparent communicationfollowinglastmonthsChevronincident,DEPSecretaryChristAbruzosaid.Today, wecontinuethatcommitmentbycreatingasummaryreportofourradiologicalresponseandkeeping

citizensupdatedonourefforts. OnFebruary13and14,DEPsBRPrespondedtotheChevronwellfireinGreeneCountyto ensurethepublicwerenotbeingexposedtounsaferadiationlevels.Datawascollectedatthree separatesamplelocationsandsenttotheDEPBureauofLaboratoriesforanalysis. Naturallyoccurringradioactivematerialispresentatsomelevelinallareas.Thisresultsinlocal radiationlevels,whichareidentifiedasbackground.Todetermineifthereisanincreaseinradioactivity, itisnecessarytodeterminetheappropriatebackgroundlevel.Thedifferencebetweenameasuredlevel andthebackgroundlevelwouldrepresenttheincreaseduetosomeactivity. Thedepartmenthasbeguntocollectinformationontheincidentandwillconductan investigationtodetermine,ifpossible,acauseandoutlinewhatstepsmightbetakentoavoidsimilar incidentsinthefuture.DEPinspectorscontinuetovisitthesitedailytomonitoractivitiesonthewellpad. Inadditiontoradiationsampling,DEPhascompletedallairqualitysamplingandhasstartedsoil samplingthisweek.Theseresultswillalsobemadeavailableinsummaryreportswhentheanalysesare completed. Thesummaryreportsareavailableonline. NewsClips: DEP:RadiationNormalAfterGreeneCountyGasWellFire ChevronInstallsNewWellHeadsAtGreeneCountyExplosionSite WHYYToHostMarch13ForumOnLandmarkAct13DrillingLawCourtDecision WHYYinPhiladelphiaandtheDelawareRiverkeeperNetworkwillbehostingaforumtobring togethertheleadlitigatorsandlitigantsofthelandmarkAct13drillinglawcourtdecisiononMarch13 startingat6:30p.m. TheforumwillincludeadiscussionofhowAct13cametobepassed,theeffortstodefeatit priortoitspassage,andhowandwhythelegalchallengewasformulated,includingtheinteresting alliancebetweenthesevenPennsylvaniamunicipalitiesandDRN. Thisistheonlyprogramwhereyoucanhearfromtheactualparticipantswhomadethecase happen. ClickHeretoregistertoseetheForuminperson.ClickHeretoviewthelivewebcast. NewsClips: NaturalGasIndustryGroupsWeekToInterveneInAct13Case OilAndGasPartiesAskToInterveneInAct13Case ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipAnnounces2014GrantAwards TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershiprecentlyannouncedover$40,000ingrantsthathavebeen awardedtolocalorganizationstoprotectandconservePennsylvaniascoldwaterstreams. TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipisacooperativeinitiativeofthePACouncilofTrout Unlimited,theDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,theFishandBoatCommission,and theFoundationforPennsylvaniaWatersheds. TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipawardsbothplanningandImplementationgrantsto conservationorganizationsacrossthestate.Organizationsfundedbyaplanninggrantwillberesponsible forcreatingaColdwaterConservationplanthat: Gathersexistingdataaboutthecoldwaterecosystem

Identifiespotentialimpacts,threats,problemsandopportunitiestoourcoldwater streams Formulatesaplanofactionforproposedconservationandprotectionstrategiesand Buildscommunityawarenessandsupportfortheconservationofourcoldwaterstreams. Organizationsthatreceivedanimplementationgrantwillcompleteprojectsidentifiedin previouslycompletedcoldwaterconservationplans.Potentialprojectsmustenhance,conserve,or protectcoldwaterstreamsforwhichtheoriginalcoldwaterconservationplan recommended. Grantshavebeengiventothefollowingorganizationsintwocategories: PlanningGrants JuniataCollege,CambriaandBlairCounties:$5,000tobiologicallyassesstheheadwatersof BellsGapwatershedtoallowforlongtermprotectionofnewlyfoundwildbrooktroutpopulations. NorthamptonCountyConservationDistrict,NorthamptonCounty:$5,000todevelopaplan thatdocumentsbaselinedatafortheNancyRunwatershedtoserveasafoundationforprotection throughrecommendationsandwillbetiedtoeffortstoincreasecommunityawarenessofthewatershed. TroutUnlimited,EasternAbandonedMineProgram,ClearfieldCounty:$5,000tocomplete habitatassessmentsinthePottsRunwatershedandtodesignprojectsforfutureimplementation. ImplementationGrants WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy,Clearfield,JeffersonandIndianaCounties:$6,730to addressstreambankerosionandbankstabilizationissuesontheNorthBranchofBearRunatthesiteof anabandonedrailroadbridge. LittleLehighChapterofTroutUnlimited,LehighCounty:$5,172toplantappropriateshade treespeciesinselectedareasalongtheLittleLehighCreekwheretherearesignificantgapsinthe streamsideriparianbuffertreecanopy. ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedAssociation,ChesterCounty:$7,000toaddenhancements tofourpropertiesalongtheWestBranchofCrumCreekwhichwillreducestreamtemperaturethrough increasedstreamsidetreecanopy,increasedstreamsidenonowareasandexpansionofstreamside. CumberlandValleyTroutUnlimited,CumberlandCounty:$6,975toconstructapproximately 150linearfeetofmodifiedmudsillcribonaprivatelyownedthoughpubliclyaccessiblesectionof YellowBreechesCreeknearMountHollySprings. ThenextroundofColdwaterHeritageGrantswillopeninSeptember. Besidesofferinggrants,theColdwaterHeritagePartnershipworkstoprovideleadership, coordinationandtechnicalandeducationalassistancetoorganizationsinterestedinprotectingcoldwater ecosystems. Formoreinformation,contactSamanthaKutskelat8143595233,orvisittheColdwater Heritagewebsite. NewsClips: WaterQualityImprovingInChesapeakeBayWatershed 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire ChartiersCreekWatershedWildlifeProgramPlanned Conneaut,DEPReachAgreementOnStormwaterPlan DCEDGrantUsedForUpperPennsCreekWatershedProject AgreementDivviesUp$11.2MSewerSettlementToHBG DEPCitesWayneCountyStoreAfterOilSpill

DEPOnSceneOfOilSpillAtLakeAriel DelawareDredgingGets$35MInObamaBudget MonRiverProjectToGetBoostFromArmyCorps OpEd:PoliticsOfWater,AnEthicalDrought EPA:GoingGreenWillSaveLancasterInControllingStormwater TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyTuesdayreleasedareportthatfoundgreeninfrastructure canbeacosteffectivesolutiontocontrollingstormwaterwhileprovidingnumerouseconomicbenefits. UsingtheCityofLancasterasacasestudy,EPAsoughttoquantifytheeconomicbenefits associatedwithutilizinggreeninfrastructureforcontrollingwetweatherpollution. CitieslikeLancasterareleadingthewayincreatingcosteffectiveandinnovativesolutionsto thestormwaterchallengeswefacetoday,saidEPARegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin.By keepingrainwaterfromcomingintocontactwithpollutioninthefirstplace,greeninfrastructure improveswaterqualitywhilemakingcommunitiesmorelivable. Thereportestimatedthatwithinthecombinedsewersystem(CSS)area,LancastersGreen InfrastructurePlanwillreducegrayinfrastructurecapitalcostsby$121.7millionandreducewastewater pumpingandtreatmentcostsby$661,000peryear.Itwillalsoprovideapproximately$2.8millionin energy,airquality,andclimaterelatedbenefitsannually. Thesebenefitsexceedthecostsofimplementinggreeninfrastructure,whichwereestimatedto rangefrom$51.6millionifgreeninfrastructureprojectswereintegratedintoalreadyplanned improvementsto$94.5millionifgreeninfrastructureprojectswereimplementedindependently. "TheCityhasinvestedmorethan$25millionoverthepastdecadeingrayinfrastructure improvementstoincreasethecapacityoftheCityswastewatersystem,saidLancasterMayorRichard Gray.Inspiteofthisinvestment,asignificantamountofuntreatedcombinedsewagecontinuesto overflowintotheConestogaRiverandeventuallyintotheChesapeakeBay.Greeninfrastructurewill helpreducethevolumeofstormwaterenteringourwastewatersystemand,atthesametime,transform theCityintoamoresustainable,healthycommunity. Unlikesinglepurposegraystormwaterinfrastructure,whichusespipestodisposeofrainwater, greeninfrastructureusesvegetationandsoiltomanagerainwaterwhereitfalls.Byweavingnatural processesintothebuiltenvironment,greeninfrastructureprovidesnotonlystormwatermanagement,but alsofloodmitigation,airqualitymanagement,andcommunityrevitalization. In2011,theCityofLancasterreleaseditscomprehensivegreeninfrastructureplan. Developedwiththeassistanceofcity,county,andstateagencies,theplanidentifiedopportunitiesfor addinggreeninfrastructurethroughoutthecitywithin5yearand25yeartimeframesestimatedthe waterqualitybenefitsandarticulatedaseriesofpolicy,outreach,andtechnicalrecommendationsfor implementinggreeninfrastructureinthecity. Becauseoftheplanandthecitysinterestinunderstandingtheaddedbenefitsofgreen infrastructure,EPAselectedtheCityofLancastertoserveasacasestudyforcalculatingtheadditional environmental,social,andeconomicbenefits. Valuingmultiplebenefitsofgreeninfrastructureensureswatermanagementinvestmentsbythe Citywillhelpbeautify,provideasafer,healthierandmoreprosperouscommunity,saidLizDeardorff, CleanWaterSupplydirectoratAmericanRivers.Theresultsofthisstudyaffirmthatgreen infrastructurehasmultiplebenefitsforbothlargeandsmallcitiesneedingtoreducepollutionandensure cleanwater.

Lancaster,likehundredsofothercitiesacrossthecountry,hasbothacombinedsewersystem (CSS)andamunicipalseparatestormsewersystem(MS4).WhiletheCSScollectsbothsewageand stormwaterandconveysflowstoawastewatertreatmentplant,theMS4collectsonlystormwater runoffanddischargesflowdirectlytoreceivingstreams. ThereportsummarizedhowinstallinggreeninfrastructureintheCSSareacouldreducegray infrastructurecapitalinvestmentsandassociatedwastewaterpumpingandtreatmentcostsaswellas howinstallinggreeninfrastructureinboththeCSSandMS4areascouldproducearangeof environmentalbenefitsacrossthecity. Acopyofthereportisavailableonline. NewsClips: WaterQualityImprovingInChesapeakeBayWatershed 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire ChartiersCreekWatershedWildlifeProgramPlanned Conneaut,DEPReachAgreementOnStormwaterPlan DCEDGrantUsedForUpperPennsCreekWatershedProject AgreementDivviesUp$11.2MSewerSettlementToHBG DEPCitesWayneCountyStoreAfterOilSpill DEPOnSceneOfOilSpillAtLakeAriel DelawareDredgingGets$35MInObamaBudget MonRiverProjectToGetBoostFromArmyCorps OpEd:PoliticsOfWater,AnEthicalDrought WildlifeForEveryoneContinuesFishHabitatRestorationInCentreCounty WildlifeForEveryoneEndowmentFoundationrecentlyreceiveda $148,404grantfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection's 2013GrowingGreenerGrantProgramtocontinuerestorationoffish habitatandimprovementofwaterqualityinHalfmoonCreek. ThestreamisamajortributarytoSpruceCreekandtheLittle JuniataRiver,bothnationallyfamous"blueribbon"troutwaters. HalfmoonCreek,fromitsheadwatersonBaldEagleMountainin westernCentreCountytotheconfluencewithSpruceCreeknear PennsylvaniaFurnaceinHuntingdonCounty,isdesignatedashaving impairedwaterqualityanddegradedfishhabitatfromagriculturalrunoff. TheentirewatershedwaslistedwithEPAin2008asnotmeetingitsCleanWaterAct designateduseandisa"prioritywatershed"forrestorationbytheDEPNorthcentralRegionalOffice. The2013grantanda2012granttoWFEEFarefocusedonrestoringa7,200footstream segmentnearthevillageofMarengo.Restorationpracticeswillinclude:over3,400feetoflogandstone fishhabitatstructures2,500feetofstreambankbioengineeringandshrubplantingstoreducesediment andlowersummerwatertemperatures2,000feetofcattlefencingandthreegravelstreamcrossings forlivestockandfarmequipment. Streamrestorationworkisexpectedtobegininsummer2014afterthenecessarypermitsare approved.TheU.S.FishandWildlifeService's"PartnersforFishandWildlife"program,the FoundationforCaliforniaUniversityofPennsylvania,HabitatForeverandSevenWillowsLLCare

collaboratingwithWFEEFontheHalfmoonCreekstreamrestorationdesignandconstruction. FormoreinformationcontactAdamSmith,U.S.Fish&WildlifeService,StateCollegeOffice call8142344090orsendemailto:Adam_Smith@fws.gov. EnvironmentalQualityBoardToConsiderPerkiomenCreekDesignationChangePetition TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardmeetsMarch18withoneitemontheagendaDEPs recommendationsonthepetitiontoupgradetheUpperPerkiomenCreekWatershedinBerks, MontgomeryandLehighcountiestoExceptionalValuewaters.DEPisrecommendingnochangeinthe UpperPerkiomen,butisrecommendingtheMacobyCreekbasinbedesignatedTroutStockingand MigratoryFishes. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom105oftheRachelCarsonBuildinginHarrisburgstartingat 9:00. Formoreinformationandavailablehandouts,visittheEnvironmentalQualityBoardwebpage. RedlandMineDrainageTreatmentProjectMovesForwardInAlleghenyCounty TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannouncedworkisexpectedtobegintheweek ofMarch17onthesecondphaseofaprojecttotreatwaterdischargefromtheIndianolaminepool andimprovethewaterqualityofLittleDeerCreekinIndianaTownship,AlleghenyCounty. DEPsBureauofAbandonedMineReclamation,togetherwiththeCleanStreamsFoundation, isdesigningapassivetreatmentfacilitytohandledischargefromtheRedlandMinepool. Duringthefirstphaseofthisprojectin2009,twoboreholesweredrilledintotheminepoolto lowerthewaterlevelinthefloodedminecomplex.Theseboreholessuccessfullyreroutedthemine dischargetoanareawhereapassivetreatmentsettlingpondcouldbeconstructedandsealeda dischargethatwascomingupinanearbybuilding. Fundedpartiallybya$250,000GrowingGreenerGrant,thesecondphaseoftheprojectwill includethedesign,permittingandconstructionofthetreatmentfacilityatthelocationoftheboreholes. ThelandisownedbytheCleanStreamsFoundation. AdamEidmiller,Inc.,ofGreensburg,istheselectedbidderforphasetwo,submittingabidof $158,916.61.Workonthesitewillinvolveconstructingatreatmentpondandclearinganumberof treesfromtheproperty,particularlyintheareaofthetreatmentpond. TheIndianolaTrustFundwillmanageandmaintainthetreatmentsystem.Establishedby BAMR,thetrustfundismanagedbytheCleanStreamsFoundationandisfundedbycivilpenalties collectedwithinthewatershedarea. Weatherpermitting,workisexpectedtobecompletedintimeforfishingseason.LittleDeer Creekisapopularstreamfortroutfishermen. Formoreinformation,call4124424000. NewsClips: 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire AlphaMiningToPayRecord$227.5MInWaterPollutionSettlement RecordFineProposedForCoalMiningOperations 2CoalMinersRescuedInSchuylkillCounty StateUrgedToRejectProposedWashingtonCountyMine

ProjectSeeksToPreserveStatesOriginalMineMaps DEPAwards$2.4MillionMineReclamationContractInClearfieldCounty TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionFridayannounceda$2,472,770contractawardforan abandonedminereclamationprojectinDecaturTownship,ClearfieldCounty,thatwillstabilizethe groundunder60homesthreatenedbyhistoricminesubsidence. Thiscriticallyimportantprojectwilleliminatethethreatofminesubsidencefor60homesinthe townshipatnocosttothepropertyowners,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Itsanoutstanding exampleofhowthedepartmentisdirectlyassistingcitizensimpactedbylegacyminingproblems. Theprojectwillstabilizethehomesbyfillingthevoidspaceintheundergroundmineandupper rockstratabeneatheachstructurewithgrout.Atotalof30acresofminesubsidenceproneareawillbe stabilizedinthismanner. DEPconductedanexploratorydrillingprojectinsummer2005todeterminethesubsidence potentialandareaofmining.Theresultsdeterminedthatthesurroundingunderminedareasposedahigh subsidencepotentialduetothedepthofoverburdenatdrillholelocations. Sincethedrillingproject,atleastthreereportedsubsidenceeventshaveoccurredwithinthis proposedprojectarearelatedtopastminingoperationsbytheMapletonMineandotherunknown minesthatceasedoperationspriortothe1930s. Thecontractorwillinject15,000to22,000cubicyardsofgroutmixthroughanestimated315 drillholesintotheminevoidstostabilizetheoverburdenbeneaththehomes.Theoverburdenranges fromsevento50feetthick,withtypicaloverburdenbeing25feetthick.Therewillbeabout10,000 linearfeetofdrillingrequiredfortheproject. TheprojectcontractwasawardedtoHowardConcretePumpingCo.Inc.ofCuddy, AlleghenyCounty.WorkisexpectedtostartbeforetheendofMarchandbecompletedin10months orearly2015. ThecontractwasawardedonacompetitivebasisandisfederallyfundedbyOfficeofSurface Mininggrants.Grantfundsaresupportedbyafeeonthemoderncoalindustryandaredistributedto statesasannualgrantstoreclaimminesitesthatwereabandonedpriortopassageofthefederalSurface MiningControlandReclamationActof1977. Formoreinformation,call7177832267. NewsClips: 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire AlphaMiningToPayRecord$227.5MInWaterPollutionSettlement RecordFineProposedForCoalMiningOperations 2CoalMinersRescuedInSchuylkillCounty StateUrgedToRejectProposedWashingtonCountyMine ProjectSeeksToPreserveStatesOriginalMineMaps PAToReceive$4.1MillionFromSettlementOfEPALawsuitAgainstCoalCompanies AlphaNaturalResources,Inc.,AlphaAppalachianHoldingsand66subsidiarieshaveagreedtospend anestimated$200milliontoinstallandoperatewastewatertreatmentsystemsandtoimplement comprehensive,systemwideupgradestoreducedischargesofpollutionfromcoalminesinKentucky,

Pennsylvania,Tennessee,Virginia,andWestVirginia,theDepartmentofJusticeandtheU.S. EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyannouncedWednesday. Thecompanieswillalsopayacivilpenaltyof$27.5millionforthousandsofpermitviolations, whichisthelargestpenaltyinhistoryunderSection402oftheCleanWaterAct. ThestatesofWestVirginia,Pennsylvania,andKentuckyarecoplaintiffsinthesettlement.The U.S.willreceivehalfofthecivilpenaltyandtheotherhalfwillbedividedbetweenthecoplaintiffs basedonthenumberofviolationsineachstate,asfollows:WestVirginia($8,937,500),Pennsylvania ($4,125,000),andKentucky($687,500). Overall,thesettlementcoversapproximately79activeminesand25processingplantsinthese fivestates. EPAestimatesthattheupgradesandadvancedtreatmentrequiredbythesettlementwillreduce dischargesoftotaldissolvedsolidsbyover36millionpoundseachyear,andwillcutmetalsandother pollutantsbyapproximatelyninemillionpoundsperyear. Thissettlementistheresultofstateandfederalagenciesworkingtogethertoprotectlocal communitiesfrompollutionbyenforcingthelaw,saidCynthiaGiles,AssistantAdministratorofEPAs OfficeofEnforcementandComplianceAssurance.Byrequiringreformsandarobustcompliance program,wearehelpingtoensurecoalmininginAppalachiafollowsenvironmentallawsthatprotect publichealth. Theunprecedentedsizeofthecivilpenaltyinthissettlementsendsastrongdeterrentmessage toothersinthisindustrythatsuchegregiousviolationsofthenation'sCleanWaterActwillnotbe tolerated,saidRobertG.Dreher,ActingAssistantAttorneyGeneralfortheJusticeDepartments EnvironmentandNaturalResourcesDivision.Todaysagreementisgoodnewsforcommunitiesacross Appalachia,whohavetoooftenbeenvulnerabletopolluterswhodisregardthelaw.ItholdsAlpha accountableandwillbringincreasedcomplianceandtransparencyamongAlphaanditsmany subsidiaries. Inadditiontopayingthepenalty,thecompaniesmustbuildandoperatetreatmentsystemsto eliminateviolationsofseleniumandsalinitylimits,andalsoimplementcomprehensive,systemwide improvementstoensurefuturecompliancewiththeCWA. Theseimprovements,whichapplytoallofAlphasoperationsinAppalachia,includedeveloping andimplementinganenvironmentalmanagementsystemandperiodicinternalandthirdparty environmentalcomplianceaudits. Thecompaniesmustalsomaintainadatabasetotrackviolationsandcomplianceeffortsateach outfall,significantlyimprovethetimelinessofrespondingtoviolations,andconsultwiththirdparty expertstosolveproblemdischarges.Intheeventoffutureviolations,thecompanieswillberequiredto paystipulatedpenalties,whichmaybeincreasedand,insomecases,doubledforcontinuingviolations. Thegovernmentcomplaintallegedthat,between2006and2013,Alphaanditssubsidiaries routinelyviolatedlimitsin336ofitsstateissuedCWApermits,resultinginthedischargeofexcess amountsofpollutantsintohundredsofriversandstreamsinKentucky,Pennsylvania,Tennessee, Virginia,andWestVirginia.Theviolationsalsoincludeddischargeofpollutantswithoutapermit. Intotal,EPAdocumentedatleast6,289violationsofpermitlimitsforpollutantsthatinclude iron,pH,totalsuspendedsolids,aluminum,manganese,selenium,andsalinity.Theseviolationsoccurred at794differentdischargepoints,oroutfalls. Monitoringrecordsalsoshowedthatmultiplepollutantsweredischargedinamountsofmore thantwicethepermittedlimitonmanyoccasions.Mostviolationsstemmedfromthecompanysfailure toproperlyoperateexistingtreatmentsystems,installadequatetreatmentsystems,andimplement

appropriatewaterhandlingandmanagementplans. Thesettlementalsoresolvesviolationsofaprior2008settlementwithMasseyEnergy,and appliestothefacilitiesandsitesformerlyownedbythecompany.Underthe2008settlement,Massey paida$20millionpenaltytothefederalgovernmentforsimilarCWAviolations,inadditiontoovera milliondollarsinstipulatedpenaltiesoverthecourseofthenexttwoyears. AlphapurchasedMasseyinJune2011and,sincetakingoverthecompany,hasbeenworking cooperativelywiththegovernmentindevelopingthetermsoftodayssettlement. CWApermitsallowforthedischargeofcertainpollutantsinlimitedamountstorivers,streams, andotherwaterbodies.Permitholdersarerequiredtomonitordischargesregularlyandreportresultsto therespectivestateagencies. Alpha,headquarteredinBristol,Va.,isoneofthelargestcoalcompaniesinthenation.Alpha operatesmorethan79activecoalminesand25coalpreparationplantslocatedthroughoutKentucky, Pennsylvania,Tennessee,Virginia,WestVirginia,andWyoming.TheWyomingoperationsarenot includedintodayssettlement. Theconsentdecree,lodgedintheU.S.DistrictCourtfortheSouthernDistrictofWestVirginia, issubjecttoa30daypubliccommentperiodandapprovalbythefederalcourt. Acopyofthesettlementisavailableonline. NewsClips: AlphaMiningToPayRecord$227.5MInWaterPollutionSettlement RecordFineProposedForCoalMiningOperations 2CoalMinersRescuedInSchuylkillCounty 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire StateUrgedToRejectProposedWashingtonCountyMine ProjectSeeksToPreserveStatesOriginalMineMaps DEPProposesNewProgramToCompensateForDamageToAquaticResources TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionisestablishinganewinlieufeeprogramcalledthe PennsylvaniaIntegratedEcologicalServices,CapacityEnhancementandSupportProgramtoallow applicantsthatarerequiredtooffsettheiraquaticresourceimpactsforbothstateandfederalpermit requirementstocontributemoniestoaprogramthatmeetsthefederalrequirementsforsuchactivities insteadoftryingtorestoreorenhanceaquaticresourcesthroughcostlyandineffectiveindependent efforts. TheprogramwouldbesimilartotheprogramforwetlandsDEPhashadinplacesince1996. Thenewprogramwillmeetstringentfederalrequirementsestablishedin2008(2008JointEPA andACOEMitigationRules)andwillprovideamechanismforpermitteestomeettheirstateand federalmitigationobligationsuntilmitigationbankingestablishesastrongpresenceinPennsylvania. Thepublicwillhaveseveralopportunitiestoparticipateinthedevelopmentofthisprogram throughbothstateandfederalpubliccommentperiods.DEPalsopublishedforpubliccommentfour drafttechnicalguidancedocumentsrelatedtocompensatorymitigationintheMarch8PABulletin. Thefourrelateddrafttechnicalguidanceissuedforpubliccommentinclude:PAFunctionBased AquaticResourceCompensationProtocol,LacustrineConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocol, RiverineConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocolandaWetlandConditionLevel2Rapid AssessmentProtocol.

PubliccommentsaredueMay7toDEP.Linkstothedrafttechnicalguidancewillbepublished onthiswebpage. DEPhassubmittedaprospectustotheArmyCorpsofEngineersandisonfilewithACOE Baltimore,Philadelphia,andPittsburghDistrictsnoticeofwhichitpublishedintheMarch8PABulletin. ThepublicmaycommentontheprospectustoACOEthroughtheFederalRegisterwhenitispublished. Presentations,ReportAvailableFromOctoberDelawareRiverForum OnOctober28and29,2013,morethan200peopleattendedAcceleratingActionTheDelaware RiverWatershedForumattheAcademyofNaturalSciencesinPhiladelphiatodiscusskeyissues affectingconservationandrestorationeffortsintheBasin. TheForum,whichwashostedbytheCoalitionfortheDelawareRiverWatershedand sponsoredbytheWilliamPennFoundation,wasstructuredaroundaseriesoffacilitateddiscussionsto identifytheobstacles,challenges,needs,andopportunitiesencounteredbythoseworkingthroughout theWatershed. DiscussionsonthefirstdayoftheForumfocusedonspecificlandscapes,whilediscussionson theseconddaywerewatershedwideinscope. TheDelawareRiverForumwebsitecontainssomeofthepresentationsthatwereusedtobegin manyofthediscussionsessions,asynopsisofthekeythemesthatemergedfromthediscussions,and informationonfollowupactivities. RelatedPresentationLink: CommitmentToRestoringPAWatershedsChangedFundamentallyBefore,After2003 RegistrationNowOpenForPAGroundwaterSymposiumMay7 IncelebrationofNationalDrinkingWaterWeek,PennStateExtensionsMasterWellOwner Network,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandthePAGroundWaterAssociationalong withnumerousothersponsorsareorganizingthe2014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposiumatthe RamadaInnConferenceCenterinStateCollege,PAonMay7,2014. TheSymposiumtheme:BuildingGroundwaterKnowledgethroughMonitoringwillprovidea forumforresearchers,students,professionalsandeducatorsworkinginthegroundwaterfieldto exchangeinformationandpromoteprotectionofgroundwaterresources. Thankstogeneroussupportfromsponsors,thedaylongsymposiumincludingrefreshmentsand lunchwillonlycost$30!WehopeyoucanjoinusforthiseventshowcasingPennsylvaniasvaluable groundwaterresource! Tolearnmoreaboutthesymposiumandtosubmitanabstracttobeapresenter,visitthe Conferencewebsite. FebruaryWaterPolicyNewsAvailableFromWaterResourcesEducationNetwork TheFebruaryWaterPolicyNewsisnowavailablefromthePALeagueofWomenVotersWater ResourcesEducationNetwork. DEPApprovesPermitForKnoebelHogFarmInColumbiaCounty

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionWednesdayannouncedithasapprovedaNational PollutantDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)ConcentratedAnimalFeedingOperation(CAFO) permitapplicationsubmittedbyJoelKnoebelforhisexistinghogoperationinClevelandTownship, ColumbiaCounty. Thedepartmenthascarefullyreviewedthisapplicationanddeterminedthatitmeetsallthe applicablefederalandstaterequirements,DEPNorthcentralRegionalDirectorMarcusKohlsaid. TheissuanceofthispermitallowsDEPtomaintainclear,regulatoryoversightofthisfacility,thus ensuringprotectionoftheenvironmentandnearbyresidents. DEPprovidedsignificantopportunitiesforpublicinputthroughoutitsreviewprocess.In midDecember2013,thedepartmentconductedacombinedpublicmeetingandhearinginElysburg thatwasattendedbyabout40citizens,withsixpresentingtestimony. KnoebelwasfirstissuedanNPDESCAFOpermitforthisexistingoperationbyDEPonJune 3,2008,whichexpiredonJune2,2013.InearlyAugust2013,DEPandKnoebelsignedaconsent orderandagreementthatrequiredKnoebeltosubmitanewNPDESCAFOapplicationbySeptember 30,2013. Thenewpermitisvalidforfiveyears. IndividualsinterestedinreviewingthecommentandresponsedocumentcangototheDEP NorthcentralRegionalOfficeCommunityInformationwebpage. PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssn.OffersDiscountToNationalConference ThePASectionoftheAmericanWaterWorksAssociationannouncedaspecialdiscountprogram offeringattendeestotheSectionsAnnualConferenceinBethlehema20percentdiscountoff registrationtothegroupsnationalconferenceJune812inBoston. SRBCApprovesEmergencyWaterUseRules,12WaterWithdrawalRequests TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionThursdayhelditsquarterlybusinessmeetinginHarrisburg, Pa.Amongitsactions,SRBC adoptedfinalregulationspertainingtorevisedemergencywateruseprovisionstogointoeffectJune 1 authorizedexecutionofaMemorandumofUnderstandingwiththeNewYorkStateDepartmentof EnvironmentalConservationwiththeintentoffacilitatingcoordinatedregulatoryactivities reviseditsFY2015budget acceptedtheratificationoftheFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommission(FERC)settlementagreement pertainingtotherelicensingoftheYorkHavenHydroelectricProjectandauthorizedtheExecutive DirectortoexecuteonbehalfoftheCommissiontheadditionalsettlementagreementscontemplated undertheFERCintegratedlicensingprocess providedanextensionofanemergencycertificateissuedtothePennsylvaniaDepartmentofthe EnvironmentalProtection acceptedsettlementoffersfromInflectionEnergy,LLCandTalismanEnergyUSAInc.for compliancemattersand approved12waterwithdrawalandconsumptiveuseapplicationsandtabled7applications(Click Hereforalistofprojectsapproved). SRBCsvotingcommissionersandalternateswere:Col.TreyJordan,SRBCChairand

Commander,BaltimoreDistrict,U.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersKennethLynch,SRBCViceChair andDirector,Region7,NYSDepartmentofEnvironmentalConservationKellyHeffner,Deputy SecretaryforWaterManagement,PennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandDr. RobertSummers,Secretary,MarylandDepartmentoftheEnvironment. Formoreinformation,visitSRBCsPublicParticipationCenterwebpage. EnvironmentalAdvisoryCommitteeNetworkingConferenceMay3 ThePALandTrustAssociationwillhostthe2014EnvironmentalAdvisoryCommitteeNetworking ConferenceonMay3attheCrownePlazainReading,BerksCounty. TheEACNetworkConferenceprovidesexcellentnetworkingandtrainingopportunitiesand focusonavarietyofimportanttopics,includingcollaboratingwithmunicipalboardsandcommittees, conservationreferenda,energyandmore. VisittheEnvironmentalAdvisoryCommitteeNetworkingConferencewebpageforallthe details.VisittheEACNetworkwebsiteformoreinformationonlocalenvironmentaladvisory committees. The2014PALandConservationConferenceorganizedbythePALandTrustAssociationwill alsobeheldMay13intheCrownePlaza,Reading,BerksCounty. ThekeynoteaddresswillbegivenbyJimFinley,IbbersonProfessorofForestResources ManagementandDirectoroftheCenterforPrivateForestsatPennStateUniversitywithathemeof WeavingtheTapestryofForestConservation. Formoreinformation,visitthePALandConservationConferencewebpage. PAEnvironmentalProfessionalsAcceptingKarlMason,WalterLyonAwardNominations ThePAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionalsisseekingnominationsfortwoawardprograms:the KarlMasonAwardandtheWalterLyonAward.NominationsaredueMarch28. TheKarlMasonAwardisgiventoanindividualwhodemonstratedexemplaryleadershipinthe fieldofenvironmentalmanagement. TheWalterLyonAwardisgiventoanorganization,projectorprogramthatmadeaunique, creativeorsignificantcontributiontowardmaintenanceorrestorationofPennsylvaniasenvironmental qualityortothefieldofenvironmentalmanagement. KarlMasonservedasPennsylvaniasfirstStateEnvironmentalAdministratorfrom1952to 1966.Karlsholisticvisionofenvironmentalmanagementembracedessential,butconflicting,needs associatedwithwastedisposalandcommunityenvironmentalprotection.Thegeneralframework establishedbyKarlservesasthefoundationforPennsylvaniasenvironmentalprotectionprogramsto thisday. Karlbelievedandputintopracticethenotionthatenvironmentalprotectionisprimarilythe businessofprofessionalswhohavetheskills,byvirtueoftheirscientifictraining,tomanagethetechnical andscientificcomplexitiesofmaintainingasafe,healthyandcleanenvironment.Hewascommittedto thebeliefthatcontinuingeducationwasanessentialpartofthecareerofeveryenvironmental professional. WalterLyonbeganhisprofessionalcareerasasanitaryengineerattheU.S.PublicHealth ServiceinWashingtonD.C.servingasAssistantChiefofthePlanningandDevelopmentBranch, DivisionofEngineeringResources.In1957,hebeganhisCommonwealthofPennsylvaniaserviceas

theAssistantDirectorofSanitaryEngineeringDivision,DepartmentofHealth,andwaspromotedto Directorin1958,aposthelduntil1970. In1971,hebecametheDirectoroftheBureauofWaterQualityManagement,andfromthere heservedasDeputySecretaryforPlanningatDER.From1983to2013,Walterwentontoteachand consultintheareasofenvironmentalengineeringandwaterpolicy. Formanyyears,WalterparticipatedinthePennsylvaniaAssociationofEnvironmental Professionalsconferencesandspecialeventsandgenerouslysharedhisknowledgeandexperience.He wasastrongadvocateforemployinghighlyeducated,qualified,andexperiencedenvironmental professionalsinthepublicandprivatesectorsandservesasarolemodelfortheenvironmental professionalsoftodayandtomorrow. TheawardswillbepresentedduringthePAEPAnnualStatewideConferenceMay79in SevenSprings. ClickHereforacopyofthenominationform. WinnersOfPRCLensOnLitterPhotoContestAnnounced ThePAResourcesCouncilannouncedthisweekCathyBittingerwonfirstplaceintheadultcategory forthe2013LensonLitterPhotoContestandKelseySchreckwonfirstplaceinthestudentcategory. TheLensOnLitterContestisdesignedtohelpheightenawarenessaboutlitteranditsthreatsto publichealth,safety,scenicbeauty,propertyvaluesandtheenvironment. Thecompletelistofwinnersinclude AdultCategory FirstPlace:CathyBittinger,PickoftheLitter SecondPlace:AndyMarinock,DrainBlocked,TakeAlternateRoute ThirdPlace:LauraLind People'sChoice:WendyWilliams,Shameful Thewinnerofthe$1,000FirstPlacecashprizeintheAdultCategorywasCathyBittingerof Reading.HerphototitledPickoftheLitterdepictsacolliewithasmashedcanofsodainhismouth. AndyMarinockofHarleighwasawardedthesecondplaceprizeof$500.Hisphoto,Drain Blocked,TakeAlternateRouteshowsastormdrainwithdebriscarriedtothedrainbystormwater. Thejudgesawardedthirdplace($250)toLauraLindofPittsburg.Herphotoshowsalittered grassstripontheoutsideofafencedinparkinglot.WendyWilliamsofShamokinwonthePeoples ChoiceAwardofadigitalcamera.ShamefulisthetitleofMs.Williamsphoto.Itshowsawooded areawithpilesofdiscardedbusinessreports. StudentCategory FirstPlace:KelseySchreck,OurBeautifulPennsylvania SecondPlace:BillyMcKeown,LitterDoesn'tBelongOnOurTurf ThirdPlace:AnthonySidari,DumpingIsRuggedontheEnvironment People'sChoice:MaxwellTalarigo,TheIslandofMisfitToys IntheStudentCategory,thewinnerofthe$1,000FirstPlacecashprizewasKelseySchreckof Milton.KelseyisasophomoreatMiltonAreaHighSchool.Herphoto,OurBeautifulPennsylvania, showsaroadsidesignKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulsurroundedbyalitterdumpofcans,bottlesand paper. Thejudgesawardedthesecondplaceprizeof$500to16yearoldBillyMcKeownof NewtownSquare,ThetitleofthephotoisLitterDoesntBelongOnOurTurfdepictsplasticbottles

ofwaterdiscardedonanathleticfield. Thethirdplaceprize,$500,waswonbyAnthonySidari,a16yearoldstudentatHazleton HighSchool.HisphotoDumpingIsRuggedontheEnvironmentshowsthedumpingofdiscarded householditemssuchasrugs,aTVcabinet,etc. ThewinnerofthePeoplesChoiceprizeofadigitalcamerawasMaxwellTalarigo,aneight yearoldfromWynnewood,Maxwellsphoto,TheIslandofMisfitToys,showsapileofold discardedtoys. SponsorsofLensOnLitter2013wereAAAMidAtlantic,Inc.,AirProductsandChemicals Co.,JohnBattista,EverchemSpecialtyChemicals,Sheetz,Inc,WawaandWSFSBank. ClickHeretoseeallthewinningphotos. 2014Contest PRCisnowacceptingentriesforthe2014LensOnLitterPhotoContestthroughOctober31. ClickHereformoreinformation PennDOT,DEPInviteVolunteersToJoinGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA PennDOTandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionareseekingvolunteersforthisyearsGreat AmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniaeffortthatrunsthroughMay31. ThestatewidecleanupisanannualeffortsponsoredbyPennDOT,DEP,KeepPennsylvania Beautifulandotherpartnersthroughwhichinterestedindividualsandgroupscancreatecleanupevents. GroupsinvolvedinPennDOTsAdoptAHighway(AAH)program,whichinvolvesvolunteers cleaningroadsidesyearround,arealsoencouragedtoparticipateinthecleanup. ThesecleanupprogramsplayahugeroleinkeepingPennsylvaniabeautifulthroughcleaner roadsidesandcommunities,saidPennDOTSecretaryBarryJ.Schoch.Itsmyhopethatmore individualsgetinvolvedandjointhethousandsofdedicatedvolunteerswhoparticipateintheseefforts yearafteryear. Inadditiontothestatewidecleanup,registeredeventshaveaccesstofreedisposalat participatinglandfillsduringPickitUpPADaysfromApril12toMay5. PennDOTprovidesgloves,trashbagsandsafetyveststoAAHandGreatAmericanCleanup ofPAgroupswithfundingfromDEPsSolidWasteAbatementFund. DEPworkseverydaytoprovideforthehealthandsafetyofPennsylvaniansthroughacleaner environment,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.TheGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniaisa greatopportunityforvolunteersacrossthestatetojoinusinthateffort. DuringlastyearsGreatAmericanCleanup,6.1millionpoundsoflitterwascollectedfrom Pennsylvaniasroads,trailsandshorelinesbymorethan137,000volunteers.PennDOTsAAH programcontributedmorethan72,000volunteerswhocleanedupmorethan65percentofthe collectedlitteron10,859milesofcleaneduproadway. ThroughtheAAHprogram,volunteerscollectlitteronatwomilesectionofstatehighwayfour timesayear.Theprogramcurrentlyhasnearly7,000participatinggroups,morethan117,000 volunteersand15,140milesofadoptedstatemaintainedroadways. Interestedindividualscanfindalistingofcleanupevents,resourcesfororganizingacleanupand otherinformationabouttheeffortonline. Groupsinterestedinadoptingasectionofhighwayareencouragedtocontacttheirlocal PennDOTCountyMaintenanceofficeandaskfortheAAHcoordinator,orvisitPennDOTsHighway BeautificationHomePage.

NewsClip:ComcastNewsmakers:GreatAmericanCleanupOfPA KeepPABeautifulAddsWeisMarketsAsGreatAmericanCleanupOfPASponsor KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulThursdayannouncedWeisMarkets,Inc.astheirnewestsponsorofthe GreatAmericanCleanupofPA,theirannualsignatureevent. Inadditiontobecomingastatewidesponsor,Weishasdonatedvolunteerrefreshmentstothe hardworkingvolunteersinselectareasacrossPennsylvania. WeisMarketsispleasedtopartnerwithKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful,saidPattiOlenick, SustainabilityManager.Itispartofourcommitmenttosustainability,givingbacktothecommunities weserveandbeingalocallyrelevantcompany.WevebeenservingPennsylvaniacommunitiesfor morethan100yearsandweareexcitedtobepartoftheGreatAmericanCleanupofPA. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulandWeisMarketssharethegoalofpromotingasustainable environmentandlivablecommunities.TheGreatAmericanCleanupempowerscitizenstodothat locally.WeareexcitedtocountWeisasaGreatAmericanCleanupofPAsupporter,saidShannon Reiter,PresidentKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful. WeisMarkets,Inc.joinsother2014eventsupporters:theDepartmentofEnvironmental Protection,PennDOT,PennsylvaniaWasteIndustriesAssociation,thePennsylvaniaFoodMerchants Association,WasteManagement,RepublicServices,SteelRecyclingInstitute,andtheLancaster CountySolidWasteManagementAuthority. Registrationisopenforthe2014GreatAmericanCleanupofPAwhichrunsfromMarch1stto May31st.Duringthisperiod,registeredeventscangetfreetrashbags,gloves,andsafetyvestsfrom PennDOTdistrictoffices. Eventscanbelittercleanups,illegaldumpcleanups,beautificationprojects,specialcollections, andeducationalevents.EventsmustberegisteredthroughtheGreatAmericanCleanupofPAwebsite togetfreecleanupsupplies. Aspartofthisevent,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandPennsylvaniaWaste IndustriesAssociationaresponsoringLetsPickItUpPAEveryday.DuringthePickItUpPA Days,registeredeventcoordinatorswillbeabletotakethetrashcollectedduringtheircleanupto participatinglandfillsforfreedisposal.TheLetsPickItUpPAEverydayeventwillbeginonApril12 andendonMay5.ThefocusdaywillbeApril26. Sincetheinceptionofthiseventin2004,over74millionpoundsoflitterandwastehavebeen removedfromPennsylvaniaslandscape,andover100,000oftrees,bulbs,andflowershavebeen planted. Toregisteryourevent,findaneventnearyou,ortofindadditionalresources,visittheKeepPA BeautifulGreatAmericanCleanupofPAwebsite.QuestionscanbeansweredbycontactingMichelle Dunn,GreatAmericanCleanupofPAProgramCoordinator,at18777723673ext.113orby sendingemailto:mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org. NewsClip:ComcastNewsmakers:GreatAmericanCleanupOfPA CommunitiesReportProlongedSuccessInReducingCigaretteButtLitter KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulreportsanaverage48percentreductionofcigarettelitternationwideinthe communitiesimplementingKeepAmericaBeautifulsCigaretteLitterPreventionProgramduring2013. WerealizedsignificantreductionsincigarettelitteratourCLPPprogramsites,saidShannon

Reiter,presidentofKABstateaffiliate,KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful.Weleveragedthegrantswith bothcommunitymatchandDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionCoastalResourceManagement funding,implementingtheprogramin54locationsthroughouttheLakeErieCoastalZone.Inall,we achieveda57percentreductionincigarettelitter. In2013,theprograms11thyear,therewere200grantsupportedimplementationsacrossthe countryinavarietyofsettingsincludingdowntowns,roadways,beaches,parks,marinas, colleges/universities,touristlocations,andatspecialevents. Overthepasteightyears,theCLPPhasconsistentlycutcigarettebuttlitterbyhalfbasedon localmeasurementstakeninthefirstfourmonthstosixmonthsafteraprogramimplementation.Survey resultsalsodemonstratedthatascommunitiescontinuetomonitortheprogramthosereductionsare sustainedorevenincreasedovertime. Forexample,morethan100communitiesnationwidethatlaunchedprogramsin2012achieved anaveragereductionof53percentthatyear,andincreasedthatreductionbyanadditional12percent whenmeasuredagainin2013. AsKeepAmericaBeautifulfocusesonbuildingandsustainingvibrantcommunities,its essentialtoreducecigarettelittertolessentheenvironmentalharmthiscommontypeoflitterplaceson ourlandscapesandwaterways,saidJenniferJehn,presidentandCEOofKeepAmericaBeautiful. Our CigaretteLitterPreventionProgramismakingasignificantdifferenceincommunitieswherethe programisbeingimplementedbecauseofpubliceducationintandemwithaccesstoreceptacles. Tobaccoproducts,consistingmainlyofcigarettebutts,arethemostlitterediteminAmerica, representingnearly38percentofallitemslittered,accordingto"LitterinAmerica,"KABslandmark 2009studyoflitterandlitteringbehavior. Researchhasshownthatevenselfreportednonlitterersoftendontconsidertossingcigarette buttsonthegroundtobe"littering."KeepAmericaBeautifulhasfoundthatcigarettebuttlitteroccurs mostoftenattransitionpointsareaswhereapersonmuststopsmokingbeforeproceedinginto anotherarea.Theseincludebusstops,entrancestostoresandpublicbuildings,andthesidewalkareas outsideofbarsandrestaurants,amongothers. Toaddresscigarettebuttlitter,KABsCigaretteLitterPreventionProgramadvocatesthat communitiesintegratefourprovenapproaches: Encourageenforcementoflitterlaws,includingcigarettelitter Raiseawarenessabouttheissueusingpublicservicemessages Placeashreceptaclesattransitionpointssuchasentrancestopublicbuildingsand Distributepocketorportableashtraystoadultsmokers. TheCigaretteLitterPreventionProgramissupportedbyfundingfromPhilipMorrisUSA,an Altriacompany,withadditionalsupportfromRAIServicesCompanyandtheSantaFeNatural TobaccoCompany. Formoreinformation,visitKeepPABeautifulsCigaretteLitterPreventionProgramwebpage. KABs"GuidetoCigaretteLitterPrevention"providesinformationaboutstartingandmaintaininga CigaretteLitterPreventionPrograminyourcommunity.YoucanalsoviewthenewPSAonKABs YouTubechannel. PROPSetsSpringScheduleForRecyclingCertificationCourses TheProfessionalRecyclersofPAhasreleaseditsSpringscheduleofcoursesleadingtocertificationas

arecyclingprofessional.ClickHerefortheschedule. MarchIssueOfePRCIsNowAvailableFromPAResourcesCouncil TheMarchissueofePRCisnowavailablefromthePAResourcesCouncil.PRCiscelebratingits 75thAnniversarythisyear.ClickHeretoreadacopy. March6EditionOfDEPNewsNowAvailable TheMarch6editionofDEPNewsisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. ClickHeretoreadacopyandtosignuptoreceivefutureeditionsbyemail. LikePPLOnFacebookAndNominateAnEnvironmentalGroupFor$1,000Grant PPLElectricUtilitiesisgivingitscustomerstheopportunitytonominateanenvironmentalgroupoftheir choicefora$1,000grantbyclickingLikeonPPLsFacebookpage.Thedeadlinefornominationsis March13andthefirst30entrieswillbeconsidered. Votingtodeterminethewinners,viaFacebook,willbeginMarch19andthegrantwillbe awardedtotheorganizationwiththelargestnumberofvotesinmidApril. VisitPPLsFacebookpageforallthedetails. Shale101SmallBusinessSupplyChainOpportunitiesApril2InChester ThePASmallBusinessDevelopmentCenterswillhostaShale101SmallBusinessSupplyChain OpportunitiesWorkshoponApril2atWidenerUniversitySBDC,1350EdgmontAve.,Suite1300in Chester,DelawareCountystartingat9:00a.m. TheworkshopwillreviewshaleopportunitiesastheyrelatedtoSoutheastPA,discussthe recentrefineryrenaissance,hearsmallbusinesssupplychainsuccessstories,findoutaboutgas utilizationopportunities,learnabouttheMarcellusShaleCoalitionandMarcellusonMainStreetand helpparticipantsdiscovertheSBDCservicesavailableforsmallbusiness. SpeakersincludeShariWilliams,MarcellusShaleCoalition,MattHenderson,PennState MarcellusCenterforOutreachandResearch,AnthonyCox,UGIEnergyServicesandJoeBarone, ShaleDirectories. ClickHereforonlineregistration.Thereisa$25feefortheworkshop. PAEconomicDevelopmentAssociationSetsUpcomingWorkshops ThePAEconomicDevelopmentAssociationhasscheduledanumberofworkshopsforeconomic developmentprofessionalsinMarchandApril,including March31:BridgingtheGapBetweenEconomicDevelopment,Academia&Business April28:StrategiesforSocialMediaSuccessinEconomicDevelopmentand April28:BestPracticesinLenderNegotiations&ClientManagement. Formoreinformation,visitthePEDAwebsite. AlternativeFuels,Vehicles,TechnologyWorkshopInWilliamsportMarch26

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheEasternPAAllianceforCleanTransportation invitestakeholders,includingpublicandprivatefleetmanagers,localmunicipalities,schools,universities, nonprofitentities,governmentagenciesandotherinterestedparties,toanalternativefuels,vehiclesand technologyworkshoponMarch26. Theworkshopwillbeheldfrom9a.m.1p.m.atthePennsylvaniaCollegeofTechnologys ThompsonProfessionalDevelopmentCenterinWilliamsport. Apaneloftechnicalspeakerswillpresentinformationonalternativefuels,includingcompressed naturalgas(CNG),liquefiednaturalgas(LNG),biodiesel,propaneautogasandelectricvehicles. Workshopparticipantswilllearnhowswitchingtoalternativefuelscanalleviatedependenceon importedpetroleumfuelandbeamoreenvironmentallyfriendlyoption. Vehicleandtechnologydemonstrationswillbeprovidedtohelpparticipantsdeterminewhich technologywillworkbestfortheirapplication. AttendeeswillalsolearnhowtoapplyforPennsylvaniasAlternativeFuelsIncentiveandAct 13NaturalGasVehiclegrants. SeatingislimitedandthedeadlinetoregisterisMarch19.Onlineregistrationisavailable.The costis$25,whichincludesbreakfastandlunch.ThereisnochargeforEPACTstakeholders. QuestionsregardingthisworkshopshouldbedirectedtoTonyBandiero,executivedirectorof EPACTbysendingemailto:director@phillycleancities.orgorMichelleFerguson,DEPnorthcentral regionpollutionpreventionandenergyassistancemanager,atmiferguson@pa.gov. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsNaturalGasVehicleProgramwebpage. PUCFinalizesUtilityOutageResponse,PublicNotificationGuidelines,FormsWorkGroup ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayfinalizedaproposedpolicystatementonserviceoutage responserecoveryandpublicnotificationguidelinesandestablishedaCriticalInfrastructure InterdependencyWorkingGroup. Todaysactionrepresentsfurtherprogressinassuringthatsignificantmeasuresareinplaceto expeditetherestorationofelectricserviceforallcustomers,saidCommissionerPamelaA.Witmerina statement.Regardlessofwhethertheoutageistheresultofastorm,orphysicalorcyberattack,Iam verypleasedthattheCommissionisestablishingaCriticalInfrastructureworkinggroupthatwillbringall utilitiesandotherpartnersintooneroomtodiscussbestpracticesthatwillbenefitresidentialand businesscustomersinthisCommonwealth. TheCommissionvoted50tofinalizethepolicystatementandcreatetheworkinggroup.The policystatementproposesadditionalpreparationandresponsemeasuresasguidanceforEDCsafter reviewoftheutilitiesstormresponseforHurricanesIreneandSandy. TheCommissionalsoaddressedthecost/benefitanalysisregardingimplementationofthepolicy statementbytheEDCs,andpotentiallyotherindustries,especiallyinregardstotheproposedstorm damageandoutagepredictionmodels. Theworkinggroupwillbemadeupofjurisdictionalelectricdistributioncompanies(EDCs), incumbenttelephone,facilitiesbasedcompetitivetelephone,water,wastewater,andnaturalgas distributionutilitieswith5,000ormorecustomersaswellasnonjurisdictionalstakeholderssuchas cableprovidersandwirelesscarriers. Oneofthegoalsisforpartiestocometoanunderstandingoftheircriticalinterdependencies andhowtocoordinaterestorationofserviceswheremorethanonepartyisaffectedinageographic

area. iConservePAVideo:DoTheBumpout iConservePA.orghasanewvideoonlinecalledDoTheBumpout.No,itsnotthelatestdancecraze, bumpoutisastormwatermanagementtechniquethatisstartingtobedeployedincitiesandtownsto reducetheintensityofwaterflowingintosewerandstormwatersystems.ClickHeretowatchthevideo andlearnmore. 2014PALandConservationConferenceMay13InReading The2014PALandConservationConferenceorganizedbythePALandTrustAssociationwillbeheld May13intheCrownePlaza,Reading,BerksCounty. ThekeynoteaddresswillbegivenbyJimFinley,IbbersonProfessorofForestResources ManagementandDirectoroftheCenterforPrivateForestsatPennStateUniversitywithathemeof WeavingtheTapestryofForestConservation. Formoreinformation,visitthePALandConservationConferencewebpage. ThePALandTrustAssociationwillalsohostthe2014EnvironmentalAdvisoryCommittee NetworkingConferenceonMay3attheCrownePlazainReading,BerksCounty. DCNRTrailsAdvisoryCommitteeReleases2013AccomplishmentsReport TheTrailsAdvisoryCommitteetotheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesrecently releasedits2013AccomplishmentsReport. In2013,71trailgrantprojectswerecompleted,adding83newtrailmiles,advancingtrailsin 36counties.Morethan5,500hourswerecontributedbytrailvolunteers. ThecommitteesresponsibilitiesaretoadviseDCNRontheuseoftrailfundinginPennsylvania reviewandranktrailprojectapplicationsandpresentanannualreporttothesecretaryontrail activities. Thereportisavailableonline.Formoreinformationontrails,visittheExplorePATrails website. (ReprintedfromtheMarch5ResourcenewsletterfromDCNR.) SusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipHoldsOnlineFundraiserMarch1213 TheSusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipwillholda30hour,onlineRaisetheRegionfundraiseron March1213tohelpgrowlocalparks,trailsandriveraccessalongtheSusquehanna.Foradded impact,alldonationsreceivedwillbematchedformoreimpact. VisitthespecialRaisetheRegionwebsitetomakeyourdonationsbetween6:00p.m.onMarch 12and11:59p.m.onMarch13.ClickHereformoreinformationonthePartnership. CentralPAConservancyIronmastersChallengeApril27 TheCentralPAConservancywillholditsannualIronmastersChallenge50K,25Kand15Kchallenge

racesonApril27inCumberlandCounty.ClickHereforallthedetailsandtoregister. SpringIssueOfPennsStewardsFromPAParks&ForestsFoundationNowAvailable TheSpringissueofPennsStewardsnewsletterfromthePAParksandForestsFoundationisnow available.ClickHeretoreadacopy. March5IssueOfResourceNewsletterNowAvailableFromDCNR TheMarch5issueoftheResourcenewsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofConservation andNaturalResources.ClickHeretoreadacopy. DelawareHighlandsConservancyAnnualFoodsOfTheDelawareGalaApril26 CelebrateouruniqueUpperDelawareRiverregionandtwentyyearsofconservationandeducation withtheDelawareHighlandsConservancyatthe7thannualFoodsoftheDelawareHighlandsGalaon April26startingat5p.m. Thethemeofthegaladinner,Lovewhereyoulive!highlightsourworkingfarmsandforests andtheexceptionalqualityoflifeweenjoyintheUpperDelawareRiverregion. Thepopularevent,heldatHawleysSettlersInn,featuresafourcoursefarmtotabledinner andwinetastingfollowedbyanexcitingliveauctionledbySeanStrub. Theeveningbeginswithawinetastingandsilentauctioncelebratingthegenerousbountyofour localbusinessesandproductsat5:00p.m.andaspecial20thanniversarydinnerat7:00p.m.Thelive auctionandraffleforacaseoffinewinescapsthecelebrationduringdessert.Galaticketsare$150per person,whichincludesa$90charitablegifttotheConservancy. TheConservancysFoodsoftheDelawareHighlandsGalaCommitteeincludesBetsyDuBois, MollyFlewharty,ConservancyBoardPresidentMichaelGeitz,JeanneGenzlinger,AmyLitzenberger, MarySuePrice,KeithWilliams,andBrendaRuello,whostates,Thethemeoflovingwhereyoulive remindsofmeafavoritequote,thatwemusttrytodoallthegoodwecan,byallthemeanswecan,in alltheplaceswecan,toallthepeoplewecan,aslongaseverwecan. ThenonprofitDelawareHighlandsConservancyworksinpartnershipwithlandownersand communitiesoftheUpperDelawareRiverregiontoconserveournaturalheritageandqualityoflife. Foundedin1994,theConservancyiscelebratingits20thanniversaryandmorethan14,000acresof landsandwatersprotected. DeliciousgourmetcuisinewillbepreparedbySettlersInnChefandConservancyBoard MemberGrantGenzlingerandhisstaffusinglocallygrowningredients.Menuhighlightsinclude BloomingGrovetroutlingswithtomatoculiandspringlambwithwhitebeancassoulet.Vegetarian optionsarealsoavailable. Theliveandsilentauctionsofferexcitingselectionsincludingaoneweekstayinaspacious apartmentinRome,cookinglessonsattheCulinaryInstituteofAmerica,arelaxinggetawayatthe LodgeatWoodloch,adayofsportingclays,andadayofguidedflyfishing. VisitDelawareHighlandsConservancywebsiteinearlyApriltoviewourfullslateofauction items.Ifyouareunabletoattendthedinner,butwouldstillliketobidonanauctionitem,pleaseemail theConservancyat:info@delawarehighlands.orgorcall5702263164or8455831010tomake arrangements.

Sincerethankstogenerousgalasponsors:ConservatorsGregBelcaminoandJudithWelcom, MichaelandElizabethGeitz,AmyandBobLitzenberger,andSamandBrendaRuelloGuardiansJoe Cohen,ClementandMarySuePrice,RichardSnyderandBirgitMaio,JohnandDonnaRoss,and LorraineandGordonDiPaoloandStewardsSueCurrier,JaneCyphersandJoeLevine,MichaelElf andFrankBonello,MollyFlewhartyandMichaelBabey,GrantandJeanneGenzlinger,TomandJean Hoff,JoeLevine,RebeccaandRichardLindsey,GregandPatriciaLutfy,KarenandCharlesLutz, JeffreyandRobinMoore,ClarkandPeggyPitcairn,PoconoMountainsVisitorsBureau,Henryand EveSkier,AndrewandJulesWilshinsky,andBarbaraYeaman. Aswecelebrateour20thanniversarythisyear,weareespeciallygratefulforthegenerosityof ourcommunitywhichhasallowedustoaccomplishsomuch,saysExecutiveDirectorSueCurrier.As welooktowardthenexttwentyyearsandallthatwecanaccomplishtogether,thatsupportismore criticalthanevertowardsustainingourworkingfarmsandforests,pristinewaters,andhabitatfor wildlifelikethebaldeagle. OpportunitiestosupporttheDelawareHighlandsConservancyasadinnersponsorare available,atlevelsinrecognitionofour20thanniversarythatwillnotonlyhelptomakethegaladinnera successbutsetthestageforthenexttwentyyearsofconservation. TheConservatorlevelfor$3,000includes4guaranteedticketstothedinneranda$500credit foruseintheliveauction.TheGuardianlevelfor$1,500includes2guaranteedticketstothedinnerand a$250creditforuseintheliveauction.TheStewardlevelfor$750includes2guaranteedticketstothe dinner.SponsorshipsareacharitablecontributiontotheConservancyless$60perpersonattending. Reserveyourseatorsponsorthe7thannualFoodsoftheDelawareHighlandsGalatodayby contactingtheConservancyat:info@delawarehighlands.orgor5702263164or8455831010. HistoricAndMuseumCommissionAnnouncesNewHistoricMarkers TheWorldWarIIStuartTank,FatheroftheAmericanNavyJohnBarry,worldrenowned PhiladelphiaOrchestraConductorLeopoldStokowskiandFredMcFeelyRogers,creatorandhostof longrunningPBSprogramMr.RogersNeighborhood,areamongthesubjectsofthe21newstate historicalmarkersapprovedbythePennsylvaniaHistoricalandMuseumCommission. Thenewmarkers,selectedfrom57applications,willbeaddedtothenearly2,300familiar bluewithgoldletteringsignsalongroadsandstreetsthroughoutPennsylvania. FourofthemarkersarerelatedtoPennsylvaniasenvironmentalandenergyhistory HumphreyMarshall,WestBradfordTownship,ChesterCounty:ConsideredtheFatherof AmericanDendrology,MarshallwrotethefirstanddefinitivebookonAmericantreesandshrubsin 1785.ThebookwaswidelycitedinEurope.HealsocultivatedmanyAmericanspeciesandexported themtoEuropeangardens,includingthatofLouisXVIofFranceandKingGeorgeofEngland. RossLefflerSchoolofConservation,Brockway,JeffersonCounty:Itisthesiteofthe PennsylvaniaGameCommission'soriginaltrainingcenterforGameProtectorsandWildlife ConservationOfficers.Claimedtobethefirstinthenation,thisfacilitywasestablishedin1931,and becameamodelforotherstates. ShepptonMineDisasterandRescue,Sheppton,SchuylkillCounty:Rescueeffortsasaresult ofaminecaveinutilized,forthefirsttime,aboreholetechniquethathasbecomeubiquitousworldwide forsimilarminedisasters.ThesametechniquewasusedatQuecreekandChileinrecentdecades.The eventpromptedrevisionstostateminingregulationsandtothefederalCoalMineSafetyAct. GeorgeW.Crawford,Emlenton,VenangoCounty:AnativeofEmlenton,Pa.,andpioneerin

naturalgasproduction,transmissionanddistribution.CrawfordestablishedtheColumbiaGas& ElectricCorp.in1926,amodelandsuccessfulmultistategasutility,andinthe1930sthelargestinthe world. Since1946PHMCshistoricalmarkershavechronicledthepeople,placesandeventsthathave affectedthelivesofPennsylvaniansoverthecenturies.ThesignsfeaturesubjectssuchasNative Americansandsettlers,governmentandpolitics,athletes,entertainers,artists,strugglesforfreedomand equality,factoriesandbusinessesandamultitudeofnoteworthytopics. Nominationsforhistoricalmarkersmaybesubmittedbyanyindividualororganizationandare evaluatedbyapanelofindependentexpertsfromthroughoutthestateandapprovedbytheagencys commissioners. Moreinformation,visitPHMCsHistoricalMarkerProgramwebpage. MidAtlanticAquaticInvasiveSpeciesPanelOffersGrants TheMidAtlanticPanelonAquaticInvasiveSpeciesisnowacceptingapplicationsforalimitednumber ofsmallgrantstoincreasepublicunderstandingofandcompliancewiththepreventionandcontrolof aquaticinvasivespecies.ProposalsaredueApril4.ClickHeretodownloaddetailsandprioritiesfor funding. NewsClips: ErieRidgeCenterProgramFocusesOnInvasiveSpecies Sen.AllowaySeeksCommonGroundOnEndangeredSpeciesBill MarchIssueOfFish&BoatCommissionsCurrentsNewsletterNowAvailable TheMarchissueoftheFishandBoatCommissionsCurrentsnewsletterisnowavailable.ClickHere toreadacopy. DennisGuiseRetiresFromStateService DennisGuise,formerChiefCounselandExecutiveDirectoroftheFishand BoatCommissionretiredfromhismostrecentpositionasChiefCounselfor theDepartmentofMilitaryAffairsonFebruary28. DennisGuisewasappointedChiefCounseloftheDepartmentof MilitaryandVeteransAffairsinMarch2004.AsChiefCounsel,Dennisis responsibleforprovidingawidevarietyoflegalservicesonissuesranging fromhomelandsecurityandtheNationalGuardtoveteranshomesand programs. DennisgrewupinGettysburg,Pennsylvania.Whileattendingcollege andlawschool,heservedasaseasonalparkrangerattheGettysburg NationalMilitaryPark.HegraduatedmagnacumlaudefromGettysburg Collegein1969.HewasclasssalutatorianandwaselectedtoPhiBeta Kappa.DenniswasdesignatedadistinguishedgraduateoftheAirForceReserveOfficerTraining (ROTC)program.Aftergraduation,hecontinuedhisprofessionaleducationattheUniversityof PennsylvaniaLawSchool,fromwhichheearnedajurisdoctordegreein1972. Afterlawschool,heservedonactivedutyintheUnitedStatesAirForce.Hisfirstassignment

wasasassistantStaffJudgeAdvocatefortheUnitedStatesAirForceAcademy,ColoradoSprings, Colorado.Next,hewasappointedasinstructorofcivillawandeditoroftheAirForceLawReviewat theAirForceJudgeAdvocateGeneralSchool,MaxwellAirForceBase,Alabama. Aftercompletingactivemilitaryservice,DennisservedconcurrentlyasChiefCounselforthe DepartmentofMilitaryAffairsandtheFishandBoatCommissionfrom1978to1989. PriortoassumingadditionaldutiesastheFishandBoatCommissionsDeputyExecutive DirectorinAugust1995,DennisservedasChiefCounselfortheFishandBoatCommissionsince 1989.In1996,heassumedadditionalresponsibilitiesasDeputyExecutiveDirectoroftheCommission inwhichheperformeddutiesasChiefofStaffandsupervisorofexecutiveofficefunctions,inadditionto hisdutiesasChiefCounsel.HewasappointedasChiefCounselfortheDepartmentofMilitaryand VeteransAffairsinMarch2004. Dennisisinvolvedinanumberofcommunityandotheractivities.In2003,heretired,inthe gradeofBrigadierGeneral(PARetired),asStaffJudgeAdvocateforHeadquarters,PennsylvaniaAir NationalGuard.HeisamemberoftheLowerPaxtonTownshipPlanningCommission.Heisa directoroftheRalphW.AbeleConservationScholarshipFund,thePennsylvaniaNationalGuard ScholarshipFundandtheNationalGuardAssociationofPennsylvania. ClickHerefortheremarksDennismadeonbehalfoftheRalphW.AbeleConservation ScholarshipFundinJuly2012unveilingthePennsylvaniahistoricalmarkerhonoringformerFishand BoatCommissionExecutiveDirectorRalphAbele. InternWanted:TroutUnlimitedBiologicalFieldTechnicianInternship TroutUnlimitedsEasternAbandonedMineProgramisseekingcandidatesforabiologicalfield technicianinterntoassistwitheffortstorestorecoldwaterecosystemsfromabandonedminedrainage. ThepositionwouldbebasedinLockHaven,ClintonCounty.ClickHerefordetails. InvitationToBidOnDCNRProjectsInPike,PotterCounties TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcespublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidon projectsinPikeandPottercounties(PABulletinpage1330).

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased Note:2014ScheduleofmeetingsforStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficers. March1112AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingandmeeting. WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA. (formalnotice) March11AgendaReleased.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. FinalMaintenanceofIncombustibleContentofRockDust

RequirementsforHighVoltageContinuousMiningMachines DraftStandardsforSurfaceFacilities DraftPerformancebasedCableSafetyRequirements <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. March12NEW.DCNRSnowmobileAndATVAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) March18AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. DEPrecommendationonPerkiomenCreekWatershed <>ClickHereforavailablehandout. March18TimeChange.AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. DiscussionofFY201415BudgetRequest ReportbyDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo DiscussionofCAC,DEP2014Priorities DEPsMarchwrittenreporttotheCAC <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts March19CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30.(formalnotice) March19AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14th FloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. LandRecyclingProgramupdate DiscussionofproposedVaporIntrusionGuidancelanguage <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. March19AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting. 11thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. CertificationofnewSEOs SEOCertificationandTrainingGuidance <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April10NEW.DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice)

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. March14DEPHostMunicipalityInspectorGrants March14PAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningCollegeScholarship March21WRENWaterResourceEducation,SourceWaterCollaborativeGrants March28NEW.PAEPKarlMason,WalterLyonAwards March28DelawareHighlandsConservancyCollegeScholarships March28PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsArtContest March28DelawareValleyAir&WasteManagementCollegeScholarships March31PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram April4NEW.MidAtlanticAquaticInvasiveSpeciesPanelGrants April7PAWildsChampionofthePAWildsAward April15DCNRStudentCareersECOCamp April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants April30NortheastPAAudubonSocietyCollegeScholarship May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing May23KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest May30DEPAlternativeEnergyVehicleConversionGrants June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest October31NEW.PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

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Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate March6DEPNews Budget VitaliDemandsDocumentsBehindCorbettDrillingPlan OpEd:CorbettDrillingProposalMissesThePointOfMoratorium 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds Editorial:TechnologyBeforeTolls Other Sen.AllowaySeeksCommonGroundOnEndangeredSpeciesBill HearingAirsDelcoFearsOnCrudeOilAccidents WeldonWarnsOfOilTransportationDangers ComcastNewsmakers:GreatAmericanCleanupOfPA DEPAwardsRecyclingGrantToLuzerneCounty LowerSauconHasTimelineForLandfillExpansionDecision ComplaintsGrowAboutHighElectricBills ElectricBillSpikeStirsLawmakers SpikeInElectricityBillsTriggersActionFromAG,FrustrationInYork CouldElectricPriceSpikesRecur?AnalystSaysYes ElectricCustomersHeldHostageToHighRates Editorial:PUCShrugsAtLicensesToGouge Editorial:KeepChoiceInElectricChoiceProgram MenschDropsControversialDefaultElectricityBill LawmakerRevisingElectricShiftPlan FirstEnergyLastToGetSmartMeterOK PUCPushesLimitsOnPASolarNetMeterActions PPLSaysEffortsArePayingOffOnReliability IsPPLDumpingGenerationBusiness? KinzuaDamSoldByFirstEnergyToNYPowerFirm CMUProfNetsNationalAwardOnReducingEnergyConsumption UGIAnnounces3%NaturalGasRateHike AlphaMiningToPayRecord$227.5MInWaterPollutionSettlement RecordFineProposedForCoalMiningOperations 2CoalMinersRescuedInSchuylkillCounty StateUrgedToRejectProposedWashingtonCountyMine ProjectSeeksToPreserveStatesOriginalMineMaps PhiladelphiaMumOnReportedSaleOfPGW Editorial:AnotherEPACrock:SulfurSilliness Editorial:SupremeCourtShouldLetEPADoItsJob PostGazetteLaunchesEnergyFocusedPowerSourceWebsite ClarionCokePlantOverEmissionLimit ClearfieldResidentsStandAgainstBiosolidsPaysOff

DauphinConservationDistrictWillHoldSeedingSale ConservationGroupBuysLandAlongFrenchCreek LandPreservationInHeartOfSilverSpringTwp.Residents PushToPreserveMoreFarmsInMooreTownship Taste,TourPromoteSomersetCountyMapleIndustry VisitorSpendingAtFlight93MemorialEqualGovernment DelawareWaterGapShutdownCostCommunities$2.6Million BikingExperienceInPAAsVariedAsTheStateIsLarge YorkRailTrail,SteamIntoHistory PerkasieTakingSmallStepsOnScenicTrailPlans MoscowOfficialsGetGrantForProposedTrail ChartiersCreekWatershedWildlifeProgramPlanned RetiredGameCommissionChiefToGet$220KSeverance PittsburghEaglesKnowDifficultiesOfGoodParenting BirdsStartingToArriveAtMiddleCreekWildlifeArea BirdsBeginTrekNorthDespiteCold BluebirdNestingBoxesAvailableFromGameCommission ApparentlySomeoneForgotToTellTheBluebirds ErieRidgeCenterProgramFocusesOnInvasiveSpecies DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling DEP:RadiationNormalAfterGreeneCountyGasWellFire ChevronInstallsNewWellHeadsAtGreeneCountyExplosionSite Study:GasOftenInGroundwaterBeforeDrillingBegins DukeRebuke:StudyFindsMethaneInWaterWellBeforeDrilling NaturalGasIndustryGroupsWeekToInterveneInAct13Case OilAndGasPartiesAskToInterveneInAct13Case ImpactFees,DropInNaturalGasPricesResultInMorePluggedWells VitaliDemandsDocumentsBehindCorbettDrillingPlan CorbettEnergyExecutiveCallsVitaliDrillingCommentsIrresponsible OpEd:CorbettDrillingProposalMissesThePointOfMoratorium Lt.GovCandidatesClashOnDrilling Lt.GovCawley:ChesapeakeEnergyRoyaltyPracticesAreEgregious ChesapeakeEnergysPatternOfRoyaltyPaymentDisputes MarsResidentsPleadWithBoard:DontOKDrilling LawmakersFocusOnRailSafetyAsMoreTrainsMoveThruPA HearingAirsDelcoFearsOnCrudeOilAccidents WeldonWarnsOfOilTransportationDangers

DEPProposes$2.3MFineForSunocoGasolinePipeline SunocoFaces$2.3MDEPFineForMurrysvillePipelineLeak NaturalGasPipelinePushContinuesInCentreCounty KeystonePipelineProtestPlannedForPA UGIAnnounces3%NaturalGasRateHike NaturalGasIndustryBuoyedByAdvancingTechnology Report:PASess15,000JobsFromMarcellusBoom LawFirmsAddStaffToCapitalizeOnEnergyBoom DrillingWastewaterProjectToMeetConcernedResidents PennStateExtensionOffPipelineRestorationCourseForProfessionals $1.86BDealToSellPhillyGasWorksAnnounced CleanEnergyToOperatePECOsNaturalGasFuelStations GasToFuelsPlantProposedInBerksCounty PostGazetteLaunchesEnergyFocusedPowerSourceWebsite Financial/OtherStates ColoradoClampsDownOnAirEmissionsFromNaturalGasOperations MarylandCourtRulesInFavorOfExportingNaturalGas

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding U.S.HouseApprovesBillToEaseFloodInsuranceHikes FederalFloodInsuranceBillGoodForDauphinCounty FederalFundingForSusquehannaRiverGaugesIncreased Editorial:FedsNeedToProvideFundingForRain,RiverGauges OtherWatershedNewsClips WaterQualityImprovingInChesapeakeBayWatershed 9NEPAProjectReceiveFederalMineReclamationFunds DEPAwardsContractToFightAbandonedMineFire ChartiersCreekWatershedWildlifeProgramPlanned Conneaut,DEPReachAgreementOnStormwaterPlan DCEDGrantUsedForUpperPennsCreekWatershedProject AgreementDivviesUp$11.2MSewerSettlementToHBG DEPCitesWayneCountyStoreAfterOilSpill DEPOnSceneOfOilSpillAtLakeAriel DelawareDredgingGets$35MInObamaBudget MonRiverProjectToGetBoostFromArmyCorps OpEd:PoliticsOfWater,AnEthicalDrought

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Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardmeetsMarch18withoneitemontheagendaDEPs recommendationsonthepetitiontoupgradetheUpperPerkiomenCreekWatershedtoExceptional Valuewaters.DEPisrecommendingnochangeintheUpperPerkiomen,butisrecommendingthe MacobyCreekbasinbedesignatedTroutStockingandMigratoryFishes. TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardpublishednoticeofitsformalacceptanceofarulemakingpetitionfor studyproposingtoredesignateStonyRunWatershedinFayetteCountytoExceptionalValuewaters. ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishednoticeofitsapprovalofafinalorderundertheAct129Energy EfficiencyandConservationprogramrelatedtoanamendedDemandResponseStudy. PennsylvaniaBulletinMarch8,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeoffourdrafttechnicalguidanceforpublic comment:PAFunctionBasedAquaticResourceCompensationProtocol,LacustrineConditionLevel2 RapidAssessmentProtocol,RiverineConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocolandaWetland ConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocol.(seerelatedarticle) DEPpublishednoticeithassubmittedaprospectusforaninlieuoffeeandcompensatorymitigation programtotheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineers.(seerelatedarticle) DEPpublishednoticeextendingthreeNPDESgeneralpermits:BeneficialUseOfBiosolids(PAG08), BeneficialUseofExceptionalQualityBiosolids(PAG07)andBeneficialUseofResidentialSeptageBy LandApplication(PAG09). DEPpublishednoticeofaredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanfortheLancasternonattainment areaalongwithnoticeofanApril10publichearingontheproposal. DEPpublishednoticeof2014scheduleofexaminationsforSewageEnforcementOfficers. DRAFT:3102137001.Title:PennsylvaniaFunctionBasedAquaticResourceCompensation Protocol.Description:Thisguidancewillprovidestandardguidelinesforevaluatingneedforaquatic resourcemitigationforthepurposesofmeetingapplicationrequirementscontainedin25Pa.Code Chapter105(relatingtodamsafetyandwaterwaymanagement).Theguidanceoutlineshowtoconduct evaluations,thefactorstoconsiderandestablishesasystemforquantifyingmitigationrequirementsand proposalstomeetthoserequirements.ThisguidanceisdevelopedforusewiththethreeResource

ConditionLevel2RapidAssessmentProtocols(3102137002,3102137003and3102137004). WrittenComments:InterestedpersonsmaysubmitwrittencommentsonthisDraftTechnicalGuidance DocumentsbyMay7,2014.Commentssubmittedbyfacsimilewillnotbeaccepted.Comments, includingcommentssubmittedbyemailmustincludetheoriginator'snameandaddress.Written commentsshouldbesubmittedtoKennethMurin,P.O.Box8460,Harrisburg,PA171058460,(717) 7877411,RAEPTG01COMPCOMENTS@pa.gov DRAFT:DEPID:3102137004.Title:PennsylvaniaLacustrineConditionLevel2RapidAssessment Protocol.Description:Thisguidancewillprovidestandardguidelinesforevaluatingtheconditionof lacustrineaquaticresourcesforthepurposesofmeetingapplicationrequirementscontainedin25 Pa.CodeChapter105.Theguidanceoutlineshowtoconductassessments,thefactorstoconsiderand establishesascoringsystembaseduponconditioncategories.Thisguidanceisdevelopedforusewith theFunctionBasedAquaticResourceCompensationProtocol(3102137001). WrittenComments:InterestedpersonsmaysubmitwrittencommentsonthisDraftTechnicalGuidance DocumentsbyMay7,2014.Commentssubmittedbyfacsimilewillnotbeaccepted.Comments, includingcommentssubmittedbyemailmustincludetheoriginator'snameandaddress.Written commentsshouldbesubmittedtoKennethMurin,P.O.Box8460,Harrisburg,PA171058460,(717) 7877411,RAEPTG04L2LACUSTRI@pa.gov. DRAFT:DEPID:3102137003.Title:PennsylvaniaRiverineConditionLevel2RapidAssessment Protocol.Description:Thisguidancewillprovidestandardguidelinesforevaluatingtheconditionof riverineaquaticresourcesforthepurposesofmeetingapplicationrequirementscontainedin25 Pa.CodeChapter105.Theguidanceoutlineshowtoconductassessments,thefactorstoconsiderand establishesascoringsystembaseduponconditioncategories.Thisguidanceisdevelopedforusewith theFunctionBasedAquaticResourceCompensationProtocol(3102137001). WrittenComments:InterestedpersonsmaysubmitwrittencommentsonthisDraftTechnicalGuidance DocumentsbyMay7,2014.Commentssubmittedbyfacsimilewillnotbeaccepted.Comments, includingcommentssubmittedbyemailmustincludetheoriginator'snameandaddress.Written commentsshouldbesubmittedtoKennethMurin,P.O.Box8460,Harrisburg,PA171058460,(717) 7877411,RAEPTG03L2RIVERINEC@pa.gov. DRAFT:DEPID:3102137002.Title:PennsylvaniaWetlandConditionLevel2RapidAssessment Protocol.Description:Thisguidancewillprovidestandardguidelinesforevaluatingtheconditionofa wetlandforthepurposesofmeetingapplicationrequirementscontainedin25Pa.CodeChapter105. Theguidanceoutlineshowtoconductassessments,thefactorstoconsiderandestablishesascoring systembaseduponconditioncategories.ThisguidanceisdevelopedforusewiththeFunctionBased AquaticResourceCompensationProtocol(3102137001). WrittenComments:InterestedpersonsmaysubmitwrittencommentsonthisDraftTechnicalGuidance DocumentsbyMay7,2014.Commentssubmittedbyfacsimilewillnotbeaccepted.Comments, includingcommentssubmittedbyemailmustincludetheoriginator'snameandaddress.Written commentsshouldbesubmittedtoKennethMurin,P.O.Box8460,Harrisburg,PA171058460,(717) 7877411,RAEPTG02L2WETLDCOM@pa.gov. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

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Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. March10HouseInsuranceCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseResolution648(MillardR Columbia)urgingCongresstoreconsiderfloodinsurancepolicyincreasessponsorsummary.B31 MainCapitol.11:30. March11BillAdded.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsider HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsor summary,HouseBill2039(MoulRAdams)furtherprovidingformembershipoftheInterstate CommissiononthePotomacRiverBasinsponsorsummary.Room205RyanBuilding.10:00. March11NEW.SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenate Bill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishinganAggregateAdvisoryBoardatDEPsponsor summary,SenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswells toinspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpaymentssponsorsummary,SenateBill1237 (YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyaltyinterestownersofoiland gaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementsponsorsummary,SenateBill1238 (YawRLycoming)requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecountyRecorderofDeeds officewhenoilandgasleasesareterminatedsponsorsummary,SenateBill1254 (YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionofleadfreeunderthePlumbingSystemLeadBanand NotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirementssponsorsummary.Room8EBEastWing.9:30. March11NEW.AgendaReleased.StateConservationCommissionmeeting.Availablehandouts. Room309AgricultureBuilding,2301N.CameronSt.,Harrisburg.1:00. March1112AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingandmeeting. WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA. (formalnotice) March11AgendaReleased.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00.

March12NEW.DCNRSnowmobileAndATVAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) March15SchuylkillWatershedCongress.MontgomeryCountyCommunityCollegePottstown campus. March18AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. March18TimeChange.AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March19HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingondeermanagement.RoomB31 MainCapitol.9:00. March19CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30.(formalnotice) March19AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14th FloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting. 11thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March20HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonvariablerateelectricityprice contracts.Room140MainCapitol.9:30. March20NEW.SenateConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureholdsahearingonelectric reliability.WarminsterTwp.Building,401GibsonAve.,Warminster.3:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) March31SusquehannaLandAndWaterConservationSummit.PennStateUniversitycampusin Harrisburg. April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April10NEW.DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) April1011WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposium.ToftreesGolfResortand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege.

April24NEW.SenateJudiciaryCommitteeholdsahearingonSenateBill1095 (FarneseDPhiladelphia)amendingtheantiSLAPPlawsuitprovisionssponsorsummary. PhiladelphiaBarAssociationOffice.9:30. May12NEW.PALandConservationConference.CrownePlaza,Reading,BerksCounty. May68NEW.PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociationConference.SandsCasino Resort,Bethlehem. May7HouseProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill997(PetriRBucks) establishingalicensingprogramforsoilscientistssponsorsummary.Room60EastWing.9:30. May7NEW.2014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium.RamadaInnConferenceCenterinState College,. June2627PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnandConference Center,StateCollege. July2325NEW.PROPRecyclingandOrganicsConference.DoubleTreePittsburghMeadow Lands,Washington,PA. September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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