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PA Environment Digest (Updated)

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa December 16, 2013

Update-DEP Committee Considers Final Draft Climate Change Action Plan Update Dec. 20

The DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee will meet on December 20 where it is expected to

endorse a draft update to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan along with a set of options for

future actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth.

Click Here for a copy of the draft Action Plan Update. Click Here for a copy of the draftAppendix to the Plan that includes the individual work plan recommendations.

This is the first update to the original Climate Change Action Plan completed in 2009 as a result

of the 2008 Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (Act 70).

The Plan notes there have been significant changes to Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions

since the base year of 2000 used in the Plan resulting in the estimate that overall climate changing

emissions from the Commonwealth will be lower in 2020 than in the base year.

The reduction in the use of coal for power generation and the switch to natural gas alone will

result in emissions savings of about 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The draft Plan concludes: “Pennsylvania CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions have fallen

dramatically, in large part because Pennsylvania is generating more electricity with natural gas instead of

coal. However, other factors, including improved energy efficiency standards from consumer productsand automobiles have contributed to the decline in carbon emissions. Pennsylvania continues to be a

leader in reducing methane emission from the natural gas industry and solid waste landfills. Moreover,

further reductions are occurring, and future reductions will occur, through new regulatory requirements

like the Tailoring Rule, NSPS, and MACT (new air quality regulations).”

The draft Plan Update incorporates an updated greenhouse gas inventory, reviews the steps

Pennsylvania has already taken to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and makes available a list of

options and initiatives for consideration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further in the future.

Policy/Program Recommendations

The draft Plan Update provides options in several sectors--

-- Electricity Production, Transmission and Distribution: Act 129 electricity use reduction, coal

mine methane recovery, surface mines and non-gassy underground mines, gassy underground mines,combined heat and power, reducing methane leakage from natural gas infrastructure, waste-to-energy

digesters, beneficial use of municipal solid waste (waste-to-energy facilities), nuclear capacity uprates,

manure digesters and sulfur hexafluoride emission reductions from the electric power industry;

-- Residential, Commercial and Industrial: building commissioning, demand side management-

natural gas and water, high-performance buildings, re-roof Pennsylvania, re-light Pennsylvania, industria

electricity best management practices, heating oil conservation and fuel switching, improved efficiency a

wastewater treatment facilities and increased recycling initiative;

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-- Land Use and Transportation: alternative fueled transit bus, taxicab fleets, cutting emissions from

freight transportation; and

-- Agriculture and Forestry: durable wood products, forest protection easements, forestland

protection initiative-acquisition, urban forestry and no-till farming.

Legislative Changes

The Plan Update recommends legislative changes in several areas---- Carbon Capture Liability: Address long-term liability issues associated with carbon capture and

sequestration;

-- Carbon Capture Incentives: Provide incentives for the capture and use of coal mine methane;

-- DSIC Program Effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the DSIC (Distribution System

Improvement Charges) Program for utilities to determine the impact accelerated natural gas distribution

infrastructure replacement has on decreasing fugitive methane emissions;

-- Expand Natural Gas Use: Enact legislative incentivizing and directing natural gas utilities to expand

existing service territory to un-serve customers in a cost-effective manner;

-- Alternative Fueled Vehicles: Provide additional incentives for the use of alternative fueled vehicles,

including electric and LNG/CNG, particularly by large fuel consumption fleets;

-- Energy Use Profiling: Consider legislative mandating or encouraging energy use profiling for commercial buildings, similar to the City of Philadelphia ordinance;

-- Competitive Energy Markets: Expand competitive electricity markets to foster and encourage

renewable and alternative energy suppliers to enter Pennsylvania’s market;

-- Support AEPS: Continue to support the implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio

Standards; and

-- Add New Waste-To-Energy To AEPS: Amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to

permit the inclusion of additional waste-to-energy facilities.

Climate Impact Assessment

In addition to the draft Action Plan Update, DEP released a Climate Impacts Assessment

Update in October prepared by professors and students at Penn State University’s Environment and

Natural Resources Institute.

The Committee will meet in the 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building in

Harrisburg starting at 10:00 a.m.

For more information, visit DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee webpage.

Senate Confirms Abruzzo For DEP, Ferretti At DCNR

The Senate Tuesday voted unanimously to confirm Ellen

Ferretti as Secretary for Conservation and Natural

Resources and 42-8 to confirm Christopher Abruzzo as

Secretary for Environmental Protection.Those voting against Abruzzo were Senators

Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester), Jim Ferlo

(D-Allegheny), Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia),

Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Judith Schwank

(D-Berks), Matt Smith (D-Allegheny), LeAnna

Washington (D-Philadelphia), Anthony Williams

(D-Philadelphia).

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“Secretary Abruzzo and Secretary Ferretti have both proven they have the abilities and

expertise to lead our departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural

Resources,” Gov. Corbett said. “I want to thank the Senate, especially Senator Scarnati, Senator

Pileggi and Chairman’s Yaw and Yudichak, for confirming these nominations.”

“Today, I was pleased to support the nomination of Chris Abruzzo as Secretary of the

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,” said Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), MajorityChair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committe. “Since I have worked with, and

known Chris, he has gained a reputation and respect as a problem solver. During his tenure as Acting

Secretary at DEP he has taken it upon himself to implement several innovative procedures and

programs. It is obvious that he understands the complexities facing our environment, and has already

begun to engage and address them. He is a strong, independent leader who is more than qualified to

serve as our next DEP Secretary. I believe that this was evidenced today by the amount of bipartisan

support that he received.”

“It is my honor to lead the men and women of this agency and I pledge to continue building on

the great work already underway such as the launching of our recent public participation and education

initiative, implementing the Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Policy and promoting

Gov. Corbett’s call for more open, efficient and transparent operations,” Abruzzo said.NewsClips:

Senate Confirms Corbett Nominees For Top Environmental Posts

Abruzzo, Ferretti Affirmed For Corbett Cabinet

Ferretti Confirmed To Lead Conservation Agency

Senate Confirms Abruzzo As DEP Secretary

DEP Pick Confirmed, Leaving Lawmakers To Squabble

Corbett Pick For DEP Gets Nod After Climate Change Dustup

Abruzzo Confirmed As DEP Secretary

Democratic Challengers Criticize Corbett Over Climate Comments

Hanger Demands Apology For Climate Professor’s Slight

Letter: Look At DEP Nominee’s Whole Statement

Editorial: Wrong Resume For DEP Boss

Editorial: Pick For DEP Fails Knowledge Test

EQB-DEP Open Comment Period For Oil & Gas Regulation Changes

The Department of Environmental Protection and the

Environmental Quality Board announced Thursday the public

comment period for the proposed Chapter 78 regulations setting

updated environmental protection performance standards for oil

and gas drilling operations will be open from December 14when they are published in the PA Bulletin through February 12.

( PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

A copy of the proposed regulation is now available on

DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulations webpage.

“Public participation is a key part to forging the best

regulations possible,” DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “An exceptional number of hearings are being

offered by the EQB to gather information and to be sure that people’s voices are heard.”

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The proposed regulation implements key provisions of Act 13 of 2012, including further

consideration of impacts to public resources, such as parks and wildlife areas; the prevention of spills;

the management of waste; and the restoration of well sites after drilling.

Additionally, the draft rulemaking also includes standards affecting the construction of gathering

lines and temporary pipelines, and includes provisions for identifying and monitoring abandoned wells

close to proposed well sites.Webinars

DEP will be holding two webinars on December 19, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and January

3, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., to present information and answer questions on the proposed regulation.

Click Here for more information or to register for DEP’s Informational webinars. After

registration, an email will be sent containing a link to the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and

posted on the Oil and Gas webinars webpage for future viewing.

Public Hearings

During the public comment period, the EQB will be hosting seven public hearings across

Pennsylvania and offer multiple ways to submit comments. The public hearings will be held starting at 6

p.m. on the following dates--

-- January 7-- Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, WyomingCounty;

-- January 9-- West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West

Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, Chester County;

-- January 13-- Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,

Williamsport, Lycoming County;

-- January 15-- Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville,

Crawford County;

-- January 16-- Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg,

Cumberland County;

-- January 22-- Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60

South Lincoln Street, Washington, Washington County; and

-- January 23-- Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt

Drive, Indiana, Indiana County.

Hearing Procedures

People wishing to present verbal testimony at a hearing are requested to contact the EQB at

least one week in advance of the hearing to reserve a time. Those who wish to present testimony at the

hearing may use the address below or call the EQB at 717-787-4526 to reserve time to testify. All

relevant written and oral comments that are received at a public hearing will be considered when

finalizing the regulation.

Witnesses are limited to five minutes of testimony and are requested to submit three written

copies of their testimony to the hearing chairperson at the hearing. Organizations are limited todesignating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.

Individuals in need of accommodations as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act

should contact the EQB to discuss their needs at 717-787-4526 or make accommodations through the

Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 800-654-5984 (TDD) or 800-654-5988 (voice users).

Online Comments

Comments, including a one page summary, may be submitted to EQB by accessing the EQB’s

Online Public Comment System.

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Written Comments

Written comments and one page summaries can be mailed to: Environmental Quality Board,

P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477.

Email Comments

People can also submit comments by sending email to: RegComments@pa.gov.

Comment DeadlineAll public comments-- written, online and email-- must be received by the EQB on or before

February 12. If an acknowledgement of comments submitted online or by email is not received by the

sender within two business days, the comments should be re-sent to the EQB to ensure receipt.

Comment/Response Document

The summaries and a formal comment and response document will be distributed to the EQB

and available publicly prior to the meeting when the final rulemaking will be considered.

For more information and to view a copy of the proposed regulations, visit DEP’s Oil and Gas

Regulations webpage.

NewsClip: DEP Opens Proposed Oil And Gas Rules For Public Comment

Analysis: Mid-Year Budget Briefing Next Week Will Shape Future Decisions

On December 18 the Governor’s Budget Office will hold its mid-year budget briefing to provide a

snapshot of where revenues and expenditures are for FY 2013-14 and offer a glimpse of the year

ahead.

The Independent Fiscal Office released its own budget outlook November 14 that projected a

$530 million deficit in the 2013-14 fiscal year, a $839 million deficit in 2014-15, and a $1.2 billion

deficit in FY 2015-16 increasing to $2 billion in FY 2018-19, if revenue and expenditure policies

remain the same.

The Governor’s Budget Office staff have said they are shaping next year’s state budget

assuming it will have to make up for a deficit of $1.9 billion.

The revenue report for November shows collections were just $42.6 million more than

estimated for the year-to-date.

The state is already facing a $180 million loss of tobacco settlement money as a result of a

recent adverse decision by the panel overseeing the master tobacco settlement agreement.

A recent state Supreme Court decision ordering Commonwealth Court to take another look at

the 2009 transfer of $100 million from the state’s MCARE Fund means another sizable hole may open

up.

Of course the other big ticket item the General Assembly has yet to address is state employee

and school employee pension reform.

On the positive side, the changes made to the Small Games of Chance Law allowing taverns to

offer games is estimated to bring in about $156 million in new tax revenue to the Commonwealth.With revenues from existing gaming operations starting to drop, the Senate, through a study

authorized by Senate Resolution 273 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) due May 1, and the Governor’s Office,

through its lottery privatization proposal, are looking at the potential for adding Keno and other games

to the existing gaming mix.

Environmental Funding

Over the last 11 years, more than $1.9 billion in environmental funding has been cut or diverted

to balance the state budget or has gone to fund programs that could not attract funding on their own.

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Gov. Rendell's share of these cuts/diversions is $1.4 billion. Gov. Corbett's share is $533.5

million, so far.

One result of these cuts is the complement of the Department of Environmental Protection has

been reduced nearly 20 percent, most under the Rendell Administration, and 40 more positions in FY

2013-14 under Gov. Corbett.

Marcellus Shale impact fees adopted as part of Act 13 have certainly helped put moreenvironmental project monies on the table for state agencies and impacted county and local

governments to begin to make up for some of these loses. But not overall personnel cuts.

DEP, in particular, has increased its permit application and administration fees by about $31.6

million annually over the last several years to help make up for the cuts in state General Fund support for

its operating costs.

The fees finalized include--

-- Marcellus Shale Drilling Permits: $7,465,000 (from $935,000 to $8.4 million annually);

-- NPDES Water Quality Permits: $4,250,000 (from $750,000 to $5 million annually);

-- Chapter 102 Regulations: $6,665,000 (from $635,000 to $7.3 million annually);

-- Laboratory Certification: $1,550,000 (from $500,000 to $1.6 million annually);

-- Beneficial Use of Coal Ash: $75,000 annually;-- Uniform Environmental Covenants: $82,250 annually;

-- Noncoal Mining Permit Review Fees: $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2.4 million annually);

-- Coal Surface Mining Permits: $350,000 (from $50,000 to $400,000 annually);

-- Dam Safety & Encroachment Permits: $3,641,012 (from $452,450) annually; and

-- Title V Air Quality Permit Fees: $5.1 million more annually.

Pending fee increases include--

-- Marcellus Shale Drilling Permits II: Generating about $11-12 million annually to compensate for the

drop in the number of expected drilling permit applications.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has had to rely more and more on

royalties and payments generated by Marcellus Shale drilling operations in State Forests to fund its

basic staff and operating costs, rather than the General Fund.

More tough decisions are on the way for next year’s state budget.

With environmental programs already cut to the bone, we need to at least stop the bleeding in

these vital programs and find creative ways to restore state government’s commitment to the

environment.

NewsClips:

Top Republican Bracing For Rough Budget Season

Bucks GOP Lawmaker Wants To Tax Gas Drilling

$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna

$2.3B Influx Puts PennDOT Big-Ticket Projects In Play

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, the email for the Digest Editor David

Hess, and let us join your Circle.

Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

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You’ll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and

announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as

they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email

alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including

NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted

updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to

new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed

to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a

list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

House

December 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)

2014

January 7 (Non-Voting), 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate - 2014

January 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

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May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Bill Calendars

House (December 16): House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring $5 million to DEP for acompetitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas; House Bill 303

(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $7.5 million to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large

mass transit fleets to natural gas; House Bill 304 (Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transit

buses to natural gas; House Bill 306 (Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting $5.3 million from the Alternative

Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to

natural gas and provide a 10 cent per gallon biofuels production subsidy; House Bill 308

(Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions

to natural gas. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 7): [the Senate has adjourned for the year] <> Click Here for full Senate Bill

Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on climate change. <> Click

Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: [the Senate has adjourned for the year] <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor ControlTransportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

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Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

TransportationLinks for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Repealing AEPS: House Bill 1912 (Sankey-R-Clearfield) would repeal the Alternative Energy

Portfolio Standards - sponsor summary.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's

desk for action--

Open Space: House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) further providing for open space preservation

by local governments. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

Senate

Open Space: House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) further providing for open space preservation

by local governments-- House Fiscal Note-- was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee

and passed by the Senate without amendment. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

News From The Capitol

Senate, House Send Bill To Governor To Promote Open Space Preservation

Senate unanimously passed and sent to the Governor House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) to

provide clarity to Pennsylvania municipalities regarding the type of projects that can be funded by the

local option tax levy.

“This bill gives those municipalities that choose to enact an open space tax, the flexibility to use a

portion of the tax to maintain and improve the land acquired through the tax,” said Rep. Marcy Toepel.

“Presently the law lacked clarity regarding the usage of the tax. Also, under current law, this tax may

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only be imposed through voter referendum; however, there is no mechanism to rescind the tax. This bill

corrects that oversight by providing language that would provide an avenue for voters to rescind the tax

through a referendum vote if the tax is no longer needed or desired.”

House Bill 1523 would amend the Open Space Law to authorize the local taxing option levy to

be used for expenses necessary to prepare the resource, recreation or land use plan or for costs

associated with the design, engineering, improvement and development of the real property consistentwith the approved plan.

Currently, the funds raised from the local option tax can only be used for the purchase of open

space land, retiring of debt incurred in purchasing such land and transaction fees related to the purchase,

including, but not limited to, the cost of appraisals, legal services, title searches and insurance, document

preparation, closing fees and survey expenses.

This legislation has garnered the support of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs,

Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania State Association of Township

Commissioners, Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, and the Pennsylvania Land Trust.

House Democrats To Hold Climate Change Hearing Dec. 16

The House Democratic Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing December 16 on steps

Pennsylvania can take to address climate change issues. On the agenda are--

— Richard Alley, Evan Hugh professor, Penn State University;

— Tom Peterson, president and CEO, Center for Climate Strategies;

— Janet Milkman, executive director, Delaware Valley Green Buildings Council;

— Christina Simeone, PennFuture and chair of DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee;

— Rick Price, executive director, Western Pennsylvania Clean Cities; and

— Erik Johanson, strategy and sustainability planner, SEPTA.

The hearing will be in Room 418 of the Capitol Building, Harrisburg, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) is Chair of the Committee. Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware),

Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, will serve as co-chair of

this hearing.

News From Around The State

DEP Dec. 20 Webinar Covers Proposed Changes To GP-8 Stream Crossings

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a webinar on December 20 starting at 10:00 a.m.

to provide information on proposed changes to the GP-8 covering temporary stream crossings,

environmental testing and monitoring activities.

Concerns were expressed by a presenter at the November DEP Citizens Advisory Councilmeeting that the scope of the General Permit is being expanded to include more activities than originally

covered by GP-8.

The public comment period for the proposed changes to GP-8 ends January 10.

To register for this event, visit the GP-8 Webinar webpage.

Keystone Coldwater Conference Set For February 21-22, New Student Poster Contest

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The 2014 Keystone Coldwater Conference will be held on February 21-22 at the Ramada Inn

Conference Center in State College.

On February 21 there will be an optional afternoon workshop that will focus on how to protect,

conserve, and restore stream habitat, while also protecting adjacent property from potential flooding

impacts. The workshop will be followed by a Friday evening social. At the social attendees will have the

opportunity to network and visit the many exhibitors and posters. The event will include appetizers anda cash bar.

On February 22, the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with our keynote speaker Chris Wood,

CEO of Trout Unlimited. Twelve breakout sessions will round off the morning and afternoon, with

topics related to conserving, protecting, and restoring our coldwater streams.

The presentations will highlight research, case studies, proactive community action, policy and

regulations, and targeted outreach and advocacy that have played a part in ensuring environmental

protection.

Important Deadlines

-- Early registration with a discount ends January 31, but the deadline for the limited number of rooms

set aside at the Ramada Inn for the Conference is January 21.

-- Student Poster Contest: The deadline for submissions for the new Student Poster Contest isJanuary 10.

-- Exhibit Space: The deadline for reserving exhibit space is February 1, but for a discount reserve

your space by January 31.

The Conference is sponsored by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Pennsylvania

Council of Trout Unlimited, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay

Foundation, Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation and PA Environment Digest - Crisci Associates.

Click Here for all the details.

Call For Presenters 2014 PA Groundwater Symposium May 7

In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, Penn State Extension’s Master Well Owner

Network , the Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Ground Water Association along

with numerous other sponsors are organizing the 2014 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium at the

Ramada Inn Conference Center in State College, PA on May 7, 2014.

The Symposium theme: Building Groundwater Knowledge through Monitoring will provide a

forum for researchers, students, professionals and educators working in the groundwater field to

exchange information and promote protection of groundwater resources.

Abstracts will be accepted through January 31 for oral or poster presentations on a wide variety

of groundwater topics including groundwater monitoring, data availability and access, groundwater

processes, wellhead protection, water well studies, emerging contaminants, aquifer studies,

groundwater/surface water interactions, issues related to energy extraction, education and outreach, andgroundwater use for geothermal energy.

The conference planning committee will release a final agenda and registration information for

the symposium in February.

Thanks to generous support from sponsors, the daylong symposium including refreshments and

lunch will only cost $30! We hope you can join us for this event showcasing Pennsylvania’s valuable

groundwater resource!

To learn more about the symposium and to submit an abstract to be a presenter, visit the

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Conference website.

(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn

State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and reprinted from the

Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)

PA American Water: Winners Of Community Investment Grants

Pennsylvania American Water Wednesday announced the winners of its “Community Investment

Challenge,” a contest where voters on the company’s Facebook page determined grant awards to

support environmental projects and community improvement programs.

In all, 17 organizations from across the commonwealth entered projects in the contest, and

Facebook users were able to vote once each day between November 8 and December 8 for their

favorite projects.

After a total of 2,689 votes were cast during the month-long contest, the top three winners are:

— First place (737 votes): Downtown Scranton Spring Planter Beautification Project will

receive a $1,000 grant for cleaning up debris and planting flowers and bushes throughout the planters inScranton’s Main Street district. The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations and

student government is partnering with Scranton Tomorrow and Penn State Master Gardeners in

Lackawanna County to extend its annual spring “Street Sweep” neighborhood clean-up event into

downtown Scranton.

— Second place (695 votes): Derry Township Environmental Action Committee will receive a

$700 grant for its Rain Barrel Workshop, where attendees can purchase high-quality rain barrels at a

reduced cost and learn about stormwater runoff and water conservation.

— Third place (247 votes): Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board will receive a

$300 grant for its Energy Camels Project to reward residents who make documented progress in

energy or water conservation. Energy Camels, when placed in residents' front yards, are designed to

engage the community by making behavior change "fun" through education about conservation.

“We are excited and honored to earn first place in Pennsylvania American Water’s Community

Investment Challenge,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of Community and Government

Relations at The University of Scranton. “This grant will make a significant impact in helping to beautify

downtown Scranton, thanks to Pennsylvania American Water’s generosity and the support of our

Facebook community.”

Eligible projects fell into one of four categories: Water and the Environment, Water and Healthy

Living, Environmental Education or Community Sustainability, and will take place within Pennsylvania

American Water’s service areas in 2014.

“We are very pleased with how the contest engaged a broad range of civic, non-profit and

environmental groups, who rallied and mobilized their social media networks to earn support for their local projects,” said Pennsylvania American Water Director of Communications and External Affairs

Terry M. Maenza.

“While we congratulate the winners, we also applaud the other entries for the innovative

projects and terrific work they are doing in their communities.”

For more information, visit the PA American Water website.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Urges Full Funding For Farm Bill Conservation Programs

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Harry Campbell, PA Office Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Friday wrote to

Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn Thompson urging him to support full funding for conservation

programs in the federal Farm Bill now the subject of conference committee negotiations between the

Senate and House.

Thompson chairs the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Conservation,Energy and Forestry and is a member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and

Credit.

The text of the letter follows—

“Thank you for your continued work to negotiate a federal Farm Bill, and we urge you to do all

you can to help Pennsylvania farms to continue their efforts to be good stewards of water while

remaining economically viable.

“As with previous communications to you regarding the Farm Bill negotiations, we are sharing

success stories from two Pennsylvania farms that have relied on USDA Natural Resources

Conservation Services programs, created in previous Farm Bills, to restore local waters and improve

their farms’ ability to sustain profitability for the long-term.

“Mike Marquardt’s cover crops, no-till cultivation, careful manure management, and streamsideforest are all helping to maintain Penns Creek as a world-class trout fishery. Not only is this Centre

County farmer helping water quality in Penns Creek, but by assuring this stream remains a

world-renowned fishery his work also is an asset to the community’s economy.

“In Bradford County, Randy and Tina Kuhn established a streamside forest to filter nutrients

and sediment from the runoff entering a pond and stream, and now see that the pond is a healthy

environment for fish and other wildlife while also providing their livestock access to clean drinking wate

Their farm produces meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and eggs which they sell directly to consumers.

Having a healthy soils and clean water is essential to their success.

“Both of these farms relied on programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program

(EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program

(RCPP) to establish these practices. The technical and financial assistance these farms and so many

other farms in Pennsylvania relied upon helped make these practices possible.

“These farms are but two of the thousands of farms in Pennsylvania that can be called Farm Bill

“success stories.” Their stories can be the story of thousands of other farmers with a strong

conservation-based Farm Bill.”

For more information, visit CBF’s Federal Farm Bill webpage.

NewsClip: No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress

AFT: Survey Of Farmers Demonstrates Congress Needs To Pass New Farm Bill

A recent survey of farmers and ranchers by American Farmland Trust and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows the need for Congress to pass the Farm Bill, according to Andrew

McElwaine, President and CEO of AFT. AFT and the University surveyed farmers and ranchers who

have benefitted from the bill’s Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program.

“The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program is one of many critical agriculture programs

threatened by Congress’ inability to pass a five-year Farm Bill,” noted McElwaine. “It is vital the

Senate-House conference committee finish its work and pass a new Farm Bill that fully funds farm

conservation programs.”

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The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides federal matching funds to

protect farmland by purchasing easements. These in turn keep productive farm and ranch land from

being developed and instead keep it in agricultural use.

The survey shows 96 percent of farmers and ranchers who permanently protected their land

under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program kept the land in agricultural production and the

majority re-invested to improve the environment and economic performance of their operations.“Our survey asked a critical question-- is the federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program

really delivering on its promise to protect farmland and encourage conservation practices,” said

McElwaine. “The overwhelming answer we received was Yes!”

For the survey, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln interviewed 506 landowners participating in

the program to determine if they were achieving its stated purposes.

“Ninety-six percent of those receiving help through the program are continuing agricultural

production on some or all of the land protected and 70 percent kept at least three-quarters in

production,” said McElwaine. “More than 68 percent of the owner-operators implemented new

management practices to prevent soil erosion and/or to protect water quality. By comparison, only 23

percent of the Nation’s operators overall said they used conservation methods to achieve comparable

outcomes.”The survey also found 84 percent of landowners who sold easements reinvested the proceeds

to improve their farms by building structures, buying equipment, purchasing land, or installing

conservation practices.

“Farmers tend to be land rich and cash poor,” explained Julia Freedgood, AFT’s managing

director of Farmland and Community Initiatives. “FRPP provides liquid capital for farmers to improve

the economic viability and environmental performance of working farms and ranches. Just as important,

FRPP dollars tend to be spent locally, supporting local businesses and growing rural economies.”

“This Program delivers tremendous value to farmers and taxpayers not only keeping farm and

ranch land in production, but also attracting $2 in landowner, private or state and local matching funds

for every $1 invested by the federal government,” said McElwaine.”Congress needs to continue it – and

to do that they must pass the Farm Bill.”

A copy of the study is available online.

The American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to

protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.

For more information, visit the American Farmland Trust website.

NewsClip: No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress

American Farmland Trust Opposes New Federal Conservation Fee On Farmers

Congress is about to impose a new conservation fee on farmers and ranchers who volunteer to help the

environment as part of the Senate-House budget agreement, according to Andrew McElwaine,President and CEO of American Farmland Trust.

AFT Thursday said it will oppose a provision in the agreement authorizing the USDA Natural

Resources Conservation Service to charge farmers up to $150 to help them prepare farm conservation

plans.

“Reducing nutrients from farm runoff costs almost 60 percent less than the same reduction from

a sewage treatment plant,” said McElwaine. “We should be rewarding farmers who voluntarily put

conservation plans in place. Instead we’re going to charge them.”

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“Conservation plans are a fundamental first step farmers take to reduce erosion and keep

sediment and nutrients from running off their land. Without this plan, those reductions won’t take place

and instead taxpayers will have to pay to upgrade local water and sewer systems.

“Taking this action at a time when it appears Congressional negotiators have failed to come to

agreement on a new Farm Bill is extremely disappointing. Many critical federal farm programs ended

on September 30 when the last Farm Bill expired and thousands of family farmers and ranchers arefacing an uncertain future.”

The American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to

protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.

For more information, visit the American Farmland Trust website.

Transportation Funding Bill Improves Dirt And Gravel Roads Across PA

Dirt and gravel roads across Pennsylvania will see environmentally and economically sustainable

improvements through a $30 million funding boost as part of comprehensive transportation legislation

signed by Gov. Corbett.

“Pennsylvania’s dirt and gravel roads will be improved just like their paved counterparts, benefitting the four million Pennsylvanians who travel rural roads every day,” said Agriculture Secretary

George Greig. “Better maintenance means less runoff and sediment to clog and pollute our waterways.

It will also improve transport conditions for the tractors and trucks that haul farm equipment, milk,

lumber and other products on these 20,000 miles of roads.”

The transportation package provides $28 million annually to the Pennsylvania State

Conservation Commission’s Dirt and Gravel Roads Maintenance Program, which distributes the funds

to 65 participating county conservation districts across the state. At least $8 million of that total is

earmarked each year for low-volume sealed and paved roads that carry less than 500 vehicles per day.

The additional $7 million will be distributed to the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Bureau of Forestry for improving state park and forestry roads. Total program funding is

$35 million.

Previous funding levels limited work to about 200 sites per year. The additional funding

increases that number to 800. Years of underfunding have created a backlog of 14,400 work sites.

With in-kind funding and tight administrative spending limits, the program estimates for every state dolla

invested, $1.15 of project work is completed.

The commission, part of the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, provides

support and oversight to the state’s 66 county conservation districts. It works with government agencies

and industry, professional and nonprofit organizations to help implement conservation programs in an

efficient and responsible manner.

For more information, call the commission at 717-787-8821 or visit the Commission’s Dirt and

Gravel Roads Program webpage.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers For 2013

Each year Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provides an opportunity for their statewide affiliates to recognize

the outstanding efforts of their local volunteers. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s 2013 Affiliate Volunteer

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of the Year award winners are:

-- Allegheny CleanWays - Hannah Grace for her unwavering work with the DumpBusters crew;

-- PA CleanWays of Cumberland County - Mike Onofrey for the coordination of numerous phases of

an event that collected over 9,000 tires;

-- Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful - Juniata College Community Service Office for their enthusiastic

and invaluable cleanup efforts over the years;-- PA CleanWays of Mifflin County - Dan Dunmire for his assistance with grant writing and general

support since the affiliates inception in 2000 and Justin Kozak for his expert watershed knowledge and

computer skills and assistance with coordinating events;

-- Keep Perry County Beautiful - Carson Long Military Academy Environmental Club for their active

participation in outdoor education opportunities, illegal dump clean-ups, and road adoptions; and

-- Keep Royal Gardens Beautiful, Philadelphia - Zamir Chandler for his project management skills and

work with youth volunteers.

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful believes that by engaging volunteers, we extend the reach of our

educational efforts and multiply the impact of our actions. I thank all the volunteers for their hard work

and efforts. It does not go unnoticed,” said Shannon Reiter, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates nominatedtheir own volunteer of the year and these volunteers were presented with a certificate of appreciation as

a tribute to their efforts to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.

Award winners and their programs can be found on KPB’s Grants & Awards webpage.

NewsClip: Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Volunteers

Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup Volunteers Clean Up 25 Miles of Shoreline

The numbers are in for the September Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup. On September 21,

volunteers picked up 2,484 pounds of trash along 24.75 miles of Lake Erie shoreline and waterways

within the county.

As those 676 volunteers cleaned 13 different locations around Lake Erie, they also documented

the collection of 36,270 pieces of trash. Among the most unusual items found were a full set of clothing

and a toilet. The top five categories of collected trash were:

-- Cigarette butts – 16,276

-- Food wrappers – 3,161

-- Plastic pieces – 2,754

-- Fishing line – 1,756 feet

-- Plastic beverage bottles – 1,574

“Our 11th cleanup along the Lake Erie shoreline and its tributaries was another success, in spite

of this year’s inclement weather,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “As a result of

the continued success of this event, we are working to increase volunteer numbers and cleanup locationsdown the road.”

Information gathered in past cleanups has been used as educational material for environmental

programs in local schools and highlighted in the Erie Times-News, Newspapers in Education section.

During the school year, the Erie Times-News publishes a page dedicated to environmental issues every

Tuesday.

The International Coastal Cleanup is the oldest and largest volunteer project of its kind and this

year celebrated its 27th anniversary. From its beginnings in 1986 with 12 sites on the Texas coastline,

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the ICC has transformed to more than 6,000 sites in about 100 countries with more than 500,000

volunteers. It is the largest volunteer-driven, beach cleanup effort of its kind in the world.

DEP’s Coastal Resources Management program has been the main sponsor of the PA-Lake

Erie International Coastal Cleanup since 2003.

For more information, to volunteer for next year’s cleanup, or check the Erie ICC statistics

online or visit the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup webpage.

Annual PA Brownfields Conference A Success

Attendees at this week’s annual Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference held in King of Prussia,

Montgomery County, expressed optimism about the state’s economy and improving business climate.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Positioning for the Future,” highlighted building communit

partnerships, incorporating sustainable design into projects, accessing financial assistance and keeping

abreast of regulatory changes.

Brian O’Neill, chairman, CEO and founder of O’Neill Properties Group of King of Prussia,

delivered the opening plenary session on the real estate forecast for brownfields. He spoke about what

he called “new urbanism,” the construction of full-featured communities where residents can live, work,and play.

O’Neill Properties is a leading privately owned real estate development company specializing in

identifying and acquiring abandoned or underutilized industrial sites, remediating and transforming them

into high-quality, Class A commercial space or luxury multifamily communities.

The company currently is building over $2 billion of projects in the Northeast. O’Neill’s

Pennsylvania projects include The Lofts at Valley Forge, a luxury residential development and Uptown

Worthington in Malvern, a 1.6 million square foot mixed use development featuring luxury residential,

retail and office space.

This was DEP’s ninth Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference, and the second that involved a

partnership with the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania. It featured nearly two dozen

educational sessions and two mobile workshops. Conference content is developed with input from an

advisory panel of industry experts.

For more information, visit the PA Brownfields Conference and DEP’s Environmental Cleanup

and Brownfields webpages.

(Reprinted from the December 12 issue of DEP News )

Presidential Innovation Award For Environmental Educators Now Accepting Nominations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on

Environmental Quality, is currently accepting applications until February 28 for the third annualPresidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.

The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local education agencies nationwide

for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and demonstrating the connection

between health and the environment for their students.

Successful applicants demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement and leadership

as students learn more about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Past winners have

increased student participation in local watershed cleanup efforts, created school-wide recycling

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programs, and implemented green land stewardship practices.

Winners went on to use their awards to bring high-tech science equipment into the classroom

and expand the number of students on field trips and in labs.

Up to twenty teachers nationwide will receive award plaques and a financial award of $2,000 to

support their professional development in environmental education. Each teacher’s school will also

receive a $2,000 award to help fund environmental education activities and programs that support theteacher.

Winners will also be considered for the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Richard

C. Bartlett award, which recognizes outstanding teachers who engage students in interdisciplinary

solutions to environmental challenges.

For more information, visit the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators

webpage.

EPA Seeks Environmental Education Grant Applications

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for environmental education

projects under the agency’s Environmental Education Grant Program. Applications are due February 4.The program works to engage communities across the country through a wide variety of

educational projects that have a lasting impact on people’s health by facilitating environmental

stewardship.

Projects in the past have engaged students in stream monitoring, created sustainable mentoring

communities, and provided professional development to teachers on subjects including science,

technology, engineering and math.

Eligible organizations include local education agencies, colleges or universities, state education

or environmental agencies, tribal education agencies, 501(C)(3) nonprofit organizations, and

noncommercial educational broadcasting entities working in education.

This competitive grants program will total $2.77 million. Each of the ten EPA regional offices

will award two or three grants and one or two grants will be awarded from EPA’s headquarters in

Washington, DC.

Each award will be an estimated $75,000 to $200,000. EPA expects to award between 22 and

32 grants nationwide.

For more information, visit EPA’s Environmental Education Grant webpage.

Junior High Students Vie For National Recognition Jan. 25 In Future City Regional Finals

As global urban populations rise, energy and climate change issues are increasingly prevalent. Thus, the

demand for creating transportation solutions that are quick, safe, reliable and sustainable has never been

more urgent.Throughout the world, a person’s ability to function and contribute to society is reliant on his or

her capacity to mobilize, whether by air, foot, car, bike or public transit.

More than 40,000 middle school students from 1,350 schools in 37 regions nationally have

been tasked with Tomorrow’s Transit: Design A Way To Move People In And Around Your City,

figuring out those much-needed solutions for DiscoverE’s 2013-14 Future City Competition.

Since returning to school in the fall, student teams have been hard at work on their Future City

projects and preparing for regional finals in January 2014.

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First-place winners from each qualifying regional competition receive a trip to the Future City

Competition National Finals in Washington, D.C., February 15-18, 2014 during Engineers Week.

The national grand prize is $7,000 for the team’s school or after-school’s STEM program and a

trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

In Central Pennsylvania, there are approximately 37 teams competing in the Future City

Competition Regional Finals, which will be held on January 25, 2014 at the Pennsylvania StateMuseum.

Future City has received national attention and acclaim for its role in encouraging middle

schoolers nationwide to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The annual challenge is one of the nation’s leading engineering education programs and among the most

popular.

Led by an educator and engineer mentor, students learn the basics of city planning and

management as they design a virtual city using SimCity software. Via the research essay, the students

delve deeper into a citywide issue.

This year’s question asks them to review the transportation options and needs of their own city,

create viable ideas that consider safety, accessibility, intermodality and sustainability in an effort to

reimagine a better and more efficient city. From there, each team builds a physical model of their cityusing recycled materials costing no more than $100.

Along the way, the students also learn about the engineering disciplines that encompass their

solutions, including learning and identifying the steps of the design process.

For more information on judging or mentoring, visit the Future City Competition website.

Opinion: Legal Experts Support Attorney General’s Action Against XTO Energy

While legal spectators expected the criminal charges brought against XTO Energy to be met with

disdain, the company’s ability to play the victim caught many by surprise. It’s not every day that a

subsidiary of the largest company on the planet, ExxonMobil, gets to argue that they’re the David in a

legal David vs. Goliath battle.

Yet when Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane brought criminal charges against XTO

on September 10 for the illegal discharges from their fracking facility in Penn Township in Lycoming

County, the company waged a statewide media campaign to criticize their accusers and discredit the

Attorney General’s efforts.

This included calling the charges "unprecedented, baseless, and an abuse of prosecutorial

discretion." The company ran newspaper advertisements claiming the charges are unwarranted, and

touting XTO’s green track record to deflect the claims of illegal pollution by the Attorney General.

But while XTO attempts to solicit sympathy from the general public, state legislators and others,

many legal experts acknowledge that the Attorney General’s office is just using the legal tools to ensure

the best result for the Commonwealth.“XTO’s PR offensive rings hollow,” stated Attorney Jordan Yeager. “The Attorney General’s

office is doing her job, which is to bring charges for clear violations of our laws. These companies need

to understand there are real consequences for repeatedly breaking the law.”

"There is nothing unusual about a violator of environmental laws being held both civilly and

criminally liable for egregious misconduct.” Said Josh Kratka, Senior Attorney at the National

Environmental Law Center. “Just look at the Gulf oil spill disaster: BP and its corporate partners were

assessed hefty criminal fines; they paid billions to compensate individuals harmed by the spill; and they

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are now being forced to pay billions more in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act."

In late 2010, a storage container owned and controlled by XTO dumped approximately 57,000

gallons of fracking wastewater containing chlorides, aluminum, barium onto the ground, contaminated a

local spring. The wastewater also ran into a nearby tributary of Sugar Run, which then flows into the

Susquehanna River.

Pollutants were still present for 65 days after the spill had been discovered and halted by thePennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP). The Grand Jury’s indictment noted

that there was evidence at the site of the spill of previous, unreported spills of wastewater.

“What we have seen here is a pattern of impunity - companies acting with indifference to our

water and our health,” stated John Rumpler, Senior Attorney for Environment America. “We need

more criminal charges, not less.”

The alleged crimes by XTO fit into a larger pattern, and supporters of the AG’s actions note

that this is also not the first time XTO has violated environmental laws. In 2012, PennEnvironment

Research & Policy Center uncovered thousands of violations by gas drilling operators, 159 from

2009-2011 by XTO alone.

“The Attorney General’s Office deserves our thanks for holding XTO accountable for this spill,

and demonstrating that no one is above the law,” said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director, EnvironmentalIntegrity Project. “Public officials shouldn’t be intimidated by polluters – if anything we need more

public officials who are willing to stand up and protect human health and the environment by enforcing

the law.”

The toxic substances used in fracking fluid and wastewater have been linked to a variety of

negative and serious health effects, such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurological and immune

system problems.

“The Attorney General is doing exactly what she is supposed to do – holding a polluter

accountable under our laws,” Stated Jennifer Clark, Executive Director of the Public Interest Law

Center of Philadelphia. “Pennsylvanians deserve a healthy environment, and we will stand behind our

officials for fight for our health and our environment.”

NewsClip: Drilling Spill Cited In Lawsuit Not Reported To State

Scott Roy Elected Chair Of Marcellus Shale Coalition Board

Range Resources Corporation vice president of government and regulatory affairs, K. Scott Roy, has

been elected as the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s next chairman by the organization’s board of directors.

Mr. Roy previously served as the MSC’s vice chairman and treasurer.

Heather Lamparter (Vice President, Legal, EXCO Resources (PA), LLC), Mark Hager

(Senior Government Affairs Representative, Williams) and Gary Smith (Vice President and General

Manager, EOG Resources) were elected to serve as vice chair, treasurer and secretary, respectively.

“Scott’s leadership and experience, and our board’s collective laser focus on critical legislativeand regulatory issues, will continue to serve our entire industry and the Commonwealth well,” said MSC

president Dave Spigelmyer. “Our leadership team also recognizes the importance of sustained public

education and outreach to communities in each of our 67 counties to ensure questions are answered,

concerns are addressed and that Pennsylvanians are more aware of the opportunities and benefits tied

to shale development.”

Organized in late 2008, the MSC has grown from several exploration and production

companies to a robust organization with nearly 300 members that span the broad shale supply chain.

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MSC member companies were responsible for 96 percent of Pennsylvania’s shale production in

2012.

And according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration report issued this week, “The

Marcellus region, which produced less than 2 Bcf/d as recently as 2010, is expected to provide 18

percent of total U.S. natural gas production this month.”

“It’s an honor to have been elected by my colleagues to serve as the MSC’s next chairman,”said Roy. “As a lifelong Pennsylvanian who has seen the ups and downs of our region’s economy

firsthand, especially our manufacturing sector, it is deeply rewarding to see the new opportunities tied to

responsible shale development that are cascading from Erie to Philadelphia, Scranton to Southpointe

and all points in between. Our industry certainly appreciates the great responsibility that we have to

continue to make certain that shale-related benefits are fully leveraged and that Pennsylvania remains a

shining example regarding environmental compliance and responsible development.”

Other executive board members include representatives from Chesapeake Energy, Chevron,

CONSOL Energy, EQT Corporation, MarkWest Energy Partners, Pennsylvania General Energy, XTO

Energy and executive board member at-large, Noble Energy.

For more information, visit the Marcellus Shale Coalition website.

Corbett Urges EPA To Take Action To Protect Pennsylvania Air Quality

Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced Pennsylvania has signed a petition with eight other Northeast

and Mid-Atlantic states to require upwind states to reduce ozone emissions.

Pennsylvania is part of the ozone transport region, a group of 12 states in the Northeast that has

been held to some of the country’s most stringent air pollution standards for the last decade.

The petition requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to subject Illinois, Indiana,

Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to these same

federal air quality standards.

“My administration is strongly committed to protecting air quality and the health of Pennsylvania

residents,” Corbett said. “Signing this petition reflects that commitment, and our hope is that the EPA

will level the playing field by ensuring other states are being good neighbors by abiding to the same

standards we have in Pennsylvania.”

New states subjected to the air quality rules will have to submit a state implementation plan to

EPA within nine months including a strategy to control ozone-producing emissions.

“Pennsylvania, along with the other states in the Northeast, continues to work hard to attain

acceptable levels of ozone emissions,” DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “Part of the solution

to this problem is to have the upwind states implement equally stringent air quality controls.”

The current ozone transport region consists of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, the

District of Columbia and northern Virginia.EPA will make a decision on the petition within 18 months after receiving it.

NewsClips:

PA Joins Effort To Limit Pollution Drifting Into State

PA Joins 8 States Asking EPA To Reduce Midwest Air Pollution

Corbett Signs Petition Calling For Tighter Pollution Controls Upwind

8 Northeast States Sue Over Midwest Pollution

States Petition EPA To Crack Down On Midwest Pollution

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Court Case Against Homer City To Be Heard Next Week

Conemaugh Power Plant Trespass Charge Dismissed

Plan For Bad Air Days Would Curb Industry In Allegheny County

Editorial: State Slow To Seek EPA’s Help On Bad Air

Final Title V Air Quality Permit Fee Increases Now In Effect

The final regulation increasing Air Quality Title V emission fees from $57.50 per ton of emissions to $85

per ton were published in the December 14 PA Bulletin.

The change is estimated to initially generate about $5.1 million more in revenue to the

Department of Environmental Protection to administer the Title V program.

The fees are required by state and federal law to cover the cost of Title V program

administration, but due to declining air emissions, the existing fee structure was not adequate to meet

agency costs.

Aqua Pennsylvania Among Finalists For Platts Global Energy Award

Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. was named a finalist for the Platts 2013 Global Energy Awards in the “Energy

Efficiency – Commercial End-User” category for its efforts to reduce electricity use during periods when

the electric grid is at maximum capacity.

Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said, "I am proud that we are

aggressively working to reduce Aqua's electricity costs, which is a benefit to our customers. We are not

only realizing direct savings of more than $500,000 to the company, we are also doing our part in

helping to stabilize the electric grid when it is stressed by high demand."

Aqua works with Constellation to participate in two load response programs: PJM’s

Emergency Demand Response (DR) program and Constellation’s Peak Response, which allows

Constellation electricity supply customers to reduce future capacity and transmission costs by lowering

electricity consumption during the hours of peak demand.

Aqua's ability to effectively participate in both programs has been significantly enhanced by its

use of Constellation's VirtuWatt technology, which provides real-time electric monitoring of the

company's electric usage and performance tracking of facilities participating in the load response

programs.

“Constellation is pleased to support Aqua’s commitment to reduced energy costs and

sustainable business practices,” said Gary Fromer, senior vice president, energy management programs,

for Constellation. “Aqua is a perfect example of the way commercial, industrial and institutional power

customers can be proactive and strategic about how and when electricity is used, without compromising

business operations.”

The Platts “Energy Efficiency – Commercial End-User” award recognizes a long-term,systematic commitment to energy efficiency. Nominees were judged on performance and achievements

since January 2012.

Other nominees included Hughes Network Systems, LLC – An EchoStar Company, IBM,

Metso Corp, Tesco Plc. and the United States Navy.

December 12 Issue Of DEP News Now Available

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The December 12 issue of DEP News features articles on Chris Abruzzo’s swearing in as DEP

Secretary after his confirmation by the Senate this week, the opening of the comment period on

proposed changes to oil and gas regulations and a review of this week’s PA Brownfields Conference.

Click Here to sign up and get your own copy by email.

Pennsylvania Adds 4,000 Acres To Farmland Preservation Program

Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board Thursday safeguarded 4,181 additional acres on

41 farms in 21 counties through the state’s nationally renowned Farmland Preservation Program.

The board preserved farms in Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Chester,

Cumberland, Greene, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Mifflin, Monroe, Northampton,

Snyder, Somerset, Union, Westmoreland and York counties.

Since the program began in 1988, state, county and local governments have invested more than

$1.2 billion to preserve 484,270 acres on 4,532 farms in 57 counties for future agricultural production.

“With this meeting, we conclude a successful 25th year for the program by surpassing the 4,500

farm milestone,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Preserving Pennsylvania’s farmland requires

passionate farmers and dedicated program administrators who work together to keep Pennsylvaniagrowing for generations to come.”

The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program identifies properties

and slows the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses.

The program enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements,

also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland.

In some cases, the federal Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program provides additional

assistance. Last fiscal year, Pennsylvania received $4.2 million in federal reimbursements.

For more information, visit Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation Program webpage.

NewsClip: Mini City To Rise On Bethlehem Township Farmland

DCNR Schedules Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshops In February

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will start accepting Community Conservation

Partnership Grant applications on January 15 and has scheduled workshops in February to walk

applicants through the process and provide information on other DCNR grant opportunities. The

deadline for applications is April 16.

The workshops will be held--

-- February 5: Camp Hill, Prosser Hall, Camp Hill Borough Building;

-- February 6: Conshohocken, Fire Academy, Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus;

-- February 19: Nanticoke, Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College;

-- February 20: Boalsburg, Pennsylvania Military Museum;-- February 25: Wexford, Pine Township Recreation Center; and

-- February 26: Clarion (Clarion Holiday Inn.

The workshops will provide in-depth information on projects eligible for DCNR’s grant funds,

how to develop a competitive “ready-to-go” application, eligible applicants, and matching fund

requirements.

Participants will also receive guidance and updates on the eGrants application process and have

an opportunity to interact with Bureau staff. Community leaders, municipal officials, consultants, land

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trusts, board members, trail managers, and park and recreation professionals are encouraged to attend.

Preregistration is required. Click Here to register for the individual workshop event you would

like to attend and then scroll down to the bottom of the page to register.

For more information, visit DCNR’s Grants webpage or send email to: Linda Manning at:

linmanning@pa.gov.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)

State Parks, Forests Offer Visitors A Winter Playground

The calendar may say winter is 10 days away, but Pennsylvania’s state forest and park systems again

are rolling out the welcome mat for visitors intent on enjoying cold-weather outdoor fun.

“Winter has made an early entry across the state, and as temperatures drop and snow and ice

begins to accumulate, our state forests and parks offer woodlands, lakes and trails for outdoor

enthusiasts,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti.

“We are hoping families seek out a sledding hill at a nearby state park or stroll on a forest trail

and enjoy the beauty and peace winter landscapes offer,” Ferretti said. “For others, snowmobile andATV trails soon will be opening, and hunters and anglers will be heading to our state forests and parks

for late-season hunting and ice fishing.”

Below is a list of activities and events that visitors can explore this winter:

-- Winter events: When winter weather cooperates, state parks and forests also are the scene of

coordinated winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families.

To view scheduled activities around the state, visit the Get Outdoors PA website.

-- Overnight stays: The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park offers a great base for winter activities

like cross-country skiing, ice fishing and other outdoor adventures in the Pennsylvania Wilds. It offers

modern overnight accommodations and breakfast, as well as a large stone fireplace in the great room to

warm up after outdoor activities.

Several state parks have winter cabin rentals available. Cabin reservations can be made by

calling the toll-free information and reservation line, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757), Monday

through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

-- Snowmobiling: The season begins December 15 and closes April 1, 2014, in state forests and parks

where conditions permit. Snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks have access to

almost 3,000 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state’s

20 state forest districts and in 32 state parks. More than 170 miles of winter ATV trails in seven state

forest districts also open December 15.

DCNR is providing condition updates toll-free through 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253);

or 717-787-5651. Recorded messages, providing reports on snow depths and trail conditions across

the state, are updated around noon each Tuesday and Thursday.Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information at DCNR’s

State Forest Recreation webpage. Snowmobile maps are updated to show storm damage and other

conditions that may affect the trails.

All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNR’s snowmobile/ATV

Unit. For more information on registration, call toll-free 866-545-2476, or visit DCNR’s website.

-- Skiing: For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski

trails are offered on Pennsylvania’s more than 2.3 million acres of state forestland. Also available are

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nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state parks. Downhill skiing

is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Denton Hill State Park, Potter County; and

Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County. Skiing again is not being offered this season at

Laurel Mountain, Westmoreland County.

-- Other Activities: Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for

ice-skating, ice fishing and ice boating. Sledding and tobogganing also are available at many parks.Updated state park ice conditions and snow depths are available at DCNR’s State Park Things

To Do webpage. Visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office.

-- Hunting: Archers, muzzle-loaders and other late-season hunters are reminded that more than 400

miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons to

provide easy access to often remote areas. As much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but

openings and closings are at the discretion of local forestry officials and are weather-dependent. Hunters

are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads.

Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Opens

A three-mile segment of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Archbald Borough, LackawannaCounty, opened December 5, helping to piece together more segments in a large regional trail network

in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Called the Powdermill Section because of the nearby remains of a gunpowder mill along the

Lackawanna River, this new segment completes an eight-mile section of trail that will link eight

municipalities in the Mid-Valley area.

This section creates a vital connection between the on-street portions of the Lackawanna River

Heritage Trail in Jermyn, to the rail-trail section from Archbald to Blakely known as the Mid-Valley

Trail.

“We know that what people want the most when it comes to outdoor recreation are

opportunities close to home—in their neighborhood, at a local park or trail, or at a state park or forest a

short distance away," DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. “This trail—a true collaboration between

DCNR, PennDOT, DCED, Lackawanna County, the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Area—helps

accomplish that for northeastern Pennsylvania residents.”

DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation has granted more than $1 million to LHV for

trail planning and development. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ferretti delivered the good news that

DCNR committed an additional $773,000 to support further work on the Lackawanna River Heritage

Trail as well as support for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority as part of its 2013 Community

Conservation Partnerships grants announced that same day.

Natalie Gelb, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, said the organization is

developing the trail not only for recreation and transportation but also to interpret the historic and

cultural life of the region.The Powdermill Section takes trail users along the abandoned Ontario & Western Railroad

where many pieces of railroad history are visible, including a 300-foot retaining wall that LHV intends to

become a historic and cultural mural.

The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail runs 40 miles along the Lackawanna River, beginning at

the confluence with the Susquehanna in Pittston, joining the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) trail in

Simpson, and continuing to Union Dale at the Stillwater Dam. From there, the trail extends north to the

New York State border to complete the 70 mile trail system.

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The Heritage Trail is used by thousands of people throughout the year for health and wellness,

recreation, alternative transportation, access to the river and simple enjoyment of the area’s natural

beauty.

For more information, visit the Lackawanna Heritage Valley website.

(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)

Friends Of The Wissahickon Offer Trail Ambassador Walks, Talks In January

Trail Ambassadors for the Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County are offering free hikes

and lectures at Cedars House in Wissahickon Valley Park during the month of January. Click Here for

a schedule of upcoming activities.

DCNR Offers Holiday Gift Ideas That Support State Parks, Forests

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has several holiday gift-giving ideas perfect for

those who want to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources and enjoy state parks and forests.Holiday gift-givers can support Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks by purchasing the 2014 special

edition State Park calendar featuring state park seasonal scenes. The 10” x 13” calendar costs $8.49,

plus sales tax and shipping, and can be ordered by calling 1-888-PAPARKS.

A state park gift card can be purchased in any dollar amount and may be used for campsites,

cabins and pavilions. Parks are a great, inexpensive getaway and offer the opportunity to watch wildlife

and connect with nature. To order a gift card, visit DCNR’s Gift Card webpage.

Recipients can use a gift card for a stay at the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Centre County. With

its green features, huge stone fireplace, large windows for watching the outside world, and connection to

miles of trails at Bald Eagle State Park, the Nature Inn is a year-round getaway.

Also, consider giving a gift that supports the non-profit PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

PPFF helps enhance parks and forests, and supports conservation and environmental programs.

Visitors might enjoy the 135-page passport with maps, a history of the state park and forest

system, and a brief description and most memorable feature of each state park and forest. PPFF has

teamed up with Design a Tea to offer organic, fair trade teas available in both bags and loose leaf.

Twenty-five percent of your total purchase will be returned to PPFF.

Supporting the Wild Resource Conservation Program is another gift option. Since 1982, the

program has studied and worked to conserve Pennsylvania’s rare species and habitats. The Wild

Resource Conservation Program also has a free 2014 Calendar available to download.

Wild Resource Conservation Program, State Park Calendars Now Available

A free 2014 Calendar is now available from the Wild Resource Conservation Program. Since 1982,

the program has studied and worked to conserve Pennsylvania’s rare species and habitats.

Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks are featured in the 2014 special edition State Park calendar .

The 10” x 13” calendar costs $8.49, plus sales tax and shipping, and can be ordered by calling

1-888-PAPARKS.

Pennsylvania Parks And Forests Foundation Elects New Board Members

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The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Thursday announced the appointment of María Montero and

Lenwood Sloan to its Board of Directors. Montero serves as executive director of the Pennsylvania

Commission for Women and the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.

Sloan served as director of Pennsylvania's Cultural and Heritage Tourism Program for six years,

and is currently working as a consultant on an international World War II heritage trail.“We are excited to have the enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills sets that Lenwood and Maria

bring to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation,” said Marci Mowery, president of the

Foundation. “They will be critical in helping is to ensure that there is a place—and an experience—for

everyone in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

The PPFF Board of Directors unanimously elected Montero and Sloan, and they take their

places on the panel in January 2014. Current board member George Asimos of Saul Ewing was

nominated and elected to be the Chairman of the board.

For his part, Sloan thanked the board for its endorsement, “I look forward to the investment of

our resources in PPFF, engagement and service.”

María Montero: As executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the

Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, Montero leads Pennsylvania's outreach efforts for women and Latino-Hispanics, including diversity education for all state agencies.

She was recently named one of the Delaware Valley's “Most Influential Latinos.” Montero

holds a law degree from Widener University, and is a professional presenter on women and Latino

leadership topics. Click here for photo: María Montero

Lenwood Sloan: For the past 40 years, Sloan has provided inspiration, leadership and technical

assistance in the public and private sectors. In addition to his work with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels

on the WWII “Liberation Route,” Sloan is a creative consultant for the Cameron Museum in North

Carolina and resident playwright for the ASHE Cultural Center of New Orleans.

Among his accomplishments, Sloan has also served as Pennsylvania's film commissioner and

director of the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. Click here for photo: Lenwood Sloan

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Board of Directors

In Memorium: William M. Heenan, Former Steel Recycling Institute President, KPB Chair

On December 6 William M. Heenan, Jr., the former President of the

Pittsburgh-base Steel Recycling Institute and a chair of Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful, passed away at the age of 65.

Heenan was president of SRI from 1990-2010. Prior to joining SRI, Heenan

was general manager, tin mill products, for the United States Steel Corp., a

position to which he was appointed in 1988.

He was a lifetime board member of the National Recycling Coalition, served asa board member of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and was chair of Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful.

In May the Steel Market Development Institute announced Heenan as the 2013 recipient of the

Steel Market Development Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.

Heenan was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center which named its

annual recycling award the William M. Heenan, Jr. Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Development

Award.

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Click Here to read his obituary.

Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming

advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released

December 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is

January 21. ( formal notice )

December 18-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral

Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.

December 19-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA

Bulletin, page 7377 )

December 20-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meets to consider final draft

Climate Change Action Plan Update. 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building,

Harrisburg. 10:00 a.m.

January 3-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA

Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 7-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County.6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 9-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West Rosedale

Avenue, West Chester, Chester County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 13-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,

Williamsport, Lycoming County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 14-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulationfrom the state Air Quality Implementation Plan. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave.,

Harrisburg. 1:00. ( formal notice )

January 15-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville, Crawford

County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

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January 16-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland

County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 22-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60 SouthLincoln Street, Washington, Washington County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 23-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt Drive,

Indiana, Indiana County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 23-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed revisions to the state Air Quality Implementation

Plan for motor vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton 8-hour ozone maintenance

area. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2nd Floor Little Schuylkill Room, 2 Public Square,

Wilkes-Barre. 10:00. ( formal notice )

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get

Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events

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Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition

programs. NEW means new from last week.

December 20-- Western PA Conservancy, Dominion Watershed Mini Grants

December 31-- DEP PA Sunshine Rebates (or before if funds run out)

January 6-- PA Section AWWA Student Scholarship For PA Colleges

January 6-- DEP Environmental Education Grants

January 10-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Grants

January 14-- Governor’s Awards For Environmental Excellence

January 14-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy FundJanuary 15-- Sustainable Energy Fund 0% Energy Efficiency Financing

January 20--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program

January 20-- CFA High Performance Building Program

January 25-- Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Grants

February 1-- Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest

February 4-- NEW. EPA Environmental Education Grants

February 19-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Financing

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February 28-- NEW. Presidential Innovation Award For Environmental Educators

March 1-- SW PA Air Quality Partnership Let's Clear The Air Poster Challenge

March 5--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program

March 5-- CFA High Performance Building Program

April 16-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants

May 7--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy ProgramMay 7-- CFA High Performance Building Program

May 14-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Financing

July 7-- CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program

July 7-- CFA High Performance Building Program

September 19--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program

September 19-- CFA High Performance Building Program

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance

for environmental projects.

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Budget/Quick NewsClips

Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Senate Confirms Corbett Nominees For Top Environmental Posts

Abruzzo, Ferretti Affirmed For Corbett Cabinet

Ferretti Confirmed To Lead Conservation Agency

Senate Confirms Abruzzo As DEP Secretary

DEP Pick Confirmed, Leaving Lawmakers To SquabbleCorbett Pick For DEP Gets Nod After Climate Change Dustup

Abruzzo Confirmed As DEP Secretary

Democratic Challengers Criticize Corbett Over Climate Comments

Hanger Demands Apology For Climate Professor’s Slight

Letter: Look At DEP Nominee’s Whole Statement

Editorial: Wrong Resume For DEP Boss

Editorial: Pick For DEP Fails Knowledge Test

Naming Environmental Center Well-Deserved Honor For Pat Solano

Budget

Top Republican Bracing For Rough Budget Season

Bucks GOP Lawmaker Wants To Tax Gas Drilling$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna

$2.3B Influx Puts PennDOT Big-Ticket Projects In Play

Other

Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Volunteers

PA Joins Effort To Limit Pollution Drifting Into State

PA Joins 8 States Asking EPA To Reduce Midwest Air Pollution

Corbett Signs Petition Calling For Tighter Pollution Controls Upwind

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8 Northeast States Sue Over Midwest Pollution

States Petition EPA To Crack Down On Midwest Pollution

Court Case Against Homer City To Be Heard Next Week

Conemaugh Power Plant Trespass Charge Dismissed

Plan For Bad Air Days Would Curb Industry In Allegheny County

Editorial: State Slow To Seek EPA’s Help On Bad Air PJM Board OKs $4.6 Billion In Changes To Regional Electric Grid

Trial Set To Resolve Controversy Over Mulch Operation

Fox Chapel Leak Caused By Old Oil Well

Brownfield Development Revives Hope For Hazelwood

New Rule Extends Permit For Wind Projects To Kill Eagles

Greening Pittsburgh: 5 Profiles In Sustainable Business

GreenBuild Brings Global Design Leaders To Philadelphia

500 Leaders Gather In Pittsburgh To Discuss Sustainability

Mini City To Rise On Bethlehem Township Farmland

PA One Of Tops In U.S. For Christmas Trees

Overall Forest Land Numbers Not Impacted By DevelopmentOp-Ed: Oh Deer, Hunting Packs A Punch In PA

Wildlife: Exploring The Wilds Of NE PA

50 Years Ago, First Move To Save U.S. Wilderness

PA May Issue First Bounty In 50 Years For Coyote

Editorial: Bicyclists, Drivers Must Share The Road

-- DEP’s NewsClips webpage - Click Here

-- December 12 DEP News

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Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

DEP Opens Proposed Oil And Gas Rules For Public Comment

Opposition To Gas Lease Settlement Lawsuit Grows

Drilling Spill Cited In Lawsuit Not Reported To State

Republicans Surfing The Marcellus Fracking Wave

Western PA Counties Weigh Drilling On Public LandProjected Drilling Revenue Use At Issue For Allegheny, Union

Findlay Neighbors Want Drilling Site At Airport Moved

$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna

Fox Chapel Leak Caused By Old Oil Well

UGI To Replace Leaky Wilkes-Barre Natural Gas Pipeline

Council Member Floats Natural Gas As Philly Fleet Fuel

Philly’s Refinery Boom Worries Safety Experts

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Delta Expects Refinery To Make Money Next Year

Method Makes Shale Wastewater Recyclable

Williamsport Plant To Recycle Drilling Wastewater

Former Drilling Exec Charged In $9.2 Million Scam

Financial/Other States

Unions, Environmentalists Advocate Fix To Leaky Gas PipelinesResearch Flight To Provide Estimates Of Pipeline Methane Leaks

A Marcellus Natural Gas Bonanza

Study Shows Oil & Gas Development Lacks Gender Diversity

Editorial: Inflating Gas Job Numbers

How Oil Fracking Will Benefit You

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Flooding/Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Flooding

Casey Works To Quell Rise Of Flood Insurance Rates

Other Watershed NewsClips

Plans Unveiled To Treat Old Forge Borehole Drainage

No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress

River Users Hoping The Ohio Can Earn State Honors

Method Makes Shale Wastewater Recyclable

Water Authority Signs Off On DEP Sanction

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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published proposed changes to Chapter 78 drilling

regulations required by Act 13 (PA Bulletin page 7377) and published final regulations setting revised

permit fees under the Title V Air Quality Program.

DEP published notice of the proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulation from the state Air

Quality Implementation Plan and notice of a public hearing on January 14.

DEP’s Board of Coal Mine Safety published final regulations covering maintenance of incombustible

content of rock dust.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 14, 2013

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

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Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final technical guidance on NewSource Sampling Requirements for Surface Water Sources, New Source Sampling Requirements for

Groundwater Sources and New Source Sampling Requirements for Transient Noncommunity

Groundwater Sources under the Drinking Water Program.

DEP published notice of a proposed revision to the state Air Quality Implementation Plan for motor

vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easte 8-hour ozone maintenance area and notice of

a January 23 public hearing.

DEP also published a notice extending the comment period on the technical guidance for implementing

the Permit Review and Permit Decision Guarantee Program to December 31 and notice of a change to

the list of firms certified to perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 7347).

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of actions taken during its September 19

meeting.

Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-108. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Surface Water

Sources. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109 (relating to safe drinking

water) require all new surface water sources that intend to serve as a public water system (PWS) to

monitor for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated contaminants in the

raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for public health and compliance with

the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the samplingrequire-ments for contaminants to be monitored by all new PWSs that intend to use surface water as the

source. The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be monitored for and

guidance and direction on how and when the source water samples should be collected. Finally, this

policy reflects and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.

Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-208. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Groundwater Sources

for Community and Noncommunity Systems. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code

Chapter 109 require all new groundwater sources that intend to serve as a PWS to monitor for the EPA

regulated contaminants in the raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for

public health and compliance with the SDWA. As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the

sampling requirements for contaminants to be monitored by all new PWSs that intend to usegroundwater as the source. The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be

monitored for and guidance and direction on how and when the groundwater samples should be

collected. Finally, this policy reflects and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code

Chapter 109.

Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-308. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Transient

Noncommunity Groundwater Sources. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter

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109 require all new groundwater sources that intend to serve as a PWS to monitor for the EPA

regulated contaminants in the raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for

public health and compliance with the SDWA. As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the

sampling requirements for contaminants to be monitored by all transient noncommunity systems that do

not require a Department-issued construction permit and that intend to use groundwater as the source.

The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be monitored for and guidance anddirection on how and when the groundwater samples should be collected. Finally, this policy reflects

and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get

Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

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Calendar Of Events

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings

are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar

webpage.

Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week.

December 16-- House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on climate change. Room 418 Capitol

Building. 10:00.

December 17-- CANCELED. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to

consider House Bill 1699 (Ross-R-Chester) setting air quality standards for backup generators--

summary. Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.

December 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is

January 21. ( formal notice )

December 18-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP SouthcentralOffice, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.

December 19-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA

Bulletin, page 7377 )

December 20-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meets to consider final draft

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Climate Change Action Plan Update. 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building,

Harrisburg. 10:00 a.m.

January 3-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA

Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 7-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County.

6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 9-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West Rosedale

Avenue, West Chester, Chester County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 13-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,Williamsport, Lycoming County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 14-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulation

from the state Air Quality Implementation Plan. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave.,

Harrisburg. 1:00. ( formal notice )

January 15-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville, Crawford

County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 16-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland

County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 22-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60 South

Lincoln Street, Washington, Washington County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 23-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation

Changes. Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt Drive,

Indiana, Indiana County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )

January 23-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed revisions to the state Air Quality Implementation

Plan for motor vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton 8-hour ozone maintenance

area. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2nd Floor Little Schuylkill Room, 2 Public Square,

Wilkes-Barre. 10:00. ( formal notice )

February 5-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Camp Hill,

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Prosser Hall, Camp Hill Borough Building. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

February 6-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Conshohocken,

Fire Academy, Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

February 19-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Nanticoke,Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

February 20-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Boalsburg,

Pennsylvania Military Museum. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

February 25-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Wexford, Pine

Township Recreation Center. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

February 26-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Clarion

Clarion Holiday Inn. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get

Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events

Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for

Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state

budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of

Environmental Educators' website.

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

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PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of

Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based

government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit

organizations.

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