pa environment digest march 12, 2012

8/2/2019 Pa Environment Digest March 12, 2012

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa March 12, 2012

DEP Secretary: Budget Does Something Very Important- No Staff Layoffs

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael

Krancer underwent nearly three hours of questions about his

agency's 2012-13 proposed budget from members of the House

Appropriations Committee Tuesday. Most of the questions werethe same as those from the Senate budget hearing.

Secretary Krancer said one of the most important

accomplishments in this budget is that it funds the agency

programs without any staff furloughs. In contrast, Gov. Rendell's last budget resulted in taking

DEP's budget back to 1994-95 levels and layoffs at DEP and DCNR.

A copy of Secretary Krancer's formal budget statement is available online. Here are

some highlights from the questions asked--

Marcellus Shale Inspections: Secretary Krancer said the agency has significantly increased the

number of inspections of Marcellus Shale drill sites from about 16,000 in 2010 to 24,000 in

2011.

Secretary Krancer also explained an internal team of DEP staff reviewed the agency's oil

and gas enforcement policies, the violations issued and enforcement actions taken and

announced recommended program changes aimed at achieving more consistency last November.

DEP has already implemented a more detailed electronic inspection form and developed

additional training for inspectors and water quality specialists.

Dimock Drilling Water Issues: In response to a question about water issues in Dimock and

drilling, Secretary Krancer said his processor did a good job on the issues there and the consent

order signed in 2010. He said residents have been given options for treating their well water. He

noted the Center for Rural Pennsylvania documented as many as 40 percent of private wells havesome sort of pre-existing water quality problems.

Marcellus Well Inventory: In response to a question about a newspaper report that 495

Marcellus wells were not in the DEP database, Secretary Krancer said DEP is working on its

data management system which is always an issue.

He said he DEP just gave the Public Utility Commission the latest information they have

on the number and location of Marcellus Shale wells. He said the same information will be
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made available to members of the Senate and House and through a special linkon the DEP

website.

This issue was also addressed in Secretary Krancer's written opening statement.

DRBC Funding: Secretary Krancer said other states have reduced their funding to DRBC by 70

percent (Delaware), New York cut their funding for DRBC by 20 percent and the federalgovernment has not been paying its share when Pennsylvania only reduced it by 5 percent.

Conservation District Funding: Secretary Krancer said funding for county conservation

districts in the new Marcellus Shale law supplements funding that is now in the budget proposal.

Privatization Of Permit Reviews: Secretary Krancer said the agency would consider using

third party, private entities to review parts of permit applications, but not privatize the actual

decision on the permit. He said the agency is looking at a number of options for making permit

reviews more efficient.

Alternative Fuel Grants: In response to a question on the $6.5 million reduction in grants tosupport alternative fuel projects, Secretary Krancer said there are provisions in the new

Marcellus law to support the development of green fuel corridors.

Flood Recovery Funding: Secretary Krancer said the cuts to the flood control and stormwater

funding line items will not have a bearing on funding projects related to last year's flood damage.

He noted the new Marcellus law allows counties to use drilling fees for flood control projects

and a portion of the fees goes to the Commonwealth Financing Agency for flood projects.

Questioned about the issue of cleaning out gravel bars, Secretary Krancer said it is

sometimes not always obvious that removing a gravel bar may in fact help reduce flooding. He

noted the magnitude of flooding last September probably would not have been reduced byremoving the gravel bars. He did promise to look into some of the specific issues raised by

members of the Committee.

Delaware River Flooding: In response to a question about New York reservoir releases

contributing to flooding along the Delaware River, Secretary Krancer said Pennsylvania has been

working with New York under the flexible flow management agreement to provide better control

of Delaware River levels.

Sewage Facilities Enforcement & Planning Grants: He noted applications for enforcement

grants have decreased since 2008 and local governments have the ability to raise fees and have

budgeted for the reductions in reimbursements. He said there is currently a backlog of severalyears worth of sewage planning grants which will not receive reimbursement until 2015-16. As

a result, there should be minimal impact on local sewage planning activities.

EPA Actions On Chesapeake Bay Farms: In response to questions about actions taken by the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to inspect farms in Lancaster County, Secretary Krancer

said he hopes Pennsylvania does not see what others have called "heavy handed actions" in the

future.
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He said DEP has been able to get EPA's attention on mistakes they made in their

modeling to make sure Bay standards are scientifically sound. He acknowledged EPA had found

some problems with the state's Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan, but said they

also liked a lot of it.

Secretary Krancer said one of the other issues is getting credit for the voluntary steps

farmers and others are taking to reduce nutrients and sediments going to the Bay.

Dam Safety Permit Fees: Questioned about why a recentpermit fee increase proposal covering

dams and waterway encroachments exempts publicly owned dams from paying fees, Secretary

Krancer said the permit fee package is now out for comments and encouraged concerned parties

to make comments on the proposed rule.

Management Salary Freeze: Asked about the state government-wide issue of the management

pay freeze which the questioner said has been in place for four years, Secretary Krancer said the

Governor's budget allows a 1 percent increase for management staff, in line with union-

negotiated pay increases.

Air Quality Fees: Secretary Krancer said Air Quality Permit Fees proposed in 2010 were not

grounded in a business case and the agency is working on a proposal.

A copy of Secretary Krancer's opening statement is available online.

Video of the Senate budget hearings for the Department of Conservation & Natural

Resources and Department of Environmental Protection are available online. Click Here to

watch a video of the House DCNR hearing. Click Here for video of the House DEP hearing.

NewsClips: DEP Secretary Testifies At Tense House Budget Hearing

Group Calls DEP Funding Plan A Ponzi Scheme

Lawsuit Targets PA Use Of Forest Drilling MoneyEnvironmental Group Sues State On Drilling Money Use

Survey: Nearly All Counties Likely To OK Drilling Fee

Susquehanna Leaders Voice Impact Fee Support

Westmoreland County Imposes Impact Fees On Drilling

Fight Possible Over PA Drilling Rules On Zoning

Shippensburg Adopts Resolution Opposing Drilling Law

Financial Woes Shake Delaware River Basin Commission

Mild Winter May Yield PennDOT Budget Surplus

Editorial: Action Needed On Transportation Funding

State Parks Contribute $1 Billion To PA Economy

PEC: More Unprecedented Cuts To Environmental Program Funding Proposed

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council released this statement on Gov. Corbett's proposed FY

2012-13 state budget this week--

Its budget time again in Harrisburg. But before we look at the details of the Governors current

proposal, lets remember one key contextual number: over the past nine years, approximately
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$1.8 billion has been diverted or cut from environmental programs to help balance the budget or

to fund other programs.

Time and time again, funding dedicated to environmental programs has

disproportionately been a target in budget dealings. And the hits keep coming.

In the budget laid out by Gov. Corbett last month, some of the additional cuts proposed

include:-- For the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), a combined series of cuts or

diversions totaling more than $25 million.

-- For the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), a combined series of

cuts or diversions totaling more than $40 million. Included in this total is the intended permanent

diversion of funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund ($36.1 million

in the current budget proposal).

It has been asserted that new impact fee revenues, coupled with recent increases in permit

fees, will do well enough to offset any losses. But in context the numbers dont measure up.

The passage of Act 13 promises new impact fee revenues to DEP and other resource

management agencies. However these potential revenues which are dependent on individual

counties adopting an impact fee on unconventional natural gas operations are dwarfed byproposed agency budget cuts for the forthcoming year alone.

And recent increases in permitting fees wont make up the difference. Currently, DEPs

staff complement is 2,759, down from 3,211 in FY 2002-2003. While its true that DEP has added

staff in Oil & Gas Management over the past several years, this doesnt hold true for other

bureaus within the Department. Even those bureaus directly involved in shale gas work, like

Water and Air, have seen a marked decrease in staffing and budget support.

At a time when demands on DEP are only increasing, not to mention all other ongoing

responsibilities and commitments of the Department, this proposed budget is clearly headed in

the wrong direction. New agency rulemaking and policy resulting from Act 13 alone will add

significant responsibilities for the Department over the next year and beyond. DEP will put on abrave face and give their utmost effort, as they always have, but funding cutbacks have real

consequence. This consequence will be compounded by expected decreases in federal funding,

which recently have been used to supplement state efforts.

No one argues that we remain in lean economic times. However, there is a difference

between being sensible and failing to meet critical programmatic and agency needs.

The citizens of the Commonwealth have repeatedly affirmed their desire to see

environmental program funding protected evidenced by established dedicated funds like the

Keystone Fund that is now on the budgetary chopping block. Investing in environmental quality

is an investment that brings proven returns in the form of jobs, enhanced property values, and

recreational business and tourism.

It is time for the Governor and General Assembly to step up and stop the budgeting shellgames. It is time for them to honor their commitment and responsibility required by

Pennsylvanias Constitution to fully protect our natural and built environment.

NewsClips: Lawsuit Targets PA Use Of Forest Drilling Money

Environmental Group Sues State On Drilling Money Use

DEP Secretary Testifies At Tense House Budget Hearing


http://www.wfmj.com/story/17094099/lawsuit-targets-pas-use-of-forest-drilling-moneyhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_785158.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214928-454.stmhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/03/06/environmental-group-calls-dep-funding-plan-a-ponzi-scheme/http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1511866332/Counties-likely-to-OK-fees-for-Marcellus-gashttp://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1511866332/Counties-likely-to-OK-fees-for-Marcellus-gashttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/03/06/environmental-group-calls-dep-funding-plan-a-ponzi-scheme/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214928-454.stmhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_785158.htmlhttp://www.wfmj.com/story/17094099/lawsuit-targets-pas-use-of-forest-drilling-money


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Growing Greener Coalition: Proposed Budget Cuts Cast Cloud Over Agriculture Week

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and

environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, Wednesday said proposed budget cuts to

conservation funding are casting a cloud over Pennsylvanias Agriculture Week.

The Governor is encouraging all citizens to pay tribute to our farmers, but at the same

time his administration recommends the future elimination of funding for farmland preservation,

which helps support our agriculture industry, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the

Coalition. We urge the legislature to restore funding for this and other conservation programs,

otherwise these cuts will chip away at the cornerstone of Pennsylvanias economy until itcrumbles.

Agriculture is Pennsylvanias leading industry, generating $5.7 billion in cash receipts

and an estimated $57 billion in economic impact. One in seven jobs are related to the states

agriculture industry.

While Gov. Corbett has declared this week as Agriculture Week, the proposed budget

diverts the states cigarette sales tax from its historical purpose of funding farmland preservation

to funding the general fund. This is a permanent diversion that will eventually kill this critical

program.

The proposed budget also recommends:

-- Diverting $30 million from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources KeystoneRecreation, Park and Conservation Fund to the general fund, and permanently eliminating this

popular and important conservation and recreation program. This is the largest cut in

conservation funding in state history.

-- Continuing the flawed practice of using the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship

Fund to pay the Growing Greener II bond debt service. This $37.5 million debt diversion will

leave just $23 million the lowest level in the history of the program available for Growing

Greener programs and projects, including farmland preservation.

These recommendations undermine any progress made in the Marcellus Shale

legislation, Act 13, to renew the nearly bankrupt Growing Greener program, said Heath, and is

not a green light for gutting other existing conservation, recreation and environmental funding.

Together, these conservation programs have supported thousands of park and trailprojects throughout the Commonwealth, preserved thousands of acres of family farmland,

conserved thousands of acres of threatened open space and protected hundreds of miles of

streams and waterways. In addition, they have contributed and leveraged billions of dollars to the

Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreation

and environmental organizations in the Commonwealth, representing nearly 350 organizations

and government entities from across the state.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/susquehanna-leaders-voice-impact-fee-support-1.1282350http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_784796.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/141527053.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/03/penndot_says_mild_winters_redu.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214864-192.stmhttp://www.goerie.com/article/20120307/NEWS02/303069894/Analysis%3A-Visitors-to-Presque-Isle-other-state-parks-contribute-%241B-to-Pa-economyhttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.goerie.com/article/20120307/NEWS02/303069894/Analysis%3A-Visitors-to-Presque-Isle-other-state-parks-contribute-%241B-to-Pa-economyhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214864-192.stmhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/03/penndot_says_mild_winters_redu.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/141527053.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_784796.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/susquehanna-leaders-voice-impact-fee-support-1.1282350


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More than 140 government entities, including 36 counties, representing more than seven

million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the

Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.

NewsClips: DEP Secretary Testifies At Tense House Budget Hearing


Lawsuit Targets PA Use Of Forest Drilling MoneyEnvironmental Group Sues State On Drilling Money Use








PA Environmental Defense Foundation Sues Over Use Of Drilling Revenues

The PA Environmental Defense Foundation filed suit Tuesday in Commonwealth Court against

the Governor, Budget Secretary and State Treasurer alleging they have violated Pennsylvanias

Constitution by failing to protect our State Parks and State Forests for future generations of

citizens.

PEDF originally filed notice of the lawsuit in March 2010.

The Foundation points to the actions of both Gov. Corbett and former Gov. Rendell by

leasing over 64,000 acres of some of the most pristine areas of our State Forest system in 2009

and 2010, contrary to the determination of the agency responsible for the leasing, the Department

of Conservation and Natural Resources and in breach of their fiduciary obligations under Article

I Section 27; and by diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in gas rents and royalties generatedfrom State Forest leasing away from DCNR, the agency charged with protecting our State Parks

and State Forests.

These rents and royalties are deposited by law into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund. The Oil

and Gas Lease Fund was created in 1955, and gave authority to allocate the funds to the DCNR.

This Fund was used by Maurice Goddard, then Secretary of Forest and Waters, to build

Pennsylvanias nationally recognized system of State Parks with the goal of having a park within

25 miles of every Pennsylvania citizen.

Dr. Goddard recognized that the revenue from oil and gas development on state lands

was part of the public trust and had to be spent to benefit the park and forest land used to

generate the revenue.

In 2009, in a provision buried in a massive amendment to the Fiscal Code, therespondents under the Rendell Administration took DCNRs legislative control over the royalties

away, and gave to himself and the General Assembly.

On the same day, Gov. Rendell approved the transfer of $203 million out of the fund and

out of DCNRs control for protection of State Parks and Forests and into the General Fund to

balance the state budget. Less than a year later, he authorized the transfer of another $180 million

out of the fund for the same purpose.
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The Foundation also criticizes Gov. Corbett for forcing DCNR to run its day-to-day

operations on gas royalties by significantly decreasing the agencys appropriation from the

General Fund and substituting revenue from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund.

While the state has suffered serious budget challenges in recent years, the Foundation

argues that using gas royalties to pay for day-to-day DCNR operations is improper because they

are part of the Public Trust under Article I Section 27.The Foundation argues that the rents and royalties generated from the leasing of State

Forest lands must be available to DCNR to protect State Parks and Forests. DCNR has suffered

budget and staffing cuts at the same time it is faced with the enormous challenge of managing

Marcellus shale gas drilling on its lands.

By diverting use of the Oil and Gas Lease Fund away from DCNRs control, DCNR

cannot properly evaluate the cumulative impact of drilling on state lands, acquire gas rights

beneath State Parks to protect those parks from gas drilling, or acquire lands to replace those

lands no longer available for public enjoyment because of the drilling.

The Foundation is asking the Court to find that the Respondents have violated Article I

Section 27 by the improper leasing and diversion of Funds, and to restore the legacy of the Oil

and Gas Lease Fund to DCNR for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth as guaranteedby our Constitution. The Foundation asserts that doing so is vital to the continued protection of

our nationally recognized State Parks and State Forests.

A copy of the Petition for Review is available online.

NewsClips: Lawsuit Targets PA Use Of Forest Drilling Money

Environmental Group Sues State On Drilling Money Use

DEP Secretary Testifies At Tense House Budget Hearing




Fight Possible Over PA Drilling Rules On ZoningFinancial Woes Shake Delaware River Basin Commission




Environmental Quality Board Publishes Proposed Increase In Mining Fees For Comment

The Environmental Quality Boardpublished notice of proposed changes in coal mining permit

fees for public comment in the March 10 PA Bulletin which would generate an additional

$400,000 annually for the program.

This action follows an EQB notice on January 28proposing increases in Dam Safety andWaterway Management Permit fees for public comment. Revised permit fee income estimates

for dam safety would increase to $1,390.850 from $28,000 and waterway management permit

fees income would increase to $2,952,612 from $47,850

The Department of Environmental Protection alsopublished a notice on January 28 it is

soliciting additional public comments on a proposed rulemaking published in August, 2010

increasing noncoal mining-relatedpermit fees. The proposal would increase fees $2,475,000

(from $25,000 to $2,500,000 annually).
http://www.pedf.org/Petition_For_Review_Lease_Fund.pdfhttp://www.wfmj.com/story/17094099/lawsuit-targets-pas-use-of-forest-drilling-moneyhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_785158.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214928-454.stmhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/03/06/environmental-group-calls-dep-funding-plan-a-ponzi-scheme/http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1511866332/Counties-likely-to-OK-fees-for-Marcellus-gashttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/susquehanna-leaders-voice-impact-fee-support-1.1282350http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_784796.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/141527053.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/03/penndot_says_mild_winters_redu.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214864-192.stmhttp://www.goerie.com/article/20120307/NEWS02/303069894/Analysis%3A-Visitors-to-Presque-Isle-other-state-parks-contribute-%241B-to-Pa-economyhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-10/394.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-4/142.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-4/141.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-35/1584.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol40/40-35/1584.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-4/141.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-4/142.htmlhttp://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-10/394.htmlhttp://www.goerie.com/article/20120307/NEWS02/303069894/Analysis%3A-Visitors-to-Presque-Isle-other-state-parks-contribute-%241B-to-Pa-economyhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214864-192.stmhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/03/penndot_says_mild_winters_redu.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/141527053.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_784796.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/susquehanna-leaders-voice-impact-fee-support-1.1282350http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1511866332/Counties-likely-to-OK-fees-for-Marcellus-gashttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/03/06/environmental-group-calls-dep-funding-plan-a-ponzi-scheme/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12067/1214928-454.stmhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_785158.htmlhttp://www.wfmj.com/story/17094099/lawsuit-targets-pas-use-of-forest-drilling-moneyhttp://www.pedf.org/Petition_For_Review_Lease_Fund.pdf


8/35

DEP in Decembertook action to withdrawproposed Drinking Water permit fee increases

adopted by the Environmental Quality Board which would have generated $8.1 million (from

$250,000 to $8,385,000 annually).

DEP also withdrew a pending Air Quality fee package earlier this year which Secretary

Krancer said in budget testimony this week was not justified. He said the agency is working on a

revised package.

Did You Know You Can Search 7+ Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of

topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.

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

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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--
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=21015http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://www.crisciassociates.com/http://www.twitter.com/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/http://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/http://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=21015


9/35

Senate

March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28

April 2, 3, 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

House

March 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28

April 2, 3, 4, 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Bill Calendars

House (March 12): House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or

state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-

D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposalprogram; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance

Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution

505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition.

Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (March 12): Senate Bill 210 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating a task force on Lyme

Disease; Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amendments to the Downtown Location

Law; Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank

Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017; Senate Bill 1080 (Greenleaf-R-

Montgomery) consolidates five legislative agencies into two: a new PA Office for Research andPublic Policy combining the duties of the Joint State Government Commission, Legislative

Budget and Finance Committee, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and

Conservation Committee and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and combining the Legislative

Reference Bureau, Legislative Data Processing Committee and the Capitol Preservation

Committee into the Government Support Agency; House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)

further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees. Click Here for full Senate

Bill Calendar.

Committees

House: the Health Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 1991 (Cutler-R-Lancaster)requiring the verification of eligibility for weatherization and energy conservation assistance.

Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-

Delaware) specifically authorizing authorities to undertake stormwater projects, Senate Bill

1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) authorizing composting facilities under the farmland preservation

program, House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing professional
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1934http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0438http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=423http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0210http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=276http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1398http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1813http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1991http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1261http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1054http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1054http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1261http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1991http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1813http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1398http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=276http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0210http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=423http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0438http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1934


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competency requirements under Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law.

Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

Senate

Mineral Rights: Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title rights was

amended on the Senate Floor and was passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House for

consideration.

Pittsburgh Low-RVP Gasoline, Stage II: Senate Bill 1386 (Vogel-R-Beaver) repealing low-

RVP gasoline requirement in Pittsburgh and Stage II controls was amended and reported from

the Senate Appropriations Committee and was passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the

House for consideration.

NewsClips: Senate Passed Bill To End Summer Gasoline In Pittsburgh

Casey, Sunoco Mend Fences Over Refineries

MarkWest Energy Looking To Capitalize On Philly Refinery Closures

Downtown Relocation: Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amendments to the Downtown

Location Law was amended and reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now

on the Senate Calendar for action.

Stormwater: Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-Delaware) further authorizing municipalities to

undertake stormwater management projects was referred to the Senate AppropriationsCommittee.

Lyme Disease: Senate Bill 210 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating a task force on Lyme

Disease was amended and reported from the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and is

now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Legislative Agency Consolidation: Senate Bill 1080 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) was amended

by the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee to consolidation of five legislative

agencies into two: a new PA Office for Research and Public Policy combining the duties of the

Joint State Government Commission, Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, Joint

Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee and the Center forRural Pennsylvania and combining the Legislative Reference Bureau, Legislative Data

Processing Committee and the Capitol Preservation Committee into the Government Support

Agency. The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1324http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1386http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_785332.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/20120308_Sen__Casey__Sunoco_mend_fences_over_refineries_future.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2012/03/09/markwest-closing-of-philly-refineries.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=276http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1261http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0210http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0210http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1261http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=276http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2012/03/09/markwest-closing-of-philly-refineries.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/20120308_Sen__Casey__Sunoco_mend_fences_over_refineries_future.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_785332.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1386http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1324http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTM


11/35

Senate Passes Bill On Quieting Mineral Resource Rights

Legislation to assist landowners who, through no fault of their own, cannot gain ownership of

their subsurface mineral, oil and gas rights, was approved Tuesday by the Senate, according to

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), the bills sponsor.

Senate Bill 1324 would amend the Action to Quiet Title law in Pennsylvania to providefor a rebuttable presumption that mineral, oil and gas rights have been abandoned in favor of a

surface owner after a 50 year period of nonuse.

The legal principle known as an Action to Quiet Title has been an integral part of

Pennsylvania law for at least 100 years, Sen. Yaw said. Senate Bill 1324 simply gives the

surface owner, after 50 years, a slight advantage at the start of a court case to clarify the

ownership question. This bill does not change the fact that the plaintiff landowner still must

prove his case, in court, by a preponderance of the evidence just as the plaintiff can, and is

required, to do today.

The legislation was amended in committee to exempt fee interests, including deeds and

long-term leases for coal and other minerals and oil and gas reserved or acquired by a duly

recorded conveyance. In addition, the amendment further defined the exercise of subsurfacerights.

I have had numerous constituents contact me regarding title problems with their

subsurface rights, which go back well over 100 years, Sen. Yaw added. Senate Bill 1324 takes

nothing away from any subsurface owner, who has a legitimate ownership interest. Anyone

who has such an interest would need to deliberately ignore all of the notice provisions in the law

in order to be negatively impacted.

Bipartisan Bill To Prevent Summer Gasoline Shortages In Pittsburgh Passes Senate

Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) Wednesday announced legislation he introduced with Sen. TimSolobay (D-Washington) designed to make gasoline cheaper for Pennsylvanians and has passed

the Senate and now moves to the House of Representatives.

With fuel prices already rising, we need to get this legislation passed before the switch

to summer gas. If we wait, the effects could be catastrophic to the folks in western Pennsylvania.

Not only does this mandate mean higher gas prices, but it could mean that motorists will be

scrambling to find any gas to put in their tanks, Sen. Vogel said.

Senate Bill 1386 removes a costly and burdensome regulation requiring a special

boutique blend of gasoline from being sold in the seven county Pittsburgh-area of Allegheny,

Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties during the summer

months.

This summer gas is routinely more expensive than gasoline sold in the rest ofPennsylvania and also in neighboring Ohio and West Virginia. The closing of three refineries on

the east coast and one in the Virgin Islands have created a scenario whereby summer gasoline

may not make it into the fuel pipeline, meaning no gas at all.

This legislation is a common sense, bipartisan proposal that would finally end an unfair

and costly regulation on the people of western Pennsylvania. This regulation is nothing more

than a hidden tax, not only at the pump but also in the goods and services we use, Sen. Vogel

added. I applaud my colleagues for their efforts in getting this passed quickly.
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12/35

"The vote today is an important step in reviewing outdated fuel mandates that are hurting

consumers and businesses in the region," Sen. Solobay said. "These mandates have been a

growing problem in recent years and the closure of fuel refineries in the southeastern part of the

state makes this effort more urgent."

"There are more than 2 million people in the counties affected by this regulation, and

most of them are a 20 mile drive away from a gas station outside the regulations," he said."When a gas shortage hits, people are not going to stay home from work and wait for the next

delivery. They're going to go find gas."

"We're in a radically different place now than we were when these requirements were

established in the 90's. It's time to modernize the law to reflect the modernization of the

automobile industry," Sen. Solobay said. "It's time to end these outdated mandates and provide

relief for our taxpayers who are already staring at $4.00 gallons of gasoline."

In addition, the legislation will allow for the termination of another regulation requiring

gas stations in the same seven county region in Pittsburgh, as well as the five county region of

Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia, to install Stage II vapor recovery

systems on fuel pumps.

These pumps prevent the release of gasoline vapors when in use, but the law contains aspecific provision to eliminate the requirement if on-board refueling emissions controls in

vehicles became widespread.

Since 2000, all passenger cars and light trucks have been required to be manufactured to

include on-board refueling emissions controls. These controls work by stopping gasoline vapors

from coming back out the fill pipe by circulating the vapors back into the fuel tank.

The combination of on-board refueling controls and Stage II systems on fuel pumps are

less effective than either system alone.

Click Here to see Sen. Vogel's comments on the Senate Floor.

NewsClips: Senate Passed Bill To End Summer Gasoline In Pittsburgh

Casey, Sunoco Mend Fences Over RefineriesMarkWest Energy Looking To Capitalize On Philly Refinery Closures

Farmland Preservation Reform Bill Aimed At Sustaining Farm Communities

The states farmland preservation program would continue to promote viable agricultural

communities despite future funding concerns as part of legislation introduced Tuesday by Sen.

Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster).

Under current law, farms that apply for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation

Easement Purchase Program are ranked on several criteria, such as the quality of the soils,

development potential and conservation practices on the farm.

Senate Bill 1437 would shift the focus of the program from preserving the farms atgreatest risk of conversion to farms with higher clustering potential to prioritize sustainable

agricultural communities.

Sen. Brubaker noted that farmland preservation reforms are essential to ensure the

program can continue to support the agriculture community despite uncertain future funding. The

governors proposed budget would essentially eliminate funding for the program in Fiscal Year

2013-14.
http://av.pasenategop.com/Vogel/2012/0312/Vogel-030712-SB1386.mp3http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_785332.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/20120308_Sen__Casey__Sunoco_mend_fences_over_refineries_future.htmlhttp://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2012/03/09/markwest-closing-of-philly-refineries.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1437http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1437http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/print-edition/2012/03/09/markwest-closing-of-philly-refineries.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/business/20120308_Sen__Casey__Sunoco_mend_fences_over_refineries_future.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_785332.htmlhttp://av.pasenategop.com/Vogel/2012/0312/Vogel-030712-SB1386.mp3


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More than 2,000 farms are currently on the waiting list for the program, and funding is

not readily available to purchase all of these easements even at current funding levels, Sen.

Brubaker said. By shifting our focus to protect clusters of farmland, we can maximize the funds

we have available and provide a coherent long-term plan that will sustain agricultural

communities for generations to come.

In addition to protecting Pennsylvanias investment in farmland preservation, thelegislation would also simplify the funding formula for the program and prioritize farms based

on agricultural production. Under current law, agricultural production is almost entirely excluded

from consideration, Sen. Brubaker said.

Pennsylvanias farmland preservation program was developed in 1988 to help slow the

loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses to ensure a local supply of safe and affordable

food. To date, the program has preserved 459,007 acres of farmland and 4,243 farms, making it

the most successful program in the nation.

Lyme Disease Bill Reported From Senate Committee

The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Wednesday reported out Senate Bill210 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) to create a task force within the Department of Health to

provide greater public awareness of and education about Lyme disease.

The task force would develop a public education program and coordinate its efforts with

the Game Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department of

Education to reach outdoorsman, visitors to state parks, and students.

The task force will investigate and make recommendations to the Health Department

regarding surveillance and prevention of Lyme disease as well as development of a general

public and health care professional information and education program.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily by ticks. Lyme disease and

other tick-borne diseases pose a serious threat to the quality of life for Pennsylvanians, withLyme disease cases increasing dramatically over the past several years.

In 2009, 38,468 cases of Lyme disease were reported to the Centers for Disease Control

in the United States. According to CDC, these reported cases are underestimated 6 to 12 fold due

to inherent flaws in its passive reporting system. From 2006 to 2009, the total reported cases of

Lyme disease in the U.S. increased by 93 percent and in Pennsylvania by 76 percent, continuing

a trend of increasing incidence across the country. As of 2009, Pennsylvania ranks first in the

U.S. in reported cases of Lyme.

"Lyme disease has become a major issue across Pennsylvania, especially in the

southeastern region of the state," said Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, prime sponsor of the bill. "With

the rapid increase of Lyme disease, we must ramp up efforts to educate the public on how to

prevent this disease while enjoying the outdoors."The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Legislation To Consolidate Government Research Agencies Approved By Senate

Committee
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The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee Wednesday reported out Senate Bill

1080 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) which would consolidate four legislative service agencies that

provide research services into one centralized bicameral, bipartisan research agency.

A centralized research office would create efficiencies that will save the Commonwealth

a considerable amount of money. The combined staff from the various agencies will pull

together a wide variety of talents that would better serve the legislature.The four agencies include: the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and

Conservation Committee, the Joint State Government Commission, the Legislative Budget and

Finance Committee, and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

In recent years, the budgets for these agencies have been significantly reduced. It is very

likely that these agencies will face substantial reductions once again this year. Despite these

reductions and the resulting loss of staff, these agencies continue to do admirable work.

The new agency will be called the Pennsylvania Office for Research and Public Policy

and will be comprised of four units representing the four consolidated agencies.

"By bringing the research agencies under one roof, we are bound to realize a great cost

savings to the Commonwealth," said Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, the bill's prime sponsor. "The

legislature would then have better access to this talented group of professionals. The agencieshave enabled critical laws for many decades, and I believe that a consolidation will greatly

enhance the law making process in Pennsylvania."

The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From Around The State

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Meets On Low Flow Policy, Water Allocations

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will conduct its nextpublic business meeting on

March 15 8:30 a.m., North Office Building, Hearing Room 1 (ground level), North Street (atCommonwealth Avenue), Harrisburg, Pa.

The commissioners will act on 60 project applications, a resolution concerning the use of

lesser quality water, a Low Flow Protection Policy to be released for public review and

comment, and several administrative and financial matters.

Given the ample opportunity for public comment on the project applications in advance

of the March 15 meeting, SRBC will not be accepting additional comments on the applications

or other actions at the meeting. SRBC held a public hearing on the project applications on

February 16 to receive comments and accepted additional written comments through February

27.

SRBC has instituted rules of conduct for the agencys business meetings. Some of those

include:-- All persons must sign-in and show photo identification;

-- Signage, posters, banners or other display media will be permitted only in designated areas;

and

-- The press will be permitted to set up and use video and recording devices in a designated area.

The public will be permitted to use small, hand-held devices that remain in their possession and

are used in a non-disruptive manner.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.srbc.net/http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/publicparticipation.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/publicparticipation.htmhttp://www.srbc.net/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/BillInfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1080


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For the complete agenda with the list of project applications and the full set of rules of

conduct, visit the public participation page on SRBCs website.

NewsClip: SRBC's New Rules For Radicals

Penn State: Marcellus Development Affecting County-Level Dairy Production

Natural-gas development appears to be associated with falling dairy production in Pennsylvania's

Marcellus Shale region, but the exact reasons for the decline are unclear, according to

researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

In recent years, anecdotal evidence has suggested that natural-gas development is

benefiting many Pennsylvania farmers, with money from gas leases and royalties allowing

producers to pay off debt, invest in new equipment and remain active in a business often

characterized by razor-thin profit margins.

Still other reports have indicated that some farmers are using gas-related income to make

major changes to their operations or to leave agriculture altogether. However, very little data

exists to measure the true impact of natural-gas development on agriculture in the state.

To get a better picture of how the natural-gas boom is affecting Pennsylvania's topagricultural sector, dairy farming, researchers led by Timothy Kelsey, professor of agricultural

economics, examined county-level changes in dairy cattle numbers and milk production between

2007 and 2010, as reported by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Those data were analyzed in connection to the level of natural-gas drilling activity in

each county, as indicated by Department of Environmental Protection statistics on the number of

wells drilled during the same three-year period.

"Changes in dairy cow numbers seem to be associated with the level of drilling activity,"

said Kelsey. "For instance, counties with 150 or more Marcellus Shale wells on average

experienced a nearly 19 percent decrease in dairy cows, compared to only a 1.2 percent average

decrease in counties with no Marcellus wells."Milk production followed a similar trend, according to Kelsey. "Production in counties

with at least 150 Marcellus wells fell by an average of 18.5 percent," he said. "In contrast, milk

production in counties with no Marcellus wells increased by about 1 percent."

For example, in Bradford County -- which had more than 500 drilled Marcellus wells and

ranked sixth in the state in dairy production -- cow numbers and milk production both fell more

than 18 percent during the period. On the other hand, Chester County, the fifth-ranked county in

dairy production, had no Marcellus activity and saw cow numbers and milk production rise by

7.4 and 9.3 percent, respectively.

Overall, the report states, only two of the 19 counties with 10 or more Marcellus wells

had an increase in cow numbers or milk production between 2007 and 2010. Meanwhile, 15 of

the 33 counties with no Marcellus activity experienced an increase in cattle numbers or milkproduction.

Kelsey pointed out that county-level declines did not necessarily have a major effect on

statewide production numbers, since much of Pennsylvania's agricultural activity takes place in

the ridge-and-valley regions of the state, rather than in the Marcellus Shale region on the

Allegheny Plateau.

"Only two of the top 10 agricultural counties as measured by sales have Marcellus Shale

beneath them," he said. "The six counties with the most Marcellus wells together account for
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about 5 percent of all agricultural production, while the 33 counties with no wells account for 79

percent of the state's agricultural activity.

"But regardless of how a county ranks in statewide production, agriculture plays

important local economic, environmental and social roles, so it's important to understand the

implications of Marcellus Shale development on farming."

Kelsey maintains that additional research is needed to understand the dynamics of what isoccurring. He said the available data can't pinpoint whether these declines resulted from existing

farms simply downsizing their herds, whether some farms ended dairy production but shifted to

other agricultural enterprises, or if they exited farming altogether.

He also noted the importance of knowing whether those farmers who are leaving

agriculture due to Marcellus development are doing so voluntarily. "Are they taking the money,

paying off farm debt and choosing a new vocation? Or are they being forced out of farming due

to environmental or other concerns, such as negative effects on land, water or herd health, or

consumer resistance to food originating near natural-gas wells?"

The implications of lower cow numbers and milk production go beyond the farmers

involved, Kelsey explained. "Declining cow numbers mean fewer dollars spent locally by

farmers to maintain their herds," he said. "At the same time, lower milk production means fewerdollars coming to the local economy from milk sales.

"A variety of businesses depend on local farms for their success, including feed stores,

veterinarians, machinery dealers, milk haulers and dairy processors," Kelsey said. "If the number

of farms and associated agricultural activity fall too low, essential supporting businesses will go

away, making it difficult for remaining farmers to access the inputs and markets needed to

remain in business."

Kelsey said future research should investigate whether farmers who receive lease and

royalty payments and choose to stay in agriculture are using gas-related income to improve their

farms. "Anecdotes from farmers, equipment dealers and bankers suggest that some farmers are

using proceeds from Marcellus activity to strengthen their operations, which has the potential tobenefit the agricultural economy," he said.

The analysis, co-authored by Riley Adams, doctoral candidate in agricultural economics,

is summarized in a fact sheet, "Pennsylvania Dairy Farms and Marcellus Shale, 2007-2010."

One free copy can be obtained by Pennsylvania residents from the Penn State College of

Agricultural Sciences Publication Distribution Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 112

Agricultural Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802-2602; telephone:

814-865-6713; fax: 814-863-5560; or send email to: [email protected].

Marcellus Coalition Launches Main Street Initiative

The Marcellus Shale Coalition Tuesday unveiled the first online business directory -- Marcelluson Main Street -- designed exclusively to connect the natural gas industry with small- and

medium-sized businesses across the region.

This new, interactive web-based portal will help bring together entrepreneurs and small

businesses with energy and services companies, contractors, and suppliers in New York, West

Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

MSC members and staff joined Marcellus on Main Street members and regional

economic development partners at five simultaneous events in Philadelphia, Johnstown,
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Williamsport, Washington, and Cranberry Township this morning for business networking

events previewing the directory.

Small businesses are truly the backbone of the American economy, and play an

incredibly vital role in the growing and robust supply chain that makes responsible natural gas

development possible. This cascading and positive economic impact extends far beyond the well

site and pipelines, said MSC president Kathryn Klaber. Partnering with regional chambers ofcommerce, Marcellus on Main Street will provide a unique resource for small- and mid-sized

businesses to continue playing an even more significant role in this historic economic

opportunity.

Marcellus on Main Street is a business directory to support responsible shale gas

development by connecting the natural gas industry, and its employees, to local vendors,

suppliers, and services -- no matter how small a business may be. Partnering with regional

chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, hundreds of small businesses

have already registered in the directory.

Our Guiding Principles are underpinned by our commitment to generating sustainable

and broad-based economic benefits for all. This site reaffirms and further strengthens that

commitment to ensuring that the enormous economic benefits tied to American natural gas arefully realized across the entire region, especially for small businesses, added Klaber.

Marcellus on Main Street is a mobile optimized site, allowing for quick and easy use

from mobile devices and smart phones. Interested businesses are encouraged to visit the site for

more information.

NewsClip: Marcellus Coalition Launches Main Street Directory

Penn State Provides Training In Shale Development Best Practices

A new multi-university initiative of Penn State, the University of Texas at Austin and the

Colorado School of Mines announced Thursday will provide best-practices training for peopleworking in the rapidly growing shale natural gas and oil development sector.

The training programs will be led by faculty at each academic institution and are

designed to ensure that regulators and policymakers have access to the latest technological and

operational expertise to assist in their oversight of shale development.

ExxonMobil and GE, two major U.S. energy corporations, each will contribute $1 million

to the new educational effort.

As part of the initiative, the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research has

added the Shale Gas Regulators Training Program.

"The program affords the University a unique opportunity to further develop shale gas

best-management practices and to offer new regulators the chance to learn the latest science-

based concepts related to geology, petroleum technology and environmental quality," saidThomas Murphy, co-director of the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research.

"Penn State looks forward to providing development training that will help ensure a strong, yet

consistent, regulator process across the Appalachian Basin.

The training program will draw upon Penn State's significant expertise in shale-gas

geology, reservoir engineering and related sciences, and also upon University researchers'

leadership in advancing the understanding of the environmental, economic and social issues

related to shale-gas development.
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In addition, a training program for regulators in the oil and gas industry has been added in

the University of Texas at Austin's Center for Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, and a

program of courses designed to provide training in the responsible development of

unconventional energy resources has been added in the Colorado School of Mines'

Unconventional Natural Gas and Oil Institute.

While hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling and other technologies used to produceshale gas are not new, they are being used today on a larger scale than ever before. Because it is

critical that regulators and policymakers have access to a sound scientific understanding of shale-

energy development, and that they are fully aware of the technologies required to produce these

resources safely and efficiently while protecting the environment, GE and ExxonMobil have

offered their support for the training initiative.

Natural gas is dramatically changing the way we power America and GE is committed

to its responsible development," said GE CEO Jeff Immelt. "We believe advanced technology,

an expert workforce, and smart regulation are the keys to America leading the world in shale-gas

development. As a technology leader in the energy sector, GE recognizes the importance of

minimizing a sites environmental footprint while simultaneously increasing operational

efficiency.The benefits of the overall training initiative are expected to be felt not only in the oil and

gas industry, but by state and federal regulators, and policymakers.

Americas shale-energy resources are creating jobs and economic growth in regions

across the country, and Americans rightly want to know that these resources are being produced

safely and responsibly, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson said. ExxonMobil is pleased to

provide the resources to assist the schools in equipping regulators with the latest technical and

operational knowledge being applied in this growing sector.

GE produces nearly 40 technologies for the shale-gas sector in areas such as mobile and

fixed water filtration, flare-gas capture and reuse, cleaner on-site power generation, and demand-

side solutions that create liquefied or compressed natural gas for use in truck fleets and otherareas.

ExxonMobil is the worlds largest non-government-owned energy company and applies

advanced technology to the development and production of oil, natural gas and petrochemicals.

The company is the largest natural gas producer in the United States, with a significant position

in the production of shale resources in Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado,

New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma and North Dakota.

NewsClip: Penn State Paid By Gas Industry To Train Regulators

Philadelphia Water Department Would-Be Spokesdogs Begging For Votes

Dog lovers everywhere can now cast their ballots for the newest spokesdogs representing thePhiladelphia Water Department.

Visitors to PhillyWatersheds.org can vote daily for the hounds they feel best represent the

title of Philly Waters Best Friend. More than 50 dog owners have declared their pets

candidacy. And while none has a campaign per se, each has a photo and a bio to help voters

decide if their lifestyle is eco-friendly enough to be top dog.

The 30 pups with the most votes by May 1 will face off during two pageants in June. In

the end, two winners will be named, one from Northern Liberties and one from Queen Village.
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The owner of each winning dog will receive $200 in gifts from a local pet store. In

exchange, both must attend three community events with their dog on behalf of the PWD.

The chief doodie of each spokesdog-owner duo is to prevent water pollution resulting

from pet waste. Together they will accomplish this by handing out brochures and biodegradable

bag dispensers. These bags can then be used by dog walkers to pick up their pets waste before

flushing it down the toilet or putting it in the trash.Joanne Dahme, general manager of public affairs at the PWD, says this is more than the

responsible thing to do. It is also good for the environment.

When left on the ground, pet waste becomes a pollutant, Dahme explained. Rain and

snowmelt can wash it into creeks and rivers, breeding bacteria in the places we use for fishing,

boating and picnics. Our rivers and streams are precious public amenities, and doing this helps

to ensure they are treated that way.

Sponsors of this program include the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association,

Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Philadelphia Water Department, and the Queen Village

Neighbors Association. Prizes are being donated by Chic Petique and WAG: Whole Animal

Gym.

For more information visit the Philadelphia Water Department website or call CherylJackson at 800-445-4935, extension 113.

Wissahickon Watershed March Walk, Geology Programs March 17, 25

The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association is sponsoring to

new programs over the next few weeks in Montgomery County.

St. Patrick's Day

Celebrate St. Patricks Day at the Wissahickon Valley

Watershed Association Walk on March 17 at 1:00 pm.

The walk will take place at WVWAs Briar Hill Preserve.This 100-acre treasure of natural land runs along Lewis Lane in

Whitpain Township and is a great bird-watching site and home to a variety of wildlife. The walk

features natural, unpaved trails and some hilly terrain. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.

The group will meet in the parking lot at the Prophecy Creek Park that is located off

Skippack Pike in Blue Bell, near Shady Grove Elementary School.

Reservations are encouraged, but not required for this walk, which is free of charge. Call

215-646-8866 or send email to: [email protected] for more information.

Wissahickon Geology

Trail Ambassador Sarah West, from the Friends of the Wissahickon, will speak on

Historical Geology of the Wissahickon Gorge on March 25 at The Cedars House in Wissahickon

Valley Park, at 2 p.m.The Cedars House is located on Forbidden Drive near Northwestern Avenue.

This 45-minute presentation will offer an introduction to the geology of the Wissahickon

Gorge. If weather is suitable, West will take the audience on a short, easy geology walk along

Forbidden Drive between Northwestern Ave. and Bell's Mill Rd.

This program is suitable for children ten and over accompanied by a responsible adult.

The lecture will be cancelled in the event of hazardous transportation conditions due to snow or

ice. Registration is strongly encouraged. Space is limited.
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To register, contact FOW Outreach Coordinator Sarah Marley by sending email to:

[email protected] or call 215-247-0417 ext. 109.

PA Section-American Water Works Assn Offers Advanced Incident Command System

Courses

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association is offering intermediate and

advanced incident command system training and certification courses April 17 and 18 in State

College. Click Here for details. Check the PA-AWWA website for more training opportunities.

DEP Reminds Water Suppliers Of Reporting Requirement

The Department of Environmental Protection reminded public water suppliers of the need to

submit annual water use reports under 25 Pa Code Chapter 110. Click Here for details.

Insurance Department: Consider Buying Flood Insurance Now

Because the risk of severe flooding increases during warmer months, the Pennsylvania Insurance

Department is encouraging homeowners to consider buying flood insurance now. Pennsylvania

is one of the most flood-prone states in the nation and flooding can occur at any time of year.

"Many Pennsylvanians experienced significant flooding damage last year, including

some who had never before experienced water issues," Insurance Commissioner Michael

Consedine said. "It's a risk homeowners should reassess in light of last year's events."

When Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee hit Pennsylvania last year, more than 400

homes were destroyed, 200,000 residents were displaced and 18 people died. In 2011, there were

nearly 67,000 flood insurance claims filed, from the more than 70,000 policies in effect

statewide. The payout was nearly $1 billion."You need to have flood insurance if you live in a designated flood zone, but flooding

can happen inland and away from major waterways," he added. "If your home could be flooded

by an overflowing creek or pond, water running down a steep hill or melting snow, you should

consider buying a policy."

Importantly, homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Also, it takes 30

days for newly purchased flood insurance policies to go into effect, so the ideal time to buy a

policy is long before flooding is forecast.

Flood insurance premiums will vary, depending on the risk level for a flood loss.

Consumers can purchase a policy for any physical damage to their property. A separate policy

can also be purchased for the contents inside the home.

Foundational elements and items usually located in a basement for making a homehabitable, such as furnaces and water heaters, generally are covered. Finished elements in a

basement, such as paneling, rugs and furniture, are not covered.

Backed by the National Flood Insurance Program, flood insurance is available to most

homeowners, renters and businesses, and can be purchased through any licensed property-

casualty insurance agent.

Information on how to obtain flood insurance, and determine your risk for flooding, can

be found online or by calling 1-888-379-9531.
mailto:[email protected]://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/ICS-300_400%20Training%20Fact%20Sheet.pdfhttp://www.paawwa.org/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/the_update/14289http://www.floodsmart.gov/http://www.floodsmart.gov/http://www.floodsmart.gov/http://www.floodsmart.gov/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/the_update/14289http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/ICS-300_400%20Training%20Fact%20Sheet.pdfhttp://www.paawwa.org/mailto:[email protected]


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The Insurance Department also offers disaster preparedness information online.

DEP Accepting Applications for Act 101 Recycling Implementation, Planning Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Act 101

recycling implementation and waste planning grants. (formal notice)Applications are due June 29.

DEP is giving priority for funding to the following:

-- Newly mandated municipalities based on the 2010 decennial census by the Bureau of the

Census of the United States Department of Commerce;

-- An incentive based pricing and collection program designed to increase the quantities and

types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected;

-- Multi-municipal collection, processing and/or materials marketing program where capital costs

are reduced and/or recycling marketability is enhanced due to intergovernmental cooperation;

-- The development of electronic notices for recycling events and programs; and

-- New or expanded collection, education and outreach for commercial and institutional

establishments, including school recycling programs.In addition, communities whose existing recycling programs contain the following

components will receive additional consideration:

-- Municipally operated or municipal contracted waste and recycling services that provide

consistency and uniformity of the waste and recycling programs; and

-- The collection of six or more of the following materials: newsprint, office paper, corrugated

paper, other marketable grades of paper, aluminum cans, steel or bimetallic cans, colored glass

containers, clear glass containers and plastics.

Only those projects involving municipalities that have a mandatory trash collection

program or projects seeking support for a residential recycling program that have a

corresponding commercial recycling program will be considered for funding.Applicants seeking funds to replace curbside collection containers and/or collection

vehicles will need to demonstrate that the new equipment will increase collection efficiencies

and tonnage of materials.

Potential applicants must contact the appropriate Department regional planning and

recycling coordinator to schedule a preapplication conference to discuss application requirements

and program particulars. Applications will be returned to municipalities that fail to schedule

preapplication conferences.

Grant applications and guidelines are available on DEP's Recycling Grants webpage.

The formal PA Bulletin notice also has additional background information.

For more information contact Mark Vottero, Recycling Grants Coordinator, Department

of Environmental Protecti

pa environment digest march 12, 2012

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