PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaDecember2,2013 SenateCommitteeToConsiderNominationsOfFerrettiAtDCNR,AbruzzoAtDEPDec.4 TheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee isscheduledtomeetonDecember4toconsiderthe nominationsofEllenFerrettiasSecretaryofConservation andNaturalResourcesandChrisAbruzzoasSecretaryof EnvironmentalProtection. Gov.CorbettsnomineesforDEPandDCNRwere announcedSeptember20,butthe25legislativedaysthe Senatehastoconsidernominationsofficiallybeganon October20withbothnominationsbecausethatswhenthe paperworkgottotheSenate. Bothnominationsarenowonday16. TheSenateisscheduledtoreturntovotingsessionDecember3andwillbeinsessionatotalof fivedaysinDecember. IfthenominationsarenotactedoninDecember,theGovernorwillhavetoresubmitthe nominationpaperworkinJanuary,includingnewfinancialdisclosurestatements,andtheSenatewill have10additionallegislativedaystoconsiderthenominations. ThemeetingwillbeheldinHearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuildingstartingat10:00a.m. VoteNowForPennsylvanias2014RiverOfTheYear Thepublicisinvitedtovoteonlineforthe2014PennsylvaniaRiver oftheYearnowthroughDecember27,choosingfromamongfive waterwaysnominatedacrossthestate:theSchuylkillineastern PennsylvaniaKiskiminetasConemaughriversinthe southwestOhiointhewestBrodheadCreekWatershedinthe northeastandWestBranchoftheSusquehannainthe northcentralsectionofthestate. Somanyuniquenaturalresourcesandrecreational opportunitiesareshowcasedindividuallyinthesenominations, saidDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesActingSecretaryEllenFerretti.Collectively, theseriversandstreamsdemonstratejusthowblessedPennsylvaniaiswithitswealthofmajor waterways. Nominationswerebasedoneachwaterwaysconservationneedsandsuccesses,aswellas

celebrationplansshouldthenomineebevoted2014RiveroftheYear. IncooperationwithDCNR,selectionofpublicvotingchoiceswasoverseenbythePA OrganizationforWatershedsandRivers(POWR),anaffiliateofthePennsylvaniaEnvironmental Council. Asitentersitsfourthyear,wehaveseentheonlinepublicselectionprocessbecome increasinglypopular,Ferrettisaid.Wealsoknowthisspiritofgoodnaturedcompetitionrallies communitysupportaroundourwaterwaysandputsdeservingriversandstreamsinthelimelight. VotingwillbemanagedthroughWoobox,anonlinecontestapplicationthatrestrictsvotingtoonevote peremailaddress. POWRadministerstheRiveroftheYearprogramwithfundingfromDCNR.Presented annuallysince1983,thisyearsdesignationwasawardedtotheMonongahelaRiverinsouthwest Pennsylvania. "TheRiveroftheYearcontestallowsallPennsylvanianstohighlightthemanyfabulous waterwaystheyenjoy,whetherbyboating,fishing,walking,eating,orshoppingalongtherivertrails, saidPaulKing,presidentofthePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil.Whileweformallyrecognizeonly oneriverwiththisaward,weacknowledgetheuniquevalueofallriversandtheircontributiontothe overallenvironmentalqualityofPennsylvaniaandthequalityoflifetoallwhoenjoythem." Afterawaterwayischosenfortheannualhonor,localgroupsimplementayearroundslateof activitiesandeventstocelebratetheriver,includingapaddlingtrip,orsojourn.Theorganization nominatingthewinningriverwillreceivea$10,000leadershipgranttohelpfundtheirRiveroftheYear activities. TheRiveroftheYearsojournisjustoneofmanypaddlingtripssupportedbyDCNRand POWReachyear.TheindependentPennsylvaniaSojournProgramisauniqueseriesofadozensuch tripsonthestatesrivers.Thesewaterbasedjourneysforcanoeists,kayakersandothersraise awarenessoftheenvironmental,recreational,tourismandheritagevaluesofrivers. POWRandDCNRalsoworkwithlocalorganizationstocreateafree,commemorativeposter celebratingtheRiveroftheYear. Tolearnmore,visitthePennsylvaniaRiveroftheYearwebsite,theDCNRsRivers ConservationProgramwebpageandthePAOrganizationforWatershedsandRiverswebsite. GovernorSignsComprehensiveTransportationFundingBill Gov.TomCorbettMondaysignedintolawHouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong),Pennsylvaniasmost comprehensivepieceofstatetransportationlegislationindecades. ThetransportationpackagewillkeepPennsylvaniasafeandeconomicallycompetitiveby investinganadditional$2.3to$2.4billionintothestatesroadsandbridgesbythefifthyearoftheplan andprovidingfundingfortransitsystemsacrossthestate. TodayIputmysignatureonPennsylvaniaspassportforthefuture,Corbettsaid.Through bipartisanspiritandanagreementthatcrossedpartylinesitshowsthatPennsylvaniaisastateinwhich moderation,carefulthoughtandgoodfaithstillplayalargeroleinhowwegovern.Pennsylvaniaisa statethatputsprogressaheadofpartylineswithacommongoalofservingourcitizens. Thisisaninvestmentinthesafetyofourcitizensandtheprogressofoureconomy.Itwillcreate morejobsandkeepPennsylvaniansmovingacrosssafe,worldclasshighwaysandbridges,Corbett said. TheplanuncapstheOilCompanyFranchiseTaxinstepsoverfiveyearswhichisestimatedat

currentpricestoincreasegasolinepricesby25to28centspergallon.Vehicleregistrationfeesand driverslicensefeesareincreased.Asurchargeisimposedontrafficticketsandcertainfinesare increased. TheIntermodalFundwillprovide$8millioninannualfundingforrailfreightprojectsbyFY 201415and$2millionannuallyforbicycleandpedestrianfacilities,amongotherpurposes.Thebill includesaprovisionconsolidatingPennDOTdeputatesandcreatesaDeputySecretaryforMultimodal Transportation. Theplanincludesa$30millionincreasetotheDirtandGravelRoadProgrambringingthetotal fundingto$35millionannually$28milliontotheStateConservationCommissionand$7milliontothe DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources. TheFishandBoatCommissionwillreceivefundsfromtheOilCompanyFranchiseTaxbased ontheamountoffuelusedbypowermotorboats. Theplanalsoestablishesanew$2/stickerfeeforvehiclesexemptfromthevehicleemissions testingprogramwhichdrivefewerthan5,000milesayear. Theamendmentalsoincludedalimitedreformoftheprevailingwageincreasingthethresholdfor projectsitappliesto$100,000from$25,000. AHouseFiscalNote(betterone)andSenateFiscalNotesummaryofthebillareavailable. NewsClips: PennDOTSaysDriversUnlikelyToBePinchedAtPump GasolineRetailersPlanToPassHigherTaxOnToMotorists CorbettSignsTransportationFundingBill CorbettSigns$2.3BillionTransportationBill TransportationFundingBillBipartisanVictory DemsJoinCorbettAtTransportationBillSigning TransportationBillIncludesFundsForRail,Airports LegislativeLeadersToAdvisePennDOTOnSpendingNewMoney Winners,LosersFromInTransportationBill TransportationFundingBillVoteUnusual TurzaisTransportationVote TransportationBillDoesntEndBridgeWeightLimits JohnBaer:TransportationBillRaisesQuestions McNickle:AboutThatTransportationBill Editorial:Long,StrangeTripForRoadFundingBill ConservationDistrictsLaudNewTransportationFundingForDirtAndGravelRoads Gov.CorbettsignedthehighlyanticipatedHouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)Mondaywhich includes$35millionforthestatesDirtandGravelRoadsProgram,intolaw,accordingtothePA AssociationofConservationDistricts. ThisfundingisawinforresidentsinbothruralandurbanareasofPennsylvania,saidRobert Maiden,PACDExecutiveDirector.IncludingfundsfortheDirtandGravelRoadsProgramisincluding moneytobewellspentonimprovingthestatesenvironmentandeconomy,whileprovidingtheneeded supportforagriculture,businessandtourism.Thisisanaccomplishmentforeachofus. Currently,therearemorethan14,000identifiedsitesinneedofinfrastructureimprovementsin Pennsylvania.Throughpartnershipswithmultiplestakeholders,conservationdistrictswillbeableto

begintoimplementonthegroundeffortswhichwillresultinimprovedaccessandefficiencyforareas acrossthiscommonwealth. Thiswasyearsofdedicatedconversationandworktoreachanagreementthatwouldmutually benefitanyindividualaccessinganymeansoftransportationinthisstate.Werealizeallthatwentintothis effortandsincerelythankGov.Corbettandhisadministration,aswellastheleadershipofboth chambersandallofthelegislatorswhoworkedtogetthisimportantlegislationpassed,addedMaiden. PennsylvaniasDirtandGravelRoadsProgrambecamelawinApril1997thankstotheefforts oftheGeneralAssemblyandthePACouncilofTroutUnlimited. Thelawcreatedadedicated,nonlapsingfundtoprovidefundingandtrainingtolocal communitiesforlocaldirtandgravelroadmaintenance.ThefundsaredistributedbytheState ConservationCommissiontothe65countyconservationdistrictswhichparticipateintheDirtand GravelRoadsProgram. UnderHouseBill1060,$35millionhasbeenallottedforthestatesDirtandGravelRoads Program.Ofthis,$28millionisallottedtoconservationdistricts,with$8millionearmarkedspecifically forlowvolumeroads.Theother$7millionisallottedtothestateDepartmentofConservationand NaturalResources. Eachyear,townships/boroughsworkwiththeirlocalconservationdistricttoaddressidentified sitesbyusingenvironmentallysoundroadmaintenancepractices.Sinceitsinception,theDirt&Gravel RoadsProgramhasinvested$75millionintheCommonwealthsunpavedroadsandimprovedwater quality. Formoreinformation,visitthePAAssociationofConservationDistrictswebsite.VisittheDirt andGravelRoadsProgramandCenterforDirtandGravelRoadsformoreinformationaboutthe program. 10,000FriendsOfPASalutesNewTransportationFundingBill 10,000FriendsofPennsylvaniaissuedthefollowingstatementonthepassageandsigningintolawofthe transportationfundingbillthisweek. 10,000FriendsofPennsylvaniacommendstheRepublicanandDemocraticleadershipofthe PennsylvaniaGeneralAssemblyforreachingareasonablecompromiseandpassingthetransportation bill,HouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong).WeapplaudGov.Corbettforsigningthebillintolaw,asAct 89,whiletravelingtheCommonwealthMonday. WiththesigningofAct89,criticallyneededfundingcannowbegintoflowtokey transportationandtransitprojectsthroughouttheCommonwealth. Roughly23percentofallfundinginthisbill$2.2billionoverthenextfiveyearsgoesto muchneededtransitprojects.Inaddition,thebillmakesalargecommitmentofapproximately$700 millionoverthenextfiveyearsinafirsteverMultiModalFund. 10,000Friendsisverypleasedtoseeseveralofourtopprioritiesincludedinthenewlaw.We stronglyadvocatedthatatleast25percentofallnewfundinggototransittoimproveserviceforthose whorelyontransittogettoworkorschoolorthedoctor'soffice. Itissoundpublicpolicytoencouragegreateruseofpublictransit,asourtransitsystems efficientlymeetthemobilityneedsofthousandsdaily,whileconservingenergyandprovidingthebest meansofreducingtrafficcongestionandimprovingairquality. Andpayingforthesetransitinvestmentsatleastinpartthroughanadditionaldedicatedsliceof thestateSales&Usetax,another10,000Friendspriority,hasalsobecomelawinAct89witha

minimumamountof$450millionannuallybeginninginyear20222023. WewereanearlyadvocateandsupporterofcreatinganewMultiModalFund,buildingon boththelegacyoftheCommunityTransportationpilotwecreatedandchampionedaswellasonour visionofpromotingbetterlanduse,andwearetremendouslygratifiedthatafirsteverMultiModal Fundhasbeenestablished. InsistingthatthenewMultiModalFundbeadequatelyfundedtomakerobustinvestments,we ledinsingularlypressingHouseandSenateleadersforincreasedMultiModalFundingandindeedthe Fundhasgrownfromthe$60millionannuallyfirstproposedto$151millionprovidedannuallywhen Act89isfullyimplemented. Thisincreasedfundingwillresultinmanymorebicyclingandpedestrianprojectsthanpreviously possiblealongwithstreetscapeandmainstreetimprovements,andopportunitiestobuildnewtrail networks,safercrosswalks,andsaferoutestoschools. Inastatewhere12percentoftrafficfatalitiesinvolvepedestrianandbicyclists,especially seniorcitizens,thisfundingwillmakeourstreets,highways,andneighborhoodssaferwhilecreating morevibrant,connected,healthiercommunities. Thusthiscompromiselawisamajorsteptowardsmakingthelongterminvestmentsneededin ourtransitsystemsandothercommunitybasedtransportationoptionsforpedestriansandbicyclists. Act89isanenormousimprovementoverthebillthatstalledintheHouseattheendofJune. Asadirectresultofouradvocacy,anadditional$285millioninfundingfortheMultiModalFund(over fiveyears)wassecuredthatdidnotexistintheJuneversionofthebill. Wealsostronglysupported,withourclosepartners,thestrategythatresultedinmorethana $1.2billionincrease(overfiveyears)inadditionalfundingfortransitnotincludedintheJuneversionof thebill.Theseincreasesrepresentarealvictoryforthoseofuswhoarguedthatitwasworthfightingfor andnegotiatingabetterbill. Noonewantstopaymoreingastaxesorvehicleregistrationfees.Butaccesstoaworldclass transportationsystemisnotanentitlementitcostsmoney.Weshouldregardpayingforour transportationnetworklikewealreadyacceptpayingforalltheothernetworksandutilitiesessentialto connectingustomodernlife,includingtelephone,cellphone,internetaccess,cabletelevision, electricity,water,andwastedisposalservices. Sincetherevenueproducedbygastaxesatpreviousrateswasnotsufficienteventopayfor therepairandmaintenanceofexistingroadsandbridgesthatpreviousgenerationshadpaidtobuild, increasedinvestmentwasnecessary. Thisisnotaperfectlawbyanymeans.Wewishitincludedmorefundingforcommunity transportation,moreexplicitlyprioritizedroadandbridgemaintenance,andexplicitlylinkedproject investmentswithsoundlanduseandlandplanningprinciples.Butitisanimportantstepforward. For10,000FriendsandthosecommittedtobuildingaprosperousandhealthyPennsylvania, thisactisahopefulsignthatdespiteourmuchtoopolarizedpolitics,itispossibletosecurethe resourcesneededtobuildavisionofabetterfutureforPennsylvaniansasafe,wellmaintained, wellconnectedmultimodaltransportationsystemthatprovidesallPennsylvanianswithmorechoices andbetteraccesstojobs,shops,schools,recreation,andothervalueddestinationsandcreatesamore prosperous,vibrant,healthyPennsylvaniawiththeinfrastructureneededtotakeadvantageofnew opportunitiesinthe21stCentury. Formoreinformation,visitthe10,000FriendsofPennsylvaniawebsite. GrowingGreenerCoalitionCelebratesMarcellusLegacyFundGrants

ThePAGrowingGreenerCoalitionTuesdaycelebratedtheapprovalofmorethan$28millionin MarcellusLegacyFundgrantstosupportrecreationandcriticallandandwaterprotectionefforts throughoutthestate. ThePennsylvaniaGrowingGreenerCoalitionispleasedthatfundsfromtheMarcellusLegacy Fundwillbeusedtosupportvitalrecreationandlandandwaterprotectionefforts,saidAndrew Heath,executivedirectorofthePAGrowingGreenerCoalition.Thesegrantswillhavealasting impactontheCommonwealthbysupportingprojectsthatprovidenumerousbenefitsincluding protectingwatersheds,mitigatingriskofflooding,buildingandmaintainingrecreationaltrailsandtreating formerminingsites. AresultofAct13,whichwassignedintolawin2012,theimpactfeecollectsfeesonnatural gasdrilling.Todate,thestatesimpactfeehascollectedmorethan$400million.Fortypercentofthe feescollectedareallocatedtotheMarcellusShaleLegacyFund. AportionoftheFundisadministeredbytheCommonwealthFinancingAuthoritytosupport statewideconservationandrecreationefforts.Thisinitialroundofgrantsdistributedmorethan$28 millioningrants. TheCoalitionwasinstrumentalinensuringthatfundscollectedthroughtheMarcellusLegacy Fundbemadeavailableforstatewideconservationandrecreationprojects. AbreakdownofthegrantsdistributedbytheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityisasfollows: $5.6milliontorestorestreamsimpairedbypollutedrunoffin18counties $16milliontosupport116greenway,trailandrecreationprojectsthroughoutthestate $5.2milliontosupport12abandonedminedrainageabatementandtreatmentprojectsstatewide $700,000tosupportfloodmitigationprojectsinBlair,Bucks,LackawannaandNorthumberland countiesand $225,000toplugorphanedandabandonedwellsinAlleghenyandWashingtoncounties. TheMarcellusLegacyFundwascreatedtohelpsupportimportantenvironmentalprotection effortsstatewideandinlocalcommunities,andweregladtoseethatitsimpactisstartingtobefelt, Heathsaid.Thisfirstroundofgrantawardswillgoalongwaytoimprovingenvironmentaloutcomes andupholdingPennsylvaniasstatusasagreatplacetoliveandwork. Establishedin2008,thePAGrowingGreenerCoalitioncompriseslocal,regionalandstatewide conservation,recreationandpreservationgroups.Itisthelargestcoalitionofconservation,recreation andpreservationorganizationsintheCommonwealth. AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates

PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House December9,10,11,16,17,18(NonVoting) 2014 January7(NonVoting),13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate December3,4,9,10,11 2014 January7,13,14,15,27,28,29 February3,4,5 March10,11,12,17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

BillCalendars House(December9):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferring$5milliontoDEPfora competitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill303 (MoulRAdams)transferring$7.5milliontoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertlarge masstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransit busestonaturalgasHouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirecting$5.3millionfromtheAlternative FuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclesto naturalgasandprovidea10centpergallonbiofuelsproductionsubsidyHouseBill308 (SaylorRYork)redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversions tonaturalgas.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(December3):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)providingforthereuseofwaterin abandonedminesforMarcellusShaledrillingSenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)torepealsummer RVPgasolinerequirementsSenateBill1077(ArgallRSchuylkill)railroadmaterialtheftprevention HouseBill920(SonneyRErie)amendingtheAgriculturalAreaSecurityLawtodefinewindpower generationsystemandclarifyinganagriculturalconservationeasementshallnotpreventgrantingan easementforawindpowersystemsummaryHouseBill1285(CutlerRLancaster)establishingthe StateGeospatialCoordinationBoard.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:theEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderthenominations ofEllenFerrettiasSecretaryofConservationandNaturalResourcesandChrisAbruzzoasSecretary ofEnvironmentalProtection.<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate

Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek WaterObstructionPermits:HouseBill1854(HannaDClinton)reducingpermitfeesforsmallwater obstructionandencroachmentprojectssummary. FishHatcheryPermitExemption:HouseBill1858(HeffleyRCarbon)exemptingfishhatcheries built20yearsormoreagofromwaterqualitystandardssummary.

BillsOnGovernor'sDesk
ThefollowingbillsweregivenfinalapprovalbytheSenateandHouseandarenowontheGovernor's deskforaction TransportationFunding:HouseBill1060(PyleRArmstrong)establishesa$2.3billion transportationfundingplanforhighways,bridgesandmasstransit.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNote areavailable.ThebillwassignedintolawasAct89.

NewsFromAroundTheState
PennStateExtensionWebinarOnNewToolsForTeachingYouthAboutWaterAvailable PennStateExtensionhaspostedaonehourwebinaronNovember20byEducatorJenniferFetter focusingonseveralneweducationaltoolsthathavebeendevelopedbyPennStateExtensionto facilitateyoutheducationonwaterissuesinPennsylvania. ThefirsttooldescribedinthewebinarwasWatershedDecisions.Thishandsonactivityseeks tointroduceyouthandadultstopollutionissuesinasmallwatershed,thedifferentlandusesthatmay resultinthosepollutantsandthepracticesthatcanbeusedtohelpimprovewaterqualitywithinasmall watershed. Participantsintheactivitycanthenmakeinquirybaseddecisions,incorporatetheirown personalvalues,andnegotiatewithateamastheymodelacommunityorganizationthatistaskedwith remedyingtheirlocalwatershed.

Evaluationresultsfromstudentswhohaveparticipatedintheactivityshowedthatahigh percentagelearnedimportantwatershedconceptsandnearlyhalfwouldgetinvolvedincommunity serviceprojectstoimprovelocalwaterresources. ThesecondtoolcoveredinthewebinarwasasetofvideosonTheRoleofWaterinShaleGas Drilling.Theseshortvideos,targetingmiddleandhighschoolstudents,werecreatedtoincrease understandingaboutwaterandtheenvironmentalimpactsofshalegasdrillingandproductioninthe MidAtlanticregion. Thevideosaredesignedforusebyformalandinformaleducatorstopresentinagroupsetting, ortobewatchedindividually.Thefirstvideois26minutesandcoversAWaterDroponaJourney ShaleGasDrillingintheMidAtlantic. Thesecond23minutevideoisentitledTrueorFalse:CommonConcernsaboutWater&Shale GasDrillingintheMidAtlanticRegion.Additionalhandoutsandacademicstandardsalignmentcanbe foundonlineforthesevideosaswell. ThefinaltooldescribedinthewebinarwasanewyouthorientedfactsheetandwebsiteonThe WaterWeDrink.Thismaterialwasdesignedforyouthingrades6through12andisavailableasa printablefactsheetorinwebsiteformat. Thegoalofthesematerialsistohelpyouthtobetterunderstandwhydrinkingwaterisimportant tothem,whereitcomesfrom,andhowwemakesureit'ssafetodrink. Avideocopyofthe45minutewebinaralongwithcopiesoftheslidesandlinkstothese educationaltoolscanbefoundonthePennStateWaterResourcesExtensionwebpage. (WrittenBy:BryanSwistock,WaterResourcesSpecialist,RenewableNaturalResources,Penn StateExtension,DepartmentofEcosystemScienceandManagement,andreprintedfromthe PennStateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) WaterResourcesEducationNetworkNovemberNewsletterNowAvailable TheNovemberissueofWaterPolicyNewsfromthePALeagueofWomenVotersWaterResource EducationNetworkisnowavailable. AmericanFarmlandTrust:AsYouGiveThanks,TellCongressToProtectFarmland AndrewMcElwaine,PresidentandCEOoftheAmericanFarmlandTrust,issuedthefollowing statementonthestatusofnegotiationsinCongressonthefederalFarmBillasAmericanssatdownto theirThanksgivingdinners Congressionalnegotiatorsareworkingonthefinalphaseofthe2013FarmBill,andeverythingison thenegotiatingtable. TheAmericanFarmlandTrusthasbeenworkingtoprotectfundingforfarmlandconservation programs,butweneedyourhelp. Thankstotheeffortsofthousandsofconcernedcitizens,AmericanFarmlandTrustsuccessfully deliveredover25,000messagestoCongressearlierthisyeardemandingthattheygettoworkonafinal FarmBill. Andtheygotresults.TheFarmBillconferencecommitteewasnamedwithinweeksofthat outpouringofsupport.Now,morehelpisneededtoproducefinalresultsforfarmlandprotection.

FarmBillnegotiatorswillreturntoWashingtonD.C.inDecembertotrytofinishthisimportant legislationandtheyneedtohearfromconcernedcitizens. SendamessagetoyourmembersofCongresstoday,tellingthemfundingisimportantfor farmlandprotection! Asanation,wehavesomuchtobethankfulfor,includingourhighlyproductivefarmland.The FarmBillprovidesthesinglelargestfederalinvestmentinfarmlandconservation.Nearly1.1million acresoffarmlandhavebeenpermanentlyprotected,ensuringthatvitalresourceremainsinagriculture forgenerationstocome. ThereisanexcitingnewprogramtobuildontheseeffortscalledtheAgriculturalConservation EasementProgramorACEP,buttomakesureitiseffectiveweneedtoensureagriculturalland easementsareprovidedthehighestpossiblefundinglevel. Morethanever,weneedanew,comprehensiveFarmBillthatreinvestsinfarmland conservation,thatprovidessoundconservationpracticesandthathelpsfarmersstayontheland.We havecometoofarandthereistoomuchatstakeforCongresstonotfinishthejob. Asyoucelebratethebountyourfarmlandprovides,pleasetakeafewminutesduringthisbusy holidaytimetolendyourvoicetoprotectingAmericasfarmland. Thankyouforallthatyoudotosupportfarmlandconservationinyourcommunityandacross thenation. AsamplemessagetomembersofCongressfollows DearDecisionMaker: Iwriteinsupportofstrongconservationprogramsaspartofafinalfarmbillconferencereport. Fundingforconservationisvitalforcontinuedprotectionoffarmlandandnaturalresourcesacrossthe country. Farmlandprotectionisacriticalcomponentofthisbill.Afinalfarmbillshouldretainthe40 percentfundingfloorforagriculturallandeasements(ALE)withinthenewlycombinedAgricultural ConservationEasementProgram(ACEP)asprovidedforintheHousepassedbill.Itshouldalso retainingfundingfortheACEPasprovidedforintheSenatepassedbillat$2.2billion. Byincludingtheseprovisions,adequateresourceswouldbeprovidedforthecombined functionoftheprogramsothatourproductivefarmlands,ourpristinegrasslandsandourvaluable wetlandscancontinuetobeprotectedunderconservationeasements.Providingtheseresourceswill helpfurtherreducethethreattotheselandsthatsustainuswithfood,wildlifeandcleanwater. FarmlandisattheheartofAmericaslandconservationandourabilitytoproducenutritious andaffordablelocalfood.Iappreciateyouconsideringmyviewsandthankyouforyourimportant worktoprotectournationsfarmland. FindyourmemberofCongress:HouseofRepresentativesandU.S.Senate. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. FormoreinformationonthepoliciesandprogramsoftheAmericanFarmlandTrust,visit www.farmland.org,followusonFacebookatwww.facebook.com/AmericanFarmlandorTwitter www.twitter.com/farmland. PAResourcesCouncilHonorsNOVAChemicalsWithInnovativeRecyclingAward ThePAResourcesCouncilhashonoredNOVAChemicalsbypresentinganInnovativeRecycling awardinrecognitionofanextremelysuccessfulcampaigntorecycleexpandablepolystyrene(EPS)an

effortthatenabledhundredsofareahouseholdstoproperlyrecycleEPSfreeofchargebyattending PRCcollectionevents. NOVAChemicalspartnershipwithPRChascreatedaconvenientcollectionmethodata varietyoflocations,explainedPRCWesternRegionalDirectorDaveMazzabeforepresentingthe awardtoJohnThayerofNOVAChemicals.SinceSpring2013,fivePRCeventsheldthroughout westernPennsylvaniaenabledhundredsofresidentstodropoffunwantedEPSfoamforrecyclingand resultedinthecollectionandrecyclingofnearlythree26footboxtrucksoffoampackagingmaterial. Thehard,whitemoldedpackagingmaterialisoftenusedtoprotectconsumerelectronicsand householdappliancesduringshipping.PolystyrenematerialcollectedatPRCeventsisrecycledand madeintoavarietyofproductsincludingclotheshangers,insulation,decorativemoldingsandpicture frames. AccordingtoJohnThayer,DirectorofPerformanceStyrenicsatNOVAChemicals,Lastyear, NOVAChemicalsintroducedanextremelysuccessfulprogramforitsemployeestorecycle polystyrene.PartneringwithPRCandApplianceWarehousenowallowsNOVAChemicalstoexpand theopportunitiesforrecyclingEPSbyreachingouttomembersofthecommunityandestablishinga convenientmethodatavarietyoflocationsthatkeepsEPSoutoflandfills. InadditiontoestablishingtheEPSrecyclingevents,NOVAChemicalscontinuestosupport EPSrecyclingbycollectingEPScoffeecupsandpackagingforrecyclingatallofitsU.S.locations.In 2013,NOVAChemicalslauncheda25percentrecycledcontentEPSresinproduct,R625B,whichis usedinpackagingapplications. ClickHereforbackgroundontheother2013EnvironmentalLeadershipAwardwinnersfrom thePAResourcesCouncil. EPARecognizes20PACollegesForFoodDonation,WasteDiversionEfforts TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyMondayrecognized20Pennsylvaniacollegesand universitiesintheMidAtlanticRegionforjoiningEPA'sFoodRecoveryChallenge. ParticipatingPennsylvaniaschoolsinclude:CabriniCollegeChathamUniversityDickenson CollegeEasternUniversityFriendsCentralSchool,Wynnewood(PrepSchool)Franklinand MarshallCollegeJuniataCollegeKeystoneCollegeLehighUniversityMercyhurstUniversity MessiahCollegeMillersvilleUniversityPennStateErie,TheBehrendCollegeShippensburg UniversityUniversityofPittsburghUniversityofPittsburgh,JohnstownUrsinusCollegeandValley ForgeChristianCollege. TheFoodRecoveryChallengeencouragescolleges,universities,andotherorganizationsto donateanddivertasmuchoftheirexcessfoodaspossible.OrganizationsthatjoinEPA'schallengefind thattheynotonlysavemoney,buttheyalsofeedtheneedy,andhelpprotecttheenvironmentatthe sametime. "Thefooddonationstohungerrelieforganizationsmadebycollegesandotherinstitutionscan helptheoneinsixAmericanswhodon'tknowwheretheirnextmealiscomingfrom,"saidEPA RegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvin."Inadditiontofeedingthehungry,thefooddonationsgoa longwaytoreducinggreenhousegasemissionsandloweringdisposalcostsfortheircampus.TheFood RecoveryChallengeistrulyawinwinsituation." In2011,theU.S.createdmorethan36milliontonsoffoodwaste,makingfoodwastethe#1 materialsenttolandfills.Oncelandfilled,fooddecomposesrapidlyandbecomesamajorsourceof methane,apowerfulandharmfulgreenhousegas20timesmorepotentthancarbondioxide.

Foodwastegeneratedbylocalinstitutions,hospitals,colleges,universitiesandrestaurantsis oftenactuallysafe,wholesomefoodthatcouldfeedmillionsofAmericans,accordingtoboththeU.S. DepartmentofAgricultureandEPA. EPAisworkingwithinstitutionsandhungerrelieforganizationstoincreasefooddonations. Compostingfoodwastealsoleadstoimportantenvironmentaloutcomes.Compostedfoodwaste createsavaluablesoilproductthatcanbeusedtoenhancethequalityofsoils. Formoreinformation,visitEPAsFoodRecoveryChallengeandSustainableMaterials ManagementProgram. DEPExtendsCommentPeriodOnDeltaThermoAirQualityPermitInAllentown TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannounceditwillextendthepubliccomment periodforthedraftairqualityplanapprovalforDeltaThermoEnergysproposedwastetoenergy plantinAllentownuntilDecember16.(formalnoticePABulletinpage7043) Thisproposalhasattractedconsiderableattentionandwewanttohearfromthosewhohave somethingtosay,NortheastRegionalDirectorMikeBedrinsaid.Inordertogatherasmuchinputas possiblefromresidentsandstakeholders,wehavedecidedtogivethepublicmoretimetoprovidetheir comments. Acopyofthedraftplanapprovalisavailableonlineorthepubliccanreviewthematthe departmentsNortheastRegionalOffice,locatedat2PublicSquareinWilkesBarre,atDEPs BethlehemDistrictOffice,locatedat4530BathPikeinBethlehemandatAllentownCityHallat435 WestHamiltonStreet. Appointmentstoreviewthedraftmaybemadebycalling5708262519fortheWilkesBarre officeor6108612070fortheBethlehemdistrictoffice.Thepublicmayalsomakeanappointmentto reviewthedocumentsatAllentownCityHallbycallingtheCityClerksOfficeat6104377539. DEPwillmakeasummaryofthematerialconditionsofthedraftplanapprovalavailablein Spanishatallthreelocations.Thosedocumentsarestillintheprocessofbeingtranslatedandshouldbe availablebynextweek. TosubmitwrittencommentsaboutDeltaThermoEnergysdraftairqualityplanapprovaltothe department,mailorhanddeliverthemby4p.m.onDecember16toRayKempa,PermitsSection Chief,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre,PA18701. Followingthecommentperiod,aresponsedocumentwillbedraftedtoaddressthepublics questionsandcomments. DEPheldapublicmeetingonthepermitapplicationonOctober30. Formoreinformation,call5708262511. PUCUrgesConsumersToAddShoppingForElectricity,NaturalGasToHolidayList WhetherbravingthecrowdsonBlackFridayorsurfingthewebfordealsonCyberMonday,thePublic UtilityCommissionWednesdayremindedconsumerstoaddshoppingforelectricityornaturalgastothe list. Thisweekendhasbecomesynonymouswithshoppingforbargainsandweencourage consumerstoextendthatideatotheirelectricandnaturalgasutilities,saidPUCChairmanRobertF. Powelson.Nowistheperfecttimetotakealookatyourelectricandnaturalgasbills. www.PAPowerSwitch.comandwww.PAGasSwitch.computsalloftheinformationyouneedtoshop

atyourfingertips.Ifyouareoneofthemorethan2.1millionPennsylvaniansalreadyusingacompetitive supplier,itisagoodtimetoreevaluateyourcontracttermsandprice. Since1997consumershavebeenabletoselectthecompanythatprovidestheirelectric generation.Localelectricdistributioncompanieswillstilloperatethelinesthatprovideelectricityto homes,butconsumersareabletoselectthecompanythatsellstheelectricpowerorgenerationthatis deliveredoverthosedistributionlines. Throughtheseshoppingwebsites,thePUCisworkingtomakesureconsumershavethetools attheirfingertipstomakeaninformeddecisionaboutswitchingelectricandnaturalgasproviders. Consumershavethepowertoswitchtoacompetingsupplierwhomayofferalowerprice,orprovidea specificservicesuchasenergyrenewables. Shoppingforanelectricornaturalgassupplierisazip.Justclickandenteryourzipcode. Reviewtheprices,products,termsandincentivesfromsuppliersmakingoffersinyourarea. Whilepriceisamotivatorformanywhileshopping,youalsocantakeadvantageofother offerswhenchoosinganelectricornaturalgassupplier,ChairmanPowelsonsaid.Shopperscanpair pricingwithinnovativeproductofferingssuchasfreepowerdays,frequentfliermilesorhelpwith energyefficiencyimprovementsthatfurtherreducetheircosts.Theyalsocanchooseasupplieroffering greenenergychoices. Consumerswhoareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutchangingenergyproviderscaneithergo towww.PAPowerSwitch.comorwww.PAGasSwitch.comforinformationonswitchingtoa competitivesupplier. DauphinCountyInstallsSolarHotWaterSystemFromConstellation DauphinCountyCommissionersTuesdayannouncedtheyhasselectedenergyproductsandservices providerConstellationtoinstallasolarhotwatersystematDauphinCountyPrison. Thecostoftheenergyefficiencyupgradeisfundedinpartthroughadditionalenergysavings realizedthroughthecountys2009energyperformancecontractwithConstellation. Thesolarhotwaterheatingsystemisdesignedtosupply575gallonsadayandsavethecounty anadditionalestimated$3,000ayearinenergycosts.Workisscheduledforcompletioninearly2014. Thankstothesuccessofthefirstphaseofourenergyefficiencyprogram,weareableto implementadditionalconservationmeasuresthathelpthecountyfurtherreduceitscarbonfootprintas wellasproducesignificantcostsavingsfortaxpayers,saidDauphinCountyBoardCommissioner,Jeff Haste. In2011,thecountysconservationmeasuresthroughtheenergyperformancecontractwith Constellationexceededtheirguaranteedsavingsbymorethan$150,000. ThisexpandedenergyefficiencyprogramforDauphinCountyisagreatexampleofthevalue ofenergyperformancecontractingforcustomers,saidLarryGodleski,executivedirector,regional markets,forConstellation. Duringphaseoneofthecountysenergyefficiencyprogram,Constellationimplemented conservationmeasuresin13buildings,includingenergyheatingandcoolingequipmentupgrades,new stormwindowinstallations,waterconservationmeasuresandhighefficiencylighting. ThroughtheenergyperformancecontractwithConstellation,theconservationmeasures requirednoupfrontcapitalfromthecountyandwereguaranteedmorethan$10millioninenergycosts overa15yearperiod. ANAESCOaccreditedEnergyServicesProvider,Constellationhasassistedcommercial

customersandpublicagenciesthroughouttheU.S.toimplementenergyefficiencyprograms.Customers interestedinenergyefficiencyandenvironmentalsolutionsmaycontactConstellationat 18662377693. NaturalGasVehicleGrantWorkshopsSetInButler,Clinton,Erie,JeffersonCounties TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesfleetmanagersinnorthwestandnorthcentral PennsylvaniatoattendoneoffourupcomingNaturalGasVehicleGrantworkshopsbeingofferedin December. ThefreeworkshopsarescheduledforButler,Clinton,ErieandJeffersoncountiesonthe followingdates: December6inButlerCounty:10a.m.untilnoonattheCranberryTownshipMunicipalCenter (CouncilChambers),2525RochesterRoad,CranberryTownship,Pa December10inJeffersonCounty:10a.m.untilnoonattheCNGEducationCenter,228 AlleghenyBlvd.,Brookville,Pa December12inErieCounty:10:30a.m.until12:30p.m.attheTomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter, 301PeninsulaDrive,Erie,Paand December19inClintonCounty:10a.m.untilnoonattheClintonCountyConservationDistrict Office,45CooperationLane,MillHall,Pa. Anestimated$11millionisavailabletohelppayfortheincrementalpurchaseorconversion costsofheavydutynaturalgasfleetvehicleswithgrossvehicleweightratingsof14,000poundsor greater. Thedeadlineforapplicationsis4p.m.onFriday,January10,2014.Grantswillbeawardedin thespring. Fiftypercentofthisfundingisallocatedexclusivelyforlocaltransportationorganizations, includingnonprofitagenciesprovidingpublictransportationservicesandpublictransportation,portand redevelopmentauthorities,andschoolbusprojects. Otherseligibletoapplyincludeincorporatednonprofitorganizations,forprofitcompanies, stateownedorstaterelateduniversities,Commonwealthormunicipalauthorities,andthePennsylvania TurnpikeCommission. TheworkshopswillconsistofareviewoftheAct13grantprogramrequirements,followedby alivedemonstrationandwalkthroughoftheonlineapplication.Departmentstaffwillthenbeavailableto provideoneononeassistancetoapplicantsandanswerquestionsabouttheapplicationprocess. Theseworkshopsarefreeofchargebutopentoeligibleapplicantsonly.Seatingislimited,so registrationislimitedtotwopeopleperorganization.Pleaseregisterearlytoensureyourseatbysending emailtoTeresaWilleyattwilley@pa.gov(besuretoincludetheattendeesname(s),theorganization, andthedate/locationyouprefer),orcallMs.Willeyat8143326350. FormoreinformationregardingtheAct13grantprogramandtheworkshopagenda,please contactGeoffBristowofDEPsOfficeofPollutionPreventionandEnergyAssistanceat 8143326681orsendemailto:gbristow@pa.gov. Foracopyofgrantguidelinesandmore,visitDEPsNaturalGasVehicleGrantProgram webpage.PennsylvaniasAct13NaturalGasVehicleGrantsarefinancedbyimpactfeespaidby naturalgasoperators. DEPAnnouncesProposedConsentDecreeWithDrillingWastewaterTreatmentCompany

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayannouncedithasreachedaproposedconsent decreewithWasteTreatmentCorporationthataddressesadverseimpactstotheAlleghenyRiver causedbythecompanystreatmentanddischargeofdrillingoperationwastewater. Theproposedconsentdecreemustgothrougha30daypubliccommentperiodbefore CommonwealthCourtsfinalapproval. DEPconductedbiologicalsurveysin2012,whichindicatedthatthedischargefromWaste TreatmentCorporationsplantat341WestHarmarSt.inWarrenwasharmingtheriverswaterquality andbiologicalcommunity. Asproposed,theconsentdecreerequiresWasteTreatmenttosubmitthenecessarypermit applicationtothedepartmentfortheinstallationofadditionalwastewatertreatmentthatwillachieve applicableeffluentlimitations,includingtotaldissolvedsolidsandchloridesof500mg/land250mg/l, respectively.Theadditionaltreatmentmustbeinstalledandhaveachievedalloftheotherrequirements intheconsentdecreebyJanuary1,2016. TheproposedconsentdecreealsorequiresWasteTreatmenttoverify,throughbiological surveys,thattheadditionaltreatmentissuccessfulinrestoringthewaterqualityandbiological communityoftheAlleghenyRiver. Thedepartmentisnowacceptingwrittencommentsregardingthisproposedconsentdecree withWasteTreatmentCorporation. AnoticeoftheformalcommentperiodwillbepublishedintheNovember23,2013,editionof thePennsylvaniaBulletin(page6985).ThepubliccommentperiodwillendonDecember23,2013. Anyonewishingtoobtainacopyoftheproposedconsentdecreemaydosobycontacting DEPsNorthwestRegionalOfficeat230ChestnutSt.,Meadville,PA16335orbytelephoneat 8143326942. Writtencommentsmaybesubmittedwithinthe30daycommentperiodtoDEPsregional CleanWaterProgramatthesameaddress. Afterthecloseofthe30daypubliccommentperiod,thedepartmentwillfileresponsestothe commentsthatitreceived.ThedepartmentandWasteTreatmentwillthenfileaJointMotionrequesting thatthePennsylvaniaCommonwealthCourtapprovetheentryoftheconsentdecree,whichwill becomefinaluponthecourt'sapprovalandentryofthedecree. Formoreinformation,call8143326945. NewsClips: DEP:DrillingWastewaterPlantMustStopUntreatedDischarges DEPReducesDrillingWastewaterPlantDischarges JudithCasselAddressesNationalMidstreamOilAndGasLawConference JudithD.Cassel,anAttorneyfortheHarrisburglawfirm,HawkeMcKeon&SniscakLLP,wasa guestspeakeratthe2ndMidstreamOilandGasLawConferencehostedbytheCenterforAmerican andInternationalLawInstituteheldinHouston,TXonNovember22. Ms.Cassel,whosepracticespecializesinpetroleum,naturalgasandotherrelatedenergy issues,gaveapresentationontheregulatoryimpactseffectingmidstreampipelineoperationsin Pennsylvania. Ms.Casselspresentationfocusedonrecentlypassedlegislationincludingthecontroversial Section3304ofAct13,mandatingamodellocalzoningordinanceforPennsylvaniamunicipalitieswho

wishtoreceiverevenuefromassessednaturalgasimpactfees,whichiscurrentlybeforethe PennsylvaniaSupremeCourt. HawkeMcKeon&Sniscakisafirmfocusingonadministrativelitigationintheenergyindustry andhasrecentlyrepresentedclientsinseveralgroundbreakingcasesinvolvingmidstreamoperationsin Pennsylvania. DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteeMeetsDec.5 TheDEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteeisscheduledtomeetonDecember5tocontinueits considerationofindustrysectorworkplansmakingrecommendationsonhowtoreducegreenhousegas emissionsinPennsylvania. Theworkplanstobediscussedinclude:CuttingEmissionsfromFreightTransportation DemandSideManagementEnergyEfficientAppliancesGeothermalHeatingandCoolingHeatingOil ConservationandFuelSwitchingImprovedEfficiencyatWastewaterTreatmentPlantsIndustrial ElectricityBMPsLostandUnaccountedforNaturalGasfromDistributionReducingMethane LeakagefromNGInfrastructureReforestationWorkPlanandRevisedMSWforBeneficialUseWP. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoom105RachelCarsonBuildingstartingat10:00. CopiesoftheseandtheotherworkplansconsideredbytheCommitteeareavailableonline. CeremonyMarksOfficialOpeningOfJacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenter WithajustfittedidentificationbandonalegandbestwishesofDCNRsactingsecretaryonawing, thebrieflydetainedsongsparrowliftedoffintothebrisk,autumnalbreeze,joiningbirdsofadifferent featherdrawntogetherinthesamelearningexercise. Acardinal,hermitthrushandwhitebreastednuthatchallfollowedsuit. ForbirdbanderBradSilfiesitwasjustanotherdayintheparkJacobsburgEnvironmental EducationCenter,tobeexactdoingwhathelovestodo. Forhislisteners,itwasalearningexperienceinhowthiscentervolunteereducatorandothers learnmoreaboutthediversesongbirdworldaroundthem. AndforDCNRActingSecretaryEllenFerrettiitwasareaffirmationofwhyshewasthereto dedicatethenewhomeofenvironmentaleducationintheLehighValley.Todaythebirdbanders audiencewascomprisedofDCNRofficialstomorrowtheycouldbeinnercitykidsfromAllentown,or olderadultsfromEaston. JoiningstateandlocalofficialsinaNov.20dedicationceremonymarkedbymusketvolley salutesbytheJacobsburgHistoricalSocietyHonorGuardandtestimonialsfromfourspeakers,Ferretti officiallyopenedtheJacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenteranenergyefficientbuildingthatwill serveasthehuboftheBureauofStateParkspublicoutreachandinstructionintherapidlygrowing LehighValleyarea. Thisnewcentergivesourbureauapowerfulenvironmentaleducationtoolinarapidly developingareaservedbyaverypopularstatepark,Ferrettisaid.Thebountifulmeadowsand woodlandsfoundonthese1,168acresalwayshavebeenJacobsburgsmosteffectiveteachingtool,but adverseweatheroftenaffectedavailability. Thatoutdoorsclassroomundergoesamajorexpansiontoday,allowingstafftobroadenthe typesofprogramsofferedandensuringstudentstheirprogramsgoonregardlessofweather. OverseenbytheDepartmentofGeneralServices,ayearlongconstructionprojectyieldeda

9,300squarefootbuildingofferingenvironmentaleducationspaceforinterpretiveprogramming,offices forcenterstaffandmodernpublicrestroomsforparkvisitors. DCNRActingSecretaryEllenFerrettipreparestoreleaseabandedsongsparrowafterthe dedicationofJacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenter.Thebuildingincludesagreenroofplanted withvegetationsolarpanelsgeothermalheatingandcoolingonsitestormwaterinfiltrationwater conservingplumbingfixturesregionallypurchasedmaterialsandhighrecycledcontentmaterials. ThisfacilitysetsanotherbenchmarkinDCNRsbuildingprojectrecordofsuccessfully combiningenergyconservationwithenvironmentaleducation,saidFerretti.Wehavefour environmentaleducationcentersacrossthestate,butJacobsburgwillfillauniquevoidwhenone considersNorthamptonCountyandneighboringLehighareexpectedtoseea22percentpopulation increaseby2030.Thisfacilityisdesignedtoserveanexpectedgrowingstreamofvisitors. WithLeadershipinEnergy&EnvironmentalDesign(LEED)certification,thebuildingitselfisa lessoninenergywiseconservationandtechnology,theactingsecretarynoted.Already,severalarea collegeshaveinquiredabouttoursandprograms. Thisfacilitywillserveasamodelofenergyefficientbuildingpracticeswhileofferingdirect accesstounlimitedenvironmentaleducationresourcesatthepark,Ferrettisaid.Itwillalsoprovidea reststopforvisitorstotheparkandtheHomesteadTrailthreadingalmostfourmilesthroughits grounds. TheLehighValleyGreenwayiscomprisedofmanyactiveconservationpartnerseachplaying animportantroleinlandconservation,connectingcommunitiestotrailsforhealthandrecreation,and,of course,environmentaleducation,JacobsburgManagerRobertNeitz.Iseethatasourmajorroleat Jacobsburghelpingtocreatemeaningfulconnectionsbetweenpeopleandnatureinapositiveway throughourprogramming. ThisnewfacilityservesasamodeltodemonstrateourregionalworkintheLehighValley Greenwaysconservationlandscapetoimplementconservation,education,andgreeninfrastructureina vitallandscape,saidSherryL.Acevedo,conservationcoordinatorwiththeDelaware&Lehigh NationalHeritageCorridorInc.ThisisaveryexcitingdayforDCNR,ourpartnership,andfor residentstoenjoytheexpandededucationalresourcesatJacobsburg. TheJacobsburgHistoricalSocietyHonorGuardfiresoffamusketsaluteattheofficialopening ofJacobsburgEnvironmentalEducationCenter.Financedthroughcapitolbudgetfunds,the environmentaleducationcenterscoststotaled$4.8million.LobarInc.ofDillsburgwasthegeneral contractor. HeadquarteredoffBelfastRoadinNorthamptonCounty,theenvironmentaleducationcenter hadbeenhousedformanyyearsinwhathadbeenaprivateranchhome.Besidesoutdoorsrecreation, thecenterandgroundsofferenvironmentaleducationprogramsrangingfrompreschoolenvironmental awarenesstohighschoolandcollegelevelproblemsolving. Avarietyofhistoricalpresentations,teacherworkshopsandpublicinterpretiveprogramsround outdailyactivitiesatJacobsburg. OncethesitewherethefamousHenryRiflewasmade,theJacobsburgNationalHistoric Districtliesalmostentirelywithinparkgrounds.Originallandforthecenterwaspurchasedbythe formerDepartmentofForestsandWatersfromtheCityofEastonin1959. Formoreinformationonprogramsandactivities,visitDCNRsJacobsburgEnvironmental EducationCenterwebpage.TheCenterislocatednearWindGap,PainNorthamptonCounty. (ReprintedfromtheNovember27issueofDCNRsResourceonlinenewsletter.)

DCNRIssuesNewGuidelinesToHelpWithTrailPlanning,Building TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceWednesdayannouncedthereleaseofjust issuedPennsylvaniaTrailDesignandDevelopmentIssues:GuidelinesforSustainable,Nonmotorized Trails. This254pagemanualwillhelpcommunitiesandorganizationswithplanning,design, constructionandmanagementoftrails. Thedocumentisacompilationofbestpracticesandguidelines,butalsoincludesideasfor developingtrailsthatwillprovidedesirableandenjoyableexperiencesforusersaswellasutilizing sustainabledesignelements.CreatingtheseguidelineswasarecommendationinDCNRs nationallyrecognizedstatewideOutdoorRecreationPlan. ClickHeretodownloadyourcopy. (ReprintedfromtheNovember27issueofDCNRsResourceonlinenewsletter.) JoinThePennsylvaniaWildsArtisanTrail IfyouareafineartistorcraftartisanlivinginthePennsylvaniaWildsregionyouareencouragetoapply tobepartofthePAWildsArtisanTrail. Likewise,shops,restaurants,lodges,galleries,visitorcentersandotherretailersintheregion whocurrentlysellorareinterestedinsellinghandcrafteditemsbyPAWildsJuriedArtisansand promotingtheirbusinessutilizingthePAWildsbrand,shouldapplytobecomeatrailpartner.Jury sessionsareheldtwiceayearinthefallandspring. ApplicationscurrentlybeingaccepteduntilDecember13. Withnearlyonehundredartistsandoverthirtytrailpartners,thisprogramcontinuestogrow andraisevisibilityandprofitabilityofartisansandartsrelatedbusinessesinthePAWilds.PAWilds doesthisbyhelpingartsrelatedbusinessesincreasesalesandcommandhigherpricingthroughtheuse oftheProudlyMadeinthePennsylvaniaWildsbrandandgettingmoreoftheseitemstomarket throughretailpartnersinourregion. AkeybenefittojoiningthePAWildsArtisanTrailistheabilitytoadvertiseunderthePAWilds ArtisanTrailbrand,andbenefitfromitsstrongonlineandsocialmediapresenceaswellasprint materialstohelpartisansmoreeasilymarkettheirproductstoresidents,visitors,designprofessionals andthelike. Visualartists,craftartisans,jewelrydesigners,furniture,glassandmetaldesignersareall welcometoapply. Thisisagreattimetojointhisprogram,aswearecurrentlyworkingonaseriesofupgrades thatwillincreaseitsreachevenfurther.Someoftheseupgradesincludeamobileappandnewwebsite. Formoreinformation,visitthePAWildsArtisanTrailwebsite,findthemon facebook/pawildsartisansorsendemailto:manager@pawildsartisans.com. PAHuntersEncouragedToDonateVenisonToHelpFeedHungry Hunterscanhelpfeedthemorethan1.5millionPennsylvanianswhoareatriskforhungerbydonating deermeatthroughHuntersSharingtheHarvest.

HuntersSharingtheHarvesthelpshuntersdonatedeerthatisthenprocessedintoground venisonanddistributedbyPennsylvaniafoodbanks,soupkitchensandpantries. "Hungerisarealityformorethan600,000Pennsylvaniafamilieswhowonderhowthey'llfind theirnextmeal,"AgricultureSecretaryGeorgeGreigsaidTuesdayduringaneventtokickoffthe programatDiller'sCustomDeerProcessinginEnola,CumberlandCounty."Iencourageallhuntersto donatevenisonthisholidayseason." Hunterscantaketheirdeertooneof90participatingmeatprocessorsthroughoutthestateand donateanyamountoftheirvenisontotheprogramfromseveralpoundstothewholeanimal.Any hunterdonatinganentiredeerisaskedtomakeaminimum$15taxdeductiblecontributiontohelp coverprocessingcosts.Theprogramcoversallremainingfees. TheDepartmentofAgriculture,throughthefederalEmergencyFoodAssistanceProgram, contributes$1.25perpoundofdonatedvenisontoreimburseprocessors. "Venisonisagreatlowfat,highproteinmeatproductthatishighlydesiredbythefamilieswe serve,"saidJoeArthur,executivedirectoroftheCentralPennsylvaniaFoodBank."ThroughHunters SharingtheHarvestweareabletoprovidethiscenteroftheplateproteinthatprovidesgreatnutritional valuetofamiliesandindividualsstrugglingwithhunger." ThisyearCONSOLEnergywilldonate$1totheprogramforeachlimitededitioncamouflage baseballcapsoldthroughtheendofhuntingseason.Capsmaybeorderedonline. CONSOLEnergyisalsounderwritingtheprocessingcostsfordonateddeeratapprovedmeat processorsinAllegheny,Fayette,Greene,WashingtonandWestmorelandcounties. "ByworkingwithCONSOLEnergy,thedepartment,HungerFreePennsylvaniafoodbanks andotherpartners,HuntersSharingtheHarvestcandoevenmoreforourneighborsinneed,"saidJohn Plowman,executivedirectorofHuntersSharingtheHarvest."Welookforwardtoreachingmore familieswhoneedhelpevenmoreeffectively." Establishedin1991,HuntersSharingtheHarvesttodaycovers53participatingcountiesand providesmorethan750,000mealsannuallytofoodbanks,churchesandsocialservicefeeding programs. Lastyear,huntersdonatednearly100,000poundsofvenisontomorethan4,000emergency foodassistanceagenciesthroughthestate's21regionalfoodbanks. Tolearnmoreabouttheprogramortoobtainalistofparticipatingmeatprocessors,visitthe ShareDeerwebsite,orcalltollfree8664742141. NewsClips: WhyDeerCanBeAttractedGasDrillingSites DeerAnActiveThreatToMotorists HuntersAskedToShareDeerThisSeason JonathanWilcoxHonoredWithWildlifeConservationAward StateForestDistrictsOpeningAdditionalRoadsToDeerHunters WhenanewseasonbeginsMondayforPennsylvaniadeerhunters,newhuntinggroundswillbe availabletothemthroughadditionalstateforestroadsin18ofthe20stateforestdistricts. "Whenhuntersseekingwhitetaileddeerheadoutfortheopeningofthestate'straditional seasontheywillfindmorethan90percentofallstateforestlandisnowwithinonehalfmileofanopen road,"saidDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesActingSecretaryEllenFerretti."Since earlyOctober,we'veopenedmorethan400additionalmilesofstateforestroadsthatarenormally

gated." Throughthestate'sarcheryseason,whichclosedNov.16,andthestate'sotherdeerhunting seasons,runningintoJanuary2014,hunterswillfindmorethan3,000milesofroadwayopentothemin stateforestlands. "Selective,temporaryopeningofstateforestroadsenablesourforestryexpertstochanneldeer huntingpressurewheretheythinkitisneededtobenefitforestregeneration,"saidFerretti."We'realso offeringhunters,whoweviewasinvaluabletoolsinbothwildlifemanagementandforeststewardship, accesstosometimesremoteareas." Ferrettinotedsomeoftheseadditionalroadswillbeopenonlyduringdeerseasonandatthe discretionofthedistrictforester.Othersonlywillbeopenedforthesecondweekofthetraditionalrifle seasonbecausetheycannotwithstandtheexpectedheavytrafficofthefirstweek.Twoorthreemonth longopeningswillbeineffectonlywherethereisminimalthreatofdamageordeteriorationtoroad surfacesorforestsurroundings. Manystateparks,especiallythoseinthe12countyPennsylvaniaWildsregion,offer inexpensivecampingandaccesstotopqualityhuntinginnearbypublicforestlands. Primitivecampingonstateforestlandsalsoisanoption,givinghuntersabackcountrycamping orhuntingexperience.Campingpermits,issuedbythemanagingforestdistrict,willberequiredwhen campingonstateforestlands. ManyofthesecampsitesareclosetostateparksandforestlandsenrolledintheGame Commission'sDeerManagementAssistanceProgram,permittinghunterstotakeoneantlerlessdeeror morewhenproperlylicensed.Huntersareadvisedtocheckwithstateforestsdistrictheadquartersor stateparkofficesaboutavailability. Hunterstravelingtonorthcentralareasofthestateareremindedsomehuntingareasandtravel routesmaybeimpactedbyMarcellusShalerelatedactivities.Somestateforestroadsmaybe temporarilyclosedduringdrillingoperationsorotherpeakperiodsofheavyusetoreducepotential safetyhazards. Toavoidpotentialconflictsonstateforestroadsduringtimesofhighpublicuse,DCNRwill attempttolimitorrestricttrucktrafficattheoutsetofmajorhuntingandfishingseasons. Also,huntersinSproulStateForestareremindedalargescaleacidmineremediationprojectis underwaynearRenovowithheavytrucktraffic.A1.5milesectionofBoyerRoad,astateforestroad, willbeclosed.Inaddition,TwoMileRoad,apublicroad,isclosedfromtheHulingBranchParkingLot toRobbinsFarmRoad.AccessintothatareawillbefromRoute144oneitherBigBasinorQuarter Mileroads. HulingBranch,WhiskeySpringsandMiddleBranchroadsinthestateforestwillbeopenedfor hunteraccess.Duetoprojectsafetyconcerns,barricadeswillallowonlypartialaccesstoHuling BranchandBoyerroads. Moreinformationandadetailedmapofthe100acreHulingBranchreclamationprojectcanbe foundonDCNRsStateForestRoadsandTrailsAdvisorieswebpage. Acompletelistingofopenroads,effectivedatesanddistrictofficetelephonenumberscanbe obtainedonDCNRsHuntingOnStateForestLandswebpage. MarcellusShaleinformationcanbefoundonDCNRsNaturalGasDrillingonStateForests webpage.CampingopportunitiesanddetailscanbefoundonDCNRsChooseAnActivitywebpage. NewsClips: WhyDeerCanBeAttractedGasDrillingSites DeerAnActiveThreatToMotorists

HuntersAskedToShareDeerThisSeason JonathanWilcoxHonoredWithWildlifeConservationAward PAParksAndForestsFoundationJoinsTheNationalGivingTuesdayMovement ThoselookingforanalternativetoBlackFridayshoppingthisyearhaveanewwaytochannelthe holidayspirittothePennsylvaniastateparksandforeststheylove.ThePAParksandForests FoundationhasjoinedGivingTuesday,afirstofitskindefforttotransformhowpeopleparticipatein thegivingseason. TakingplaceonDecember3theTuesdayafterThanksgivingGivingTuesdayhopestotap thereachofsocialmediatocreateanationalmovementaroundtheholidaysdedicatedtogiving,similar tohowBlackFridayandCyberMondayhavebecomedayssynonymouswithholidayshopping, GivingTuesdayisaneasywaytorememberyourfavoritenonprofitsduringtheThanksgiving holiday.Investinginnonprofitsnotonlymakesyoufeelgood,itdoesgood,saidPPFFPresident MarciMowery. ThePAParksandForestsFoundationiscommittedtoconservation,educationandenhancing Pennsylvaniasstateparksandforeststhroughalargenetworkofvolunteerchaptersworkinginparks acrossthestate. TheFoundationisactivelyworkingtoincreaseaccessiblerecreationopportunitiesfordisabled Pennsylvanians,helpingtobuildaccessibleplaygroundsintheparks,supportingstafftrainingsessions, andfundraisingforEZDockADAaccessibleboatrampsatseveralparks,includingthenewestatPoint StateParkinPittsburgh. PPFFhasalsolaunchedanewannualeventforwoundedservicememberstotryoutactivities rangingfromadaptivekayakingandhandcyclingtofishingandnaturephotographyatGiffordPinchot StatePark. FindmoreinformationaboutwaystosupportPennsylvaniasstateparksandforeststhrough PPFFattheGivingTuesdaywebsite. KickOffTheHolidaysAtHawkMountainDec.7 TheholidayshaveadecidedlyfeatheryfeelatHawkMountainSanctuarywhenstaffopensdoorsforits annualHolidayOpenHouseonDecember7from11a.m.to3p.m. Thisfulldayeventisdesignedtogetfamiliesoutsideandintotheholidayspirit,andwillfeature complimentaryhotciderand$1softpretzels,greatgiftideas,anartexhibitbywildlifeartistDavid Hughes,naturethemedactivities,theSanctuaryssignatureliveraptorprograms. TheVisitorCenterwillremainopenuntil5p.m.andtrailfeeswillapplyforthosewhowalkto scenicoverlooks.Membersarealwaysadmittedfreeofcharge. Thedaybeginswithachancetoseealivehawkorowlupcloseat11,andakidswinter activitytablewillopenimmediatelyfollowingatnoon,andwillcontinueuntil2pm,offeringyoungpeople thechancetocompleteasimplenaturethemedprojecttotakehome. At12:30volunteersandstaffwillleadaWondersoftheWinterWoodsWalk,afunandeasy outdooractivityforallages,followedbyachancetoseeanotherhawkorowlduringtheSanctuarys signatureRaptorsUpClose!programat2p.m. Thedaywrapsupat3pmwiththeannualdrawingofwinnersfortheSanctuarys2013 MountainRaffle.Topprizeupforgrabsthisyearisa$2,400pairofSwarovskiELbinoculars,and

otherprizesincluedanLLBeangiftcard,scopeandtripod,otherbinocularsandmore. Ticketsareavailablebyphonewithcreditcard,orattheVisitorCenterandyouneednotbe presenttowin. Allvisitorsareencouragedtoexplorethetrailsthroughoutthedayandtrailfeeswillcost$6for adults,$5forseniorsand$3forchildrenages6to12.Admissionisalwaysfreeformembers,and membershipsareavailableforsaleonsiteoronline. ThosewhoarewillingtowalktotheonemiletoNorthLookoutwillmeetupwiththedays interpreterandjoinintheannualraptormigrationcountwhichconcludesDecember15.Hikersare stronglyencouragedtowearwarmlayersandtocarefullyconsiderchildrensabilitytohikeoverrocky terrain.OnlythetrailtotheNorthLookoutisopenatthistime. HawkMountainSanctuaryislocatedjust2miNofI78/Cabelasintersection,andisknown worldwideasthefirstrefugeforbirdsofprey.Its2,600acresisopentothepublicbymembershipor modestfeeforwildlifewatching,hiking,enjoyingscenicoverlooks,orwatchingtheannualraptor migration. Formoreinformation,visittheHawkMountainSanctuarywebsiteorcall6107566961. SusquehannaGreenwayNovembereNewsletterNowAvailable TheNovemberissueofSusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipseNewsletterisnowavailableonline. ThismonthsissuefeaturesstoriesabouttheWestBranchoftheSusquehannaintherunningforRiverof theYear,diningoutalongtheriver,whereisriveraccessneededandmuchmore. HelpWanted:PittsburghOutdoorClassroomSeekingEducators TheOutdoorClassroomislocatedintheSouthHillsofPittsburghiscurrentlyseekingEnvironmental Educatorsforavarietyofpositionsincluding1fulltimeand1parttimepositions,an8.5monthposition andmultipleseasonalandcasualpositions.ClickHerefordetails.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased December3AgendaReleased.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. UndergroundStorageTankIndemnificationFundupdate RegulatorDEPupdatesonpermits,training,LandRecyclingregulationchanges,andmore <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. December3AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposedwater withdrawalsandotherwaterrelatedprojects.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112 RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.1:30.(formalnoticeandagendas) December4CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding10:00.(formalnotice)

December4AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionmeetingoninteractivemapping capability,updatedPCBcriterionandotheritems.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter, 1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.12:45.(formalnoticeandagendas) December5AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtocontinue reviewofworkplans.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. December12AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.LoweHouse OfficeBuilding,HouseofDelegates,PrinceGeorgesDelegation,Room150,6BladenSt.,Annapolis, MD.8:30.(formalnotice) December17CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduledmeetingis January21.(formalnotice) December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

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Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. December13ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipConservationGrants December20WesternPAConservancy,DominionWatershedMiniGrants December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) January6PASectionAWWAStudentScholarshipForPAColleges January6DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants January10DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleGrants January14GovernorsAwardsForEnvironmentalExcellence January14WestPennPowerSustainableEnergyFund January15SustainableEnergyFund0%EnergyEfficiencyFinancing January20CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram January20CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram January25SinnemahoningCreekWatershedGrants February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing March1SWPAAirQualityPartnershipLet'sClearTheAirPosterChallenge March5CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram March5CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate CorbettTrails7DemocraticCandidatesForGovernor WhiteHouseChristmasTreeComesFromPA Budget OpEd:TaxingOilAndGasIsCounterproductive OpEd:SeveranceTaxCanProtectUsFromPitfallsOfThePast Editorial:BoreholeGoodUseOfMarcellusFund PennDOTSaysDriversUnlikelyToBePinchedAtPump GasolineRetailersPlanToPassHigherTaxOnToMotorists

CorbettSignsTransportationFundingBill CorbettSigns$2.3BillionTransportationBill TransportationFundingBillBipartisanVictory DemsJoinCorbettAtTransportationBillSigning TransportationBillIncludesFundsForRail,Airports LegislativeLeadersToAdvisePennDOTOnSpendingNewMoney Winners,LosersFromInTransportationBill TransportationFundingBillVoteUnusual TurzaisTransportationVote TransportationBillDoesntEndBridgeWeightLimits JohnBaer:TransportationBillRaisesQuestions McNickle:AboutThatTransportationBill Editorial:Long,StrangeTripForRoadFundingBill Other EnvironmentalCharterSchoolToOfferHighSchool DecisionOnHaulingCoalAshByBargeCouldBeFastTrack TMICompletesRefueling,BackAtFullPower PPLElectricityPriceToDipSlightlyInDecember UGIHandsOutGiftOfLowerGasBills DuquesneUniversityRanks30thOnGreenPowerList DickinsonCollegeFarmToSponsorCommunityAgriculture GustyWindsFanWildFiresAcrossLehighValley LetsTalkAboutBirds:GreatArgus BaldEaglesMakeNewHaysHomeInWesternPA WhyDeerCanBeAttractedGasDrillingSites DeerAnActiveThreatToMotorists HuntersAskedToShareDeerThisSeason JonathanWilcoxHonoredWithWildlifeConservationAward DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling WilliamsportKeepsOptimismAsGasDrillingSlows MarcellusShaleSeismicTestingAdaptsToWesternPA PennsylvaniaOilProducersFaceNewChallenge OpEd:TaxingOilAndGasIsCounterproductive OpEd:SeveranceTaxCanProtectUsFromPitfallsOfThePast Editorial:BoreholeGoodUseOfMarcellusFund DEPReducesDrillingWastewaterPlantDischarges DEP:DrillingWastewaterPlantMustStopUntreatedDischarges

Editorial:IsShaleDrillingGoodForYou? UGIHandsOutGiftOfLowerGasBills WhyDeerCanBeAttractedGasDrillingSites OilAndGasEnlistGOPCheerleaders P&GMovesBeyondPaperWithNaturalGasPowerGeneration NaturalGasElectricGenerationFacilityProposedForNicholson AsMarcellusShaleLosesMomentum,AReassessment CoastGuardRequiresDrillingWastewaterBargeTesting Financial/OtherStates NaturalGasUseLikelyToDrop

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding ProtectingWaterSuppliesFromDroughts,Floods OtherWatershedNewsClips DEPReducesDrillingWastewaterPlantDischarges DEP:DrillingWastewaterPlantMustStopUntreatedDischarges DecisionOnHaulingCoalAshByBargeCouldBeFastTrack LacawacSanctuaryReceivesGrantForNewLab Editorial:AbandonedMine,AlleghenyCountyDoesRight HarrisburgAuthorityRaisesWater15%,Sewer51% DEPWarnsDamOwner

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinNovember30,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishednoticeofatentativeorderforcommentrelatedtotheAct129 DemandResponseStudyandnoticeofproceduresforcertificationofwellpluggingandreclassification ofunconventional(MarcellusShale)naturalgaswells.

TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. December3AgendaReleased.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December3AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposedwater withdrawalsandotherwaterrelatedprojects.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112 RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.1:30.(formalnoticeandagendas) December4NEW.SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderthe nominationsofEllenFerrettiasSecretaryofConservationandNaturalResourcesandChrisAbruzzoas SecretaryofEnvironmentalProtection.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.10:00. December4CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding10:00.(formalnotice) December4AgendaReleased.DelawareRiverBasinCommissionmeetingoninteractivemapping capability,updatedPCBcriterionandotheritems.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter, 1112RiverRoad,WashingtonCrossing,PA.12:45.(formalnoticeandagendas) December5AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingtocontinue reviewofworkplans.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December9LocationAdded.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollution ControlandConservationCommitteewillhearapresentationbyEricJesperson,ananalystand researcher,onPAWaterDataRetrospectiveandForwardonthehistoryofwaterdataplanningin Pennsylvania.Room8EAEastWing.Noon. December10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286

IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00. December10StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperatorsmeeting. 10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December11DEPCoalandClayMineSubsidenceInsuranceFundBoardmeeting.10thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. December12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. December12DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. December12AgendaReleased.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.LoweHouse OfficeBuilding,HouseofDelegates,PrinceGeorgesDelegation,Room150,6BladenSt.,Annapolis, MD.8:30.(formalnotice) December16NEW.HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteehearingonclimatechange.Room418 CapitolBuilding.10:00. December17CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduledmeetingis January21.(formalnotice) December18DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.SusquehannaRoomA,DEPSouthcentral Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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