PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaMarch24,2014 Rep.GroveIntroducesBillToUndoAct13DrillingLawCourtDecision Rep.SethGrove(RYork)WednesdayintroducedHouseBill2115designedtoundotheAct13 drillinglawcourtdecisioneliminatingthepreemptionpreventinglocalgovernmentsfromregulatingthe drillingindustryundertheEnvironmentalRightsAmendment,ArticleI,Section27ofthePennsylvania Constitution. Currently,businesseswhoarerequiredtohaveenvironmentalpermitsarehinderedbystate andlocalgovernmentenvironmentalrulesandregulatorystandardswhichareinconsistentand ambiguous,saidRep.GroveinhiscosponsormemotoHousemembers.Thesemultiplerulescreate difficultiesandobstaclesforbusinessestoperformtheirworkwhilecomplyingwithdifferentrules. ThelegislationIwillbeintroducingwillenableDEPtoenforceclear,consistent,and transparentsetofenvironmentalrulesandregulationsthroughoutthepermittingprocess.Theserulesand regulationswillpreemptalllocalordinances,saidRep.Grove.Byenablingbusinessestocomplywith asinglesetofrulesandregulationswillhelptocreateanopen,consistent,andcompliantworking environmentbetweengovernmentandbusinesses. ThebillwasreferredtotheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteefor consideration. Rep.RonMiller(RYork)servesasMajorityChairandRep.GregVitali(DDelaware)serves asMinorityChair. IndependentFiscalOfficeReportsPAMarcellusTaxRatesLowestOfAnyState TheIndependentFiscalOfficeThursdayissuedareportcomparingstateandlocaltaxationratesof naturalgasproducingstatesthatfoundPennsylvaniahadthelowestnaturalgasextractiontaxationrates ofanystate,nearlyonethirdtheratesinTexas. Theanalysisincludedseverancetaxesaswellasadiscussionofcorporateincome,personal income,saleanduseandtangiblepersonalpropertytaxes. ThereportfoundPennsylvaniaseffectivetaxrateis1.6percent,followedbyOhioat1.8 percent,NorthDakotaat2.5percent,Louisianaat2.6percent,Virginiaat3percent,Oklahomaat3.9 percent,Arkansasat4.2percent,Texasat4.6percent,Coloradoat5.6percent,Michiganat5.9 percentandWestVirginiaat7.2percent. Acopyofthereportisavailableonline.ClickHereforhighlightsfromthereport. NewsClips: IFOReport:ImpactFeeOnGasWellsLosingValue Report:PAAtTheBottomForGasDrillingTaxes

AnalysisFindsPAShaleGasTaxRateAmongLowest Study:PAShaleGasFeesLowestAmong11States OpEd:CommonApproachToTaxingShaleDrilling IndianaCountySpreadsMarcellusFundsAmongServices ApplyNowFor8CFASewage,Water,Watershed,RecreationAndOtherGrants TheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityhasbegunacceptingapplicationsfor8differentgrantprograms tofundwaterandsewagesystemimprovements,sewagesystemplanning,watershedrestoration, abandonedminedrainageabatementandtreatment,orphanorabandonedwellplugging,baselinewater qualitydatamonitoring,floodmitigationandgreenways,trailsandrecreationprograms. TheseprogramsarefundedinpartbytheMarcellusShaleLegacyFundsupportedbyfeeson MarcellusShalegaswells. UpdatedprogramguidelinesandapplicationinstructionsarepostedontheCFAwebsite.The programsinclude PASmallWaterAndSewageSystems:Supportssmallerprojectstoimprovepublicwatersupply andsanitarysewersystems.ApplicationsdueMay16. SewageFacilitiesProgram:FundssewagesystemimprovementsandprovidesgrantsforAct537 planning.ApplicationsdueJuly21. AbandonedMineDrainageAbatement:Eligibleapplicationscoverprojectstorestoreandmaintain streamreachesimpairedbyabandonedminedrainageandultimately,toremovethesestreamsfromthe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionImpairedWaterslist.Grantswillnotexceed$1millionand requirea15percentmatch.ApplicationsdueJuly21. WatershedRestorationProtection:Grantstorestoreandmaintainstreamreachesimpairedbythe uncontrolleddischargeofnonpointsourcepollutedrunoffandultimatelytoremovethesestreamsfrom theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsImpairedWaterslist.Grantswillnotexceed$300,000 andrequirea15percentmatch.ApplicationsdueJuly21. BaselineWaterQualityDataProgram:Grantstousethescientificprinciplesandpracticesforwater samplecollectionandanalysistodocumentexistinggroundwaterqualityconditionsonprivatewater supplies.Grantswillnotexceed$250,000andrequirea15percentmatch.ApplicationsdueJuly21. Greenways,TrailsandRecreation:Grantsfortheplanning,acquisition,development,rehabilitation andrepairofgreenways,recreationaltrails,openspace,parksandbeautificationprojects.Grantswill notexceed$250,000andrequirea50percentmatch,exceptforapplicationsfrommunicipalitieswitha populationoflessthan5,000whichrequiresa20percentmatch.ApplicationsdueJuly21. OrphanorAbandonedWellPlugging:Grantstoprovidemechanismstoplugabandonedand orphanedwellsthathavethepotentialtocausehealth,safetyorenvironmentalconcerns.Grantswillnot exceed$250,000.ApplicationsdueJuly21.

FloodMitigationProgram:Grantsforfloodmitigationprojectsofupto$500,000foranyproject. Eligibleprojectswillhaveatotalprojectcostof$50,000ormoreandamaximumcostof$1,000,000. A15percentmatchofthetotalprojectcostisrequired.Matchmaybecashornoncashandmustbe directlyrelatedtotheapprovedscopeofwork.ApplicationsdueJuly21. Eligibleapplicantsfortheseprogramsincludelocalgovernments,watershedorganizations, forprofitbusinesses(otherthanproducersofnaturalgas),councilsofgovernmentsorotherauthorized organizations(anyentityinvolvedinresearch,restoration,rehabilitation,planning,acquisition, development,educationorotheractivities,whichfurtherstheprotection,enhancement,conservation, preservationorenjoymentofthisCommonwealth'senvironmental,conservation,recreationorsimilar resources). NotifyYourLegislators:Ifyouplantoapplyforfundingunderthisprogram,PA EnvironmentDigeststronglyurgesyoutonotifyyourlocalHouseandSenatememberthatyouhave appliedandmakesuretheyknowhowimportantitistoyou. "Myadministrationiscommittedtoprotectingtheenvironmentandgrowingoureconomy withoutsacrificingonefortheother,"Gov.TomCorbettsaid."Act13fundingdirectedtotheCFAwill continuetoprovideimportantresourcestolocalgovernmentsandstateregulatoryagenciestoaddress environmentalimpactsandcontinuedevelopingMarcellusShaleresponsibly." Formoreinformation,visittheCommonwealthFinancingAuthoritywebsiteorcall 18664663972andtalkwitheitherBrianEckertorMatthewKarnell. ApplicationsForClean&RenewableEnergy,GreenBuildingsGrants,LoansDueToCFA TheCommonwealthFinancingAuthorityhasbegunacceptingapplicationsfor3energyrelated programstosupportalternativeenergy,renewableenergyandgreenbuildingprojects.Thedeadlinefor applicationsisnotedbelowwitheachprogram AlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram:Providesgrantandloanfundsforutilization,developmentand constructionofalternativeandgreenenergyprojects.ContactRyanEmersonat7173468191. RenewableEnergyProgram:Providegrantsandloansforuseofalternativeenergy.ContactBlake Swettat7177207344. HighPerformanceBuildingProgram:Providesgrantandloanfundsfordesignandconstructionor majorrenovationofhighperformancesbuildings.ContactBrianEckertorMatthewKarnellat 7177876245. Thedeadlinesfortheseapplicationsare:May9,July11,September22. NotifyYourLegislators:Ifyouplantoapplyforfundingunderthisprogram,PA EnvironmentDigeststronglyurgesyoutonotifyyourlocalHouseandSenatememberthatyouhave appliedandmakesuretheyknowhowimportantitistoyou. Forprogramguidelinesandinformationonhowtoapply,visittheCommonwealthFinancing Authoritywebsite. DEPTellsCACFilledPositionsNearlyLevelLast3YearsInspiteOfComplementCuts DEPExecutiveDeputyforAdministrationJeffLogantoldtheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilTuesday thenumberoffilledstaffpositionshasbeennearlylevelthelastthreeyearshoveringaround2,580 inspiteofcutsinoverallstaffcomplement.

ThespecificnumberspresentedbyLoganwere:FY1112complement2,770/filled2,598 FY1213complement2,770/filled2,578FY1213complement2,729/filled2,576Projected FY1415complement2,663/filled2,605. Gov.CorbettsproposedFY201415budgethasoverallstaffcomplementatDEPreducedby another66positions.DEPscomplementhasbeenreducedby548positionssinceFY200203or17 percent,mostoccurringfrom2003to2010. Logansaidtheproposedbudgetalsoreflectsseveralothermajorchangesaconsolidationof DEPandDCNRpersonnelfunctions,areductioninfederalindirectmoniesbymorethan$2.3million anda$10millionincreaseinGeneralGovernmentOperationsfunding. Logansaidstaffproductivityintermsofnumbersofpermitsprocessandnumberofinspections completedhaveincreasedoverthelastthreeyearswhichheattributedinparttothePermitDecision GuaranteeProgram. CACmemberWalterHeinepointedoutthattwoofthethreestaffCAChadtosupportthe CouncilsoperationshavebeencutinthelastfiveyearswhichhassignificantlydecreasedtheCouncils effectivenessinhisopinion. LogansaidDEPisalsomonitoringtheagencysspecialfundstomakesurethepermitfees chargedcoverprogramexpenses.HenotedtheRadiationProtectionFundisprojectingadeficitabout threeyearsfromnow. DuringhisreporttoCouncil,DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaidtheagencycannolonger sustaincutstoitsworkforceandtoaskpeopletodomoreandmorewithfewerresourcesisnot sustainable. HesaidtheGovernorsBudgetOfficehasbeensupportiveoffillingpositionswhereDEPcan demonstrateaneedforthem. ClickHereforananalysisofDEPandDCNRbudgetcuts/increasesoverthelast13years. SecretaryAbruzzosaidDEPisplanningtocommemorateEarthDay2014(April22)ina numberofwayspresentingtheGovernorsEnvironmentalExcellenceAwardsatadinnersponsored bythePAEnvironmentalCouncil,awardingthenextroundofenvironmentaleducationgrants, participatinginaspecialPhilliesbaseballRedGoesGreenevent,havingtheDEPAtHomeenergy conservationdisplayintheCapitolBuildinginHarrisburgandothercleanupandserviceeventsby employeesacrossthestate. HenotedhewillbeparticipatinginaGreatAmericanCleanupInPAeventnearhishomein Hershey. OnthetimetableforfinalizingtheChapter78drillingregulations,SecretaryAbruzzosaidthe departmentreceivedover22,000comments,manyofthemformletters,raisingavarietyofissues. DEPstaffwillbetakingtheirtimegoingthroughallthecommentsandchangeswillbemadetothe regulationsbasedonthosecomments. Hesaidhedoubtedtheywillcompletetheworkneededtofinalizetheregulationsuntiltheend oftheyear. AnumberofCouncilmemberscommendedDEPforgoingaboveandbeyondinholdingnine publichearingsandextendingthepubliccommentperiodtoprovidemoreopportunityforpublicinput. InresponsetoaquestionaboutfollowuptotheAct13drillinglawcourtdecision,Secretary Abruzzosaidtheyaretryingtobringsomecertaintytothepermittingprocess,especiallyrelatingtothe setbackprovisionsthecourtinvalidated.DrillingcompaniesareheedingtheGovernorscall,hesaid,to complywithexistingsetbacks,butnotedtwoorthreepermitsdidbecomeaproblem. HealsoreportedDEPhasselectedsixmorewatershedsfortargetedagriculturecompliance

inspectionsliketheagencysuccessfullydidinSoftRunWatershedinMifflinCounty. DEPalsosubmitteditsregularmonthlywrittenreporttotheCAC. PublicComments DuringCouncilspubliccommentperiod,BonitaHoke,PALeagueofWomenVoters, recommendedDEPconductathoroughreviewofallitsprogramsinlieuoftheAct13drillinglawcourt decisionallowingmunicipalitiestoregulatelandusesundertheauthorityoftheEnvironmentalRights AmendmenttoPennsylvaniasConstitution. HokealsosaidDEPsdecisionsshouldbedatadrivennotingmanyprogramsdonotmeasure therightthingsindeterminingwhetheraprogramisasuccess. CommitteeReports ThePolicyandRegulatoryOversightCommitteereportedonitsreviewofseveralAirQuality ProgramregulationsrecommendingDEPmoveaheadwithregulationsrelatedtoflexiblepackaging, fiberglassboatmanufacturingmaterialsandmiscellaneousmetalpartssurfacecoatingprocessestothe EnvironmentalQualityBoardforconsideration.ThefullCounciladoptedtherecommendation. TheCommitteerecommendedDEPnotmoveaheadwithaproposedrulemakingcovering industrialcleaningsolventsuntilmorebackgroundisgatheredonwhattypesofoperationswouldbe affectedandinformationonhowotherstatesimplementedsimilarregulations.ThefullCounciladopted therecommendation. Councilspenttheremainderofthemeetingdevelopingalistofpriorityprojectsitwould considerpursuingin2014withthegoalofnarrowingdownthelistatitsnextmeetingonApril15. Formoreinformationandcopiesofavailablehandouts,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil webpage. CBF:ActNowToOpposeBillRemovingProtectionForEndangeredSpecies,WildTrout TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAisurgingitsmemberstoopposeHouseBill1576 (PyleRArmstrong)thatifpassedcouldchangestreamclassificationsandprotectionsinPennsylvania fornativebrooktroutandrare,threatenedandendangeredspeciesinPennsylvania. OnbehalfofthePennsylvanianativebrooktrout,ourstatefishandaniconofclean waterpleasejoinCBFintellingourrepresentativestovote"NO"onHouseBill1576. Since1969,Pennsylvania'stopscientistsattheFishandBoatCommissionhaveusedscientific analysistolookfornaturallyreproducingnativebrooktroutpopulationsintheCommonwealth'smost remoteandunspoiledstreams. Whenfoundbyscientists,thesectionsofstreamwheretheyliveandbreedqualifiesforspecial protectionstandardsbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection. Ifpassed,HouseBill1576couldinjectpoliticsintothatdecisionmakingprocessthatformore than40yearshasbeensciencebased. ClickHeretotelllegislatorstoopposeHouseBill1576. 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 BillCalendars House(March31):HouseBill202(HarperRMontgomery)prohibitingstandbywaterservice chargesforfirecompaniesHouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimum royaltypaymentinstatelawHouseResolution583(MolchanyDAllegheny)designatingJanuary 1319Mt.WashingtonEmeraldViewParkTrailWeek.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(March31):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)encouragingthereuseofminedrainage andminepoolwaterfordrillingoperationsSenateBill1149(BrubakerRLancaster0regulating fertilizerforuseonturfSenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoil andgaswellstoinspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpaymentsSenateBill1254 (YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionofleadfreeunderthePlumbingSystemLeadBanand NotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirementssponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullSenate BillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theHouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeholdstwohearings,oneonHouseBill703

(ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtoprivatelateralsewagelinemaintenancesponsorsummaryand HouseBill704(ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtocreatingaSewageDisposalSystemFundfor privatelateralsewerlineimprovement/repairsponsorsummaryinPittsburgh,andabriefingonFish andBoatCommissionfiscalchallengesandPNDIreviewtoolinErietheStateGovernment CommitteeholdsaninformationalmeetingonHouseBill1503(MaloneyRBerks)amendsAct537 furtherprovideforsubdivisionscoveredunderasewagefacilitiesplansponsorsummary.<>Click HereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek VariableRateElectricContracts:HouseBill2104(GodshallRMontgomerywouldlimitelectric rateincreasesforcustomerswithvariableratecontractsandenablecustomerstoswitchcompanies withouttransferpenaltiesorfeessponsorsummary.

VariableRateElectricContracts:SenateBill1297(BoscolaDLehigh)wouldrequirethePublic UtilityCommissiontoadoptregulationsthatwouldshortenthewaitingperiodbeforepeoplecanswitch retailelectricsuppliersandotherchangessponsorsummary. SchuylkillRiverOfTheYear:HouseResolution734(PainterDMontgomery)recognizingthe selectionoftheSchuylkillRiverasthe2014RiveroftheYearsponsorsummary. SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House March31 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 March31 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

BillsOnGovernor'sDesk
ThefollowingbillsweregivenfinalapprovalbytheSenateandHouseandarenowontheGovernor's deskforaction AppalachianTrailLicensePlate:HouseBill770(MillerRYork)authorizinganAppalachianTrail licenseplateandotherchangestotheVehicleCode.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable. ThebillwassignedintolawasAct23.

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate House PotomacRiverBasin:HouseBill2039(MoulRAdams)furtherprovidingformembershipofthe InterstateCommissiononthePotomacRiverBasinwasreferredintoandoutofHouseAppropriations andpassedbytheHouse.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillnowgoestothe Senateforconsideration.

StandbyCharges:HouseBill202(HarperRMontgomery)prohibitingstandbywaterservicecharges forfirecompanieswasremovedfromtheTableandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction. GasLeaseRoyalties:HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimum royaltypaymentinstatelawwasamendedandreportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommitteeandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction. FloodInsurance:HouseResolution648(MillardRColumbia)urgingCongresstoreexamineflood insurancelawswasadoptedbytheHouse. Senate AppalachianTrailLicensePlate:HouseBill770(MillerRYork)authorizinganAppalachianTrail licenseplateandotherchangestotheVehicleCodewasamendedontheSenateFloorandpassedby theSenate.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillwasthenconcurredinbythe HouseandnowgoestotheGovernorforhisaction. SummerGasoline:SenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)eliminatingthesummerlowRVPgasoline requirementinWesternPennsylvaniawasreportedfromtheSenateAppropriationsCommitteeand passedbytheSenate.ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforaction.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNote areavailable. NaturalGasLeases:SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliating againstroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementandSenateBill 1238(YawRLycoming)requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecountyRecorderof DeedsofficewhenoilandgasleasesareterminatedwerereferredtotheSenateAppropriations Committee.

NewsFromTheCapitol
MinimumGasRoyaltyLegislationVotedOutOfHouseEnvironmentalCommittee HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimumroyaltypaymentinstatelaw wasamendedandreportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee Monday,saidbillsponsorsReps.GarthEverett(RLycoming),TinaPickett(RBradford),MattBaker (RTioga)andSandraMajor(RSusquehanna). Themeasure,whichwasthesubjectofhoursofdiscussionduringtwocommitteemeetings,will nowadvancetothefullHouseforitsconsideration. Thelegislationaddressesconcernsbylandownersthattheirroyaltypaymentshavedecreased duetopostproductioncosts.Ashasbeenreported,someenergycompaniesattemptedtoreduceor succeededinreducingroyaltiesbelowthestatutoryminimumbytransferringpostproductioncoststo royaltyowners. Thesearecoststhatareincurredbetweenthewellheadandafinalmarketpointofsaleand typicallyincludedehydrationandtransportation.Whentheseexpensesarededucted,finalpayments

oftenresultinroyaltysharesoflessthanoneeighth,whichisequivalenttoabout12.5percent. IampleasedthatwegotthebillmovedoutofcommitteeandnowhopetogetittotheHouse floorforafulldebateandvote,Rep.Everettsaid.Thecommitteeandamendmentprocessmadethis abetter,morefocusedbill.Thechallengenowtothoseofuswhoaresponsorsofthebillistogather enoughsupportfrommemberssothatthemajorityleaderwillbringittoavote.AsIsaidinthe committeemeetinganumberoftimes,inmymindthisissimplyamatteroffairnesstotheleaseholders inmydistrictandinotherpartsoftheCommonwealthaswell. Althougha1979statelawguaranteedaminimumroyaltytolandownersofoneeighth,or12.5 percent,languagewasnotclearforunconventionalwells,namelythoseintheMarcellusShale.In addition,thelawdidnotspecifytermssuchaspostproductioncosts.Asaresult,thestateSupreme CourtdeterminedthattheGeneralAssemblyneededtodefinethosetermsinordertoclarifythelawfor thedrillingactivitythatiscurrentlytakingplace. Todayscommitteeactionisapositivestepforourlocallandownerswhohavebeendirectly impactedbythedeductionofthesecosts,Rep.Pickettsaid.Ourgoalwiththisentirelegislationhas beentoensuregreaterfairnessinstatelaw,sothatcompaniescannotusestatelawtotheiradvantage andagainstthosewhoownthelandwherethisdrillingistakingplace. Thelegislationalsoincludesanamendmentthatwassuccessfullyinsertedintothebilltomore clearlydefinepostproductioncostsandtospecifythattheproposalwouldapplytobothexistingand futureleases. ImpleasedtoseethislegislationmoveforwardtothefullHouseforavote,saidRep.Baker. Ithinkwehaveagood,solidpieceoflegislationthatwillhelpbetterensurefairnessforour landowners.Wewillcontinuetoadvocateforadvancementofthelegislationthroughthelegislative process. Minimumroyaltypaymentamountshasbecomeanoverridingissueformanylandownersinthe NorthernTier,saidRep.Major.MycolleaguesandIfromtheregionhavebeendiligentlyworkingon andadvocatingforgreaterclarificationforsometimenow,anditisgratifyingtohavethebillgarner committeesupportandmoveontothefullHouseforconsideration.Itismyhopethelegislationgains bothHouseandSenatesupportandissignedintolawbythegovernorintheverynearfuture. HouseBill1684couldcomeupforaHousevoteonsecondconsideration,whereadditional amendmentscouldbeconsidered,bytheendofthisweek. NewsClips: HousePanelApprovesBillToLimitGasRoyaltyDeductions HousePanelApprovesGasRoyaltyBill LawmakersShouldConsiderInterestsOfGasLeaseholders HousePassesResolutionUrgingCongressionalActionOnFloodInsurancePremiums TheHouseMondayunanimouslypassedHouseResolution648(MillardRColumbia)urgingCongress toreexaminefloodinsurancelaws. CountlessresidentsinColumbiaCountyandmanywholiveinfloodplainsallacross Pennsylvaniahavebeenslappedwithfloodinsurancerenewalnoticesthataremorethanfourtimeswhat theyhadpaidpreviously,saidRep.DavidMillard,theresolutionsprimesponsor.Thisissuecanbe dealtwithsolelyonthefederallevel,butImurgingstatelegislatorstodoallthatispossibletosenda firmandswiftmessagethatsomethinghastobedoneaboutthisforthesakeofPennsylvania homeowners.

HouseResolution648specificallycallsonCongresstoreexaminetheBiggertWatersFlood InsuranceReformActof2012.ThatfederallawrequiredtheNationalFloodInsuranceProgramto raiseratestoreflecttruefloodrisk,maketheprogrammorefinanciallystableandchangehowFlood InsuranceRateMapupdatesimpactpolicyholders. TheBiggertWatersActwaspassedbytheU.S.Congressin2012tohelpstabilizethefinances oftheFederalEmergencyManagementActafterhighcostfloodingdisasterssuchasTropicalStorm LeeandHurricaneKatrinadrainedtheprogramscoffers. ItsimportanttonotethattherearetwobigproblemswiththeBiggertWatersAct,Rep. Millardsaid.Thefirstisobviouslythesteephikeinpremiumrates.Butthesecondistheprofoundly negativeeffectthattheinflatedcostscanhaveontheresalevalueofhomesinfloodplains.Thecostof carryingthisinsurancewillbasicallymaketheirpropertiesworthless.WhileIunderstandtheneedto ensureFEMAfunding,thisparticularmethodishavingsignificantunintendedconsequences. Inshort,theU.S.Congress,theU.S.Senateandthepresidentneedtotakesubstantiveaction tofixthisproblem.AndIwanttoensurethattheyhearaclarioncallfromthePennsylvaniaHouseof Representativestogetitdonequickly,Rep.Millardsaid.Initialvoteshavenowbeentakeninthe U.S.CongressandtheU.S.Senate,butthisresolutionwillhelptoremindallthatswift,deliberative actionisneeded. Themorethan73,000floodinsurancepoliciesinplaceinPennsylvaniahaveaninsurancevalue ofmorethan$13.5billion.ColumbiaCountyhasanotableconcentrationofpolicies. TheresolutionwasamendedinCommitteetoaskforadditionalstudiesonthefederalreform restoreprevious2012premiumratesonthefloodinsuranceandallowawayforpropertyownersto recoupsurveyingcostsiftheirpremiumswereraisedinerror. AcopyofMillardsresolutionwillbetransmittedtothepresident,thepresidingofficersofthe U.S.HouseandSenate,andeachmemberofCongressfromPennsylvania. TheU.S.SenateandHousepassedlegislationMarch13toaddresstheissue. SenateOksBillToEventuallyEndSummerLowRVPGasolineMandateInWesternPA TheSenateWednesdayunanimouslyapprovedSenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver)directingthe EnvironmentalQualityBoardtoadoptaregulationtorepealtherequirementforsummerlowRVP gasolineinsevenWesternPennsylvaniacounties. ThecountiesincludeAllegheny,Armstrong,Beaver,Butler,Fayette,Washingtonand Westmoreland. ThissummergasisroutinelymoreexpensivethangasolinesoldintherestofPennsylvaniaand alsoinneighboringOhioandWestVirginia. RequiringtheEQBtoadoptaregulationmeanssummergasolinewouldstillbeineffectthis summerbecausetherequirementtoswitchtolowRVPgasolinebeginsMay1.Ittakesupto18 monthstoadoptregulations. Since1999,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandfederalEnvironmentalProtection AgencyhaverequiredthatgasolinesoldbetweenMay1andSeptember15inthesevencountyGreater PittsburghAreahaveaRVPof7.8psi.RegulargasolinehasanRVPof9.0. ThismeansthatpeopleinasevencountyareaofwesternPennsylvaniaoftenpay10to15 centsmorepergallonforgasthanthoseinneighboringcountiesandjustacrosstheborderinOhio, saidSen.Vogel.Basically,theRVPregulationisnothingmorethanahiddentax,notonlyatthepump butalsoongoodsandservices.SenateBill1037endsthatunfairandcostlyregulationonthepeopleof

westernPennsylvania. In2012Sen.VogelsponsoredlegislationsignedintolawasAct135thatrequiredthe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontoreviewtherequirementforlowRVPgasolineinWestern PAandreporttotheSenateandHouseEnvironmentalCommittees. Act135alsoauthorizestheGovernortosubmitarequesttotheU.S.EPAtowaivethe lowRVPgasolinerequirementifDEPdocumentsdisruptionsinthesupplyofcompliantgasolineor whenfivepercentofthegasolineretailersinAllegheny,Armstrong,Beaver,Butler,Fayette,Washington andWestmorelandcountiesareunabletoobtainanadequatesupplies. ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration. SenateUnanimouslyConfirmsPUCChairPowelsonAsCommissioner ThePublicUtilityCommissionWednesdaythankedtheSenateforunanimouslyconfirmingthe renominationofChairmanRobertF.PowelsontohissecondfiveyeartermasaPUCCommissioner. DuringhishearingTuesdaybeforetheSenateConsumerProtection&ProfessionalLicensure Committee,ChairmanPowelsonnotedthattheCommissionisontheforefrontaddressingissuesthat impactPennsylvanianseveryday,notingthesuccessfulimplementationoflawstoaddressagingutility infrastructuretocollectanddistributetheMarcellusShaleImpactFeetoreduceelectricconsumption andpeakdemandstatewideoverfiveyearsandtoenforcepipelinesafety. "Despitethesesuccesses,itiscleartomethatourjobisneverfinished,ChairmanRobertF. Powelsonwroteinhistestimonyforyesterdayshearing.Fromtheeverevolvingcompetitive electricitymarketinPennsylvania,totherecenttransportationissues,therearealwaysnewand challengingissuesfortheCommissiontoaddress.However,IamconfidentthattheCommissionis wellpositionedtotakeonthechallengesthatconfrontus." TheChairmanthankedtheSenateforconfirminghimandGov.TomCorbettforrenominating him. ChairmanPowelsonfirstwasnominatedtothePUConJune19,2008,byGov.Rendelltofill theremainderofanunexpiredterm.TheSenateunanimouslyconfirmedChairmanPowelsontoserve asCommissioneronJune30,2008.CommissionerPowelsonwasrenominatedbyGov.Rendellfora fullfiveyeartermonFebruary12,2009,andonceagainunanimouslyconfirmedbythePennsylvania SenateonApril22,2009. OnFebruary24,2011,Gov.CorbettappointedPowelsonChairmanofthePUC.On February18,Gov.CorbettnominatedChairmanPowelsontoasecondfullfiveyeartermonthePUC. HistermwassettoexpireonApril1. PowelsonisthechairoftheNationalAssociationofRegulatoryUtilityCommissioners CommitteeonWater.Inaddition,hehasbeenappointedtorepresentthatcommitteeonNARUC's TaskForceonClimatePolicy.HealsoisamemberoftheNARUCCommitteeonCritical InfrastructureandamemberoftheNARUCSubcommitteeonNuclearIssuesWasteDisposal. PowelsonpreviouslyservedasthePresidentoftheChesterCountyChamberofBusiness& Industry,wherehealsoheldotherjobtitlesandhelpedtodevelopthecounty'seconomicdevelopment strategy.In2005,hewasselectedbytheEisenhowerPresidentialFellowstobeaU.S.fellowin SingaporeandAustralia. PowelsonearnedaBachelorofAdministrationdegreefromSt.Joseph'sUniversityanda MasterofGovernmentalAdministrationdegreefromtheUniversityofPennsylvaniawithaconcentration inpublicfinance.

ADelawareCountynative,Powelsonandhiswife,Lauren,andtheirtwosonsliveinKennett Square. Rep.Godshall:TighterControlsComingForVariableElectricRates Rep.RobertGodshall(RMontgomery),MajorityChairoftheHouseConsumerAffairsCommittee, saidThursdayspublichearingtoaddressrecentelectricratespikesforcustomerswithvariablerate electricgenerationcontractsallowedCommitteememberstoairtheconcernsofconsumersandseta courseforfixingtheproblem. Rep.Godshallcalledthehearingafterheandotherlawmakersreceivedafloodofcallsand emailsfromPennsylvaniaratepayerswhowerehitwithexceedinglyhighelectricbillsfollowingrecent stormsandrecordlowtemperatures. TheCommitteeheardtestimonyfromthePublicUtilityCommissionandthePennsylvaniaOffice ofConsumerAdvocateaswellasPJM,thefederallyregulatedtransmissiongridmanagerfor Pennsylvaniaand12otherstates,andtheEnergyAssociationofPennsylvania,whichrepresentselectric distributionutilities. PUCchairmanRobertPowelsonsaidhisagencyhasreceivedabout9,000consumer complaintsconcerningvariablerates.Hesaidvariablerateelectricplansworkwellforsomecustomers andshouldnotbeabandoned,butvariableratesarenotidealforconsumerswithalowrisktolerance. PowelsonsaidthePUCisattemptingtoexpeditechangestosomeofitsrulestoaddressthe kindofcomplaintstheagencyhasbeenreceiving. WhileRep.GodshallapplaudedthePUCsworktoexpeditechanges,hesaiditismore importanttoensurethatanychangesaredoneright. Hasteisnotwhatweneedinthissituation,saidRep.Godshall.WhileIappreciatewhatthe PUCisdoingtoassistcustomersaffectedbytherecentratespikes,Iwanttobeabsolutelysurethat anychangesweimplementarecarefullyconsideredandinthebestinterestofPennsylvaniaconsumers goingforward.Halfmeasureswillnotworkinthissituation. Wecannotrelyontheindustrytoprotectconsumers.Wemustputcapsonvariablerate increasesandrequiretheindustrytoputlanguageintheircustomercontractsthatwarnconsumersabout thenatureofvariablerates.Iamproposinglegislationthatwillputthesechangesintolaw. HouseBill2104(GodshallRMontgomerywouldlimitelectricrateincreasesforcustomers withvariableratecontractsandenablecustomerstoswitchcompanieswithouttransferpenaltiesor feessponsorsummary. Rep.Godshallsbillwillalsorequireelectricsupplierstoprovidecustomerswithacopyoftheir contract,andtoensurethatitcontainscertainlanguagethatclearlyexplainsthecontractterms. TanyaMcCloskey,actingconsumeradvocateinthestateOfficeofConsumerAdvocate, praisedthecommitteeforaddressingtheissueandsaidshesupportsGodshallsapproachtosolvingthe matter. McCloskeysaidshehasfieldednumerouscallsfromvariablerateelectriccustomerswhoclaim tohavebeenmisledbyquestionablemarketingpracticesthatadvertisedlowrates.Shesaidforsome people,theresultinghighelectricbillswerealifechangingsituation.Shesaidgreatertransparencyand publicawarenessaboutvariableratesisneeded. Rep.GodshallsaidtheCommitteewillholdanotherpublichearingonvariableelectricratesin PittsburghonApril10.ThehearingwillbeheldintheGoldRoom,AlleghenyCountyCourthouse,436 GrantSt.,inPittsburghstartingat10:00.

NewsClips: LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates RelatedStories: Sen.BoscolaIntroducesVariableRateElectricPricingLegislation PUCSeeksCommentsOnAcceleratingSwitchingTimesForElectricitySuppliers CommentsOnNewElectricSupplierDisclosureStatementsRequestedByPUC NewVideoFromPUCRespondsToConsumerOutrageOverElectricityPriceSpikes Sen.BoscolaIntroducesVariableRateElectricPricingLegislation Sen.LisaBoscola(DLehigh)TuesdayintroducedSenateBill1297aimedathelpingconsumersshop forlessexpensiveelectricityandavoidstickershockwhentheyagreetovariableratepricingdeals. Mylegislationmandatesclearandreliablepricinginformationonvariableratepricing,Sen. Boscolasaid.Italsoreducesthelengthy,arbitraryandunnecessarywaitingperiodsforswitching electricsupplierstofivebusinessdaysorless. Callingthisoneofthemostbrutalwintersinmemory,Sen.Boscolasaidmanyconsumerswith variablerateplanswereshockedbyhugeelectricitypricespikesinrecentweeks. Sen.BoscolasbillwouldrequirethePublicUtilityCommissiontoadoptregulationsthatwould shortenthewaitingperiodbeforepeoplecanswitchretailelectricsuppliers.Currently,consumershave towaitupto45days.Thelegislationwouldcutthewaitingperiodnottoexceedfivebusinessdays. HerbillalsocallsonthePUCtomandatestrongerconsumernotificationrequirementsfor electricsuppliersthatoffervariableratedeals.Sen.Boscolasaidmanypeopledonotunderstandor anticipatethepotentiallyhugepriceswingsthatcanoccuraspartofvariableratedeals.Herlegislation wouldrequireelectricsuppliersto: sendbotha45daynoticeanda15daynoticetocustomersonfixedrateplanswhoareabouttobe movedtoavariablerateplan.Thenotificationwouldindicatethatthecustomerwillbemovedtoa variablerateplanifactionisnottaken electronicallynotifyresidentialcustomerswhentheirvariablerateincreasedby50percentormore fromthepreviousmonthsrate posttheirvariableratepubliclyontheirwebsitewithcontinuousrealtimeupdatesand clearlyandplainlydisclosethefulldetailsofavariablerateplans,inapersontopersonconversation, tothosewhoareconsideringthem,includingthatthevariablerateisuncapped,thebasisinwhichthe rateisderived,andthefulltermsandconditionsofthecontract. Iamsatisfiedthatmybillwouldtightenandclarifythestateselectricchoicelaw,Sen. Boscolaadded.Itwillcertainlyhelpconsumerssavemoneyandmakemoreinformeddecisionswhen theychooseapricingplan. NewsClips:

LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates RelatedStories: Rep.Godshall:TighterControlsComingForVariableElectricRates PUCSeeksCommentsOnAcceleratingSwitchingTimesForElectricitySuppliers CommentsOnNewElectricSupplierDisclosureStatementsRequestedByPUC NewVideoFromPUCRespondsToConsumerOutrageOverElectricityPriceSpikes StudyReleasedOnCombiningFishAndGameCommissions TheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteeWednesdayreleasedastudyonthefeasibilityof combiningandGameandFishandBoatCommissionsintooneagencywhichpointedoutasmuchas$5 millionayearcouldbesavedbyhavingoneagency. ThestudywasdonepursuanttoHouseResolution129(CauserRCameron). Theideaofamergerisdefinitelysomethingthatdeservesfurtherconsideration,saidRep. MartinCausersaid.Afterreadingthroughthestudy,Iwouldclassifytheproposedsavingsasavery conservativeestimateIthinkthesavingswouldbefargreater. Butnomatterwhattheamount,Ifirmlybelieveweshouldbeworkingtosaveeverydollarwe canandinsteadinvestingthatmoneyininitiativestobenefitoursportsmenacrossthestate,he continued.Further,IbelieverecentactionsbythePennsylvaniaGameCommissionrelatedtothe positionofexecutivedirectorprovideonemorepieceofevidencethatreformissorelyneededinthe managementofourwildlifeagencies. Acopyofthereportisavailableonline.ClickHereforreporthighlights. NewsClips: Report:Save$5MillionMergingFishAndGameCommissions LawmakersDebateMergingStatesWildlifeAgencies Editorial:MergeGame,FishAgencies WithCorbettNudge,GameAgencyBlocksPromotion Corbett:GameCommissionersShouldResignIfHisDemandsNotMet GameCommissionRescinds$220,000PaymentToExDirector HouseSenateGovernorLetterOnGameCommissionPayment,PersonnelActions DeerHearingInHarrisburgDrawsEmotion StudyShowsDeerGrazingCostsFoxChapelNativePlants SenatorsWantFasterActionOnStoppingAsianCarp TroutStockingAidedByVolunteers MarchEnvironmentalSynopsisAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee

TheMarchissueoftheEnvironmentalSynopsisnewsletterisnowavailablefromtheJointLegislative AirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee. Amongthetopicsincludedare:fightingforestinvasivespeciesinNorthwestPennsylvania, nationalwhitepapersonwaterqualitycredittrading,Presidentialactionstojumpstartcleanenergy, beneficialreuseofcoalash,hydrofluoricacidputsmillionsatrisk,KeystoneXLPipelineandmore. TheJointConservationCommitteehasthreeeventscomingupinAprilandMay April7EnvironmentalIssuesForumfeaturingGregBrouse,QualityManagerforEasternIndustries, Inc.,willdiscussthebenefitsofusingrecycledgroundtirerubber(GTR)inasphaltroadpavingand GTRspotentialroleinfurtheringhighwayinfrastructureimprovementsinPennsylvania.Room8EB EastWingCapitol.Noon. April10HearingonpipelineconstructionanditsimpactinChesterCountyandSoutheastPA. WestPikelandTwp.Building,1645ArtSchoolRoad,ChesterSprings.10:00. May5EnvironmentalIssuesForumfeaturinganoverviewoftheTreeVitalizeProgram.LTBA. Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointConservationCommittee.

NewsFromAroundTheState
PAAssn.OfEnvironmentalEducatorsRecognizesAwardWinners ThePAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducatorsthisweekpresenteditsannualawardsthisweekto recognizeoutstandingcontributionstoenvironmentaleducationinPennsylvania.Thewinnersinclude JaneKonradofThePittsburghRegionalCenterforScienceTeachersKeystoneAward. TheKeystoneAwardisthemostprestigiousaward.Itispresentedtosomeonewhohassuccessfully dedicatedtheirtimetoadvancingthequalityandopportunitiesofenvironmentaleducationin Pennsylvania. JodyWallace,BlairCountyConservationDistrictOutstandingEnvironmentalEducator:To beconsidered,thenomineemustbeanindividualwhomadeasignificantteachingcontributiontothe environmentaleducationfieldinaformalornonformalsetting,througheithercurriculumdevelopmentor teaching. AllisonPetris,WinniePalmerNatureReserveatSaintVincentCollegeDaisyS.Klinedinst MemorialAward:Theawardrecipientshouldbeaneducator,new(lessthanfiveyears)tothefield, whoisinvolvedinenvironmentaleducationandwhoseekstocontinuetoexpandhis/herinvolvementin environmentaleducation. ConnieKelley,ChambersburgAreaSchoolDistrictEnergyConservationandManagement ProgramOutstandingEnvironmentalEducationProgram:Thisawardrecognizesanexemplary environmentaleducationprogramwhichcouldbeusedasamodelprogram. EllenKeefeofWestmorelandCleanwaysBusinessPartnerAward:Thisawardrecognizesa memberofthebusinesscommunitythathasmadesignificantcontributionstopromoteenvironmental educationwithintheCommonwealthofPA. JeanDevlinofthePennsylvaniaDCNRGovernmentPartnerAward:Thisawardrecognizesa governmentofficialwhoservesonalocal,stateornationallevelandhasdemonstratedsignificant supportforenvironmentaleducationwithintheCommonwealthofPA. GivenposthumouslytoTomDiezandacceptedbyhisdaughterCathyDodsonOutstanding ContributiontotheEnvironmentalField:Thisawardispresentedtosomeonewhohascontributedto environmentaleducation.

CBFHostsMarch25WorkshopOnMS4StormwaterCompliance TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAanditspartnersarehostingafreeworkshoponMeetingMS4 StormwaterRequirements:UsingWinSLAMMtoAssessQualityandVolumeControlsMarch25at thePennStateHarrisburgLibrary,MorrisonGallery,777WestHarrisburgPike,Middletownstartingat 8:30a.m. Dr.RobertPitt,PhD,PE,BCEE,D.WRE,CudworthProfessorofUrbanWaterSystemsat theDept.ofCivil,ConstructionandEnvironmentalEngineering,attheUniversityofAlabama,will presenttheWinSLAMMcomputermodelingprogramandwaysthatmunicipalitiescanutilizethe technologytomeetMunicipalSeparateStormSewerSystem(MS4)permittingrequirementsby modelingstormwaterimpactsofurbandevelopmentandthebenefitsofvariouscontrolmeasures. Specifically,Dr.PittwillexplorewithparticipantstheuseofWinSLAMMandlongtermlocal rainfalldataalongwithsoils,landuse,sourcearea,andotherwatershedfactorstoquantifypollutant sourcesinurbanwatershedspredicttheperformanceandimpactofstormwatermanagementprogram proceduresandestimatetheeffectivenessofbestmanagementpractices(BMPs)suchasrainbarrels andcisterns,raingardens/bioretentionfacilities,andperviousparkinginstallations. Participantsareaskedtobringalaptopinordertofullyparticipateinthishandsonworkshop. CertificatesforPDHswillbeprovidedtoattendeesrequiringcontinuingeducation. Reservationsarerequiredandlunchwillbeprovidedtoregisteredattendees.ContactRuth Hockerat7172345550ext.4209withquestions.Toregister,sendname,titleandcontact informationbyMarch22to:rhocker@cbf.org. NewsClips: Editorial:ChesapeakeBayWatchAppeal HigherSewerBillsForLancasterForChesapeakeCleanup $4.5MSewerSettlementComingToHBGSuburbs 5MillionGallonSewageFloodAtValleyForgePark SewageSpillMarsValleyForgeParkTroutStream BethlehemTwp.OKsStormwaterRunoffProject OldForgeBoreholeTreatmentPlantLongWayOff DEPToHoldWebinarOnChapter105GeneralPermitProcessingUpdatesMarch26 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannounceditwillbeholdingawebinaron March26at9:30a.m.todiscussChapter105WaterObstructionsandEncroachmentGeneralPermit processingupdates. ThewebinarwillprovideanoverviewoftherecentlyupdatedChapter105GeneralPermit registrationprocessandtheregistrationdocumentsthatwererevisedasaresultoftheupdates.The updatesweremadetoaddressreportingneedsandprovideclarificationfortheoverallregistration process. Thewebinarisgearedtoward,butnotlimitedto,homeowners,developers,transportation engineers,miningoperatorsandoilandgasoperators. TheseGeneralPermitsarepreauthorizationsforapersonorentitytoconductcertainactivities thatimpactPennsylvaniaswaterways.TouseaGeneralPermit,apersonorentitymustregisteritsuse withDEP.

TheChapter105GeneralPermitsinclude: GP1:FishHabitatEnhancementStructures GP2:SmallDocksandBoatLaunchingRamps GP3:BankRehabilitation,BankProtectionandGravelBarRemoval GP4:IntakeandOutfallStructures GP5:UtilityLineStreamCrossings GP6:AgriculturalCrossingsandRamps GP7:MinorRoadCrossings GP8:TemporaryRoadCrossings GP9:AgriculturalActivities GP10:AbandonedMineReclamation GP11:Maintenance,Testing,Repair,RehabilitationorReplacementofWaterObstructionsand Encroachmentsand GP15:PrivateResidentialConstructioninWetlands. InordertoobtainauthorizationundertheseGeneralPermits,apersonorentitymustregisteruse oftheGeneralPermits(s)appropriatefortheirproject.Theregistrationprocessislaidoutbythe Chapter105WaterObstructionsandEncroachmentsGeneralPermitRegistrationinstructions,formand requiredattachments.EachoftheseupdateddocumentswillbereviewedduringWednesdayswebinar. Preregistrationisrequiredtoparticipateinthewebinar.Toregister,visitDEPsWebinars webpage.ThewebinarwillberecordedandpostedontheDEPwebsiteforfutureviewing. Formoreinformation,call7177873411. DEPWebinarOnChapter105DamSafetyFeesPostedOnline TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionheldawebinarMarch20,togiveanupdateonChapter 105DamSafetyRegulations. Staffreviewedthefeeschedule,explainhowtocalculatefeesandfilloutworksheetsexplain whoisexemptfrompayingpermitfeesandreviewsomecommonproblemsandhowtoavoidthem whenfillingoutpaperworkandforms. Thewebinarexplainedtheapplicationfeesfornewdams,modificationofdamsandthe operationandmaintenanceofexistingdams,aswellasfeesassociatedwiththetransferofapermitand annualregistration.Staffusedspecificexamplesandscenariosandwalkusersthroughtheassociated paperworktoshowhowtocorrectlyfillouttheforms.Attendeeswillbeabletoaskquestionsatthe endofthesession. ThewebinarwasrecordedandwillbepostedonDEPsWebinarwebpageforfutureviewing ondemand. Formoreinformation,contactSusanRickens,DEPOfficeofCommunications,7177871323 orsendemailto:srickens@pa.gov. PennStateExtension:RestoringOurWaterwaysThroughGreenVolunteering Springisjustaroundthecorner,andafterthislongcoldwinter,doesntitfeelgreattothinkaboutthe snowmelting,thegroundthawing,andgettingyourhandsintothesoiltoplantsomethingnewandgreen inyourcommunity? Beonthelookoutforvolunteeropportunitiesinyourhometown,asmanygroupsworkto

scheduletreeplantingsandothergreateventsthistimeofyear.Theymayjustbegeneralspringevents, orperhapsyouwillfindeventsaffiliatedwithsomeoftheupcomingdatesofsignificancelikeEarthDay onApril22orArborDayonApril26. Plantingtrees,whethertheyarerightalongastreamorinanuplandarea,benefitsourlocal waterways.Treeshelptoserveasbuffers,slowingthemovementofstormwaterandfilteringout nutrientpollutionbeforethewaterreachesourstreams,lakes,ponds,andrivers.Treerootshelptohold soilinplaceandreduceerosion,treecanopiesprovideshadeoverwatertokeepaquatichabitatscool, andfallingleavesprovidefoodandshelterforthetinycritterslivingunderwater. Cleanupeventsarealsohappeninginmanycommunitiesthisspring.Removingtrashfromin andalongwaterwaysisverybeneficialtoourlocalwaterquality,forobviousreasons.Cleaningupjust aboutanywhere,however,isabighelptoprotectingwaterresources. Stormwatercarriestrashlongdistancesacrossthelandorthroughstormsewers,eventually depositingitintoourstreamsandrivers.Sonomatterwhereyouare,yourcleanupeffortswillhelpto conserveourlocalwaterways. Theseeffortsarealsogreatopportunitiesforyouthgroupsandwholefamiliestoparticipatein.If youcoordinatea4Hclub,scouttroop,schoolprogramorothergroupofyouthorifyouhavechildren orgrandchildreninyourfamily,youcanmakeahugeimpact.Notonlywouldyoubebringingextra handsalongtovolunteer,butalsoyouwouldbehelpingtocreatefuturewaterstewardssothatour waterwayscontinuetobecaredforinfuturegenerations. Hereareacoupleofresourcesthatyoucanlooktoforvolunteeropportunitiesnearyou: VolunteerMatch,ArborDayFoundationandGreatAmericanCleanupofPA. Alsocheckwithyourlocalparksandnaturecenters,watershedassociations,andmunicipalities forotheropportunities. Mostimportantly,havefun,andthanksforhelpingtoprotectyourlocalwaterways! (WrittenBy:JenniferR.Fetter,ExtensionEducatorWatershed/YouthDevelopment,Renewable NaturalResourcesTeam,PennStateExtension,DauphinCountyOfficeandreprintedfromPenn StateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) EnvironmentalQualityBoardVotesToKeepPerkiomenWatershedClassification TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardTuesdayvoted15to1toacceptarecommendationbythe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontokeeptheexistingwaterqualityclassificationofthe PerkiomenCreekWatershedinBerks,MontgomeryandLehighcounties,butallowthepetitionersto resubmitanewpetitionwithoutwaitingfortwoyearsasrequiredbyBoardpolicy. ArulemakingpetitionsubmittedbytheDelawareRiverkeeperin2006askedforthewatershed toberedesignatedExceptionalValue. Thefinalvotecameafter90minutesofdiscussionandafteramotionwasdefeated10to6to keepthepetitionopenrecordopenforanother12monthstoallowthepetitionerstosubmitadditional, updatedinformationtojustifytheirrequest. AllpartiesinthediscussionagreedDEPandpetitionerswereworkinghardtogatherthebest availabledatatoevaluatethepetition.DEPalsopreparedacomment/responsedocumentafterrecent publiccommentperiodwasheldtogathermoreinformationonthepotentialreclassification. DEPsrecommendationandsupportingdocumentssaidtheaquaticandwaterqualitydatadid notmeettherequirementsforastreamtobeconsideredHighQualityorExceptionalValue.

Formoreinformation,visittheEnvironmentalQualityBoardwebpage.Thenextmeetingofthe EQBwillbeonMay21.TheAprilmeetingiscanceled. 2014AbandonedMineReclamationConferenceCallforAbstracts Withathemeof"CollaborationIsEssential,"the2014PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamation ConferencewillteamupwithARIPPA,combiningeffortsandaudiences,tocohostadualconference onAbandonedMineReclamationandIndependentPowerProductiononJune2627inStateCollege. TheConferencewillfeaturenotonlytechnicalpresentationsonAbandonedMineReclamation andMineDrainageRemediation,butprojectscompletedbyPowerProducersusingCoalRefuseas anAlternativeEnergy.Numerousnetworkingopportunitieswillbescheduledandmayincludeahappy hour,golfoutingand/oratourofPenn'sCave. TheConferencePlanningCommitteeiscurrentlycollectingabstractsforconsideration.They arelookingforpresentationsonnewpassiveoractiveAMDtreatmenttechnologiesornewinformation andresearchonexistingtechnologies. Theywouldalsolovetoshowcasesomecasesuccessstoriesofwatershedgroupsand conservationdistrictsthathavesuccessfullyreclaimedwastecoalpilesbypartneringwithapower producerasmanyabandonedminelandreclamationprojectswouldnotbepossiblewithoutthese valuablecollaborations. Ifyouhaveapresentationideathatdoesnotfitintothesetwocategories,youarestillquite welcometosubmitanabstractforconsideration.Theplanningcommitteeisopentoallsortsofideas relatingtoabandonedminereclamation. Abstractsubmissionsfora45minutespresentationslotshouldincludeaonepagedescriptionof yourpresentationandashortbiographyifyouhaveneverpresentedattheconferencepreviously. PleasesendabstractsubmissionstoAnneDaymut,WatershedCoordinator,WPCAMRby emailto:anne@wpcamr.org.AbstractsareduebyApril1.CallAnneat7248323625orvisitthe 2014PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConferencewebsiteformoreinformation. (WrittenBy:ByAnneDaymut,WatershedCoordinator,WesternCoalitionforAbandonedMine ReclamationandreprintedfromAbandonedMinePosts.) TiogaCountyProjectFirstNetProducerOfElectricityUsingMineDrainage Aninnovativeandsuccessfulminedrainagetreatmentdemonstration projectinTiogaCountyisshowinggreatpotentialforwidespread use.TheAntrimMicroHydropowerProjectisthefirst microhydropowerprojecttogenerateelectricitytothegrid, becominganetproducerofpowerusingminedrainage. InpartnershipwithDEPandtheAntrimTreatmentTrust,the BabbCreekWatershedAssociationoperatesanAMDtreatment facilitythatcleansa1000to3000gallonperminute(gpm)discharge ofsevereacidminedrainagefromtheabandonedAntrim#1deep mineinthevillageofAntriminDuncanTownship. Theuniquelocationofthedischarge,approximately400higherinelevationthanthereceiving stream,WilsonRun,ledthepartnerstoidentifyhydroelectricpowerproduction,usingtheflowsfrom

thetreatmentplant,asawaytoreducetreatmentplantoperatingcostsaswellasgenerateadditional revenuetothetrustfundestablishedtofinancetreatmentplantoperations. In2008,BCWAappliedforandreceiveda$428,710EnergyHarvestGranttoinstalltwo hydroelectricturbinesontheAntrimTreatmentPlantdischarge.DesignedandconstructedbyBioMost Inc.in2012,thehydropowerfacilityconsistsofaforebaythatcollectstreatedwaterfromthetreatment facility,1,000feetofpenstock,andapowerhousewithtwo20kWTurgoturbines. Initiallyonlyaportionoftheflow(329gpm)wasutilizedtooperateoneturbinetosupply electricitytotheplantwhiletheAntrimTrustappliedforalicensefromtheFederalEnergyRegulatory Commissiontosupplyexcesspowertotheelectricgrid. InFebruary2014,theTrustreceivedauthorizationtogoongrid,eliminating$12,000inyearly powercostsandpossiblygeneratingupto$8,000peryearinadditionalrevenue. Thisprojectturnedawasteproductfrompastminingthatcausedaperpetualenvironmental problemintorenewableenergythatcreatesnoairorwaterpollutionandhelpstosolveanexistingwater pollutionproblem,DEPDeputySecretaryforActive&AbandonedMineOperationsJohnStefanko said.Itdemonstrateshowpositiveenvironmentalandfinancialimprovementscanberealizedthrough innovativeapplicationofexistingtechnology. (ReprintedfromtheMarch20DEPNews.) NRCS,AmericanChestnutFoundationApril21MineReclamationPlantingWorkshop AnyoneinterestedinlearningaboutAmericanchestnutrestoration,opportunitiesforsurfacemine reforestation,USDANaturalResourcesConservationServicePrograms,TheAmericanChestnut Foundationsbreedingprogram,andvolunteeropportunitieswithTACFisinvitedtoattendtheevening programfrom6:008:30p.m.onApril21attheClintonCountyConservationDistrictLearning CenterinMillHall. PersonswishingtoassistwiththesurfaceminereclamationplantinginClintonCountyonApril 28,orwithsubsequentmonitoringoftheplanting,areparticularlyencouragedtoattendtheworkshopat theClintonCountyConservationDistrictLearningCenter. ProspectivevolunteerswhocannotattendthetalkcanemailorcallMichaelFrenchat 8124473285orsendemailto:michael@acf.org. ThisworkshopwillinformattendeesaboutAmericanchestnuthistoryandbiologyandTACFs effortstorestorethistreetoourforests.Attendeeswillalsolearnaboutopportunitiesforlandowner assistanceforreforestingsurfacemines,surfaceminereclamationandreforestationtechniques,andthe significanceofthisplanting. TheplantinginClintonCountyisacontinuationofalargescale,multiyearprojectbyTACFto reforest12reclaimedminesitesthroughoutfivestates(PA,OH,WV,VA,KY)fundedinpartbya ConservationInnovationGrantfromtheNRCS. Overthreeyears,Approximately250,000seedlings,includingmorethan14,000blightresistant AmericanchestnutswillbeplantedbyTACFandprojectcooperatorsonatotalof360acres.This projectisthelargestplantingofpotentiallyblightresistantAmericanchestnuttreesintheFoundations historyandmarksamilestoneintherestorationofthisoncedominantnativetree. ThisNRCSgrantisallowingustodemonstratehowchestnutsandhighvaluehardwoodscan returnminesitestoahealthyforest,andalsotoimprovewaterqualityandwildlifehabitat,said ForesterMichaelFrenchofTheAmericanChestnutFoundation.

ClickHereformoreinformationontheApril21workshop. FormoreinformationonchestnutrestorationactivitiesinPennsylvania,visitthePAChapter AmericanChestnutFoundationwebpage. MarchIssueOfCatalystFromSlipperyRockWatershedCoalitionNowAvailable TheMarchissueoftheCatalystnewsletterfromtheSlipperyRockWatershedCoalitionisnow available. Thismonthseditionfeaturesstoriesonceramicartistswhousematerialsrecoveredfrom abandonedminedrainagefortheirartwork,SRWCpublicationsusedbyRobertMorrisUniversity classes,theAlleghenyFrontradioprogramfeaturingCleanCreekProductsandthemonthlyactivityfor kids. ClickHeretoreadyourcopy. PSUResearchRevealsTrueValueOfCoverCropsToFarmers,Environment Plantingcovercropsinrotationbetweencashcropswidelyagreedtobeecologicallybeneficialis evenmorevaluablethanpreviouslythought,accordingtoateamofagronomists,entomologists, agroecologists,horticulturistsandbiogeochemistsfromPennState'sCollegeofAgriculturalSciences. "Associetyplacesincreasingdemandsonagriculturallandbeyondfoodproductiontoinclude ecosystemservices,weneededanewwaytoevaluate'success'inagriculture,"saidJasonKaye, professorofbiogeochemistry."Thisresearchpresentsaframeworkforconsideringasuiteofecosystem servicesthatcouldbederivedfromagriculturalland,andhowcovercropsaffectthatsuiteofservices. "Covercroppingisoneofthemostrapidlygrowingsoilandwaterconservationstrategiesinthe ChesapeakeBayregionandonewearereallycountingonforfutureimprovementsinwaterqualityin thebay.Ouranalysisshowshowtheefforttoimprovewaterqualitywithcovercropswillaffectother ecosystemservicesthatweexpectfromagriculturalland." Theresearch,publishedintheMarchissueofAgriculturalSystems,quantifiedthebenefits offeredbycovercropsacrossmorethan10ecosystemservices.Benefitsincludedincreasedcarbon andnitrogeninsoils,erosionprevention,moremycorrhizalcolonizationbeneficialsoilfungusthat helpsplantsabsorbnutrientsandweedsuppression. LeadresearcherMeaganSchipanskiexplainedthatcommonlyusedmeasurementsof ecosystemservicescanbemisleadingduetotheepisodicnatureofsomeservicesandthetime sensitivityofmanagementwindows. "Forexample,nutrientretentionbenefitsoccurprimarilyduringcovercropgrowth, weedsuppressionbenefitsoccurduringcashcropgrowththroughacovercroplegacyeffect,and soilcarbonbenefitsaccrueslowlyoverdecades,"shesaid."Byintegratingasuiteofecosystemservices intoaunifiedanalyticalframework,wehighlightedthepotentialforcovercropstoinfluenceawidearray ofecosystemservices.Weestimatedthatcovercropsincreasedeightof11ecosystemservices.In addition,wedemonstratedtheimportanceofconsideringtemporaldynamicswhenassessing managementsystemeffectsonecosystemservices." Tradeoffsoccurredbetweeneconomicmetricsandenvironmentalbenefits,saidSchipanski, whowasapostdoctoralscholaratPennStatewhensheledthecovercropstudy.Nowanassistant professorinthedepartmentofsoilandcropsciencesatColoradoStateUniversity,shenotedthatthe plantingofcovercropswillbecomemoreattractiveiffertilizerpricesriseorifmodestcostsharing

programsliketheonecurrentlyinplaceinMarylandaredeveloped. Researcherssimulatedathreeyear,soybeanwheatcornrotationwithandwithoutcovercrops incentralPennsylvania,whichpresentedagroecologicalconditionsbroadlyrepresentativeofthe NortheastandmidAtlanticregions.Thecovercroprotationincludedredclover,frostseededinto winterwheatinMarch,andwinterrye,plantedaftercornwasharvestedinthefall. Theresearch,fundedbytheU.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,usedsimulatedmanagement practices,includingtillage,syntheticfertilizeruseandmechanicalweedcontrol. Theplantingofcovercropsalreadyisacceptedasanenvironmentallyprudentpractice.Itisso beneficial,infact,thattheNationalResourceConservationServicelastmonthsetagoaltoincreasethe acresplantednationallyincovercropsfromthecurrent2millionto20millionby2020. AccordingtoNRCS,in2006only5percentofcroppedacresintheChesapeakeBayregion hadcovercropsplantedeveryyear,and88percentofacresneverhadanycovercropsplanted.In 2011,52percentofacreshadcovercropsplantedatleastonceeveryfouryears,and18percentof acreshadcovercropsplantedeveryyear. TheNRCSestimatedthattheincreasedannualuseofcovercropsin2011ledtoanaverage78 percentreductioninsedimentloss,35percentlessnitrogensurfaceloss,a40percentcutinnitrogen subsurfaceloss,anda30percentdecreaseintotalphosphorusloss. Butmanyfarmershavenotplantedcovercropsbecausetheyhavenotseenfinancialincentives todoso,accordingtoKaye.Thatislargelybecausethetraditionalmethodofcalculatingtheeconomic valueofcovercropsusedbyagriculturalproducersonlyestimatingtheresultingincreaseto cashcropyieldsoverashortperiodwasnotcompelling. "Themostcommonmetricsforevaluatingcroppingsystemsaregrainandforageyieldsand shorttermprofitability,"hesaid."Withinthiscontext,covercropsaretreatedasatooltobeusedonlyif theydonotinterferewithcashcropproduction." InadditiontoSchipanskiandKaye,theresearchersincludedMaryBarbercheck,professorof entomologyMargaretDouglas,doctoralcandidateinentomologyDeniseFinney,doctoralcandidatein ecologyKristinHaider,formermaster'sdegreestudentinplantscienceArmenKemanian,assistant professorofplantscienceDavidMortensen,professorofweedecologyMatthewRyan,former postdoctoralscholaratPennStateandnowassistantprofessoratCornellUniversityJohnTooker, assistantprofessorofentomologyandCharlesWhite,extensionassociateinentomology. Formoreinformation,contactJasonKayeat8148631614orsendemailto:pk12@psu.edu orMeaganSchipanskiat9704911320orsendemailto:Meagan.Schipanski@colostate.edu. Prizes,PrestigeAwaitDogOwnersInPhiladelphiaWatersBestFriendSpokesdogContest ThePhiladelphiaWaterDepartmentisgivingdogownersinJuniataandLowerMoyamensingthe chancetowincelebritystatusand$200inprizes.ResidentscannowenterthePhillyWatersBest FriendSpokesdogCompetition.ThedeadlineforentriesofMay15. ThepurposeofthePWDsspokesdogcontestistokeepwaterwayscleanbyencouragingdog walkerstopickuptheirpetswaste.Winnersdothisbyattendingtwoormoreneighborhoodevents, handingoutflyers,andgivingawayfreedogwastebags. Believeitornot,dogpoopcankillbecauseitfuelsthegrowthoffishkillingalgae,saidJoanne Dahme,generalmanagerofpublicaffairsatthePWD.Thishappenswhenrainorsnowcarriesitinto sewers,whichcanoverflowintowaterways. LisaWoolofthePartnershipfortheDelawareEstuaryechoedDahmesconcern,saying,We

loveourdogsandenjoytakingthemtoourfavoriteneighborhoods,parksandstreets,butthosethat dontpickupruinitforeveryone. Dogwastehasatonofbacteriathatwedontwantonthebottomofourshoesorwashingoff intolocalwaterwaysorsewers,whichemptyintonearbystreams. Recordsindicatealmost1,000registereddogsliveinJuniataandLowerMoyamensing.This meansthatresidentsmustpickupalmost75tonsofdogwasteeveryyear.Andthisdoesnotinclude unregistereddogs. Studiesdifferonhowmuchdogwasteoffendersleaveontheground.However,aconservative estimateputsitat15percentor,inthiscase,over11tonsayear.Thiscancauseaconsiderablestink givenhowdogwastetakesuptoayeartodegrade.Duringthattimeitcanspreadbacteria,parasites, andillwill. VoterswillselectthefinalistsduringanonlinevoteonJune1toJuly31.Since2011,dog lovershavecastmorethan30,000votesforover150spokesdogcandidatesrepresentingsix Philadelphianeighborhoods. Sponsorsofthisprograminclude:thePhiladelphiaWaterDepartment,Partnershipforthe DelawareEstuary,Tookany/TaconyFrankfordWatershedPartnership,JuniataActionCommittee,and theLowerMoyamensingCivicAssociation. VisitthePhillysBestFriendSpokesdogCompetitionwebpageformoreinformation. PartnershipForDelawareEstuaryScience&EnvironmentalSummitJan.2528 ThePartnershipfortheDelawareEstuarywillholdits10thannualScienceandEnvironmentalSummit January2528inCapeMay,NJ.ThethemewillbeBalancingProgressandProtection10Yearsof ScienceinAction.Staytunedforanofficialcallforpapers.Sponsorshipopportunitiesareavailable. Formoreinformation,sendemailto:dheaton@delawareestuary.org. WissahickonCreekCleanUpEventsSetForApril26 TheFriendsoftheWissahickonandtheWissahickonValleyWatershedAssociationarejoiningforces tocleanuptheWissahickonCreekonApril26from9a.m.to11a.m.inMontgomeryCounty. Thisspringmarksthe44thanniversaryoftheWissahickonValleyWatershedAssociation's annualcreekcleanup,whichissponsoredbyMerckandCo.ItisthefifthyearthatFriendsofthe WissahickonhasworkedtogetherwithWVWAtocleantheWissahickonCreek.Thisisthefirstyear thattheWissahickonEastProjectisinvolvedintheeffort. TheFriendsoftheWissahickonandtheWissahickonEastProjectwillfocustheircleanup effortsonthenewestadditiontoFairmountPark,thenewlyacquiredsixacreWissahickonEastparcel inEastMt.Airy. Forthelast15years,neighborsinEastMt.Airyhavefoughtagainstthedevelopmentofsix acresoflandadjacenttoCresheimCreek.InOctober2013,thelandwastransferredfromthe developerstoPhiladelphiaParksandRecreationandtheparcelisnowpartofFairmountPark.The WissahickonEastProjectisthenonprofitorganizationthattakescareoftheland. InMontgomeryCounty,volunteersofallageswillbepreassignedsectionsoftheWissahickon Creekoratributary,extendingfromLansdaletoFlourtown.SignuponlineorcontactGinaCraigoat 2156468866ext.17orsendemailto:gina@wvwa.org. Pleaseindicatethename,sizeandagerangeofyourgroupandwhetheryouwilljointhepicnic.

Youwillbecontactedandassignedacleanuplocation. ToworkwiththeFriendsoftheWissahickonandtheWissahickonEastProjectinPhiladelphia, meetattheintersectionofAndersonStreetandWoodbrookLaneinPhiladelphia.Parkingisavailable alongWoodbrookLanebutislimited.Volunteersareneededtohelpcleanupalongthecreek,and nearbyareasoftheparkandneighborhood. Volunteersareencouragedtobikeorcarpooltotheevent.Toparticipate,registeronline. Pleaseindicateifyouplantoattendthepicnic.ContactVolunteerCoordinatorEricFalkwithquestions at2152470417x107orsendemailto:falk@fow.org. Volunteersofallagesareencouragedtoparticipate.Volunteerswillbeassignedtoclean sectionsoftheareaandwillbegivenbagsinwhichtocollecttrash. Followingthecleanup,volunteersareinvitedtoWVWA's"Talkin'Trash"picnicattheFort WashingtonStateParkattheFlourtownpaviliononMillRoadfrom11a.m.to1p.m.Toregister, contactFOWVolunteerCoordinator,EricFalk,bysendingemailto:falk@fow.org. Registrationisnotrequiredbutisrecommendedinordertobenotifiedincaseofanychanges duetoweather.Workdayswillbecancelledintheeventofheavyrain.CheckFOWwebsite. SponsorsofthiseventprovidefundingforWVWA'sstewardshipeffortsthroughouttheyear. ThepresentingsponsorisMerck&Co.VolunteersfromMerck'sWestPointplantlocatedatthe headwatersoftheWissahickonCreekwillhelpwiththecleanup. ConservationistsponsorsincludeCovanta,DOWChemicalCompany,FirstNiagaraBankand MSSMoversSpecialtyService.BothDOWandFirstNiagaraBankwillalsosendemployee volunteerstohelpwiththecleanup. AdditionalsponsorshipisprovidedbyAquaPennsylvania,AmblerSavingsBank,Artman LutheranHome,BBD,LLP,CaddickConstruction,FirstPriorityBank,Manufacturer'sGolf& CountryClub,NorthPennWaterAuthority,ThePhiladelphiaCricketClub,RotaryClubofBlueBell andRussellRoofing. CompaniesinterestedinsponsoringthecreekcleanupshouldcontactCarolDeLanceyat WVWAat2156468866. KeepPABeautiful,WashingtonCountyCourtsWorkToKeepCountyBeautiful ThisspringthroughapartnershipbetweenKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful,theWashingtonCountyCourt SystemFurloughIntoServiceProgram,localofficials,andlawenforcementcontinuetoremoveillegal dumpsitesinWashingtonCountyandenforcelocallawsrelatingtoillegaldumpingofwaste. TheWCCSappointedadedicatedemployeetooverseethecleaningofasmanyofthe remainingdumpsitesthatwereidentifiedintheWashingtonCountyIllegalDumpSurvey,completedin 2005byKeepPABeautiful. Todate,thepartnership,startedin2011,hasremoved261,000poundsoftrashand3,200 tires.Thankstothegeneroussupportoflocallandfills,CountyHaulingCorp,TervitaWestmoreland WasteLLC,WasteManagement,Inc.,andLawverTireDisposal,whohaveprovidedareducedrate forthecostofthedisposalofthetrashandtires. Asameansofdeterringsubsequentdumping,signsandhightechcameraswillbeerectedat previouslycleanedsitesaswellasrandomsitesthroughouttheCounty.Thecamerasarecapableof capturinglicenseplatenumbersandvehicledescriptionsindayornight. Allevidencegatheredfromthesecameraswillbeusedtoprosecuteindividualstothefullest extentofthelaw.Thecameraswillberepositionedaroundthecountyasneeded.

QuestionsregardingproperdisposalofwasteandrecyclinginWashingtonCountycanbe answeredbyJasonTheakston,RecyclingCoordinator,WashingtonCountyPlanningCommission,at 7242286811,orbysendingemailto:theakstj@co.washington.pa.us. OthercountyillegaldumpsurveyscanbefoundontheKeepPABeautifulwebsite. NewPublicServiceAnnouncementsOnGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA NewpublicserviceannouncementswillaironPennsylvaniaradioand televisionstationsduringthemonthofAprilurgingallPennsylvanians toparticipateintheGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvania. ThetelevisionPSAfeaturesDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo accompaniedbyagroupofvolunteersatTriCountyCommunity ActionsCommunityGardeninHarrisburg.Thevideoisavailablefor viewingonDEPsYouTubechannel. TheradiospotfeaturesPennDOTSecretaryBarrySchoch. Bothagenciesaresponsorsofthecleanup,alongwithKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful.Thecleanupeffort runsthroughMay31. Interestedindividualscanfindalistingofcleanupevents,resourcesfororganizingacleanupand otherinformationabouttheeffortonlineattheGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniawebsite. (ReprintedfromtheMarch20DEPNews.) PAResourcesCouncilKicksOffHardToRecycleEventsInPittsburghApril5 OnApril5,thePennsylvaniaResourcesCouncilwillhostthefirstoffour2014HardtoRecycle CollectionEventstoenableindividualstodropoffewastesuchascomputersandtelevisions,cell phones,printer/tonercartridges,CFLs,microwaveovens,usedvegetable/cookingoilandpolystyrene packagingmaterial(EPS)atnocost. PRCworksinpartnershipwithagrowinglistofsponsorstomakefreecollectionofewaste possible,saidPRCRegionalDirectorJustinStockdale.ThisyearPRCispleasedtoworkin collaborationwithAlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment,ColcomFoundation,DuquesneLightWatt Choices,TheHeinzEndowments,LANXESSCorporationandNOVAChemicalsCorporation. ThefirstPRChardtorecyclecollectionwilltakeplaceApril5,from9a.m.1p.m.atthe GalleriaatPittsburghMillsinTarentum(parkinglotnearDingbats).Othereventsarescheduledfor May10ConsolEnergyPark,WashingtonCounty August16WestMifflinBoroughand October4MallatRobinson. Whilemostitemsincludingtelevisionsandcomputerswillbecollectedfreeofcharge, individualswillpayanominalfeetodropoffalkalinebatteries,tires,smallFreonappliances,fluorescent tubes,vacuumcleanersandsmallkitchenappliances. ClickHereforadetailedlistofitemsacceptedandthepricestructureorcallPRCat 4124887490,ext.236. CorbettAwards25GrantsForNaturalGasVehicleConversion

Gov.TomCorbettFridayawarded$7.7millioninAct13fundingto25companiesandorganizations makingtheswitchtonaturalgasfortheirheavydutyfleetvehicles. Act13notonlystrengthenedoversightofthedrillingindustry,itallowsustocontinuegrowing jobswhilecleaningtheairatthesametime,Corbettsaid.Naturalgas,particularlyfromtheshale formationshereinPennsylvania,isanabundant,affordable,domesticfuelthatisputtingthiscountryona pathtoenergyindependence. Act13of2012wasthesinglelargeststepinmodernizingthestatesOilandGasLawinnearly threedecades.Itincreasedprotectionsforprivatewatersupplies,empoweredtheDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtectiontoissuelargerfinesandincludedoneofthemostprogressivehydraulic fracturingfluiddisclosurelawsinthenation. TheActalsoauthorizedDEPtodevelopandimplementtheNaturalGasEnergyDevelopment program,fundedbyimpactfeespaidbynaturalgasoperators.Theprogramdistributesupto$20 millioningrantsoverthreeyears,tohelppayfortheincrementalpurchaseandconversioncostsof heavydutynaturalgasfleetvehicles. Forthissecondroundoftheprogram,DEPreceivedapplicationsfrom37applicantsrequesting morethan$10millioningrants.Aportionoffundingwasreservedforlocaltransportationorganizations, asrequiredbytheAct. Thefirstroundawarded$6.3millionto19companiesandorganizationsmakingtheswitchto naturalgas.Thethirdandfinalroundisslatedtoopeninlatesummer. EligiblevehiclesforallthreeroundsoftheNaturalGasEnergyDevelopmentprograminclude thosefueledwithcompressednaturalgas,liquefiednaturalgasorbifuelvehiclesweighing14,000 poundsormore. Grantrequestscannotexceed50percentoftheincrementalpurchaseorretrofitcostpervehicle oramaximumtotalof$25,000pervehicle. ReminderOfGrantRoundsOpen Gov.CorbettrecentlyannouncedtheMarch1openingoftheAlternativeFuelIncentiveGrant Program,providinganestimated$8milliontohelpcompaniesandorganizationspurchaseorconvert CNG,LNGorbifuelvehiclesweighing26,000poundsorless,aswellaselectric,propaneorother alternativefuelvehiclesofanyweight. Applicationsarealsobeingacceptedforinnovationtechnologyprojectsthatincluderesearch, training,developmentanddemonstrationofnewapplicationsornextphasetechnologyrelatedto alternativetransportationfuelsandalternativefuelvehicles. Alistofgrantsawardedisavailableonline. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsNaturalGasVehicleProgramwebpage. HearingPostponedOnApplicationForHilcorpGasWellSpacingUnits TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionFridayannouncedit,alongwithHilcorpEnergyCo., requestedadelayinthehearingprocessonHilcorpsApplicationforGasWellSpacingUnits,or spacingorder,inordertoprovidemorecompletenoticetopotentiallyaffectedpeople. Theassignedhearingofficeracceptedthisjointrequest,delayingthehearingprocessuntilfurther notice. DEPhasmadeitclearthatweintendtoproperlyinformthepublicofthehearingprocessin ordertogarnernecessarypublicinputonthisthisimportantmatter,DEPDeputySecretaryScottPerry said.

Assoonaswediscoveredthatsomeoftheresidentswithintheproposedspacingunitshadnot beenidentifiedbyHilcorpinitsapplication,webeganpursuingadelaytoensurethatallpotentially impactedresidentswouldhaveampletimetobeinformedandpreparedforthehearing.Hilcorpagreed torequestadelaysothatwecouldprovidenoticethatgoesaboveandbeyondwhatthelawrequires. DEPrecentlydiscoveredthatcertainpropertyownerswithintheareaoftherequestedorder werenotincludedintheapplicationmaterialssubmittedtothedepartment.WhileHilcorpidentifiedover 200ofthepropertyownersintheareasubjecttotherequestedorderinitsapplicationmaterials,the companydidnotprovideinformationforthosepropertyownerswhohavenotenteredleaseagreements orfortheotheroperatorthathaspropertyinterestsintheareasubjecttotherequestedorder. Ithasbeenourpositionthatallpotentiallyimpactedhomeownersandotheroperatorsdeserve toreceivepersonalnotificationwellinadvanceofthehearingproceedings,Perrysaid.Postponingthe hearingensuresthatallpropertyowners,operatorsandinterestedpersonswillbegivenpropernotice. BasedonalistprovidedbyHilcorp,DEPsenttworoundsoflettersdetailingthehearing processtomorethan200propertyownersintheareacoveredbytheapplication.WhenDEPlearned thatcertainpropertyownersandoperatorshadnotbeenpreviouslyidentifiedorprovidednotice,DEP immediatelymailedthemnotice. Thedates,timesandlocationsofthepostponedhearingsessionswillbedeterminedatalater date.Apublicnoticeaboutthepostponedhearingshasbeensubmittedtolocalnewspapers.DEPwill bedirectlynotifyingallroyaltyownersandoperatorswithintheareasubjecttotherequestedorderand submittingarevisedpublicnoticewhenthehearingsessionshavebeenrescheduled. HilcorpEnergyCo.isapplyingforawellspacingorderthatestablishesfourgaswelldrilling unitson3,267acrestodrillintotheUticaShaleFormationinPulaskiTownship,LawrenceCountyand ShenangoTownship,MercerCounty. UndertheOilandGasConservationLawof1961,whenaspacingorderapplicationis submitted,anadministrativehearingmustbeheldpriortoenteringanorderestablishingwellspacingand drillingunits. FormoreinformationaboutHilcorpsapplication,visitDEPsConservationLawwebpageir call7177722199. MarcellusShaleAdvocatesLaunchGrassrootsInitiativeInWilkesBarre Nearly700shaleindustrysupportersturnedoutWednesdaynightinWilkesBarreforthelaunchof UnitedShaleAdvocates(USA),anewgrassrootsinitiativefocusedonensuringthatweadvance commonsense,predictablepoliciesthatencourageinvestmentandjobgrowthacrossthe Commonwealth. USAwillprovideanewplatformforadiversesetofstakeholderseconomicdevelopment organizations,labor,smallbusiness,agriculture,conservation,consumersandotherstofurtherengage intheincreasinglyimportantenergyandpublicpolicydebate. NewsClips: MarcellusShaleCoalitionLaunchesNewAdvocacyOrganization MarcellusShaleCoalitionHoldsMeetingInNEPA EPACallsForPresidentialGreenChemistryChallengeAwardNominations TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyisaskingcompaniesorinstitutionstonominatetheir

innovativetechnologiesforthe2014PresidentialGreenChemistryChallengeAwards.Nominationsare dueApril30. EPAislookingfornominationsfromcompaniesandinstitutionsthathavedevelopedsafer chemicalprocessesandproductsthatmayreducethegenerationanduseofchemicalsthatare hazardoustopeopleshealthandtheenvironment. ThePresidentialGreenChemistryChallengeAwardsrecognizeinnovativetechnologiesthatare makingchemicalsandchemicalprocessessafer,moreefficient,orcleaner.Thesegamechanging technologiesarehavingrealworldresultswithsignificantreductionsinwasteandgreenhousegas emissionsaswellassubstantialsavingsofwaterandotherresources,saidJimJones,EPAsassistant administratorfortheOfficeofChemicalSafetyandPollutionPrevention.Asanaddedbenefit,these technologiesoftenresultinreducedcosts,increasedmarketopportunities,orboth.EPAis complementingtheAwardProgrambyprovidingaforumforwinnersandnomineestofocuson maximizingtheirinvestmentingreenchemistry. Nominationsforinnovativetechnologiesthatfeaturethedesignofgreenerchemicals/products, greenerchemicalsynthesis,orgreenerchemicalreactionsareduetotheagencybyApril30,2014. EPAanticipatesrecognizingfiveawardwinninggreenchemistrytechnologiesthisfall.Previous awardwinningtechnologiesincludeanadditiveusedduringaluminumproductionthatpreventsbillionsof poundsofCO2emissionseachyear,awatertreatmentsystemforindustrialandcommercialcooling systemsthatuseslesschemicaladditivesandsavesbillionsofgallonsofwaterayear,andaredesigned synthesisforapharmaceuticalingredientthatpreventsoveronemillionofpoundsofhazardouswastea year. Sincetheinceptionoftheawards19yearsago,EPAhasreceivedmorethan1500nominations andpresentedawardsto93technologies.Theuseofgreenchemistrypracticesaroundthecountryhas resultedintheeliminationofmorethan826millionpoundsofhazardouschemicalsandsolventsfrom industrialprocessesandconsumerproducts,savingsof21billiongallonsofwater,andthepreventionof 7.9billionpoundsofcarbonpollutionemissionstotheair.Greenchemistrytechnologiesalsooffer significantcostsavingstocompaniesduetoreducedmaterialneeds,energyusage,and compliancerelatedcosts. Formoreinformation,visitEPAGreenChemistryChallengeAwardswebpage. PUCSeeksCommentsOnAcceleratingSwitchingTimesForElectricitySuppliers ThePublicUtilityCommissionTuesdayrequestedcommentsonproposedregulationchangesthatwill reducethetimeittakestochangeelectricitysuppliers. DuetotherecentimpactofwholesaleelectricitymarketpriceincreasesonPennsylvania consumers,andconcernsthatsimilareventscouldoccuragainintheimmediatefuture,theCommission determinedthatthepublicinterestrequiresextraordinarymeasuresbetaken,theCommissionsaidina SecretarialLetterseekingcommentsontheproposedchanges. Thecommentswillbeconsideredaspartofanexpeditedrulemakingproceedingwherethe Commissionwillrequiretheelectricdistributioncompanies(EDCs)tofurtherreducethetimeittakes forconsumerstoswitchelectricsuppliers. TheCommissionviewsthetimeittakesforconsumerstoswitchsuppliersisunfavorableto thoseconsumerswhomaywishtomoveawayfromanexistingrateorontoanewrateundercertain marketconditions. AsofMarch14,2014,morethan12,283consumershavecontactedtheCommissionwith

concernsaboutelectricsupplyprices,manyofwhomhaveexpressedfrustrationwiththetimeittakesto changesuppliers.Ofthose,morethan4,775consumershavefiledinformalcomplaintswiththePUCs BureauofConsumerServices. TheSecretarialLettercontainsadraftoftheproposedregulations,whichincluderequiringthe EDCstoaccelerateswitchingtimeframesthroughoffcyclemeterreadingsthatwillallowconsumersto switchsupplierswithinthreedays. EDCswouldberequiredtoimplementthechangeswithinsixmonthsofthenewregulations becomingfinal.CostrecoveryforimplementationwouldbeaddressedineachEDCsnextbaserate proceeding. Interestedpartieswillhavesevendaystosubmitcomments.TheSecretarialLettercontains specificinstructionsonhowtofilecomments.ConsumerscanemailorwritethePUCwithcomments. Undercurrentregulations,itcantakebetween11and40daystoswitchelectricsuppliers, whetherchangingsuppliersormovingtoorfromtheutilityforelectricsupply.Thecurrentswitching timeframesreflectchangesmadeasapartofthePUCsRetailMarketsInvestigation.Thosechanges reducedtheswitchingtimeframebyfivedaysfrom16to45days. NewsClips: LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates RelatedStories: Rep.Godshall:TighterControlsComingForVariableElectricRates Sen.BoscolaIntroducesVariableRateElectricPricingLegislation CommentsOnNewElectricSupplierDisclosureStatementsRequestedByPUC NewVideoFromPUCRespondsToConsumerOutrageOverElectricityPriceSpikes CommentsOnNewElectricSupplierDisclosureStatementsRequestedByPUC ThePublicUtilityCommissionWednesdayrequestedcommentsonproposedregulationchangesthat willprovideelectricshoppingcustomerswithgreater,uniformdetailinelectricsupplierdisclosure statementsandmoretimelyinformationoncontractrenewalandchangeintermsnotices. Theintentoftherevisionsistomakedisclosurestatementsmoreunderstandableandusefulto consumers,especiallyinthecontextofvariablepricedproducts,theCommissionsaidinaSecretarial Letterseekingcommentsontheproposedchanges.Theintent...istomakethenoticesmoreprominent andtoprovideelectricgenerationsupplier(EGS)customerswithimportantandtimelyinformationabout theiroptionsupontheexpirationorchangeintermsoftheirEGScontracts. Thecommentswillbeconsideredaspartofanexpeditedrulemakingproceedingwherethe CommissionwillrequireEGSstodisplaykeycontractualtermsandconditionsmoreprominently, especiallyforcustomersonvariablepricedproducts,providehistoricalpricingdataontheirproducts, andmarkconspicuouslycustomernoticesoncontractrenewalsandchangesinterms.

TheCommissionbelievesthesechangeswillprovideadditionalinformationandgreater protectionsforresidentialandsmallbusinesscustomerschoosingacompetitivesupplierfortheirelectric generation. AsofMarch14,2014,morethan12,283consumershavecontactedtheCommissionwith concernsaboutelectricsupplyprices,manyofwhomhaveexpressedfrustrationwithnotunderstanding thetermsandconditionsoftheirsuppliercontracts.Ofthose,morethan4,800consumershavefiled informalcomplaintswiththePUCsBureauofConsumerServices. TheSecretarialLettercontainsadraftoftheproposedregulationsandasummarytothe proposals,whichincludethefollowing: Morecontractualinformationonconditionsofpricevariability,includingwhetherornotthereare limitsonvariability Aclearstatementofthepriceperkilowatthourforthefirstbillingcycleofelectricgeneration Customeraccesstohistoricalpricinginformation Separatemailingsforeitherfixedtermcontractsthatareexpiring,oranychangestotermsof service AseparateEGScontractsummaryalongwiththefulldisclosurestatementtoensureEGSshighlight keytermsandconditionsinauniform,consistentmanner Newrequirementsforcontractrenewalnoticesandcustomeroptionsnoticespriortothe expirationofacontract Arenewedemphasisonhighlightingchangesinpricingoranytermsandconditionsincludingafixed ratebecomingamonthtomonth,variableproductifthecustomerdoesnotrespondtothenotice(s) and Prominentmarkingonfrontoftheoptionsnoticeenvelopeclearlystatingthatitcontainsimportant informationregardingtheexpirationorchangesintermsofthecustomerselectricsupplycontract. Interestedpartieswillhavefivedaystosubmitcomments.TheSecretarialLettercontains specificinstructionsonhowtofilecomments.ConsumerscanemailorwritethePUCwithcomments. NewsClips: LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates RelatedStories: Rep.Godshall:TighterControlsComingForVariableElectricRates Sen.BoscolaIntroducesVariableRateElectricPricingLegislation PUCSeeksCommentsOnAcceleratingSwitchingTimesForElectricitySuppliers NewVideoFromPUCRespondsToConsumerOutrageOverElectricityPriceSpikes NewVideoFromPUCRespondsToConsumerOutrageOverElectricityPriceSpikes ThePublicUtilityCommissionthisweekreleasedanewvideoonshoppingforelectricsuppliers

describingthedifferencebetweenfixedandvariablerateelectricratesinconsumercontracts. Thevideorespondstorecentconsumeroutrageoverelectricitypricesspikesduringrecentcold winterweather. PUCchairmanRobertPowelsontoldtheHouseConsumerAffairsCommitteethisweekhis agencyhasreceivedabout9,000consumercomplaintsconcerningvariablerates.Hesaidvariablerate electricplansworkwellforsomecustomersandshouldnotbeabandoned,butvariableratesarenot idealforconsumerswithalowrisktolerance. ClickHeretowatchthevideo.VisitthePUCsPaPowerSwitch.comwebsiteformore informationonhowtopickanelectricityandnaturalgassupplierthatmeetsyourneeds. NewsClips: PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates RelatedStories: Rep.Godshall:TighterControlsComingForVariableElectricRates Sen.BoscolaIntroducesVariableRateElectricPricingLegislation PUCSeeksCommentsOnAcceleratingSwitchingTimesForElectricitySupply CommentsOnNewElectricSupplierDisclosureStatementsRequestedByPUC PUCReleasesAct129PhaseIFinalAnnualReport&AssessmentOfCompliance ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdayreleasedthefinalreportdetailingeffortsbysevenelectric distributioncompaniestomeetenergyreductionrequirementsunderAct129of2008. TheCommissionvoted50toreleasetheStatewideEvaluatorsPhaseIFinalAnnualReport, whichoutlinesEDCsimplementationofenergyefficiencyandconservationplans. Act129requiredEDCswithmorethan100,000customerstofile,byJuly1,2009,EE&C planstoreduceelectricconsumptionbyatleast1percentoftheEDCsexpectedloadfortheperiod fromJune1,2009,throughMay31,2010,adjustedforweatherandextraordinaryloads. A1percentreductionwastobeaccomplishedbyMay31,2011.ByMay31,2013,the EDCswererequiredtoreducetheirtotalconsumptionbyaminimumof3percent,aswellasitspeak demandbyaminimumof4.5percent.Underthelaw,companiesthatdidnotmeetthereduction requirementscouldbefinedupto$20million. Accordingtothereport: DuquesneLightCo.(Duquesne),MetropolitanEdisonCo.,PECOEnergyCo.,Pennsylvania ElectricCo.,PennsylvaniaPowerCompanyandPPLElectricUtilitiesCorp.areincompliancewiththe threereductiontargets. Duquesne,MetEd,PECO,Penelec,PennPower,PPLandWestPennPowerCo.arein compliancewiththeadditionalrequirementtoobtain10percentofrequiredreductionsinconsumption andpeakdemandfromgovernmental,educational,andnonprofitentities,aswellastherequirementto

offermeasurestolowincomeinproportiontotheirshareofelectricusage. WestPennisincompliancewiththe3percentconsumptionreductionand4.5percentpeakdemand reductiontargets. WestPennscompliancewiththeMay,31,2011,1percentconsumptionreductiontarget,isbeing referredtotheCommissionsindependentBureauofInvestigationandEnforcement(I&E)for investigationandfurtherproceedingsifnecessary. Act129alsorequirestheCommissiontoadoptadditionalincrementalreductionsin consumptionbyNovember2013,andeveryfiveyearsthereafter,ifprogrambenefitsexceedcosts. OnAugust2,2012,theCommissionadoptedaFinalImplementationOrderonthefutureof EE&CprogramsestablishedunderAct129.AspartoftheadoptionofthisOrder,theCommission adoptedathreeyearPhaseIIAct129EE&CProgramthatbeganonJune1,2013,andwilloperate throughMay31,2016. OtheraspectsoftheCommissionsAct129implementationprocessaddressesEDCand defaultserviceproviderresponsibilitiesconservationserviceproviderssmartmetertechnology timeofuseratesrealtimepricingplansdefaultserviceprocurementmarketmisconductalternative energysourcesandcostrecovery. Formoreinformation,visitthePUCsAct129webpage. PAParks&ForestsFoundationHonorsAwardWinnersMay6 OnMay6thePAParksandForestsFoundationwillrecognizethewinnersofninedifferentawardsit presentseveryyeartorecognizeoutstandingserviceandexemplaryworkinPennsylvaniasstateparks andforests. Thisyearsawardwinnersinclude CarenGlotfeltyCliffJonesKeystoneLegacyAward BushkillTownship,NorthamptonCountyJosephIbbersonGovernmentAward RalphHarrisonPresidentsAward PrinceGallitzinStateParkParkoftheYearAward GallitzinStateForestForestoftheYearAward PromisedLandStateParksNatureArts&CraftsProgramVolunteersEducationAward Kathy&GaryDiegan,PymatuningStateParkImprovementAward FriendsofGiffordPinchotStateParkVolunteerismAwardand EleanorEllieDavisYoungVolunteerAward. TheAwardsDinnerwillbeheldattheWestShoreCountryClubnearHarrisburg.ClickHere forticketandsponsorinformationandtoregister. DCNRSecretarySalutesForestFireWardens,Firefighters Somecametoreceiveawards,othersweretheretorenewprofessionaltiesandbrushuponwildfire detection,investigationandprotectiontechniques,butwhenthe60menandwomenfiledfromthe ShaversCreekVolunteerfirehallalltookhomethesamethingwarmthanksfromDCNRSecretary EllenFerretti. Wemayhave2.2millionacresofstateforestlands,butwehave17millionacresofwoodlands stretchingacrossPennsylvaniaandweneedallthehelpwecangetwhenwildfirethreatsoftensoarin springandfall,FerrettitoldattendeesattheMarch4gathering.Whenweseethewildfiredevastation

inotherstates,wemustalwaysbeappreciativeofthededicationoffolkslikeyouourfirewardens andvolunteerfirecompanies. TheDCNRsecretarywasthefeaturedspeakerattheannualRothrockStateForestDistrict ForestFireWardenTrainingMeeting,bringingtogetherbothlocalvolunteerfirefightersandBureauof Forestryemployeestoimproveandhonordistricteffortsinprevention,suppression,andinvestigationof localforestfires. EachdistrictconductsthisannualtrainingforitslocalPa.ForestFireWardensandvolunteer firedepartmentmemberswhocooperateinlocalwildfiresuppression. Ferrettithankedherlistenersfortheirextendedhistoryofservinglong,volunteerhourstobe thelocaleyes,earsandbootsonthegroundindetecting,fightingandpreventingwildfiresoftenon privateland. Thankfully,Iknowtheseeffortsdonotgounnoticed.Iseethemediaaccountsofyour preventionprogramsandschoolappearances. Markedbyaproudhistoryinwhichtheir100thanniversarywillbecelebratedin2015,about 1,600menandwomenserveasvolunteerPa.ForestFireWardens.Properlytrainedlocalforestfire wardensareappointedprimarilytodetect,extinguishandinvestigatewildfires. Wardensactivelypromotefirepreventionintheircommunity,oftenvisitingschoolsandcivic groupsinastatewide,teameffortthatearnedthemanationalsalutefromtheUSDAForestService. Insummer2013,federalofficialsapplaudedtheWardensHelpingInPrevention,orWHIP, program,createdin1988.Theallvolunteerteamdevelopedawardenmanualenablingthemtobetter incorporatepubliceducationintotheirwildfirefightingandpreventionduties.Theprogramisan allvolunteereffort. Understandably,thisprogramhasdevelopedstrongtiesamongtheDepartmentof ConservationandNaturalResourcesandotherstateagencies,volunteerfiredepartmentsandschool districts.Someofyourprogramvolunteersoverseeasmanyas150programsayear!Ferrettisaid. Youfolksareveryadept,indeed,inspreadingthewordonthedangersofwildfiresandtheneedto preventthem.DCNRisproudtobeapartofyourteameffort. TheDCNRsecretaryalsoparticipatedinawardceremonies,joininginthepresentationofthe annualArthurN.CreelmanAwardfordistinguishedwildfirepreventionwork.Honoringthelateformer chiefofthebureausDivisionofForestFireProtection,recognizedasanationalleaderinwildfire prevention,theawardhonorsrecipientswithanoutstandingdesiretodisseminatethewildfireprevention messagethroughouttheirlifetime. TheCreelmanawardwaspresentedtovolunteerWilliamShaffer,alongwithrecognitionfor overseeing14WHIPprograms. Otherattendeeshonoredinclude:KermitPort,WHIPAwardforoneprogramDaveFelice, WHIPAwardfor11programsandserviceawardfor15yearsasafirewardenBuddyHouck, PetersburgVolunteerFireDepartmentandTonyBerrena,AlphaVolunteerFireDepartment,recipients ofappreciationplaquesforassistanceprovidedtothedistrictonaprescribedfireprojectDaveCoder, WHIPawardfornineprogramsandserviceawardfor30yearsasafirewardenandFrankYoder, recognizedfor2013serviceonanoutofstate,federalfireassignment. (ReprintedfromDCNRsMarch19Resourcenewsletter.) WildResourcesProgramFundsGroundbreakingStudyOfSnowyOwls

DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiTuesdayannounced DCNRsWildResourceConservationProgramisfundingatransmittertohelpbetterunderstandthe southerlymovementofsnowyowls. Theprogramprovided$3,000foratransmitterbeingwornbyabirdcaughtatthebeginningof MarchincentralPennsylvania. Itdoesnthappenveryoften,andwhenitdoes,itsrarelyasdramaticasthisyear. PennsylvaniawasattheepicenterofamassivesoutherlymovementofoneoftheArcticsmosticonic animals,Ferrettisaid.Truetoitsmissionofsupportingresearch,conservationandeducationprojects focusedonbiodiversity,theWildResourceConservationProgramishappytohelpwiththisimportant project. Namedafterthetownnearwherehewascaught,Womelsdorfisayoungmalethathasspent thewinterhuntinginthefarmfieldsofwesternBerksCounty.Heisaveryhealthybird,judgingbythe amplelayeroffatlyingbelowhisdensefeathers,andwillhavenoproblemcarryingthe40gram transmitterstrappedtohisbackwithTeflonribbon. Thiswinter,hundredsofsnowyowlsmovedasfarsouthasFloridaandwesttotheGreat Lakesstates.Thisirruptionisthelargestinahalfcentury,andislikelyduetoabumpercropofyoung owls,thankstoanoverabundanceoflemmingsintheArcticlastsummer. Notmuchisknownabouttheowlswinterbehaviorandecology,especiallyduringanirruption. Recognizingthisunprecedentedopportunity,ProjectOwlnet,anetworkofU.S.andCanadianowl researchers,launchedProjectSNOWstormtolearnmore. Themultistateeffort,whichisbasedattheNedSmithCenterforNatureandtheArtsin Millersburg,isutilizingatechnologyneverbeforeusedtotrackanowlsmovements.Twentyowlshave beencapturedandoutfittedwithsolarpoweredGPStransmittersthatshouldprovideanextraordinary levelofdetailaboutthebirdsmovements. Birdsfromarangeofhabitats,fromoceancoasttofarmlandstourbanareas,havebeentagged togainthebestsensepossibleofhowtheymoveandbehaveduringanirruption. It'sironicthatweknowmoreabouttheecologyofsnowyowlsontheirbreedinggroundsin theArcticthanwedoabouttheirwinterecologywhenthey'redownhere,saysProjectOwlnets codirector,ScottWeidensaul.Theincrediblydetailedtrackingdatawe'regettinghasalready producedahostofunexpecteddiscoveriesaboutwhereandhowtheseowlsmoveacrossthe landscape,whathabitatstheyusebydayandatnight,theirhuntingbehaviorandalotmore. We'vefoundthatsomearehomebodies,rarelystrayingmorethanahalfamilefromwhere theyweretagged,whileothershaveroamedhundredsofmilesacrossmultiplestates,Weidensaulsaid. Somespecializeinhuntingwaterbirdsatnightovertheocean,whileothershavespentweeksonend huntingducksandgullsincracksintheiceonLakeErie,milesfromshore.Therehavebeenalmost weeklyrevelations. AnytimeWomelsdorfpasseswithinrangeofacellphonetowerinCanadaortheU.S.,theunit willdownloadallofitsdatatoProjectOwlnet. Thesmalldevicecanstoreupto100,000datalocations,eachindicatingWomelsdorfslatitude, longitude,altitudeandspeed.Itshouldcontinueoperatingthroughoutthebirdslife. AnyonecanfollowWomelsdorfstravelsorthoseofhisfellowowlsbyvisitingtheProject SNOWstormwebsite. Forinformation,visitDCNRsWildResourceConservationProgramwebpage. NewsClip:WomelsdorfSnowyOwlToYieldDetailedResearchData

DCNRGaugingPastFrigidWintersEffectOnForestInsectPests Thepastwinterofseeminglyunendingsnowstormsandfrigidtemperatureshasprovedtobeastrong allyforstatewoodlandmanagersbattlingtheNo.1enemyofPennsylvaniahemlocks,butthereprieve couldbeshortlived,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesofficialssaidFriday. Thehemlockwoollyadelgidhasbeendealtadeadlyblow,ongoingforestresearchisshowing us,butenoughoftheinvasiveinsectsremaintopresentafuturethreattoourinvaluablestatetreethe Easternhemlock,saidDCNRSecretaryEllenFerretti.Coldweatherhasbeenhelpful,insomecases killingalloftheinvasiveinsectsinselectedstudyareas,butithasntchangedthelongtermimpactthis insectwillhaveonhemlock. SincemidJanuary,theBureauofForestrycollectedhemlockbranchsamplesfrommorethan 75sitesstatewide.AreasselectedincludedCookForestandClearCreekstateparkswhereverylarge signaturehemlocksenrichtheirforests. FoursitesweresurveyedinCookForestinearlyFebruaryand308adelgidwerecounted underthemicroscopeonlyonewasdeterminedtobealive,Ferrettisaid.Ourforestresearcherssay thisisfantasticnews,butitbynomeansindicatestheendofHWAasaprobleminthatpark. ForaparklikeCookForest,themortalityratepresentsthemanagerswithaveryvaluableasset time,Ferrettisaid.Ifthispastwinterhadbeensimilartothewinterof20122013theHWA populationmayhavesweptthroughtheparkfasterthanwecouldhavekeptupwithit.Thisvaluable timemayallowthemanagerstheopportunitytotreatmorehemlockstandsbeforetheystarttoshow signsofdeclinethatalmostalwaysfollowanadelgidinfestation. Statewide,DCNRresearchshowswinterdieoffoftheinsectwasnotashighasCookForest StatePark,butthenumbersstillareverygood. Cautionisthewatchwordhereasourentomologistspointoutremaininginsectscanfoster infestationinashorttime,eventoareaswheretherewas100percentdieoffthiswinter,Ferrettisaid. Tobesure,thewidespreadinsectmortalitypresentstimeforthehealthofhemlockstoimprove throughnewgrowth.Timeforlandmanagersalongtheleadingedgeoftheinfestationtogettheirplans developedandimplementedtocombattheinfestation. Meanwhile,theDCNRsecretarynoted,winterdieoffisnotlikelytohaveapronouncedeffect ontreatmentsplannedjointlybythebureausofstateparksandforestry.Treatmentsareeffectivefor morethanthreeyears,duringwhichHWApopulationscouldagainrebound. DCNRhasembarkedonatwoprongedeffortthatreliesonselectiveapplicationofinsecticides andthereleaseofpredatorybeetles.Thecooperativeeffortamongourbureausofforestry,stateparks andothersinrecentyearshasseenmorethan100sitesandthousandsoftreetreatedincountiesacross thestate. Thewoollyadelgidisafluidfeedinginsect,easilydetectedbytelltaleeggsacsresembling cottonswabsthatclingtoundersidesofhemlockbranches.IntroducedintotheUnitedStatesfromAsia, itfirstwasdiscoveredinsoutheasternPennsylvaniain1969andsteadilyhasbeenspreadingwestward. Homeownersandotherprivatepropertyownerscanlearnmoreaboutthewoollyadelgid, damageitcauses,andeffortstocombatitbygoingtoDCNRsForestPestInsectsandDisease webpage. FishAndBoatCommissionReschedulesMentoredYouthFishingDays TheFishandBoatCommissionWednesdayannouncedithasrescheduleditstwoMentoredYouth

FishingDaysintoonestatewidedateonMay10becausemostofthewaterswheretheeventswillbe heldremaincoverediniceandarentexpectedtocompletelythawintime. ThedayswereoriginallyscheduledforMarch22andApril5. Formoreinformation,visittheGoneFishingPAwebsite. DEPSecretaryUnderscoresNeedForIncreasedTransparencyToLawStudents DEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzothisweekkickedoffWidenerUniversityEnvironmentalLawCenters DistinguishedSpeakerSerieswithapresentationontheenvironmentalprioritiesandaccomplishmentsof theCorbettadministration. SecretaryAbruzzo,a92alumnusofWidenerUniversitysLawSchoolinHarrisburg,talkedto studentsandstaffaboutplacingmoreemphasistransparencyandincreasingopportunitiesforpublic participation. Hepointedtotheunprecedentedninepublichearingsheldacrossthestaterecentlytogather publiccommentontheproposedChapter78regulationsthatregulatethemanagementofsurface activitiesonoilandgaswellsites. Wewantandneedpublicinputontheseimportantregulationsandonanyothermattersof importancetocitizens,Abruzzosaid.Thebestpublicpolicyisforgedthroughmeaningfulparticipation ofallstakeholders. AbruzzowentontooutlineotherinitiativessuchasimprovingandstreamliningDEPspermitting operations,aswellasprogrambyprogramhighlightsandreadinessofDEPsemergencyresponse teams. Foralistofothereventsinthisseries,visittheWidenerUniversityEnvironmentalLawCenters DistinguishedSpeakerSeriesstoryfromlastweeksPAEnvironmentDigest. NewsClip:DEPChiefSaysHesTriedToChangeToneAtAgency (ReprintedfromtheMarch20DEPNews.) Video:MeetDavittWoodwell,InComingPresidentOfPAEnvironmentalCouncil OnMarch14DavidWoodwellwasnamedPresidentandCEOofthe PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil.HewillsucceedPaulKingwhoisretiring inJuly. Woodwellcomestothepositionaftertwelveyearsasthevicepresidentofits WesternPennsylvaniaofficeinPittsburgh.Hebeganhiscareerasastaff attorneyatPECin1993andservedinseveralpositionsduringhistenureat PEC. ClickHeretowatchavideointerviewwithWoodwellonhisbackgroundand theissuesPECisnowandwillbeinvolvedinacrossPennsylvania. HelpWanted:PAAssn.OfConservationDistrictsEngineer,TechnicianPositions ThePAAssociationofConservationDistrictsisseekingcandidatesfortwoengineerandtwotechnician positions.ClickHerefordetails.

HelpWanted:BerksCountyConservationDistrictUrbanResourceConservationist TheBerksCountyConservationDistrictisseekingcandidatesforanUrbanResourceConservationto processNPDESpermits,reviewprojecterosionandsedimentationcontrolplans.Experiencewith conservationdistrictsandaBachelorsdegreeinEnvironmentalSciences,Planning,Resource Managementorotherrelatedsubjectsisrequired. SendresumestoTammyBartschbyemailto:Tammy.Bartsch@berkscd.combyApril15.No phonecallsplease.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased March26AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) DCNRsFY201415BudgetProposal UrbanandCommunityForestry UpdateonPAOutdoorRecreationPlan DCNRSecretarysReport <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April3DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding Harrisburg.9:15. April8AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. WorkPlanEvaluationTable TechnicalDiscussionandComments Committeevacancyupdate <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. April9DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. April9DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting.Fayette CountyHealthCenter,Uniontown,PA.10:00. April10DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality

nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) April15CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 9:00. April15DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April16DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00. April16LocationAdded.DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.CelebrationHall,2280 CommercialBlvd,StateCollege.10:00. April23DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April24DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. April24DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. March28WestBranchSusquehannaSymposiumStudentPosterContest March28PAEPKarlMason,WalterLyonAwards March28DelawareHighlandsConservancyCollegeScholarships March28PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsArtContest March28DelawareValleyAir&WasteManagementCollegeScholarships March31PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram April4MidAtlanticAquaticInvasiveSpeciesPanelGrants April7PAWildsChampionofthePAWildsAward April11CBFSaveTheBayPhotoContest

April15DCNRStudentCareersECOCamp April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants April30NortheastPAAudubonSocietyCollegeScholarship April30NEW.EPAPresidentsGreenChemistryChallengeAwards May9NEW.CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram May9NEW.CFARenewableEnergyProgram May9NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing May15NEW.PhiladelphiaWaterSpokesdogCompetition May16NEW.CFAPASmallWaterAndSewerProgram May22DCNRVolunteerFirefighterGrants May23KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest May30DEPAlternativeEnergyVehicleConversionGrants June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July11NEW.CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram July11NEW.CFARenewableEnergyProgram July11NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram July21NEW.CFASewageFacilitiesProgram July21NEW.CFAAbandonedMineDrainageAbatement July21NEW.CFAWatershedRestorationProtection July21NEW.CFABaselineWaterQualityDataProgram July21NEW.CFAGreenways,TrailsandRecreation July21NEW.CFAOrphanorAbandonedWellPlugging July21NEW.CFAFloodMitigationProgram September22NEW.CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram September22NEW.CFARenewableEnergyProgram September22NEW.CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest October31PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate DEPOilAndGasScrantonOfficeMoving DEPNewsMarch20Newsletter DCNRMarch19ResourceNewsletter Budget IFOReport:ImpactFeeOnGasWellsLosingValue Report:PAAtTheBottomForGasDrillingTaxes

AnalysisFindsPAShaleGasTaxRateAmongLowest Study:PAShaleGasFeesLowestAmong11States OpEd:CommonApproachToTaxingShaleDrilling IndianaCountySpreadsMarcellusFundsAmongServices Other DEPChiefSaysHesTriedToChangeToneAtAgency LuzerneConservationDistrictToMark50Years HardtoRecycleEventsSetInWesternPA GirardTownshipToRecycleRoad HarshWinter,SupplyIssuesPushedUpFuelCosts Editorial:LEEDCertification,BigGreensLie Editorial:AlleghenyCountyReachesAirParticulateGoals EuropeanSolarHomeComesToEmmaus WindEnergysViabilityTrumpetedInVolatileMarket LawmakerPromisesCapsComingOnVariableElectricRates PUCReleasesVideoOnElectricityPricing PUCWantsSpeedierProcessForSwitchingElectricSuppliers PUC,FacingCustomerBacklash,SeeksMoreSupplierDisclosure UtilityRegulatorsMoveSwiftlyOnRateVolatilityComplaints OpEd:ElectricChoiceWorks,ButReformsNeeded OpEd:ElectricChoiceProgramIsNotWorking Editorial:BanVariablePowerRates DukeEnergyFightsPowerPlantReassessment PossibleMineSubsidenceClosesRoadsInScranton KeystoneEnvironmentalInstituteToScreenDocumentary LandPreservationistToBeHonoredByCoatesvilleMuseum DCNRInteractiveSustainableParkDesignModel MontcoPlansToConvertOldRailLineToRecreationalTrail ThreeRiversHeritageTrailToConnectParks Editorial:UnhappyBikingTrails ArborCrisis:InsectDestroysAshTrees ScientistsFindHintOfHopeForDevastatedBatPopulations WomelsdorfSnowyOwlToYieldDetailedResearchData BillProhibitsUsingDronesToHarassSportsmen Report:Save$5MillionMergingFishAndGameCommissions LawmakersDebateMergingStatesWildlifeAgencies Editorial:MergeGame,FishAgencies WithCorbettNudge,GameAgencyBlocksPromotion Corbett:GameCommissionersShouldResignIfHisDemandsNotMet GameCommissionRescinds$220,000PaymentToExDirector HouseSenateGovernorLetterOnGameCommissionPayment,PersonnelActions DeerHearingInHarrisburgDrawsEmotion StudyShowsDeerGrazingCostsFoxChapelNativePlants SenatorsWantFasterActionOnStoppingAsianCarp TroutStockingAidedByVolunteers

Obituary:BrianJonHammer,DEPComplianceSpecialist Anniversary TMI35YearsLater,ConferenceIncludesGov.Thornburgh BerwickNuclearPlantShutDownForValueLeak CleaningUpRadioactiveWasteSparksFearsInArmstrongCounty Editorial:ArmstrongResidentsNeedToBeFreeOfRadWaste DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling DEPOilAndGasScrantonOfficeMoving DrillingImpactFeesNotToBeTouchedInCourtChallenge HousePanelApprovesBillToLimitGasRoyaltyDeductions HousePanelApprovesGasRoyaltyBill LawmakersShouldConsiderInterestsOfGasLeaseholders CorbettDefendsNaturalGasPolicy OpEd:CommonApproachToTaxingShaleDrilling IndianaCountySpreadsMarcellusFundsAmongServices NaturalGasBoomPassingLackawanna,LuzerneBy GasBoomCouldBring1,000JobsToNEPA DEPInvestigatesPipelineDischargeRelease MarsBoardRejects$1MDrillingOffer Range2014PlanToFocusOnSouthwestPA DeerLakesParkDrillPlanGoesToAlleghenyCouncil 25TurnOutToOpposeDeerLakesParkDrilling OpEd:ArgumentsForNaturalGas Editorial:PassBillToProtectGasLeaseholders OpEd:PAFrackingBanWouldSpoilBenefits ProposedSaleOfPGWRaisesConcernsOnRates LehmanTwpStudyWaysToProtectRoadsFromNaturalGasFacility GasDrillingAwarenessCoalitionToMeetInDallas GasDrillingTakesQuantumLeap BeaverFirmsPlaceWagerOnShellBuildingCracker UpdateOnEthaneCrackerPlantGoodNewsForBeaverCounty NaturalGasDevelopmentThenAndNow WomanChasesOilBoom,HitsItBig MarcellusShaleCoalitionLaunchesNewAdvocacyOrganization MarcellusShaleCoalitionHoldsMeetingInNEPA ChevronPizzaControversyPutsCoalTownInSpotlight EnvironmentalActivistsBlockAccessToLycomingDrillingSite

MarcellusGasProtestersArrestedInLycomingCounty NaturalGasFuelingStationHeadedToPittstonTwp ColumbiaGasSeeks10PercentRateHike Financial/OtherStates NJEyesBanOnFrackingWasteFromAnyState

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding FloodingThreatEbbsAlongAlleghenyInParker OtherWatershedNewsClips Editorial:ChesapeakeBayWatchAppeal HigherSewerBillsForLancasterForChesapeakeCleanup $4.5MSewerSettlementComingToHBGSuburbs 5MillionGallonSewageFloodAtValleyForgePark SewageSpillMarsValleyForgeParkTroutStream BethlehemTwp.OKsStormwaterRunoffProject OldForgeBoreholeTreatmentPlantLongWayOff EastonsSullivanParkNetsStateAwardforWetlandsProject OpEd:CanadasGreatLakesWaterWorries WorldWaterDayMarch22 EPAAsksAmericansToJoinTheRaceToStopWaterLeaks

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheEnvironmentalQualityBoardTuesdayvoted15to1toacceptarecommendationbythe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontokeeptheexistingwaterqualityclassificationofthe PerkiomenCreekWatershedinBerks,MontgomeryandLehighcounties,butallowthepetitionersto resubmitanewpetitionwithoutwaitingfortwoyearsasrequiredbyBoardpolicy. PennsylvaniaBulletinMarch22,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofthe2018proposednewunitannual andozoneseasonnitrogenoxidesallowances,noticeof2014allocationof2013vintagenitrogenoxides allowancessetasidetooffsetsulfurdioxideemissions,noticeofNutrientCreditTradingProgram actionsandnoticeofStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersexamination announcement. TheFishandBoatCommissionpublishednoticeofastatementofpolicyondefiningClassAWild TroutStreams. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. March24HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill703 (ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtoprivatelateralsewagelinemaintenancesponsorsummaryand HouseBill704(ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtocreatingaSewageDisposalSystemFundfor privatelateralsewerlineimprovement/repairsponsorsummary.PittsburghWaterandSewer Authority,2ndFloorboardRoom,1200PennAve.,Pittsburgh.2:00. March26NEW.HouseStateGovernmentCommitteeinformationalmeetingonHouseBill1503 (MaloneyRBerks)amendsAct537furtherprovideforsubdivisionscoveredunderasewagefacilities plansponsorsummary.Room39EastWingCapitolBuilding.9:00. March26AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) March27NEW.HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteebriefingonFishandBoatCommissionfiscal challengesandPNDIreviewtool.RaymondBlascoMemorialLibrary,H.O.HirtAuditorium160East FrontStreet,Erie.9:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled

meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) March31SusquehannaLandAndWaterConservationSummit.PennStateUniversitycampusin Harrisburg. April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April3DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding Harrisburg.9:15. April7EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeConservationCommittee,featuresa presentationbyGregoryBrouse,EasternIndustries,discussingthebenefitsofusingrecycledgroundtire rubberinroadpavingmaterials.Room8EBEastWing.12:00. April8AgendaReleased.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. April9DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. April9DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting.Fayette CountyHealthCenter,Uniontown,PA.10:00. April10HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonvariablerateelectricratecontracts. AlleghenyCourtHouse,GoldRoom,436GrantSt.,Pittsburgh.10:00. April10DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) April10NEW.JointConservationCommitteeholdsahearingonpipelineconstructionanditsimpact inChesterCountyandSoutheastPA.WestPikelandTwp.Building,1645ArtSchoolRoad,Chester Springs.10:00. April1011WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposium.ToftreesGolfResortand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege. April15CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 9:00. April15DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April16DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton Ave.,Harrisburg.10:00.

April16LocationAdded.DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.CelebrationHall,2280 CommercialBlvd,StateCollege.10:00. April23DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April24SenateJudiciaryCommitteeholdsahearingonSenateBill1095(FarneseDPhiladelphia) amendingtheantiSLAPPlawsuitprovisionssponsorsummary.PhiladelphiaBarAssociationOffice. 9:30. April24DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. April24DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom, RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. May12PALandConservationConference.CrownePlaza,Reading,BerksCounty. May5NEW.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommitteefeaturinganoverviewof theTreeVitalizeProgram.LTBA. May68PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociationConference.SandsCasinoResort, Bethlehem. May7HouseProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill997(PetriRBucks) establishingalicensingprogramforsoilscientistssponsorsummary.Room60EastWing.9:30. May72014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium.RamadaInnConferenceCenterinState College. May1518PAOutdoorWritersAssociationSpringConference.InandaroundShippensburg University.ClickHeretoreadanarticleontheconferenceinthePOWAnewsletter.ClickHerefora registrationform. June2627PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnandConference Center,StateCollege. July2325PROPRecyclingandOrganicsConference.DoubleTreePittsburghMeadowLands, Washington,PA. September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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