pa environment digest dec. 1, 2014

8/10/2019 Pa Environment Digest Dec. 1, 2014

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PA Environment Digest

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

Winner 2009PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa December 1, 2014

General Assembly Ends Legislative Session With Few Positive Environmental Bills

The General Assembly formally adjourned the 2013-14 legislative session November 12 and

ended a legislative year with few positive environmental bills signed into law. All bills not

reaching the Governors desk start over on January 6 when the new General Assembly convenes.

The environmental bills signed into law in 2014 included--

Anti-Stream Buffers:House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) that environmental groups say

weakens DEPrequirements for stream buffers in Special Protection Watersheds. A summary of

the House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed into law as Act 162. Click Herefor more

background.

Veto Of Climate Plan: House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette) which authorizes a one-House of

the General Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was

signed into law as Act 175. Click Herefor more background.

General Fund Budget Requiring More Drilling On DCNR Lands: House Bill 2328

(Adolph-R-Delaware), a $29 billion General Fund budget with no tax increases, but which is

based on $246.5 million in transfers from special funds, $95 million in additional non-impact

natural gas leasing in State Parks and Forests, $20 million in DCNR timber sales and $75 million

from a Philadelphia casino license that may or may not happen. A summary and House Fiscal

Noteare available. A summary and Senate Fiscal Noteare available. Click Herefor a copy of the

line item spreadsheet. Click Herefor the budget balance and transfers sheet. The bill was signed

into law as Act 1A with line item veto. Click Herefor more background.

Fiscal Code: Regulating Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Differently Than Marcellus

Wells:House Bill 278 (Baker-R-Tioga), the Fiscal Code bill that follows to implementprovisions in the General Fund budget with provisions creating new programs, including

requiring DEP to regulate conventional oil and gas wells differently than Marcellus Shale wells

which never passed either the Senate or House, provides for transfers from special funds and

other changes. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill was signed into law as

Act 126. Click Herefor more background.

Stormwater Management:Senate Bill 1255(Erickson-R-Delaware) providing additional
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stormwater management options for municipal authorities was removed from the Table, referred

into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and

House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill was signed into law as Act 123. Click Herefor more

background.

Lead Plumbing Ban Update:Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D- Luzerne) amending the PlumbingSystem Lead Ban and Notification Act. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The

bill was signed into law as Act 55. Click Herefor more background.

Low-RVP Gasoline In Pittsburgh:Senate Bill 1037(Vogel-R-Beaver) eventually eliminating

the low-RVP gasoline requirement in Pittsburgh Region. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare

available. The bill was signed into law as Act 50. Click Herefor more background.

Nuclear Reactor Fees:Senate Bill 1355(Yaw-R-Lycoming) increasing nuclear reactor and

nuclear fuel transportation fees. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. It was signed

into law as Act 190. Click Herefor more background.

Lyme Disease Task Force:Senate Bill 177(Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating the Lyme

Disease Task Force. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill was signed into

law as Act 83. Click Herefor more background.

Public Disaster Grants:Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing the Public Disaster

Assistance Grant Program. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed into

law as Act 187. Click Herefor more information.

Energy Efficiency Technology:House Bill 1672(Miller-R-York) providing for testing of

energy efficiency technologies. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed


Oil & Gas Royalties:House Bill 402(Pickett-R-Bradford) further providing for the recording of

oil and gas leases. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed into law as


Oil & Gas Well Production Reporting:House Bill 2278(Pickett-R-Bradford) requiring

monthly reporting of oil and gas production from unconventional oil and gas wells. A summary

and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed into law as Act 173. Click Herefor more

background.

Geospatial Board:Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial

Coordinating Board. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. It was signed into law as


New DEP Aggregate Advisory Board:Senate Bill 1155(Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a

Aggregate Advisory Board within DEP. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The

Governor signed the bill into law as Act 137. Click Herefor more background.
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Local Recreation Fees:House Bill 1052(Freeman-D-Lehigh) further authorizes uses for local

recreation fees. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The Governor signed the bill


Appalachian Trail License Plate:House Bill 770(Miller-R-York) authorizing an AppalachianTrail license plate and other changes to the Vehicle Code. A summary and House Fiscal Note

are available. The bill was signed into law as Act 23. Click Herefor more background.

What Can We Expect For The Environment Next Legislative Session?

With the increase in the Republican majorities in both the Senate and House, in particular more

conservative members, we can expect to see the reintroduction and consideration of several

environmental bills from last session, including the bills to eliminate certain protections for

endangered species, create an unaffordable scheme to fund unsustainable nutrient reduction

technology, legislation to rollback the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and a bill to focus

more attention on developing the states oil industry.Of course the priorities and dynamics will be a little different with Democrat Tom Wolf

in the Governors Office.

Wolf promised to introduce a natural gas severance tax, expand the use of clean energy,

accelerate investment in energy efficiency retrofits, take responsible action on climate change

and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and set green building standards for state buildings. Click

Herefor more background.

Committee Chairs

The Chairs of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee are likely to

remain the same-- Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak

(D-Luzerne) as Minority Chair.

There will be a new Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee with the retirement of Rep. Ron Miller (R-York). Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) is

expected to remain Minority Chair.

Republican Bills To Be Reintroduced

The conservative Republican bills expected to be reintroduced include --

-- Eliminating Protections For Endangered Species:Senate Bill 1047(Scarnati-R- Jefferson)

and House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong) that would eliminate some protections for endangered

species and set additional requirements for adopting Wild Trout Streams. The House Bill died

on the House Calendar. The Senate Bill remained in the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee.

Click Herefor background on the bill.

-- Nutrient Reduction Watershed Scheme:Senate Bill 994 (Vogel-R-Beaver) would constructan unaffordable scheme to fund one technology that claims to reduce nutrients from manure. The

bill died on the Senate Tabled Calendar. Click Herefor background on the bill.

-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council:Senate Bill 1310(Hutchinson-R-

Venango) creating the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council within DEP died in the

House State Government Committee. Sponsor summary.

-- Rollback Of Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards:House Bill 1912(Sankey-R-

Clearfield) which would repeal the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standardsadopted in 2004 that
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requires electric companies to obtain 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2023.

Sponsor summary.

Natural Gas Severance Tax

With a natural gas severance tax high on the agenda of Gov.-Elect Wolf, proposals

introduced in the past may serve as a model for the future. They include--

-- Senate Bill 1370, introduced by now Lt. Gov.-Elect Michael Stack, is a comprehensivepackage making changes to the Marcellus Shale regulatory program as well as imposing a 5

percent severance tax. Sponsor summary.

-- Senate Bill 1333(Hughes-D-Philadelphia, Yudichak-D-Luzerne) would enact a 5 percent

severance tax on natural gas production with the proceeds going to fund education,

environmental and economic development. Click Herefor more background.

-- Senate Bill 1349(Erickson-R-Delaware) imposing a four percent severance tax on natural gas

production and devotes all of the revenue it generates to funding basic education. Click Herefor

more background.

-- Senate Bill 1359 (Ferlo-D-Allegheny) the most comprehensive proposal to fund environmental

and other conservation programs using a new severance tax on natural gas production. Click

Herefor more background.-- House Bill 2358(DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) providing for the imposition of a 4.9 percent natural

gas severance tax to replace the drilling impact fees. Click Herefor more background.

Legislation Likely To Be Reintroduced

Other legislation that didnt make it through both the Senate and House will also likely be

introduced--

-- Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards:House Bill 100(Vitali-D-Delaware) would

increase the solar mandate in the AEPS and make other changes. Click Herefor a sponsor

summary.

-- Green State Buildings:House Bill 34(Harper-R-Montgomery) [sponsor summary] and

Senate Bill 1061(Rafferty-R-Montgomery) [sponsor summary] setting green building standards

for state owned or leased buildings both died in the Senate.

-- Backup Generators: House Bill 1699(Ross-R-Chester) setting air quality standards for

backup generators died in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Click

Herefor House summary.

-- Shale Gas Health Advisory Panel:Senate Bill 555(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establish a Health

Advisory Panel on Shale Gas Extraction and Natural Gas Use. Sponsor summary.

-- Leasing DCNR Land For Alternative Energy Development:Senate Bill 684(Wozniak-D-

Cambria) further providing for the leasing of DCNR lands for wind, solar and other energy

projects died in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sponsor summary.

-- Leasing State Lands For Mineral Development:Senate Bill 1443(White-R-Indiana)

amending the Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act to authorized state agencies(other than DCNR) to release mineral rights whether they owned the surface rights or not died in

the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

-- Natural Gas Royalties:Several bills dealing with natural gas royalty issues are also expected

to be reintroduced--

-- House Bill 1684(Everett-R-Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum royalty

payment in state law died on the House Calendar for action. Click Herefor more background.

-- Senate Bill 1236(Yaw-R-Lycoming) would expand upon the Oil and Gas Lease Act by
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allowing royalty interest owners the opportunity to inspect records of natural gas companies to

verify proper payments. In addition, the bill requires all royalty payments be made within 60

days of production unless otherwise stated in the contract. Any delinquent payments are to be

paid with interest. The bill died in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Sponsor summary.

-- Senate Bill 1237(Yaw-R-Lycoming) would prohibit a gas company from retaliatingagainst any royalty interest owner by terminating their lease agreement or ceasing development

on leased property because a royalty interest owner questions the accuracy of current royalty

payments. Companies found to have violated the provisions of this act face civil penalties of up

to $1,000 per day. The bill died in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Sponsor summary.

-- Senate Bill 1238(Yaw-R-Lycoming) would require a gas company to record a

surrender document in the county Recorder of Deeds office where the oil and gas well is located

within 30 days upon expiration, termination, or forfeiture of an oil and gas lease. The surrender

document will release the gas companys interests in the oil and gas. This is similar to what a

mortgage company would be required to do after a mortgage was paid in full. The bill died in

the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Sponsor summary.-- Sewer/Water P2 Partnerships:House Bill 2239(Evankovich-R-Armstrong) authorizing

public-private partnerships for sewer, water, school district projects died on the House Tabled

Calendar. Sponsor summary.

-- Drinking Water Well Standards:Less certain is whether the legislation to set drinking water

well standards will be reintroduced. House Bill 343(Miller-R-York) and another version of the

legislation-- Senate Bill 1461(Vance-R-Cumberland)-- both died in the Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee. Click Herefor more background.

Other Stuff

As a result of the House adoption of House Resolution 925(Rapp-R-Forest) in

September, the Joint State Government Commissionwill be conducting a year-long study of the

environmental impact of wind turbines, as compared to coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power,

in Pennsylvania, in particular on migratory birds and of forest removal.

The factors to be analyzed include

-- Number of wind turbines operating in Pennsylvania and their owners

-- Agencies that oversee the operation of wind turbines

-- Sources and amounts of subsidies for wind turbines

-- Wind turbines imprint acreage and effects on wildlife and

-- Wind turbines impact on the electric grid.

NewsClips:

State Fiscal Troubles Come Early

No Decision Yet On Opening 2015-16 Legislative SessionOfficial Notice Increasing Salaries Of PA Public Officials

Leaving Office, Ron Miller Ponders Family Farm, Tom Wolf

Gov.-Elect Wolf Names Budget Task Force Members, Inaugural Committee Chairs

Gov-elect Tom Wolf unveiled the members of his Budget Deficit and Fiscal Stabilization Task

Force Tuesday. The group is assigned to deal with the states budget deficit and will be Chaired
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yorkdispatch.com%2Fbreaking%2Fci_27027962%2Fleaving-office-ron-miller-ponders-family-farm-tom&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGGW5UOAF0VqdjdtZeORLH2GgjifQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-48%2F2455.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5M3AVSz_XTPtp1XCVam8ip5D3rQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F11%2Fno_decisions_yet_from_pennsylv.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGQcCzy7t45Pck8C6lnZUzqK-HR2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fstate-fiscal-troubles-come-early-1.1792617&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpp9IDr7YlFu1y3k5YzQ0tGIHfSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjsg.legis.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG567hkYn-D2pw2ZJBt75v5Yu5r4Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0925&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5TngPjc8nYvE_Orj1i19YxRXVEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D29998&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF864QbbumUVMMUrR8YdjwpgEN1UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1461&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKDIya9r9JrA6E1rjKxRc4_mbVOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0343&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHE7XcOsi4NDYb5Z6tMNZzlLFqG0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14672&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyzK_xADZ1cAH1uXI6B3RXqz7i-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2239&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHPQOgTfT1HmbuRbA_niKH6Kq9nLAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13430&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvAu79p-C71S-ByOrqinWXvwTteghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1238&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlfmMY8Xsm2vw7wvKDKAB9OlgtLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13430&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvAu79p-C71S-ByOrqinWXvwTteghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1237&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcrm1oHFNqxLrXkxxc6LnaOgZR0Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13430&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvAu79p-C71S-ByOrqinWXvwTteg


6/27

by Mary Soderberg. Josh Shapiro will serve as Vice-Chair. Click Herefor a full membership

list.

Pennsylvania is facing challenging economic times, a multi-billion dollar budget deficit,

and negative cash flow projections, said Gov.-elect Tom Wolf. My Budget Deficit and Fiscal

Stabilization Task Force will get to work to determine the scope of the challenges facing

Pennsylvania and begin to discuss how we can get Pennsylvanias fiscal house in order.Wolf also announced Gov. Ed Rendell as Honorary Chair of his Inaugural Committee

and Mary Isenhour, a senior advisor to his campaign, and Reid Walsh, Director of Operations for

his campaign, as Co-Chairs. Click Herefor more background.

Click Herefor a map showing the location of Wolfs transition appointments so far.

Click Herefor previous transition team appointments. For more information, visit the Wolf

Transitionwebsite.

NewsClips:

State Fiscal Troubles Come Early

No Decision Yet On Opening 2015-16 Legislative Session

Official Notice Increasing Salaries Of PA Public Officials

Senate GOP Leaders Announce Changes In Leadership Staff, No Decision On Session

Changes to Senate Republican Leadership senior staff will take place with the beginning of the

2015-16 legislative session, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati

(R-Jefferson), Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) and Sen. John

Gordner (R-Columbia).

Drew Cromptonwas named General Counsel of the Caucus and will continue as Chief

of Staff for Sen. Scarnati. Mark Meyerwill take on the position of Chief of Staff to the

Majority Leader, a continuation of his role as Chief of Staff to Sen. Corman.

The position of Chief Counsel to the Majority Leader will be filled by Dave Thomas. In

addition to managing legal responsibilities within Sen. Cormans office, he will also serve as

Floor Counsel to the Majority Leader, as well as the Caucus.

Serving as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Majority Leader will be Kathy Eakin. Ms.

Eakin has worked for the Commonwealth for over 35 years, including as Deputy General

Counsel for Legislation and Secretary of Legislative Affairs for Gov. Ridge and Counsel to the

Senate Republican Caucus and Senate Judiciary Committee.

Joining the legal team as Deputy Counsel to the Majority Leader will be Diane Acri.

She brings more than 23 years of experience working in state government and government

relations.

Click Herefor the complete announcement.

There has been no decision yet by Senate and House Republicans on whether there willbe a real voting session before Gov. Corbett leaves office January 20.

NewsClips:

Senate GOP Leadership Fills Senior Staff Positions

No Decision Yet On Opening 2015-16 Legislative Session

Official Notice Increasing Salaries Of PA Public Officials

Op-Ed: Lame Duck Session Risky, But Could Be Beneficial

Op-Ed: Lame Duck Session? No Thanks
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7/27

Editorial: PA Leaders Raise Not A Merit Increase

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

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

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest EditorDavid Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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

Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily

NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

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

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

receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a

once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive

comment to any blog posting.

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

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

Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

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

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (Adjourned Sine Die):The House adjourned and no more voting session days are

scheduled. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (Adjourned Sine Die):All bills left on the Senate Calendar were Tabled when the

Senate adjourned as is the custom in the Senate. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2Fpa-leaders-raise-not-a-merit-increase%2Farticle_aae73b38-71cf-11e4-9df8-73dd73e531f6.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtqoeBti3rggY627uX8zTczEG7lA


8/27

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Session Schedule

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

House

January 6 - 2015-16 Session of the General Assembly convenes

Senate

January 6 - 2015-16 Session of the General Assembly convenes

News From The Capitol

Sen. Yaw Appointed To Chesapeake Bay Commission

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee, has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati to

serve as a member of the tri-state Chesapeake Bay Commission.

I am pleased to appoint Sen. Yaw to serve as a member of the Chesapeake Bay

Commission, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati said. As Chairman of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Sen. Yaw has been a champion for advancing

numerous important environmental protection measures. I am confident that he will providestrong insight and good perspective as a member of the Commission.

For more than two decades, the Commission has been a leader in Baywide environmental

protection and restoration efforts throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The

Commission has promoted policy initiatives in the areas of nutrient reduction, fisheries

management, toxics remediation, pollution prevention, habitat restoration and land management.

Pennsylvania plays an important role in meeting the goals of the Chesapeake Bay

Program, Sen. Yaw said. I am honored to receive this appointment by Senator Scarnati and

look forward to serving alongside my colleague from Lycoming County, Rep. Garth Everett

(R-84), on the Commission.

In addition to Sen. Yaw and Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming), nineteen other members

define the Commissions identify, determine its direction and share its workload.Fifteen are state legislators and include Sen. Richard Alloway (R-Franklin) Rep. Ron

Miller (R-York) (retired) and state Rep. Michael Sturla (D-Lancaster) three are cabinet-level

secretaries, including Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Dana Aunkst and

three citizen representatives, including G. Warren Elliott of Chambersburg.

The full range of urban, suburban and rural life enjoyed in the watershed is represented

on the bipartisan Commission, with each member contributing his or her unique perspective

knowledge and expertise.
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9/27

The Chesapeake Bay Commission was established in 1980 to assist the states in

cooperatively managing the Chesapeake Bay. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania became a

member in 1985. Part of the Chesapeake Bay Commissions ultimate goal is to clean up

pollution, restore habitats and protect fish and wildlife.

The senate district I am proud to represent is unique in that it includes both the North

Branch and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, the largest tributary of the ChesapeakeBay, Sen. Yaw added. It is very important that we continue to work with area landowners,

farmers, conservationists and local officials to achieve the best possible results for a cleaner

Chesapeake Bay.

NewsClips:

Report: Midstate Dams Send Pollutants To Chesapeake Bay

Millions In Upgrades Needed To Address HGB Clean Water Violations

Drill Cuttings Approved For Hazleton Reclamation Project

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

November Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

TheNovember edition of Environmental Synopsisis now available from the Joint Legislative

Air and Water Pollution and Conservation Committee featuring articles on--

-- PA National Leader In Rails-To-Trails

-- New EPA Mercury Emission Standard

-- Water Consumption Falls Across The U.S.

-- Duke Examines Local Revenue From Oil and Gas

-- Green Ceiling Inside Environmental Organizations

-- Hurricane Sandy Was Not The Big One

-- Summary Of Keep PA Beautiful Environmental Issues Forum

-- To receive your own copy of Synopsis, send your email to: Michael Nerozzi at:

[email protected].

Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation

Committee. Also follow the Joint Committee on Facebookand Twitter.

News From Around The State

DEP Holds Dec. 17 Webinar On Implementing New Buffer Legislation

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it will hold a webinarat 11

a.m. on December 17 to discuss the implementation of Act 162.

On October 23, 2014, Gov. Corbett signed House Bill 1565into law, creating Act 162.The act changes what projects are subject to the mandatory riparian buffer requirements in

Chapter 102. The webinar will provide an overview of DEPs proposed implementation of the

act, including buffer equivalency demonstrations and offsetting guidance.

The webinar is geared toward, but not limited to, county conservation districts,

developers, transportation engineers and mining operators.

Act 162 will go into effect on December 21. DEP plans to issue interim technical

guidance related to the equivalency demonstration and the offsetting guidance in advance of the
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30280&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG92CyW3xU-lJFtBqi1fcvS5zcjswhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcopa.webex.com%2Fmw0307l%2Fmywebex%2Fdefault.do%3Fnomenu%3Dtrue%26siteurl%3Dcopa%26service%3D6%26rnd%3D0.34382555659312986%26main_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcopa.webex.com%252Fec0606l%252Feventcenter%252Fevent%252FeventAction.do%253FtheAction%253Ddetail%2526confViewID%253D1949383670%2526%2526EMK%253D4832534b00000002fc5b2e1be5589f8ac920fd71855e55f8200e8529132853b0f71644c657a82d73%2526%2526%2526siteurl%253Dcopa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXA2-IXDfnvuLH7B_1JT0VXuGVjAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FPA_JLCC&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYMe6cuWqn_a_Lfvu24GzKgw1HBwhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FPA_JLCC&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYMe6cuWqn_a_Lfvu24GzKgw1HBwhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjointconservationcommittee&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1qgl8PCJH3xIxPQ2nAW1b6AxJQAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fjointconservationcommittee&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1qgl8PCJH3xIxPQ2nAW1b6AxJQAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1_eCDfu6UweCMMuSMtduq2hvD_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1_eCDfu6UweCMMuSMtduq2hvD_gmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2Fftp%2Fdocuments%2Fnewsletters%2FEnvironmental%2520Synopsis%2520-%2520November%25202014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTQtu5Ft67bePq-f-NMC_CUqBpMQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstandardspeaker.com%2Fnews%2Fdrill-cuttings-from-marcellus-shale-approved-for-city-site-1.1793678&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEs4qE0s8cYhoOil5T4R7YDprrXdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F11%2Fcapital_region_consent_decree.html%23incart_m-rpt-2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGNxNBuCnoeE7nbvgUGd-byUNLhjQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F11%2Freport-finds-2-dams-full-of-sediment-are-sending-pollutants-to-chk-bay.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE-j32epJhbBQkF5cVzjicqIr46uA


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effective date. These guidance documents will concurrently go through the public participation

process.

Preregistration is required to participate in the webinar. To register, visit DEPs website.

The webinar will be recorded andposted on the DEP websitefor future viewing.

For more information, call 717-787-3411.

DEP Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of Potomac River Partnership

On November 20, Acting DEP Secretary Dana Aunkst joined federal, state and local officials in

Gettysburg, Adams County, at the annual meeting and 10th anniversary of the Potomac

Partnership, a unique public-private partnership formed to safeguard drinking water sources for

more than five million people in the Potomac River Basin.

During the meeting, Aunkst touted the recent 30th anniversary of Pennsylvania's Safe

Drinking Water Act and reaffirmed the state's commitment to the Potomac Partnership. The

meeting also highlighted the 40th anniversary of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and

included discussion on key successes and emerging challenges in the watershed.

The Potomac Partnership is comprised of more than 20 government agencies and watersuppliers. For more information, visit the Potomac Partnershipwebpage.

(Reprinted from the Nov. 26 DEP News, Click Hereto sign up for your own copy, read back

issues.)

Apply Now For WREN Watershed Education Opportunity Grants

The PA League of Women Voters Water Resources Education Networkis now accepting

applications for its Watershed Education Opportunity Grants of from $100 to $300. The

deadline for applications is December 30. Click Herefor all the details.

Successful Stormwater Management Training Held In Harrisburg

Staff from DEPs Southcentral Regional Office Waterways and Wetlands Program conducted a

successful stormwater management training on November 13 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County as

part of an on-going outreach initiative among the regulated community.

Participants learned about how to focus on post-construction stormwater management in

the initial site planning of a development. The training also taught attendees how to identify the

appropriate permits for construction and design activities and how DEP reviews applications for

those permits.

About 120 people attended the day-long workshop which included representatives fromconsulting firms, but also included developers and contractors and from as far away as southern

Virginia and Ohio.

The PA Association of Conservation Districtsworked with DEP to provide this training.

The department is considering the potential for future trainings due to the high attendance and

positive feedback.

For more information on stormwater management planning, visit DEPs Municipal

Stormwaterwebpage.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmunicipal_stormwater%2F21380&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH1ANY4Qamq31oNe_k_xTVlPmMtLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmunicipal_stormwater%2F21380&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH1ANY4Qamq31oNe_k_xTVlPmMtLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpacd.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGayAKCRYvxOW3fw9ebHJ_i8kcmuQhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fsite%2Fwaterwisepa%2Fgrants%2Four-grants%2Fopportunity-grants&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFyKBRoPIV9AHUsP7Rd9kj38h9ExQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterwisepa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyJVuk6VzRD2ObO3KrV_GSrHj02ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.potomacriver.org%2Fpotomacdwspp%2F%3Futm_source%3DListrak%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_term%3DPotomac%2BPartnership%26utm_campaign%3DDEP%2BNews%2Bfor%2BNov.%2B26%252c%2B2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlq77EZQsOpnRZu2YDETYBLxUFUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.potomacriver.org%2Fpotomacdwspp%2F%3Futm_source%3DListrak%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_term%3DPotomac%2BPartnership%26utm_campaign%3DDEP%2BNews%2Bfor%2BNov.%2B26%252c%2B2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlq77EZQsOpnRZu2YDETYBLxUFUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.potomacriver.org%2Fpotomacdwspp%2F%3Futm_source%3DListrak%26utm_medium%3DEmail%26utm_term%3DPotomac%2BPartnership%26utm_campaign%3DDEP%2BNews%2Bfor%2BNov.%2B26%252c%2B2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFlq77EZQsOpnRZu2YDETYBLxUFUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwebinars%2F21506%2Fwater_management%2F1615456&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9bqvawSbQNwobmMkJKUn5Bw5nVQhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcopa.webex.com%2Fmw0307l%2Fmywebex%2Fdefault.do%3Fnomenu%3Dtrue%26siteurl%3Dcopa%26service%3D6%26rnd%3D0.34382555659312986%26main_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fcopa.webex.com%252Fec0606l%252Feventcenter%252Fevent%252FeventAction.do%253FtheAction%253Ddetail%2526confViewID%253D1949383670%2526%2526EMK%253D4832534b00000002fc5b2e1be5589f8ac920fd71855e55f8200e8529132853b0f71644c657a82d73%2526%2526%2526siteurl%253Dcopa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXA2-IXDfnvuLH7B_1JT0VXuGVjA


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issues.)

National Coastal Ocean Science Center Helps PA Prepare For Lake Erie Blooms

When Gov. Tom Corbett learned of the large toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom that

disrupted the drinking water supply for hundreds of thousands of Ohios citizens, he expressed

confidence his state was proactively planning to mitigate any potential human health impacts

from toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

This confidence grew from the Department of Environmental Protection leading a

Pennsylvania Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Task Forceand Monitoring and Response

Strategy piloted in the summer of 2014. Both stemmed from a 2013 National Centers for Coastal

Ocean Science HAB Event Response project.

The strategy lists the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as a possible

partner contributing research on environmental conditions that promote HAB development for

predictive purposes and support to address HAB science priorities.


issues.)

Williamsport Drinking Water Treatment Plant Earns Presidents Award

The City of Williamsport recently received the Presidents Award from the Partnership for Safe

Water, an alliance to improve the quality of water delivered to consumers. The Presidents

Award recognizes achieving stringent individual filter performance goals for turbidity.

Williamsport is the fifth water plant in Pennsylvania to receive this award. There are four

phases to the PSW. The Presidents Award is an intermediate award between Phases III and IV

and is intended to be a significant stepping stone toward accomplishing the highest possible level

of performance that can be achieved in the program, which is Phase IV. Only two plants in

Pennsylvania have achieved Phase IV.

The PSW includes DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, thePA Section

American Water Works Associationand other drinking water organizations. Its goal is to

implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing treatment plant performance.

For more information, visit DEPs Surface Water Filtrationwebpage, or contact Kevin

Anderson at 717-783-9764 or send email to: [email protected].

(Reprinted from the Nov. 26 DEP News, Click Hereto sign up for your own copy, read backissues.)

SRBC Meets Dec. 5 To Consider Drilling Water Withdrawal Rule Changes

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is conducting its next business meeting December 5

at 9:00 a.m., Miller Senate Office Building, Presidents Conference Room East, 11 Bladen

Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. The meeting is open to the public.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2Fpubinfo%2Fpublicparticipation.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgbz-Vb-mjGUz_Wa9xPyamkrapqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpublic_drinking_water%2F21162%2Fsurface_water_filtration%2F1258967&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Z92IXrOIRaag0l9ygbFu8KM_CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzX6dH9HwbN3KwIkh6mYFbE1jxVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzX6dH9HwbN3KwIkh6mYFbE1jxVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF64kOQjWCysuPIXsCnCPxphuFQ7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF64kOQjWCysuPIXsCnCPxphuFQ7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcoastalscience.noaa.gov%2Fnews%2Fhabs%2Fnccos-continues-to-help-pennsylvania-respond-to-lake-erie-harmful-algal-bloom%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHCN8-gFsH_rv5_PHT-vIwUeDnYDwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coastalscience.noaa.gov%2Fresearch%2Fhabs%2Fresponse%2Fdefault&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFRfH7DWWFpFWKjWWIzjrT81LEeJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Q


12/27

The commissioners will act on several agenda items, including 21 project applications (1

involving an into-basin diversion) a rulemaking action to clarify the water uses involved in

hydrocarbon development that are subject to the consumptive use regulations, as implemented by

the Approval By Rule program a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to provide financial

support to the National Streamflow Information Program a resolution concerning delegation of

authority regulatory compliance matters with Lion Brewery, Inc., LHP Management, LLC, andSouthwestern Energy Production Company transfer of approval from Sunbury Generation LP to

Hummel Station LLC request for waiver from Future Power PA, LLC and contracts and grants.

SRBC will also offer a presentation on recent water quality and biological characterizations the

Commission has undertaken for the reservoirs on the lower Susquehanna River.

Opportunities for public comment on the rulemaking action and project applications were

provided previously however, SRBC may accept general public comments at the conclusion of

the meeting.

SRBCs rules of conduct for quarterly business meetings include:

-- All persons must sign-in and show photo identification.

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

-- The press will be permitted to set up and use video and recording devices in a designated area.-- The public will be permitted to use small, hand-held devices that remain in their possession

and are used in a non-disruptive manner.

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

of conduct as well as parking options, visit SRBCs Public Participationwebpage.

November Water Policy News From Water Resources Education Network

TheNovember edition of Water Policy Newsis now available from the PA League of Women

Voters Water Resources Education Networkfeaturing articles on--

-- A SWEET Year For Drinking Water Protection Partnerships

-- Drinking Water Protection Projects Get Boost From WREN Grants (Project Profiles)

-- Protecting Forested Watersheds Is Smart Economics For Water Utilities

-- Business & Water, A Perfect Partnership Through Adopt-A-Streamsite

-- Register Your Vote For The 2015 River Of The Year

-- AWWA: Water Quality And Treatment Cost Survey Is Now Open

-- Opportunities To Comment On Drinking Water Related Proposals

-- WREN Watershed Education/Source Water Protection Grants Opening In January

-- Funding Opportunities Available Related To Protecting Drinking Water

-- Click Hereto sign up for your own copy.

DEP Sets Dec. 3 Sewage Advisory Committee Workgroup Meeting

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a meeting of the Sewage Advisory

CommitteeWorkgroup for December 3 starting at 9:00 in the 12th Floor Conference Room,

Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg. (formal notice)

No agenda for the meeting was posted. Contact John Diehl, Bureau of Point and

Non-Point Source Management, at 717-783-2941 or send email [email protected] more

information.
mailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-48%2F2467.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8fALnVLOq4AOPMprcevEmw0K-6Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fsewage_advisory_committee_(sac)%2F14015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxbDcTyNJQ8IaYPNLfwyRCpfRe-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fsewage_advisory_committee_(sac)%2F14015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxbDcTyNJQ8IaYPNLfwyRCpfRe-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fvisitor.r20.constantcontact.com%2Fmanage%2Foptin%3Fv%3D001DFR05IDUFUWQ02v6zJxX3QogWr_CIZxQ6qOELrUE8wttW5vChxcFZpuDf04W-6WDiZbtPimiuBfEF5jLxVn3ClZqzQ_PNC6RDJOgPNshICU%253D&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH70RWUe49mA80CdBNcqJKSPa5WMghttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5baa7da001%2Fe77d7458-5d08-44e7-8a5c-460e92ffd9a1.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGa8FVyc66iG9R0LHI1blWyJACIDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.awwa.org%2Fresources-tools%2Fwater-knowledge%2Fsource-water-protection%2Fwater-quality-and-treatment-cost-survey.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF63c5viJvNkZtofxrg4LJMTWq6rwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpariveroftheyear.org%2F2015-river-of-the-year-nominees-3%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFaT_YlDtV78p71pOgH3gg3Z1gJWQhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5baa7da001%2F4da60ed3-9db7-4e30-a1da-0548414e1e21.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNESOkdxDKu6iI8lCeVbxkk0YP6gwghttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ff5baa7da001%2F4294d87c-ac86-4a6a-a1a7-c7fa19498c14.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF4EPBrajgkPMW7uYwwy8x0HsZGpwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waterwisepa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyJVuk6VzRD2ObO3KrV_GSrHj02ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcampaign.r20.constantcontact.com%2Frender%3Fca%3Dd140f28c-ae51-45ed-8129-1cb59f4745f4%26c%3Dcbacf1d0-4586-11e3-bfd7-d4ae5275dbea%26ch%3Dcbb4e110-4586-11e3-bfd7-d4ae5275dbea&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFDd8tW-aNGxZa6T67WHhSUdopCghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.srbc.net%2Fpubinfo%2Fpublicparticipation.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgbz-Vb-mjGUz_Wa9xPyamkrapqA


13/27

Call For Presentations For Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference In Erie

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Engineers Society of Western

Pennsylvania Monday announced a call for presentations for the next Pennsylvania Brownfields

Conferenceto be held May 13-15, 2015, at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center in Erie.Presentation proposals are due by December 12. Click Hereto submit presentation

proposals.

The Conference is also soliciting nominations for the Best Of The Best Land Recycling

Contest. Submittals are due January 31.

Presentations should address topics such as land use planning, community renewal,

remediation technology, and public engagement to educate engineers, stakeholders and local

government officials.

The 2015 conference will commemorate the 20-year anniversary of Pennsylvanias Land

Recycling Act, the law that encouraged the voluntary cleanup and reuse of contaminated

commercial and industrial sites.

The conference will also include mobile workshops a video showcase of success storiestechnical updates on market trends and treatment options and a tiered track of courses that will

provide continuing education credits for professionals attending the conference.

This years conference will also include a new Best of land recycling contest.

Stakeholders are encouraged to nominate successful brownfields redevelopment projects for the

contest. All types of brownfield projects are encouraged they can be up to 20 years old.

Organizers hold the conference in different regions of the state each year and develop

conference content with input from an advisory panel of industry experts. This is the tenth

Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference.

Brownfields are properties that are in need of expansion, redevelopment or reuse, but

because of actual or anticipated hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants, that work is

made more challenging.

Pennsylvanias approach to brownfields redevelopment has proven to be a national model

for transforming abandoned, idle properties into places of environmental protection and

economic opportunity.

General registration for the conference will open in the winter. Interested persons should

visit the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvanias Facebook and website for conference

updates.

For more information, visit the Conference webpage. To learn more about brownfields

redevelopment generally, visit DEPs Land Recyclingwebpage or call 717-783-1566.

DEP Makes Request To Implement Federal Medical Waste Incinerators Plan

The Department of Environmental Protectionpublished noticeof its request for delegation of

authority to implement the federal hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerators plan and

notice of a January 6 public hearing in the November 29 PA Bulletin. Click Herefor a copy of

the request.

PennDOT Invites Private Industry To Submit Qualifications For CNG Fueling Stations
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FBureau%2520of%2520Air%2520Quality%2F14528%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEhqAIcoa-2T-z9EcITO6bFLtUrUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-48%2F2466.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUi_9IQAX0fUNpjVgZGNddovNLZghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fland_recycling_program%2F20541&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNESDXb6u3uiwitOo1tR2LRs3aD9Kghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswp.com%2Fbrownfields%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4Lkmx3uADCQYXHWkFjXiG3JvaEAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswpregpage.com%2FbrownAct.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAxZdmFlWwfIQTWLyESrMpy7801Qhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswpregpage.com%2FbrownAct.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAxZdmFlWwfIQTWLyESrMpy7801Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswp.com%2Fbrownfields%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4Lkmx3uADCQYXHWkFjXiG3JvaEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswp.com%2Fbrownfields%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4Lkmx3uADCQYXHWkFjXiG3JvaEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.eswp.com%2Fbrownfields%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4Lkmx3uADCQYXHWkFjXiG3JvaEA


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The states Public-Private Transportation Partnership Officeis inviting the private sector to

submit their qualifications to compete for the opportunity to develop clean-burning compressed

natural gas (CNG) fueling stations at public transit agencies around the state that would also be

available for use by the public.

Natural gas is a valuable resource that provides affordable, cleaner options for vehiclesin Pennsylvania, said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. This project will ensure we can

capitalize on this resource and also benefit the authorities that provide vital transportation

services.

The selected private partner will design, build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling

stations at up to 37 transit facilities. Each fueling site must provide access to CNG for public

transit and other CNG vehicles.

In addition, PennDOT will enter into a CNG supply contract with the selected partner as

well as purchase agreements with each of the transit agencies. PennDOT would receive a portion

of the fuel sales revenue, with the money being returned to transit agencies to assist with future

capital projects.

The project was approved by the states P3 Board on September 29 and PennDOT hashosted an industry forum to educate potential, private-sector stakeholders on the scope and

requirements.

Interested proposers must submit in hard copy their statements of qualifications to design,

build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling stations to the PennDOT Public-Private

Transportation Partnership Office, P.O. Box 3545, Harrisburg, PA 17105, by 11 a.m. on

December 23.

Parties can view submission requirements on the Updates, Current Advertisements

webpage.

In 2013, Pennsylvania became the second-largest natural gas producing state in the

nation. The abundance of low-cost natural gas has driven electric and natural gas prices down

nearly 40 percent since 2008, saving the average Pennsylvania resident nearly $1,200 annually in

lower energy costs. After importing 75 percent of its natural gas just five years ago,

Pennsylvania has become a net exporter of gas for the first time in more than 100 years.

To learn more, visit the P3 in Pennsylvaniawebpage.

PUC: Electric, Natural Gas Utilities To Help Consumers Prepare Now This Winter

As the Public Utility Commission marks the 12th year of its Prepare Now initiative, today it

issued responses from several electric and natural gas companies that replied to the

Commissions October 24 letter urging utilities to reach out and educate consumers this winter.

The companies responsesare available on the PUC website.The October 24 letter, which was signed by all five PUC Commissioners, was sent to

electric and natural gas utilities under the PUCs jurisdiction asking the utilities to join the PUC

in reaching out and educating consumers, especially those on limited and fixed incomes.

The letter contained specific suggestions as to how the utilities can help because the

utilities have more flexibility to make allowances for payment-troubled customers than the PUC

does under the law. The utilities are asked to inform the PUC of any of the suggested actions

they implement.
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The Prepare Now campaign provides consumers with simple tips to lower their energy

bills, including shopping for electricity and natural gas, as well as tips to conserve energy around

the house. It also offers information about low-income programs that help consumers restore and

maintain service.

The letter encourages consumers on limited or fixed incomes to call their utility about

programs to help heat their homes or pay their energy bills such as Customer AssistancePrograms (CAPs) and Low Income Usage Reduction Programs (LIURP).

It also appeals to the companies to increase efforts to educate consumers with limited or

fixed incomes about special programs such as CAPS, LIURP and budget billing, which assist

consumers in paying their energy bills and controlling their energy usage, and at the same time,

reminds them of the provisions under Chapter 56 of the Public Utility Code that impose an

obligation of good faith, honesty and fair dealing in its performance and enforcement.

The PUCs message is simple: Prepare Now for winter energy costs. Learn more about

conservation. Check your electric and natural gas bills and supplier contracts. Use

PAPowerSwitch.com to shop for service. Look into programs that help low-income customers

maintain service.

For more information, visit the PUCs Prepare Nowwebpage or call the PUC at1-800-692-7380 or follow #PrepareNow on Twitter.

DEP Extends Comment Period For Northampton County Compressor Station Air Permit

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has extended the public

comment period for the air quality plan approval on the proposed Easton Compressor Station in

Northampton County by two weeks. DEP will accept written comments until 4 p.m. on

December 8.

The plan approval application was submitted in January of 2014 by Columbia Gas

Transmission Corp. to make modifications to its existing Easton Compressor Station. The

company is proposing to replace its two existing turbines with two new natural gas-fired

compressor turbines, an emergency generator and ancillary heating sources.

The draft plan approval application is available for review by the public at DEPs

Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre and Bethlehem District Office. To make an

appointment, residents should contact the Northeast Regional Office at 570-826-2523, or the

Bethlehem District Office at 610-861-2070.

Comments should be submitted to Mark Wejkszner, Air Quality Program Manager, 2

Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.

On November 10, DEP hosted a public meeting and hearing about the plan approval

application at Easton Area Middle School. Residents were given the opportunity to submit oral

and written comments during that meeting.For more information, call 570-826-2511.

DEP Submits Comments On EPAs Proposed Greenhouse Gas Regulation

On Wednesday the Department of Environmental Protection submitted its formal commentson

EPAs proposed Section 111(d) clean power greenhouse gas emission reduction regulations

saying while it recognizes the authority for EPA to reduce carbon emissions, EPAs proposed
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FNewsroom%2FNewsroomPortalFiles%2FClean%2520Power%2520Plan%2520Comments%2520-%252011-26-14%2520.doc.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpglBHLoFlhUumomJwwBbBCNHklQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.state.pa.us%2Fconsumer_info%2Fnatural_gas%2Fprepare_now.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEb4bp_7XP-uM61mqXE3NeOnMcHZg


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regulation does not do it it a lawful way and inappropriately directs national energy policy.

A copy of DEPs comments is available online. Other background information is

available on DEPs Clean Power Plan Commentswebpage.

NewsClips:

Sen. Casey Is To The Right Of Michael Krancer On Climate

Company Seeks To Reopen Coal Mine In Washington CountyOp-Ed: A Case For More Fossil Fuel Use

Op-Ed: Climate Change Views Differ, We Must Evolve

Op-Ed: Will Cutting Carbon Kill Coal? Only If Industry Fails To Adapt

Op-Ed: Coal-Waste Power Plants Could Close Of EPA Rule Adopted

EPA Proposes Stricter Limits On Ozone Pollution

Obama To Announce Sweeping New Ozone Standards

Supreme Court To Hear Arguments Over Obamas War On Coal

Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge To EPAs Mercury Rule

Millions In Pollution Fines Went Unused In Allegheny County

FirstEnergy Says Demand Response Puts Power Plants Out Of Business

PAs Electricity Market Braces For Another WinterDefault Rates Going Up For PPL Customers

PPL Rate Up As Better Deals Multiply

Kings College Brighter, Greener With Solar Donation

Dec. 3 Meeting On Proposed Windmill In Foster Twp

4 PA Counties Would Violate New Ozone Standard Proposed By EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesdayproposed to reduce the ozone pollution

standard to within a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion (ppb) to better protect Americans health

and the environment, while taking comment on a level as low as 60 ppb.

The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review the standards every five years by following a

set of open, transparent steps and considering the advice of a panel of independent experts. EPA

last updated these standards in 2008, setting them at 75 ppb.

In Pennsylvania, four counties would not meet the proposed 65-70 pp. standard:

Allegheny, Beaver, Indiana and Philadelphia potentially requiring DEP to adopt additional

control measures on volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide emissions to meet the

standard.

Comments on the proposal are due 90 days after the proposal are published in the Federal

Register. EPA plans to hold three public hearings on the rule in January.

For more information, visit EPAs Ozone Standardswebpage.

NewsClips:EPA Proposes Stricter Limits On Ozone Pollution

Obama To Announce Sweeping New Ozone Standards

Supreme Court To Hear Arguments Over Obamas War On Coal

Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge To EPAs Mercury Rule

Company Seeks To Reopen Coal Mine In Washington County

Millions In Pollution Fines Went Unused In Allegheny County

Sen. Casey Is To The Right Of Michael Krancer On Climate
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fkeystonepolitics.com%2F2014%2F11%2Fpasen-bob-casey-right-michael-krancer-voters-climate%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmKFBpuAA6_gBZJm7ZMtpOgtuyOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7134279-74%2Fcounty-fund-

pa environment digest dec. 1, 2014

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