pa environment digest feb. 6, 2012

8/3/2019 Pa Environment Digest Feb. 6, 2012

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In

PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa February 6, 2012

Pre-Budget Brief: Environmental Programs Were Cut $1.5 Billion, When Is It Enough?

Gov. Corbett presents his budget proposal Tuesday to a joint session of the General Assembly

and about the only good news expected is-- we're not as broke as the federal government.

So far what Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said during his mid-year budget briefing in

December is holding up, unfortunately. He expected an end-of-fiscal year deficit of $500 million

and as of now we are at $497 million. Some are now saying the deficit will go as high as $800

million.

He also said the Governor's budget will have to accommodate more than $1 billion in

unavoidable spending growth in the 2012-13 state budget. He pointed to a $520 million in

increase school ($320 million) and state employee ($200 million) pension costs, $400 million

increase in Medical Assistance and an $80 million increase in debt service, in spite of efforts to

cut costs.

The bottom line, Secretary Zogby said, is the Governor is likely to need about $750

million to bring the FY 2012-13 budget into balance. Drawing a line, he said the Governor is notgoing to make up the shortfall with tax increases.

At the beginning of January, Gov. Corbett directed his Budget Office to freeze nearly

$160 million in state spending. The Governor also asked government entities not under his

jurisdiction to reduce their spending by nearly $66 million, although they haven't really come

through.

On top of that, state agencies were asked to submit a budget for FY 2012-13 assuming a

further 5 percent reduction in spending, with no exemptions.

He noted even more cuts may be in store if federal funding is cut through automatic

sequestration.

The Corbett Administration has also cut the number of new Capital Budget project

authorizations in half. Of course that didn't stop the state from spending $100 million to buy anexisting building-- the Forum Place in Harrisburg-- just a few weeks ago.

The Governor also signed legislation-- Senate Bill 1310 (Gordner-R-Columbia)--

authorizing the state to float $4.5 billion in new state bonds, the largest bond issue ever for the

Commonwealth, to repay monies loaned from the federal government for unemployment

compensation.
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1212504/2011-12_mid-year_briefing_pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1216426/12-01-19_2011-12_freeze_tracking_run_web_update_pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1216426/12-01-19_2011-12_freeze_tracking_run_web_update_pdfhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1310http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=1310http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1216426/12-01-19_2011-12_freeze_tracking_run_web_update_pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1216426/12-01-19_2011-12_freeze_tracking_run_web_update_pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1212504/2011-12_mid-year_briefing_pdfhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953


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Asked if the Governor will be addressing transportation funding needs, Secretary Zogby

said the state continues to see a weak economy and reductions in state revenue and that will

affect whether or not the Governor will move forward with a transportation funding plan. And

that has been the Governor's position ever since.

Also pending is Marcellus Shale impact fee legislation which the Governor, and House

and Senate Republicans have been working on for months that could generate several hundredmillion dollars for communities impacted by drilling and to fund some environmental programs.

As of Friday, negotiators were working to put the finishing touches on a proposal they

hope to put up for a vote on Monday in the Senate.

The Governor and key players in the budget process all agree-- the budget is about setting

priorities for spending the revenue we have. On Tuesday we find out the priorities Gov. Corbett

has.

Recapping The FY 2011-12 Budget

Last year the General Assembly and Governor approved spending $27.1 billion, a 4.1

percent reduction in spending from the FY 2010-11 funding levels and without any tax increases.

There are no provisions for re-funding the Growing Greener Program which became all

but bankrupt this year. Just $6 million in Growing Greener funds will be available for the nextround of grants, down from its peak of $50.1 million in 2001.

And of course, there was no Marcellus Shale legislation.

Funding for the PA Center for Environmental Education was zeroed out-- $368,000-- as

well as funding for the McKeever Environmental Center-- $213,000.

The only bright spots in the budget were conservation district funding remained at

previous levels, the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Farm Conservation Tax

Credit Program which was restored to its full $10 million in funding.

There were no raids on other environmental funds, like the Oil and Gas Fund, Keystone

Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Recycling Fund or the Storage Tank Fund to help

balance the state budget like there were during the Rendell Administration.$1.5 Billion Cut/Diverted From Environmental Programs

For those keeping score, a total of $1.5 billion has been diverted or cut from

environmental programs to help balance the state budget or to fund programs that could not get

funding on their own over the last nine years.

Here are the highlights of the cuts and diversions--

-- $481 million in Act 339 grants intended to support wastewater plant operations over the last

nine years were eliminated to balance the budget;

-- $143 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2008-09 budget;

-- $79 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget during FY2009-10;

-- $60 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2009-10 budget;

-- $100 million in 2002 from the Underground Storage Tank cleanup insurance fund to balancethe budget (although this is slowly being repaid over 10 years);

-- $52.7 million one-time diversion from the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation

Fund in 2006 to balance the budget;

-- $50 million in 2007 and 2008 from the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which supports mine

reclamation and watershed restoration, to fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program because

there was no agreement on how to fund that program;


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-- $164.3 million in FY 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 from the Environmental

Stewardship Fund to pay debt service on the Growing Greener II bond issue and taking funding

away from restoration projects each year for the next 25 years reflecting a pattern of only

environmental programs being required to address their own bond debt service;

-- $15 million from the Recycling Fund in to balance the FY 2008-09 budget;

-- $18.4 million put into budgetary reserve in 2008-09 from the Department of EnvironmentalProtection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources;

-- $5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax

credit program in FY 2009-10;

-- $102.8 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in FY 2010-11 budget;

-- $180 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to General Fund in proposed FY

2010-11 budget;

-- $5.5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation

tax credits in FY 2010-11;

-- $5 million in additional cuts to the agencies to balance the FY 2010-11 budget;

-- $3.9 million in across-the-board cuts to help fill gaps caused by reduced federal Medicaid

appropriations-- $2.4 million from DEP, $1.5 million from DCNR;-- $669,000 from the Safe Water line item in DEP's budget;

-- $102.8 million cut continued from the FY 2010-11 DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in

FY 2011-12 budget; and

-- Mid-year budget freeze cuts additional resources for environmental programs: Agriculture:

$2.6 million; DCNR: $1.5 million; and DEP: $4.2 million.

DEP/DCNR Staff Cuts

Complement levels over the last 9 years at DEP were reduced by over 500 positions from

3,211 in FY 2002-03 to below about 2,770 now, even less if you take out the more than 105

positions DEP added for the Marcellus Shale drilling inspection and permit program.

The FY 2011-12 budget reduced DEP complement levels by 69 positions.In addition, the Rendell Administration used over 100 DEP Air, Waste and Water Quality

field staff to act as managers for federal stimulus projects, projects funded by the Energy

Harvest and PA Energy Development Authority programs taking time away from permit

reviews, inspections and compliance activities.

The FY 2009-10 budget cuts alone required DEP and DCNR to furlough or eliminate 333

full time positions. DCNR had to eliminate or reduce hours for 1,131 seasonal workers, putting

appropriations for DEP at 1994 levels and for DCNR at 1995-96 levels.

One result of all these cuts is the permit review backlog DEP said was already building

in 2009 and in truth the last 7 years, delaying hundreds of millions of dollars in economic

development projects across the state.

Complement levels at DCNR were 1,391 in FY 2002-03 and have been reduced to about1,389 positions now of which about 1,289 positions are filled.

The current complement numbers will be updated as part of the Governor's budget

announcement Tuesday.

Of course, DEP and DCNR still have the same amount of work to do, the same laws to

enforce and State Forests and State Parks to protect and manage.


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In the case of DEP, they face the further challenge of new programs to get up and

running, like the electronics recycling program, and the continuing challenges of regulating

Marcellus Shale drilling.

General Fund Budget Perspective

The state's General Fund budget has always been a huge part of how environmental

programs and agencies are funded, but that has changed dramatically over the last 9 years.In most cases, General Fund cuts to DEP and Agriculture resulted in significant staff

reductions with only a small portion being made up in things like permit review fee increases. In

the case of DCNR, monies from the Oil and Gas Fund fed by Marcellus Shale drilling revenues

on State Forest land made up many of the losses.

Here's some perspective--

-- Dept. of Environmental Protection:

General Fund FY 2002-03: $728.2 million


-- Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources:



-- Department of Agriculture:


General Fund FY 2011-12: $133 million

Permit Review Fees

The Department of Environmental Protection in particular has been trying to make up for

some of the General Fund budget cuts finalizing about $27.8 million in fee increases over the last18 months as a result of Rendell Administration initiatives:

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

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

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

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

-- Beneficial Use of Coal Ash: $75,000 annually; and

-- Uniform Environmental Covenants: $82,250 annually.

Another fee package for Air Quality Permits was adopted as final by the Environmental

Quality Board in November 2010. The new fees would have raised $7.8 million (from

$19,570,000 to $27,408,000 annually).

Although adopted as final by the EQB, DEP has decided not to take the steps needed topublish them as final in the PA Bulletin and they are considered withdrawn.

DEP also proposed additional fee increases totaling just over $7 million in the last 18

months, again all in the Rendell Administration:

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

published as proposed for comment and are still with DEP for finalization;

-- Non-Coal Surface Mining Permits: $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2,500,000 annually), DEP

just solicited additional public comments on the fee package; and


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-- Dam Safety and Water Management Permits: $4,267,612 a year (dam safety would

increase to $1,390.850 from $28,000 and waterway management permit fees income would

increase to $2,952,612 from $47,850) [Note: these revenue numbers were revised downward

from the original Fee Report Formpublished with the proposed regulation in December 2010.] ;

In December DEP took action to withdraw proposed Drinking Water permit fee

increases adopted by the Environmental Quality Board in November 2010 which would havegenerated $8.1 million (from $250,000 to $8,385,000 annually).

With all this as background, you'll be better able to sort through the Governor's proposal

on Tuesday.

NewsClips: Scarnati: Drilling Fee Legislation Near

Corbett Tells Legislators To Send Him Marcellus Bill ASAP

With Timer Ticking, Shale Talks Continue

Column: We're Waiting For Marcellus Legislation

Center: State Lost Over $300 Million Without Marcellus Gas Tax

Drilling, Drilling Everywhere Is Local Officials' Fear

Op-Ed: Much Debate On Shale Drilling, More To Come

Editorial: Keep Local Say On DrillingDemocrats Push Governor To Increase Transportation Funding

State Democrats Lobby For Transportation Funds

State Tax Collections Down Just $10 Million In January

PA Employees' Unions Suggest Ways To Cut State Budget

Lawmakers Prepare For Tough Budget Message From Governor

Editorial: Build Revenue, Fairness

State Tax Collections Down Just $10 Million In January

Editorial: Bills Finally Seek To Close Tax Evasion Loophole

PA Pursues Internet Sales Taxes

PA Residents Must Now Track, Pay Sales Tax For Online Purchases

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http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/2010/December_21_2010_Meeting/Dam_Safety_Waterways_Management/Fee_Report_Form.pdfhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Scarnati__Drilling_fee_legislation_near_01-31-2012.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/corbett_tells_legislators_to_s.htmlhttp://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2012/01/with-timer-ticking-shale-talks-continue.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2012/01/governor_were_waiting_for_marc.htmlhttp://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article/20120131/CPBJ01/120139953/Center:-State-lost-$300M-without-Marcellus-gas-taxhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_779725.htmlhttp://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/much-debate-on-shale-drilling-in-and-much-more-to/article_115d83c5-67d4-583c-b63e-54520c4f153c.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/keep-local-say-on-drilling-1.1264856#axzz1kqbAON2chttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_779298.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207288-147.stmhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvanias_state_tax_collec_1.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvania_employees_unions.htmlhttp://www.herald-mail.com/news/tristate/hm-pa-lawmakers-prepare-for-tough-budget-message-from-governor-20120130,0,3824096.storyhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/build-revenue-and-fairness-1.1264719#axzz1l27peBsihttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvanias_state_tax_collec_1.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/build-revenue-and-fairness-bills-finally-seek-to-close-key-tax-evasion-loophole-1.1264028http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/01/30/pa-pursues-internet-sales-taxes/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvania_residents_must_no.htmlhttp://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://www.crisciassociates.com/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvania_residents_must_no.htmlhttp://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/01/30/pa-pursues-internet-sales-taxes/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/build-revenue-and-fairness-bills-finally-seek-to-close-key-tax-evasion-loophole-1.1264028http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvanias_state_tax_collec_1.htmlhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/build-revenue-and-fairness-1.1264719#axzz1l27peBsihttp://www.herald-mail.com/news/tristate/hm-pa-lawmakers-prepare-for-tough-budget-message-from-governor-20120130,0,3824096.storyhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvania_employees_unions.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/pennsylvanias_state_tax_collec_1.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12032/1207288-147.stmhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_779298.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/keep-local-say-on-drilling-1.1264856#axzz1kqbAON2chttp://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/much-debate-on-shale-drilling-in-and-much-more-to/article_115d83c5-67d4-583c-b63e-54520c4f153c.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_779725.htmlhttp://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article/20120131/CPBJ01/120139953/Center:-State-lost-$300M-without-Marcellus-gas-taxhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2012/01/governor_were_waiting_for_marc.htmlhttp://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2012/01/with-timer-ticking-shale-talks-continue.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/02/corbett_tells_legislators_to_s.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Scarnati__Drilling_fee_legislation_near_01-31-2012.htmlhttp://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/2010/December_21_2010_Meeting/Dam_Safety_Waterways_Management/Fee_Report_Form.pdf


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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

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

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

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

Senate

February 6, 7, 8

Governor's Budget Address: February 7

Budget Hearings: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and March 1

March 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 26, 27, 28

April 2, 3, 30

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

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

HouseFebruary 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

Budget Hearings: Feb. 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, March 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

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

April 2, 3, 4, 30

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

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

House (February 6): House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-private transportation

partnerships; House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) further providing for the creation of land

banks; House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for snowmobile and ATVlicensing; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste

tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving

the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (February 6): House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee

and enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to

drilling. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

House: the Labor and Industry Committee meets to considerHouse Bill 1543 (Milne-R-Chester) exempting projects by nonprofit historical organizations or land conservancies from

prevailing wage; the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to considerHouse Bill

2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area Security Law to provide for the inspection

of agricultural conservation easements on at least a biennial basis, House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-

Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation;

the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee meets to considerSenate Bill

469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) further providing for relief of liability by landowners who open their

lands to walking, jogging, bicycling and horse riding trails. Click Here for full House

Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meeting to considerSenate Bill

1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title rights, Senate Bill 1386 (Vogel-R-

Beaver) repealing the requirement for low-RVP gasoline in the Pittsburgh region and Stage II

vapor controls, Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage

Tank Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017, House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-

Schuylkill) further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees; the Local

Government Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-Delaware) further

providing for stormwater management by municipal authorities; the Senate Republican Policy

Committee holds a hearing on the impact of oil refinery closings on fuel supplies (will be

streamed live online). Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Other: Governor's Budget Address

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
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H2O Program: Senate Bill 1401 (Hughes-D-Philadelphia) further providing for the distribution

of funding under the H2O Program for flood control and prevention projects.

Emissions Inspection: Senate Resolution 246 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) memorializing Congress to

re-evaluate the need for the vehicle emissions inspection program.

Bills On Governor's Desk

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

Governor's desk for action.

Marcellus Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring the posting of 911

information at Marcellus Shale wells. Gov. Corbett signed the bill into law February 2 as Act 9.

NewsClips: Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Emergency Response Bill

Gas Well Fire Extinguished In Mercer County

Bicycle Safety: House Bill 170 (Miller-R-York) further providing for bicycle safety and

operating motor vehicles. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. Gov. Corbett

signed the bill into law February 2 as Act 3.

NewsClip: Corbett Signs Bicycle Safety Legislation

News From The Capitol

Corbett Signs Bicycle Bill Into Law

Gov. Corbett Thursday signed into law House Bill 170 (Miller-R-York) amending the Vehicle

Code to improve safety for bicyclists. The bill is now Act 3 of 2012.Bicycling is great exercise and an effective, efficient mode of transportation, and

Pennsylvania has miles of beautiful countryside that can be enjoyed on two wheels, said Rep.

Ron Miller (R-York), the bill's prime sponsor. We need to do all that we can to promote the

activity and protect bike enthusiasts through legislation that makes it safer for them to enjoy their

sport.

Under House Bill 170, Pennsylvania joins 18 other states in enacting a law to establish

minimum safe-passing distances. Millers legislation requires the operator of a motor vehicle to

pass to the left of a bicyclist within not less than 4 feet at a careful rate of speed.

Bicycle safety is dependent on both parties having respect for the other, added Rep.

Miller. Some motorists will try to get as close to bicyclists as possible in order to make a

statement because of a belief that they dont belong on the road, which is not the case.

At the same time, while motorists must respect the right-of-way of their two-wheeled

counterparts, bicyclists must be mindful of larger vehicles and adhere to the rules of the road that

they must also obey.

With all this in mind, bill requires bicycle operators to use reasonable efforts so as not to

impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic. In addition, the legislation more clearly defines
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the requirement that bicyclists operate on the far right side of the roadway when proceeding at

less than the prevailing speed.

House Bill 170 also prohibits motorists from making sudden right turns in front of a

cyclist who is proceeding in the same direction, Rep. Miller commented. Operating a motor

vehicle means being cognizant of your surroundings, including bicyclists, before making turns.

NewsClip: Corbett Signs Bicycle Safety Legislation

Democrats Lament Corbett's Lack Of Leadership On Transportation Funding

Noting the six months of inaction since Gov. Tom Corbett's blue ribbon transportation

commission released its final report, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny)

Tuesday joined county and legislative leaders in Pittsburgh to call on the governor to lead on

transportation infrastructure and mass transit investment Pennsylvania.

"On the eve of the six-month anniversary of the release of the recommendations from the

governor's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission, we are still awaiting a plan for

transportation from Gov. Corbett," said Sen. Costa. "The governor's own transportation

commission issued its report, and it is his responsibility to lead. We don't believe Pennsylvaniansshould have to wait any longer."

"It has been more than a year since Tom Corbett became governor, and half a year since

his commission gave him a detailed plan for transportation funding," said Rep. Frank Dermody

(D-Allegheny), the House Democratic Leader. "We are lucky that so far it's simply a matter of

crumbling roads and weight-restricted bridges, but we are driving on borrowed time. If nothing is

done, it will get much worse. Lives are at risk."

Sen. Costa said PennDOT statistics show that there are more than six million trips daily

across Allegheny County bridges that are rated either functionally obsolete or structurally

deficient, and more than 178,000 trips across bridges that have temporary supports or weight

restrictions in place.Sen. Costa said an investment in infrastructure will create jobs. In 2010, Pennsylvania

ranked seventh in the nation for job creation and has now slipped to 25th in the U.S. Bureau of

Labor Statistics report issued last week.

Last week, Senate Democrats also laid out their budget priorities in anticipation of

another round of job-crushing cuts from the Corbett Administration during the governor's

upcoming budget address. The Senate plan calls for creating jobs through investments in our

economy for infrastructure development and improvements, as well as targeted training and

education programs for a quality workforce.

"Gov. Corbett's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission report laid out options for

the governor to choose, including uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax and raising

licensure fees to support investments in highways, bridges and mass transit," said Sen. Vincent J.Hughes (D-Philadelphia), Democratic Appropriations Committee Chair. "The time for studies,

commissions, and conversing is behind us. It's time to act. I urge the governor to take action and

indicate to the legislature how he wants to move forward."

"Gov. Corbett can move our economy forward or stall it if he provides leadership to

address our well-documented transportation problems," said Rep. Joseph Markosek (D-

Allegheny) Minority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
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Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria), who serves as the Democratic Chair of the Senate

Transportation Committee and is a member of the state Transportation Commission, said

"Pennsylvania's two biggest challenges right now are its crumbling transportation infrastructure

and the stagnant economy. It has been months since the Transportation Funding Advisory

Commission released its report and it's time for leadership from the administration on a plan that

will keep drivers safe and keep commerce rolling.""We each know personally about the need for transportation funding," said Rep. Dan

Frankel (D-Allegheny), the House Democratic Caucus Chairman. "We know it as we swerve to

avoid potholes, are forced to detour due to closed bridges, or wait in the cold for buses. Each

individual story adds up to a story about our economic vitality. If we can't move goods and

people around because our bridges won't bear the weight of trucks and our buses are idled, our

economic growth will stall."

Corbett's Transportation Funding Advisory Commission issued its report on August 1,

2011. The commission was tasked with identifying an additional $2.5 billion annually to address

the transportation funding shortfall. In addition to its funding proposal, the Commission made

suggestions for modernizing transportation.

The report noted that funding in Pennsylvania falls far short of needs, and points outspecifically that the report is "about more than potholesthe issues at hand affect safety, our

economy, and the environment, all of which shape the quality of life and ease of commerce in

Pennsylvania."

Sen. Costa and his legislative colleagues said they await word from the governor on how

he wants to proceed, but more delay creates even more problems. Pennsylvania maintains the

dubious distinction of having the highest number of structurally-deficient bridges in the country

and the most miles of road in "poor" condition. An estimated 300 bridges are added to the

structurally deficient list each year.

NewsClips: Democrats Push Governor To Increase Transportation Funding

State Democrats Lobby For Transportation Funds

Senate GOP Policy Committee Sets Hearing Feb. 6 On Impact Of Refinery Closures

The Senate Republican Policy Committee will hold apublic hearing February 6 on the impact

that three planned oil refinery closures will have on statewide fuel supplies.

Scheduled to appear before the committee are energy researcher and consultant Kevin J.

Lindemer; Russell D. Christoff and John Kulik of the Pennsylvania Petroleum Marketers and

Convenience Store Association; and Dennis Rochford of the Maritime Exchange for the

Delaware River and Bay.

The panel will discuss a study commissioned by PPMCSA on the impact that refinery

closings in Marcus Hook, Trainer and Philadelphia could have on the supply of petroleumproducts including gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil in Pennsylvania.

The immediate impact of these closings will be felt regionally, but the effects will

stretch across the commonwealth, said Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware), Chair of the

Committee. These sites fill much of Pennsylvanias petroleum needs, from border to border.

The cost of home heating, transportation and more will be affected and we need to prepare for

the impact ahead of time.
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The impact could be especially serious in the Pittsburgh region, where federal regulations

require use of a specific blend of gasoline provided by the refineries.

Ideally, new owners will be found for those sites and they will continue to be used as

refineries, said Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware). Gov. Corbetts Action Team, a coalition

of union representatives, and a group of federal, state and local officials are aggressively

supporting that effort. Its also important to understand the potential consequences if these sitesclose or are converted to different uses.

If a sale is not completed, Sunoco and ConocoPhillips have indicated that the facilities

could be dismantled.

The hearing will be held February 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Majority Caucus Room of

the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Click Here for more information and to watch the hearing live online.

Senate Environmental Committee To Address Potential Gasoline Shortage In Western PA

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on February 7

to consider legislation designed to help alleviate apotential gasoline shortage in Western PA,legislation extending the storage tank cleanup program and a bill on anthracite reclamation

requirements.

The bills include:

-- Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title rights;

-- Senate Bill 1386 (Vogel-R-Beaver) repealing the requirement for low-RVP gasoline in the

Pittsburgh region and Stage II vapor controls;

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

Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017; and

-- House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill) further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and

guarantees.Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen.

John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair.

House Changes Budget Hearing For DEP To February 29, DCNR Remains The Same

The House Appropriations Committee Friday changed its budget hearing date for the Department

of Environmental Protection to February 29 at 3:00 p.m. It had been scheduled for February 28.

The Senate budget hearing for DEP remains on February 22 at 9:30 a.m.

The budget hearing for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources remains

on February 28 at 10:30 a.m. in the House and on February 16 at 3:00 in the Senate.

News From Around The State

DEP Awards 73 Grants to Protect, Improve Watersheds, But Growing Greener Is Broke
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The Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday it will invest in 73 watershed

protection projects intended to improve watersheds, stormwater runoff, acid mine drainage and

educational programs, among other environmental efforts.

This year, the Growing Greener Program, which is funded by the Environmental

Stewardship Fund, will award $9.72 million for 57 projects around the state.

The Growing Greener Program is now all but bankrupt and the program needs to berefunded. The Marcellus Shale drilling impact fee bills now pending in the General Assembly

and a potential transfer from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund are the best possibilities to see the

program continue. Visit the Renew Growing Greener Coalition website for more information.

An additional project, funded by the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation

Grant, will cost $72,912. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Section 319 Nonpoint

Source Management Program, which was created through the federal Clean Water Act to help

reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources, is funding 15 additional projects, which would

total $3.12 million.

"We are delighted to provide support to local communities and watershed groups to fund

projects that enhance and protect Pennsylvania's water quality," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer

said. "That includes projects that address abandoned mine drainage, stream bank restoration,stormwater reductions and agricultural runoff."

These projects will reduce nonpoint source pollution in watersheds where streams are

impaired by implementing agricultural and stormwater best-management practices; developing,

repairing or installing passive systems to treat abandoned mine drainage; and supporting the

establishment of riparian buffers, among other goals.

One of the Growing Greener program's goals is to invest in projects that protect

watersheds from impairment due to nonpoint source pollution or those that will restore damaged

waterways.

Some examples of priority areas are restoration activities to reduce pollutant load in

impaired watersheds for which total maximum daily loads have been developed; projects inpriority watersheds that would reduce the source of impairment; and priority activities that lead

to water quality restoration and protection.

In this latest grant round, 130 applicants request about $24.5 million. Applications came

from counties, authorities and other municipalities; county conservation districts; councils of

governments; watershed organizations that promote local watershed conservation efforts; and

other authorized organizations involved in restoring and protecting the environment.

A list of projects funded is available online.

For more information on Growing Greener or to see the complete list of grant recipients,

send email to: [email protected], call 717-705-4500 or visit DEP's Growing Greener

webpage.

NewsClips: DEP Invests In 73 Watershed Protection ProjectsDozens Of Grants Got To Remedy Stormwater, Acid Mine Drainage

Western PA Conservancy Receives Grant To Help Manage Stormwater Runoff

The Western PA Conservancy will receive a $703,525 state grant to plant approximately 850

trees and install landscape elements to control storm water runoff and pollution into Girty's Run

in Millvale Borough, Allegheny County.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/growing_greener/13958http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dep-awards-73-grants-to-protect-improve-watersheds-in-36-counties-138639944.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/growing_greener/13958http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/the-feed/item/33521-pa-department-of-environmental-protection-invests-in-73-watershed-protection-projectshttp://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-02-03/dozens-grants-go-remedy-stormwater-runoff-acid-mine-drainage-10040http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.paconserve.org/http://www.essentialpublicradio.org/story/2012-02-03/dozens-grants-go-remedy-stormwater-runoff-acid-mine-drainage-10040http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/the-feed/item/33521-pa-department-of-environmental-protection-invests-in-73-watershed-protection-projectshttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/growing_greener/13958mailto:[email protected]://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dep-awards-73-grants-to-protect-improve-watersheds-in-36-counties-138639944.htmlhttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/growing_greener/13958


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"This project is a wonderful opportunity to apply the principles of green infrastructure to

help with Millvale's pervasive and long-term flooding problems," said Judy Wagner, WPC's

senior director of the Gardens and Greenspace Program. "While trees will not be the final answer

to the flooding problem, they will be a significant contributor to slowing the rush of water into

the storm system. Plus, the community will also gain all the added benefits - economic,

environmental and social - that we know trees bring to a community."Girty's Run is a key tributary of the Allegheny River and has a history of flooding when it

storms. The work will help reduce flooding and stop pollutants from draining into the river. The

funding comes from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure and Investment Authority. TreeVitalize

Pittsburgh will begin planting the trees this spring.

WPC will plant a diverse variety of trees that will provide shade while also absorbing

water during rainstorms. Each tree will be specifically selected for its site to assure best survival

and maximum impact. Bioswales will be installed to slow stormwater runoff and to remove silt

and absorb water through soil and vegetation.

WPC first began working with Millvale Borough officials and local residents in 1999

when it helped establish a gateway flower garden at the Route 28 exit. In 2010, WPC and Grow

Pittsburgh helped community members establish a new community food garden, a shed andwater system, sited on a vacant lot left condemned due to flooding.

The food garden was supported through the Allegheny Grows program, a project funded

by the Allegheny County Department of Economic Development.

"We are delighted to have this new chance to work with our longtime friends in Millvale

to use greening to address the needs of the community," Wagner said.

Gov. Tom Corbett announced the investment of $98 million in 23 non-point source,

drinking water, and wastewater projects in 19 counties on January 25.

PA American Water Opens Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest

PA American WaterMonday announced entries are now being accepted for its 10th Annual

Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest. The deadline for submissions is March 30.

All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by PA American Water are

eligible, as well as individual students who live in the companys service area.

The contest encourages students to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance

of protecting Pennsylvanias watersheds and water resources.

This month, PA American Water is mailing contest applications to teachers in nearly 500

schools in its service territory. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent,

understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding.

As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of

watershed protection.In celebrating the art contests 10th year, we are proud of how it taps into childrens

imagination and creativity to instill the importance of environmental stewardship, said

Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. Weve seen participation grow year

after year as more teachers, parents and students use the contest as a learning opportunity to

understand how humans can positively and negatively impact our watershed and drinking water

sources.
http://www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com/http://www.amwater.com/files/Art%20Contest%20Rules%20and%20Entry%20Form.pdfhttp://www.amwater.com/files/Art%20Contest%20Rules%20and%20Entry%20Form.pdfhttp://www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com/


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In 2011, the company received more than 700 entries from students across the state. The

grand prize winner was Brynn May Lilley of Hutchinson Elementary School in Uniontown,

Fayette County.

In total, six students will be recognized, with a first-, second- and third-place winner selected

from eastern and western Pennsylvania.

First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Twosecond- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively.

In addition, the overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on

Bloomer cards distributed by PA American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled packets that,

when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers. All entrants will receive a

Watershed Champion certificate.

Awards will be presented in May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities.

Contest guidelines and entry forms are available online.

NFWF: Lancaster County Place To Watch On Reducing Pollution From Runoff

Over the last two years, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has invested $1.1 million inprojects around Lancaster County that take a comprehensive approach to dealing with issues

related to urban/suburban runoff.

Three innovative projects in the area tackle different aspects of the stormwater runoff

issue on-the-ground infrastructure, planning and assessment and community engagement

and, when combined, represent a large-scale, holistic approach that can change the status quo on

this problem.

The Issue: During storm events, rain either filters into the ground or runs off. In areas of

development roads, parking lots, rooftops, etc. rain cannot be absorbed into the ground so it

flows off in sheets, picking up nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, bacteria, metals and chemical

contaminants as it goes.Velocity is also a factor since the faster runoff moves, the more damage it can cause by

scraping away stream banks and filling the waterways with sediment. In the end, the polluted

stormwater flows directly into local streams or storm drains and is carried into local waters and

eventually into the Chesapeake Bay.

The Projects: Through its Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, NFWF worked with area

partners in Lancaster County to identify and provide funding for the best practices and initiatives

that could improve stormwater management practices in the region.

Better practices reduce the amount of polluted runoff draining off the land into the local

waters.

Projects to improve stormwater management in Lancaster County include: implementing

a green infrastructure plan, retrofitting stormwater systems, and initiating community educationand buy-in. Detailed information about these projects is available upon request.

Recognizing that Lancaster County is largely comprised of agricultural lands, NFWF has

also supported projects that have engaged 380 area farmers in putting "best management

practices" in place on almost 40,000 acres of farmland.

The collective impact of these activities is estimated to reduce annual water pollution by

approximately 1.2 million pounds of nitrogen and 361,000 pounds of phosphorus.
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Since 2000, the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund has provided $68.9 million in grants

for over 700 projects across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The goal of the Fund is to accelerate local implementation of the most innovative,

sustainable and cost-effective strategies for restoring and protecting water quality and vital

habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

To achieve this goal, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation partners with theChesapeake Bay Program to engage in grant making, provide technical assistance to grantees,

and facilitate networking and information sharing among grantees.

Visit the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund webpage for updates on grant availability

and deadlines.

PA Water Works Assn. Hosting The Great Lakes Summit Oct. 16-18, Call For

Presentations

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association is hosting the Great Lakes Summit in

Erie on October 16 to 18. The PA AWWA is also issuing a call for presentations for the

Summit.AWWA sections from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario,

Quebec and Wisconsin are jointly holding this first ever event for the managers, operators and

distribution staff for water and wastewater systems throughout the Great Lakes Region.

At the same time, PA AWWA is issuing a call for presentations for the event which must

be submitted no later than June 15.

For more information and to register, visit the Great Lakes Summit announcement.

Delaware River Basin Commission Unveils New Website

The Delaware River Basin Commission announced Wednesday it has recently updated itswebsite with a new look and organizational layout.

"We are extremely excited about the new web site," DRBC Executive Director Carol R.

Collier said. "The commission's old site housed copious amounts of information, but navigating

it was sometimes a challenge. The goal of this redesign was to continue to be a great resource for

the public, but with a fresh look and enhanced functionality," she continued.

The upgrade was performed by the New Jersey Office of Information Technology's

Creative Services Unit. DRBC's website continues to be hosted by New Jersey.

"The commission's communications staff worked closely with DRBC colleagues and

NJOIT partners, suggesting design concepts and creating the new site's architecture, as well as

organizing and adding content to the new site," Collier said. "We want to thank the NJOIT staff

working on this project for their expertise, hard work, and patience."Along with improved navigation within the site, the redesign also provides the

commission with additional outreach capabilities to help the public stay connected with DRBC.

Individuals may sign up to receive periodic electronic updates on a list of topics that can be

expanded over time.

The public also can subscribe to a Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed to be directly

notified when news releases and other timely items are posted on the web site.
http://www.nfwf.org/chesapeakehttp://www.paawwa.org/http://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/GLSCallforPapersOct2012.pdfhttp://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/GreatLakesREGformJan112012.pdfhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=ci9m4ocab&v=001bHw_LhcjpQrCrDBtS3ZhWZUOpr7O8ZzQYpaNOLo86ndV3FpCRgnIMykd2Dnxs-B60hEiP6wiPyyvM1c0I6tro3AHQ9JZwnajqsSfiJkcOU941Z-UhUGGxVHjAa4jtmtcJ8LCglxu4JH_kUKDpoo3PlicPrNPza8N0Sjmzb506Yyd65SdtW3FwA%3D%3Dhttp://www.drbc.net/http://www.drbc.net/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=ci9m4ocab&v=001bHw_LhcjpQrCrDBtS3ZhWZUOpr7O8ZzQYpaNOLo86ndV3FpCRgnIMykd2Dnxs-B60hEiP6wiPyyvM1c0I6tro3AHQ9JZwnajqsSfiJkcOU941Z-UhUGGxVHjAa4jtmtcJ8LCglxu4JH_kUKDpoo3PlicPrNPza8N0Sjmzb506Yyd65SdtW3FwA%3D%3Dhttp://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/GreatLakesREGformJan112012.pdfhttp://www.paawwa.org/PDF/PDFfilesMAIN/GLSCallforPapersOct2012.pdfhttp://www.paawwa.org/http://www.nfwf.org/chesapeake


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These new features will help streamline information dissemination, allowing for

increased sharing of DRBC news, programs, and activities. Other communication tools will be

explored in the coming months.

Visit the Delaware River Basin Commission website and see what's new!

Friends Of The Wissahickon Launches New Website

The Friends of the Wissahickon have launched a new website to make it easier to navigate,

provide more information about the Wissahickon, allow visitors to report problems in the park

more easily and share pages via social networks.

"The new website is a dynamic and useful addition to FOWs work," says Executive

Director Maura McCarthy. "One of the features we are most excited about is the line of

communication it opens to the public to report park problems and help us resolve them in

partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation in a faster more organized way."

Special Features on FOW's New Website

-- An RSS feed that will alert someone when FOW posts news on the website;

-- An online form visitors can complete to report problems in the park, with the option to uploadphotos, such as felled trees and collapsed trails, and enter GPS coordinates;

-- Current weather information on every page;

-- The ability to share pages via social networks;

-- Quick links to the most-visited pages on the website, such as hiking and park maps;

-- More photos and a wider layout to accommodate new computer monitors; and

-- Improved navigation with bread crumbs and sub-menus.

According to McCarthy, the new FOW website was made possible with grants from the

William Penn Foundation and the 25th Century Foundation, and was designed using traffic

information from the old website as a guide.

"We knew what the public was looking for when they visited our website," she says."The new website design helps deliver that information more directly and will be an asset for our

membership, the public, and our volunteers."

Check out the new Friends of the Wissahickon website!

Volunteers Need For Work Days By Friends Of The Wissahickon

The Friends of the Wissahickon are leading Volunteer Work Days in Wissahickon Valley Park

throughout the winter as weather permits. Work Days are held on most Saturdays from 10 a.m.

to 1 p.m. at various locations in the park.

No specific skills are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and interest and the FOW will

provide you with leadership, tools, and instruction.Please register if you plan to attend as it helps with planning projects and arranging

resources for the events. For more information, directions, and to register for a work day, visit

the FOW Volunteering webpage or contact FOW's Volunteer Coordinator Dan Mercer by

sending email to: [email protected] or call 215-247-0417 ext. 107.

Pennsylvania State Fire Academy Offers Course In Ethanol Response
http://www.drbc.net/http://www.fow.org/http://www.fow.org/http://www.fow.org/volunteeringhttp://www.fow.org/volunteeringmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.fow.org/volunteeringhttp://www.fow.org/volunteeringhttp://www.fow.org/http://www.fow.org/http://www.drbc.net/


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The State Fire Academy is taking its school on the road, beginning with a training course next

month on how to respond to ethanol incidents.

State Fire CommissionerEd Mann Wednesday said the International Association of Fire

Chiefs already had a program available and, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Emergency

Management Agency, assisted with the training the instructors, so that the program would be

available in March to all 67 counties."Responding to Ethanol Incidents is an eight-hour course that covers issues including

transportation, storage, dispensing and firefighting foam principles for ethanol-blended fuels,"

said Mann.

Instructors, course materials and certificates will be issued by the Fire Academy at no

cost to the local sponsoring agency. The local agency will be responsible for providing a suitable

classroom with tables and chairs for a maximum of 40 people.

Ethanol is added to gasoline to reduce tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide. Its use is

growing and expected to increase substantially in coming years, according to the Fire Chiefs

association.

"Ethanol presents some challenges to firefighters where traditional means of fighting a

gasoline fire are ineffective. It can also be encountered in different blends, so it is important thatfirefighters know what they are facing,'' Mann said.

To sponsor a "Responding to Ethanol Incidents" training program in your county, please

contact Pat Pauly, resident instructor, at 717-247-3750 or send email to:[email protected].

To learn more, visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioneronline.

Coca-Cola, Keep America Beautiful Accepting Recycling Bin Grant Applications

The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful, Inc. Monday announced a call for entries

for the newly expanded 2012 Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program, a program designed to

expand and support recycling in communities across America.Applications are due March 2.

The Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program is funded through grants from The Coca-

Cola Foundation.

For 2012, Coca-Cola has significantly expanded its investment in the Bin Grant Program

to include both a specific college and university focused grant and the traditional public space

recycling bin grant.

Through the Coca-Cola Bin Grant Program, weve provided more than 20,000 recycling

bins to help communities across the United States increase recycling. We hope that by

expanding this program to include additional funding dedicated to colleges and universities, we

can further improve recycling and have a positive impact on the next generation of leaders, said

Lori George Billingsley, community relations vice president for Coca-Cola Refreshments.Providing recycling opportunities in public spaces is an important national initiative for

our organization as we aim to increase our nations recycling rates, said Matthew M. McKenna,

president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. Through public-private partnerships such as this

one with Coca-Cola, we can provide recycling infrastructure to local organizations that might not

otherwise be able to afford it. We are truly grateful to The Coca-Cola Company for its continued

support.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_fire_commissioner_home/4462mailto:[email protected]://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_fire_commissioner_home/4462http://bingrant.org/http://bingrant.org/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_fire_commissioner_home/4462mailto:[email protected]://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/state_fire_commissioner_home/4462


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Eligible grant recipients for the public space grant include government agencies, civic

organizations, schools and nonprofit groups. Colleges and universities will complete a different

application for the newly established grant dedicated to them.

Successful applicants will be notified by Keep America Beautiful on or before April 22 to

offer guidance, confirm their needs and solidify bin selection. Suppliers will deliver bins directly

to the recipients throughout the summer.For more information visit the Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grant Program website.

Save The Date: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day April 28

Mark your calendars: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Law Enforcement must be involved in this activity and only Law Enforcement Officials

can register a collection site. The site registration form must be submitted by March 31st.

Contact your local law enforcement agency to ask about having a drug take back site in

your community for the April 28, event. Click Here for more information.

PA Resources Council Announces 2011 Lens On Litter Contest Winners

"Simple but powerful" are the words that best describe the

winning photos and captions of the 2011 "Lens on Litter"

contest winners sponsored by the PA Resources Council.

PRC had a great response from residents

participating in the 26th Annual Lens on Litter contest

from all over the state. The entries were placed into two

categories school children and adults. Judging was

conducted at PRCs Environmental Living Center inNewtown Square, Pa.

The objective of PRCs Lens On Litter Contest is to focus public attention on the

problems of litter. Litter is a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed by all. Litter is

unsightly. It attracts rodents and insects that carry and spread disease. Farm animals, pets and

wildlife often ingest poisonous matter and harmful items.

In the School Children Category, the winner of the $1,000 First Place cash prize was

17-year-old Kristen Bulebush of Latrobe. (photo with this story) Her photo, Tune into Litter,

was taken in Latrobe in October. The photo depicts a discarded TV surrounded by litter.

The judges awarded the second place prize of $500 to Francis Tish, a 17-year-old senior

from Pittsburgh. His photo Dont Be on the Fence About Litter shows a large snack bag

blown against a cyclone fence.The winner of the third place prize of $250 was Kristen Miller, a 15-year-old ninth grader

from Penn Trafford High School. Her photo, Missed the Basket, depicts soft drink and water

bottles discarded along a basketball court fence with a trash can nearby. The site of the littering

was the Penn Township Municipal Park. This is the fourth year in a row that Kristen has won a

prize.
http://bingrant.org/http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.htmlhttp://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.htmlhttp://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.htmlhttp://bingrant.org/


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Cardin McQueen, an 18-year old senior won The Peoples Choice Award of a digital

camera. Her photo Poor Reflection shows the image of a barn in a pond littered with a floating

discarded water bottle.

The winner of the $1,000 First Place cash prize in the Adult Category was Sharon

Richards of Towanda. Her photo showing discarded bottles and other litter including a tire was

titled One Heavy-Duty Trash Bag 17 Cents Working Toward a Litter Free PennsylvaniaPriceless.

Pam Curilla of Weston was awarded the second place prize of $500. Her photo,

Sweeping Changes Are Needed to Tackle Litter shows a broom among scattered litter.

The judges awarded third place ($250) to Coni Marie Sheridan of New Columbia for her

photo Environmental Hangover. Her photo shows discarded beer bottles.

Cathy Bittinger of Reading won the Peoples Choice Award of a digital camera. Her

photo Litter Is Trash That Escapes Restraint depicts litter piled at a retaining wall. Taking the

first letter of each word of the title spells litter.

PRC would like to thank AAA Mid-Atlantic, Inc., BPG Development Co., Pennoni

Associates, Sheetz, Inc. and Wawa, Inc. for their generosity and sponsorship of the 2011 Lens on

Litter contest.2012 Lens On Litter Contest

PRC encourages all school students and adults to enter the 2012 Lens On Litter Contest,

which is already open for entries and which closes October 31. With more entries, more people

will become aware of the problem of litter, and the more likely it is that someday we will all live

in a litter-free world!

The winning photos will be displayed on the PRC website which gets approximately

200,000 hits per year. Click here to view all of the winning photos and captions. Click Here to

view winners as a slideshow.

The February issue of thePA Resources Councilelectronic newsletter is now available. ClickHere to read this issue. Don't forget PRC's "Don't Be A Litterbug" vehicle license plate

available from PennDOT!

Municipal Recycling Workshop Set For March 15 In Pittsburgh

The Local Government Academy, a partnership with Sustainable Pittsburgh and the PA

Resources Council, will hold a workshop on recycling for municipal officials on March 15 in

Cranberry, Pa.

The workshop will provide participants with an overview of the key issues surrounding

municipal recycling programs, including: developing an RFP for recycling services; evaluating

your recycling contract; developing recycling ordinances-- examples of model ordinances will beprovided; interpreting regulations to be in compliance and to compete for DEP performance

grants.

This program will also introduce new recycling technologies and breakdown common

myths about recycling. Participants will also learn about Cranberry Townships successful Pay

As You Throw recycling program and will gain valuable insight on how to implement programs

such as these in their own communities.
http://www.prc.org/community_lens_litter.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.flickr.com//photos/prc2011/sets/72157628827243151/show/http://www.prc.org/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/http://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/http://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.flickr.com//photos/prc2011/sets/72157628827243151/show/http://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/lol_2011.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/community_lens_litter.html


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Click Here to register or for more information.

The February issue of thePA Resources Councilelectronic newsletter is now available. Click

Here to read this issue. Don't forget PRC's "Don't Be A Litterbug" vehicle license plate


Tailgate Recycling Trio Offers Recipe For Success

The PA Resources Council and the Alcoa Foundation teamed up for a second sizzling season of

tailgate recycling - collecting more than 43 tons of materials in recent months.

Throughout the fall, Steelers fans in Pittsburgh recycled aluminum, plastic, glass &

cardboard while their counterparts in Philadelphia did the same before Eagles games.

Hockey fans then joined the action at the January 2 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic in

Philadelphia, continuing a highly successful PRC/NHL partnership that began in Pittsburgh at

last year's Winter Classic.

PRC offers a big "Thank You!" to all who supported this trio of extremely successful

tailgate recycling efforts.For more information about tailgate recycling, a complete list of partners and event

photographs, please Click Here for the Eagles' events and Click Here for the Steeler events.

The February issue of thePA Resources Councilelectronic newsletter is now available. Click

Here to read this issue. Don't forget PRC's "Don't Be A Litterbug" vehicle license plate


February E-PA Resources Council Newsletter Now Available

The February issue of the PA Resources Council electronic newsletter is now available. Thisissue recaps the winners of the 2011 Lens on Litter Contest, Trailgate Recycling Success and the

PRC "Don't Be A Litterbug" vehicle license plate available from PennDOT. Click Here to read

this issue.

DEP Launches New, Improved Oil And Gas Webpage

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced the launch of a new and

improved Oil and Gas Management Program webpage to better organize information of interest

to the public.

The new webpage is better organized and easier to navigate to quickly find the items of

interest to you. It features improved data tools and interactive reports, compliance informationand training, the latest industry news, DEP proposals open for comment and links to other

resources of value to residents, environmental organizations, local government and the oil and

gas industry.

In addition, youll find links to DEPs two recent webinars regarding the use of acid mine

drainage in well development for natural gas extraction and a training session on entering

reporting data into DEPs Oil and Gas Reporting System. DEP plans to share these types of

webinars with you on a regular basis.
http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0039-0003-ECAEDAAF1DF7472FBB06BCCD044F1489http://www.prc.org/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/recycle-a-lot.htmlhttp://www.zerowastepgh.org/Let%27s-Tackle-Recycling.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_of_oil_and_gas_management/20291http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_of_oil_and_gas_management/20291http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.zerowastepgh.org/Let%27s-Tackle-Recycling.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/recycle-a-lot.htmlhttp://www.prc.org/http://www.prc.org/licenseplate.htmlhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zdga6adab&v=001yqHNAgdI3XhRQxGrXRWST388M1cqowFLmeMqtLpOXbzweF8NIyF5taOWrF0ykt_Z2ecpCJPQG5fAwGAR27IkMUDVH-WotFzYybof8m2YhbA%3Dhttp://www.prc.org/http://reg.abcsignup.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0039-0003-ECAEDAAF1DF7472FBB06BCCD044F1489


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"I encourage you to bookmark the new site and return to it often. We hope you find it a

useful tool in staying up to date," said Alisa Harris, DEP's Special Deputy Secretary for External

Affairs.

Visit DEP's Oil and Gas Management Program webpage to see what's changed.

NewsClips:New DEP Databases Improve Access To State Gas Drilling Records

DEP Puts More Drilling Information Online

Wanted: HVAC Distributors, Learn About PGW's Energy Rebates For Your Customers

PA Resources Council - East has partnered with the Philadelphia Gas Works on a new

educational outreach program for HVAC equipment distributors to learn about EnergySense

rebates available to their customers.

PRC education staff are currently scheduling events to convey the EnergySense message

for residential heating equipment rebates in distribution centers and supply houses throughout

Philadelphia and surrounding counties. The rebates range from $280 to $1,280.

If you are an owner of, or know of a plumbing and heating supply company that would

like to schedule an event, please have them contact Carol Butler of PRC at 610-353-1555 ext.230 or send email to:[email protected].

West Penn Power Fund Soliciting Alternative Energy, Efficiency Proposals

The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund is now accepting proposals for grants and loans

to fund projects which focus on biomass thermal and power technologies, energy efficiency,

sustainable energy manufacturing and community energy events. Proposals are due April 3.

While a particular project ceiling or floor has not been set by the WPPSEF, most project

financing requests are expected to be in the $50,000 to $300,000 range. WPPSEF interest rates

and fees mirror the market and are typically similar to commercial banks.WPPSEF grant making will be limited to non-profits, except in cases where a limited

amount of grant making is coupled with financing. WPPSEF grant making is expected to be

very competitive and applicants must show clear benefit to the WPP ratepayer.

The WPPSEF anticipates its grant making efforts to be capped at $25,000 per award.

Exceptions to this cap may be made for those projects that the WPPSEF deems as having high

impact on the sustainable energy industry.

Click Here for details on how to submit proposals.

PUC: Punxsutawney Phil Predicts More Winter Weather, Act Now To Restore Your Heat

With Punxsutawney Phil predicting six more weeks of winter, the Public Utility Commissionreminds the 12,202 consumers without use of a central heating system or using a potentially

unsafe heating source in their homes to call about programs to help restore natural gas or electric

service.

"Our mild winter to date makes it hard to think that so many in Pennsylvania are

currently without use of a safe heating source," said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson.

"While it is good news that 39 percent more of our neighbors have access to a central heating

system than in December, many of our neighbors still do not have utility service. Resources are
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_of_oil_and_gas_management/20291http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-databases-improve-access-to-state-gas-drilling-records-1.1263905#axzz1lEuHOz5yhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/01/30/dep-puts-more-drilling-information-online/http://www.prc.org/https://www.pgworks.com/index.aspx?nid=334https://www.pgworks.com/index.aspx?nid=334mailto:[email protected]://www.wppsef.org/http://www.wppsef.org/report/WPPSEF_RFP_040312-OPT.pdfhttp://www.wppsef.org/report/WPPSEF_RFP_040312-OPT.pdfhttp://www.wppsef.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.pgworks.com/index.aspx?nid=334https://www.pgworks.com/index.aspx?nid=334http://www.prc.org/http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/01/30/dep-puts-more-drilling-information-online/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-databases-improve-access-to-state-gas-drilling-records-1.1263905#axzz1lEuHOz5yhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/office_of_oil_and_gas_management/20291


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available to help consumers restore and maintain service. With Phil predicting that winter will

descend upon us in the next six weeks, I urge consumers without service to take action today."

The PUC encourages consumers without utility service to know theirrights and

responsibilities. Consumers should obtain information about programs available to help them

restore and maintain utility service. Consumers with a seriously ill resident in the household or a

protection from abuse order may have additional options for service restoration.As of February 1, the total number of homes not using a central heating system was

12,202, a 39 percent reduction from the December 15, 2011, total of 20,034. The information is a

follow up to the annual Cold Weather Survey results. Some households may be without both

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pa environment digest feb. 6, 2012

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