Pa Environment Digest Nov. 18, 2013

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PA Environment Digest

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

Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa November 18, 2013

PA Resources Council Presents 2013 Environmental Leadership Awards

The PA Resources CouncilThursday presented its 2013 Environmental

Leadership Awards to four companies and organizations at their annual

awards dinner in King of Prussia. The awards were presented to--

Leadership In Sustainability - Liberty Property TrustLiberty Property Trust, founded by the late developer William

G. Rouse III, is a renowned environmental partner in the real estate

industry. Liberty Property Trust is a leader in sustainable development

with over 67 LEEDprojects completed or currently under

construction. Measured against a 2008 benchmark they have diverted

34,000 tons of waste from landfills and saved 30K metric tons of

carbon dioxide for their managed buildings.

The goal of Liberty Property Trust is to enhance peoples lives through creating extraordinary

work environments. In addition, they have over 100 buildings that are Energy Star certified. Their

commitment to sustainable environmental construction and attention to improving building performance

along with promoting health and productivity of the occupants makes LPT an outstanding candidate toreceive this years award.

Liberty Property Trust leads the way in converting former industrial sites into green office and

industrial buildings. Their leadership in developing LEED-certified properties and managing them in

accordance with sustainability principles is evident in Pennsylvania such as the Philadelphia Naval

Business Center and the Comcast Center in Philadelphia, as well as the Stabler Center in the Lehigh

Valley.

Liberty Property Trusts commitment to create work environments that limit resource

consumption, improve building performance, and promote health and productivity exemplifies PRCs

mission to lead and promote individual and collective actions to preserve Pennsylvanias environmental

resources for each generation. For these reasons, we are proud to honor Liberty Property Trust as

PRCs recipient of the 2013 Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Award.Leadership In Education - The Hershey Company

We are honored to present the Leadership in Environmental Education Award to The Hershey

Companywho continues its exemplary 100+ years tradition of leading improvements in communities

where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of

the companys global business strategy.

Following in their founders legacy, The Hershey Company focuses their philanthropic efforts on

non-profits supporting kids and kids at risk. The Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the
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companys founder and funded by a trust administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality

education, housing and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need.

In addition to their commitment to education, The Hershey Company also embraces its role as a

steward of the environment. The Company fully believes it is its duty to take an active role in the

business of building a better world. As a result, The Hershey Company has committed to making and

delivering products in ways that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.The Hershey Company now has eight facilities that are classified as Zero Waste to Landfill,

meaning these facilities no longer dispose of routine manufacturing waste into landfills. This was achiev

by reducing the overall waste streams in these facilities and increasing the recycling rates to

approximately 90 percent. All remaining waste is sent to waste to energy incinerators, where it is used

to produce energy rather than being sent to a landfill.

The Hershey Companys environmental efforts not only include developing innovative ways to

reduce the Companys environmental impact, but also include supporting environmental education

initiatives.

Through the Make a Greener Difference campaign, employees of The Hershey Company

engage in environmental education and awareness programs. Employees are invited to attend

presentations, events and explore online materials about how they can help the company reachenvironmental goals.

The Hershey Company also supports environmental education initiatives in school districts

throughout Central Pennsylvania. Through funding from The Hershey Company, over 5,000 students in

Central Pennsylvania have benefited from more than 200 Environmental Education Programs since

2010.

The programs, which align with the Pennsylvania academic standards for Environment &

Ecology, help students think critically about environmental issues and make connections to the world

around them. These programs serve an important role as they encourage students to become stewards

of the environment, both now and in the future.

In addition, The Hershey Company has been a sponsor and major supporter of the

Pennsylvania Envirothon at both the state and local levels for over 20 years. The Envirothon is an

educational competition that challenges more than 15,000 students across the state each year to think

critically about the natural world and about their role in it.

PRC appreciates and is proud to recognize The Hershey Company for its longtime commitment

to environmental stewardship and education. The Companys foresight in recognizing that the

Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias environment is vital to all of its citizens, businesses and institutions

defines The Hershey Company as an outstanding leader.

Innovative Recycling - NOVA Chemicals

Taking Care: The work atNOVA Chemicalsresults in plastic products that take care of food,

water and other goods vital to life. Taking Care is a way to think and a way to work. NOVA Chemicals

takes care to promote the safety, security and value of products throughout their lifecycle.Following a successful pilot program encouraging employees to recycle their foam from home,

NOVA Chemicals extended its effort to the community by partnering with the Pennsylvania Resources

Council to collect expandable polystyrene (EPS) for recycling free of charge to the public at 2013 PRC

events.

Partnering with PRC and Appliance Warehouse enabled NOVA Chemicals to expand EPS

recycling opportunities by creating greater public awareness and establishing a convenient collection

method at a variety of locations. This campaign also created a model within the industry for other
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communities to leverage EPS in their recycling efforts.

Since the Spring of 2013, five PRC events held throughout western Pennsylvania have enabled

hundreds of local citizens to drop off unwanted EPS foam for recycling.

In addition to establishing the EPS recycling events, NOVA Chemicals continues to support

EPS recycling by collecting EPS coffee cups and packaging for recycling at all of its U.S. locations, and

in 2013, NOVA Chemicals launched a 25 percent recycled content EPS resin product, R625B, whichis used in packaging applications. PRC is proud to partner with NOVA Chemicals to initiate this

innovative recycling program and to bring this concept to our Pittsburgh area citizens.

Leadership In Environmental Health - Crozer-Keystone Health System

PRC is very proud to honor the efforts of the Crozer-Keystone Health System and the Chester

Home Asthma Prevention Programfor their excellent work in childrens asthma management.

In 1999, the Chester Upland School District experienced asthma at a rate of 24 percent, twice

the state level of 10 percent. In response Crozer began the Kids Asthma Management Program, a

school-based asthma intervention program which provides services that include: asthma screening,

referral to spirometry, group education for students, parents and school staff and support of asthma

camps and asthma awareness days.

In 2010, the program partnered with a local environmental justice community organization, theChester Environmental Partnership to implement an indoor/outdoor home intervention and

environmental remediation and education program using peer counselors.

This program, the Chester Home Asthma Prevention Program sought to increase the asthma

self-management skills/health literacy of parents and their children ages 0 to 17. CHAPP was funded by

a three-year EPA grant administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

CHAPP conducted outreach to 382 families and was able to enroll 132 children.Two of the

primary goals of CHAPP were to reduce frequency of childrens asthma flares and improve asthma

control. The data showed significant improvement for both of these goals.

For both children above and below the age of 12, there was a significant improvement in

pre-and posttest asthma control scores, in addition to a decrease in visits to the emergency room.

CHAPP prompted families to make changes to reduce triggers in the home and be more diligent

partners with their medical providers.

The families that participated in CHAPP also were more likely to complete and share the

Asthma Action Plan. By the end of the program, there was a 38 percent increase in the number of

children with an AAP. Data analysis also showed a substantial decrease in the number of school days

missed and the frequency of the use of rescue medications.

Although CHAPPs three-year EPA grant ended in 2012, Crozer continues to support pediatric

asthma control and earmarks corporate funds for such. In November 2012, Crozer initiated and hosted

the Pediatric Asthma Task Force of Delaware County.

Crozer continues its leadership role and comprehensive approach to asthma control, a major

chronic illness within its service area. Crozer Keystone and the Environmental Partnership continue toseek new community partners to support and expand this important work.

To commend these efforts, PRC will present the leadership in environmental health award to

Crozer-Keystone Health System for the Chester Home Asthma Prevention Program and their continued

support of childrens asthma management.

Sponsors of the Awards Dinner include: The Hershey Company, Pembroke North, Covanta

Energy, Exelon Power, Liberty Property Trust, Republic Services, Drinker, Biddle & Reath, LLC,

Land Air Water Legal Solutions, LLC, Nova Chemical, Wawa, Inc., Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney,
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PC, Aqua PA, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC and Waste Management.

Click Herefor a copy of the awards dinner program.

Recycling Works! Exhibit Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of Recycling In PA

In celebration of America Recycles Dayand the 25thanniversary of Pennsylvanias recycling law, the PA

Recycling Markets Centerand its partners Thursday

unveiled a new Recycling Works! exhibit at The State

Museum of Pennsylvaniain Harrisburg,

Taking part in the opening of the exhibit were Acting

DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo and representatives of the PA

Historical and Museum Commission, Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful and the PA Waste Industries Association.

(Photo: Robert Bylone, PA Recycling Markets

Center and DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo help open the exhibit.)

Recycling is a key component of environmental protection, said Abruzzo. Exhibits like thisdemonstrate just how easy it is to recycle all Pennsylvanians can play a part in protecting the

environment.

Abruzzo noted In 1988 Pennsylvania became one of the first states to mandate curbside

recycling in every community in the state with a population of 5,000 or more.

Today, more than 11.6 million residents, at least 94 percent of the state's population, have

access to recycling. About 79 percent have convenient access to recycling through about 1,050

curbside pickup programs and more than 870 drop-off programs in more rural areas extend recycling to

the greatest number of communities.

Pennsylvania now recycles over 6 million tons of waste every year. Recycling manufacturing

employs over 52,000 people with a payroll of almost $2.1 billion and annual sales of over $21 billion in

the Commonwealth.

Abruzzo urged residents to--

Purchase products made with recycled content

Recycle plastic and glass containers, cans and cartons

Compost lawn clippings and other yard waste

Recycle cardboard boxes, newspaper and other household paper

Take household hazardous waste such as paint, batteries and antifreeze to a municipal collection

events and

Recycle unwanted electronic devices.

Click Hereto watch Abruzzos full remarks.

We are excited to share that recycling means business in Pennsylvania, said Robert J. Bylone,Jr., executive director for the Recycling Markets Center. From recycling technology advancements to

the Pennsylvania products that are created using our recycled materials, this exhibit shines light on the

important role recycling plays in the overall well-being of our environment and economy.

The success our state continues to have in the area of recycling is due in part to the efforts of

our communities, said Bylone. Thats one of the reasons we choose to unveil this exhibit to

correspond with America Recycles Day (November 15) and partner with the Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful organization.
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Click Hereto watch Bylones remarks.

The choices that we, as individuals, make to both recycle and buy recycled products is what

drives the success of recycling in Pennsylvania, said Shallon A. Reiter, president of Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful. Thank you to the State Museum of Pennsylvania for showcasing this exhibit which

demonstrates to the public how our collective action lead to cleaner and more beautiful communities.

Click Hereto watch Reiters full remarks.PWIA is part of recycling in many ways. Our member companies provide recycling services

to customers across the state, said Mark Pedersen, president of PA Waste Industries Association.

Were pleased to join you here, today, not only to celebrate America Recycles Day and help unveil

this new exhibit, but also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Pennsylvanias recycling

law.

Click Hereto watch Pedersens remarks.

James Vaughan, executive director of the PA Historical and Museum Commission, said the

Recycling Works! exhibit is the first of several initiatives to update the State Museums display areas to

include more current themes, like recycling and endangered and invasive species.

The Commission is partnering with agencies like DEP, the Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions to make the new exhibits available tothe public.

Click Hereto watch Vaughans remarks.

Recycling Works! is a display of Pennsylvania manufactured recycled content products the

history of recycled content product manufacturing and grassroots recycling in Pennsylvania and

advancements of recycling technology including Single Stream Recycling.

The exhibit, located on the third floor of the State Museum, will be on display adjacent to

Mammal Hall through January 2014. It will then travel around the state to educate the public about how

Recycling Works! in Pennsylvania.

The State Museum of Pennsylvaniais located at 300 North Street, Harrisburg.

For more information on recycling, visit DEPs Pennsylvania Recyclingwebpage.

Related Stories:

New I Want To Be Recycled Ads Help Celebrate America Recycles Day

EPA Recognizes Ahold USA, Giant, Shop-Rite For Food Recovery Challenge

CHEMSWEEP To Provide Safe Pesticide Disposal In 20 Counties In 2014

Latest DEP News Highlights Natural Gas Grants, Solar Rebates, Mine Subsidence

TheNovember 15 issueof DEP News highlighted the announcement of natural gas vehicle conversion

grants, solar rebates for homeowners and businesses, completion of mine subsidence repair work in

Murrysville and opening of the Recycling Works exhibitat the State Museum. Click Hereto sign up to

get your own copy by email.

House Committee Amends, Reports Out Endangered Species Bill

The House Game and Fisheries Committee Wednesday amended and reported out House Bill 1576

(Pyle-R-Armstrong) making fundamental changes in the way threatened and endangered species are

listed and protected in Pennsylvania by a vote of 16 to 8.

The Endangered Species Coordination Act would require the Game Commission and the Fish
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and Boat Commission to submit proposed designations to the Independent Regulatory Review

Commission.

IRRC already reviews regulations from every other state agency, including endangered species

designations made by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and most stream

designations made by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Our ultimate goal with this legislation is to bring about the kind of consistency and transparencyneeded to better facilitate the co-existence of a healthy environment and a healthy economy, said Rep.

Martin Causer (R-Cameron), Majority Chair of the Committee. IRRC has an established process for

public comment and review of virtually every other state regulation that impacts our citizens. It only

makes sense for the commissions to go through the same process.

The bill also would require all information about threatened and endangered species, and others

of special concern, to be placed into a centralized database and would require efficient and timely

access to that information to authorized persons involved in permitted projects that may be affected by

those species.

In many cases, our industries and even local governments are embarking on projects without all

of the information they need to make sound financial decisions, and that can cost us jobs and increase

the burden on taxpayers, Rep. Causer said. If people have access to solid information from the start,they can determine if they want to continue with a project or move it elsewhere. There is no good

reason to keep this information from the people who need it.

Rep. Causer said he recognizes the importance of protecting streams and wildlife, and he

believes requiring the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission to go through the IRRC

process for endangered species and trout stream designations will have no detrimental effect on their

efforts.

DCNR and DEP have been making similar designations through IRRC for decades, Rep.

Causer said. As long as the commissions have sound science to show the need for designations and I

have no doubt they do going through IRRC will not hinder their ability to do their jobs.

The bill generated significant opposition from sportsmens and environmental groups across the

state during two joint public hearingsheld by the Game and Fisheries and Environmental Resources and

Energy Committees.

Among the changes included in the amendment are:

Removing the requirement for the agencies to re-designate all currently listed species within a

two-year time frame.

Expanding the proposed centralized database to include other designated species that are of

special concern or rare species other than threatened or endangered species.

Ensuring access to information in the database is made available only to authorized persons and

increases the civil penalties for unlawful use of sensitive database information.

Prohibiting the transfer of licensing dollars or federal funds for implementation of the act to further

ensure there is no loss of federal funds as a result of the change. Placing the requirement to do field surveys back on the permit applicant affecting the land and

specifies that if field surveys are required, the state agency with jurisdictional authority for the protection

of the species must within 30 days of receiving the survey results provide either clearance for the

project, or detailed avoidance measures, detailed minimization measures or detailed mitigation measures

to the permit applicant.

Clarifying that the requirement of the commissions to adhere to independent regulatory review does

not apply to actions such as hunting seasons and bag limits or fishing seasons and creel limits.
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The bill was then Tabled on the House Floor.

NewsClips:

Controversial Endangered Species Bill Passes House Committee

House Committee OKs Bill To Limit Protection Of Endangered Species

Committee Approves Bill On Determining Endangered Species

Endangered Species Bill Advances In HouseEditorial: Changing Endangered Species Protection

Related Story:

Op-Ed: Striking The Appropriate Balance With The Endangered Species Coordination Act

IRRC Questions DEP Drilling Fee Increases

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission Thursday raised questionsabout whether the

proposed increase in Marcellus Shale drilling fees reasonable relationship to DEPs cost of

administering the Oil and Gas Program.

In its comments, the Commission said: Given that EQB (Environmental Quality Board)

proposes significant increases for unconventional well permits, we ask EQB to explain how it arrived atthe anticipated Program costs to support the reasonableness of the increases. We will review EQB's

response to these concerns as part of our consideration of the final-form regulation.

The proposal would increase the fee per Marcellus Shale well by about $1,800 per nonvertical

well and $2,200 per vertical well. Without the fee increase, DEP would start running a deficit next

fiscal year.

DEP said the fee increase is necessary because of a 23.5 percent decrease in the number of

Marcellus Shale well permit applications received by the department.

A copy of the IRRC comments are available online.

A copy of the proposal and the background fee reports is available on the EQB meeting

webpage(look under the July 16 meeting).

Independent Fiscal Office Projects $530 Million Deficit Now, More Next Year

Independent Fiscal OfficeDirector Matthew Knittel Thursday announced the release of an updated

long-term economic and budget outlook. It also includes a detailed section on the Marcellus Shale

natural gas industry in Pennsylvania.

The IFO projects a $530 million deficit in the 2013-14 fiscal year, a $839 million deficit in

2014-15, and a $1.2 billion deficit in FY 2015-16 increasing to $2 billion in FY 2018-19 if revenue and

expenditure policies remain the same.

The report, entitled Pennsylvanias Economic & Budget Outlook: Fiscal Years 2013-14 to

2018-19, provides data and analysis that policymakers and residents can use to assess the sustainabilityof current tax and spending policies.

Click Herefor a PowerPoint presentation. Click Herefor the full report.

NewsClips:

House Vote On Transportation Funding Could Come Monday

Legislative Leaders Will Call For Transportation Funding Vote

Transportation Funding Bill May Get House Vote Next Week

Time Short To Approve Transit Bill, Experts Say
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5024641-74%2Fbill-transit-republicans&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpIkxJ5UVCYddAxzVmk60-HdzKkQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fpennsylvania_transportation_fu_1.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFNtXPvk5xerPZNTTadvUvmC7JfPAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5072459-74%2Fcorbett-bill-miskin&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFGtPHqOiSi_6vAzc1zmq96e4SGawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F11%2Fpa_house_vote_on_transportatio.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZUHdB9O34ucxCVwVWUFIIsS98Xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifo.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2FPDF%2FFive-Year-Economic-and-Budget-Outlook-Nov-2013.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYxKr73TIFnV61xdDARaO5CFpkzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifo.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2FPDF%2FFive-Year-Outlook-Nov-2013-Presentation.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEzxWuc7ApqxZcRAgpY3V8l8iakXQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifo.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm%23%26panel1-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGijicyrEF8n3G7tat523Xep2KqcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEnvironmental_Quality_Board%2F21511%2FEQB_Meeting_Schedule_2013%2F1615627&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfQsGz8Uuxm_Vv2pwQGWUP4Eo3dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FEnvironmental_Quality_Board%2F21511%2FEQB_Meeting_Schedule_2013%2F1615627&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfQsGz8Uuxm_Vv2pwQGWUP4Eo3dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irrc.state.pa.us%2Fview_doc.ashx%3Ffile%3DFile-27876.pdf%26mod%3DThu%252c%2B14%2BNov%2B2013%2B14%253a50%253a13%2BGMT%26IRRCNo%3D3022&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwAnn3D5WbT-PKu1gDTDxKpOlmAAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.irrc.state.pa.us%2Fview_doc.ashx%3Ffile%3DFile-27876.pdf%26mod%3DThu%252c%2B14%2BNov%2B2013%2B14%253a50%253a13%2BGMT%26IRRCNo%3D3022&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwAnn3D5WbT-PKu1gDTDxKpOlmAAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27055&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-y1lvRm-W935gb4Pb0qn0eHLkNQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fendangering-governance-1.1586058&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGEDW_zhlU3xbdBU32rEeA8e2l0Jghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F11%2F13%2Fendangered-species-bill-advances%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGG_vRLl-b7CPXr4i_JGDIOezNeSQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20131114_Pa__House_committee_approves_bill_so_panel_can_determine_endangered_species.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5kPjXg2br8SqOEolguc9zrIpZBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-endangered-species-vote-20131113%2C0%2C896914.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnZxIBL8t1bqLN-Uxpii6vFx1ADwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F918317_Controversial-endangered-species-bill-passes-Pennsylvania-committee-vote.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHqPl-1oP6izFqMP4YscWNChXZKzg


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Transportation Funding Hinges On Construction Workers Pay

Transportation Funding Bill In Jeopardy

Op-Ed: All Aboard Transit Bill

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule(Updated)

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 (Updated)

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

House

November 18, 19, 20

December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)

2014
http://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%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2F20131112_Inquirer_Editorial__All_aboard_transit_bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEX9e06-kLeKhvtNcap58KyODxWsQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20131114_Transportation_funding_bill_is_in_jeopardy.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGesWK9H8qzxHPjhqwBbgQYg8b-TAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-transportation-1112-20131112%2C0%2C1442483.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEU3mS1vRmL98ALXm2aZj3iPt-CAQ


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January 7 (Non-Voting), 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate

November 18, 19, 20

December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

2014

January 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29

February 3, 4, 5

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Bill Calendars

House (November 18): House Bill 302(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $5 million to DEP for a

competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas House Bill 303

(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $7.5 million to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large

mass transit fleets to natural gas House Bill 304(Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transit

buses to natural gas House Bill 306(Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting $5.3 million from the Alternative

Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to

natural gas and provide a 10 cent per gallon biofuels production subsidy House Bill 308

(Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions

to natural gas. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (November 18):House Bill 920(Sonney-R-Erie) amending the Agricultural Area Security

Law to define wind power generation system and clarifying an agricultural conservation easement shall

not prevent granting an easement for a wind power system-- summary. Click Herefor full Senate

Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:the Environmental Resources and Energy Committeeholds a hearing on House Bill 1699(Ross-R-Chester) regulating backup generators used in demand response programs-- summary.

Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate:the Environmental Resources and Energy Committeemeets to consider Senate Bill 1037

(Vogel-R-Beaver) to repeal summer RVP gasoline requirements-- summary, Senate Bill 1077

(Argall-R-Schuylkill) railroad material theft prevention-- summary the Veterans Affairs and

Emergency Preparedness Committeemeets to consider Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne)
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establishing the PA Disaster emergency Assistance Program-- summary. Click Herefor full Senate

Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

TransportationLinks for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Endangered Species:House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong) making fundamental changes in the waythreatened and endangered species are listed and protected was amended and reported out of the

House Game and Fisheries Committee and Tabled.

News From The Capitol

Sen. Leach Introduces Bill To Expand Alternative Energy Mandates
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Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) Tuesday unveiled new legislation that would amend Pennsylvanias

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to require electric energy distribution companies sell a larger

percentage of electricity made up of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar photovoltaic.

Id like to thank my colleagues and fellow environmental stewards that joined me today in

support of my Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards legislation, Sen. Leach said. By amending these

standards, we will not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, well also make Pennsylvaniacompetitive with neighboring states, create thousands of jobs, stimulate the economy with investment

capital, protect our environment and preserve public health. Those are all investments that we need to

make in our Commonwealth, and will make by passing this legislation.

Senate Bill 1171, introduced last week, would require that electric energy distribution

companies sell a larger percentage of electricity made up of alternative energy sources such as wind and

solar photovoltaic. The standards have not been amended since 2007, and Leach said it is time that we

update them and invest in Pennsylvanias economy and environment.

Sen. Leach was joined at the press conference by environmental advocates who heralded his

legislation.

Tom Schuster, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Campaign Representative, said, "We're ready for

Pennsylvania to once again lead the nation in clean, renewable energy development. Building more windand solar power in our state will create jobs, grow our economy and help clean up the air our kids

breathe. Our families deserve healthy air and a strong economy, and investing in clean energy for our

homes and businesses can get us there.

Leach added that Senate Bill 1171 would nearly double the amount of renewable energy

generated in the state, including tripling the amount of solar power. A 2010 report by the Political

Economy Research Institute and the Center for American Progress estimated that efforts focusing on

production of renewable energy could create up to 2 million jobs nationwide.

The report stated, Wind and solar photovoltaic industries provide at least 40 percent more

jobs per dollar than coal. And, research from economist Dan Kammen shows that renewable energy

has many more jobs per megawatt-hour than traditional energy sources. Second, by developing clean

energy technologies, states will encourage innovation and new economic opportunities, a virtue unto

itself.

Additionally, the study noted that clean energy investments create 16.7 jobs for every $1 million

in spending. In contrast, the report said, fossil fuel spending generates only 5.3 jobs for every $1 million

spent. Clean energy investments create nearly 3 times more jobs for people with college degrees and

nearly 4 times more jobs for people with high school degrees or only some high school education.

Other speakers at the press conference included Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), sponsor of

companion bill House Bill 100 Tom Schuster from Sierra Club Khari Mosely from Blue-Green

Alliance Bruce Burcat from Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition and Christina Simeone from

PennFuture.

Op-Ed: Striking The Appropriate Balance With The Endangered Species Coordination Act

By Sen. Rich Alloway II (R-Adams), Majority Chair Senate Game and Fisheries Committee

As an avid sportsman and conservationist, I find the rhetoric surrounding opposition to SB 1047 and

House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong), known as the Endangered Species Coordination Act, both

disappointing and disingenuous.
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Protection of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable species and preservation of the habitats that sustain

them is one of the core functions of three Pennsylvania state agencies-the Game Commission, Fish and

Boat Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

These agencies effectively protect the Commonwealth's threatened and endangered species,

and they are undoubtedly the best equipped to continue to fulfill this critical charge. This legislation

would not change that, rather it would simply establish a consistent, transparent and accountableframework for doing so.

Senate Bill 1047(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) and House Bill 1576 strike the right balance between

species protection and economic considerations. Species are best protected when those industries that

move earth can responsibly plan their development projects so that they can avoid them.

This legislation would ensure such a commonsense approach to project planning. As for

designation of species and wild trout streams, the objective of this legislation is not to usurp authority

from the agencies but to ensure that designations occur in a standard and transparent manner, similar to

every other Pennsylvania state agency, including DCNR which also protects the state's threatened and

endangered plant life.

Counter to the assertions of the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commissions' executive

directors, an agency's independence does not determine whether or not it should be held accountable tothe public for the regulations it promulgates.

As a legislator, I have never heard the Public Utility Commission or the Liquor Control Board,

both independent state agencies, complain that they were unable to do their jobs because they were

required to solicit and respond to public comments and provide the evidence underlying the need for

their proposed regulations. That would be absurd.

Accountability and transparency is the backbone of good government, not a hindrance to it.

I have followed House Bill 1576's progression in the House and appreciate the thoughtful

consideration that Chairman Causer and Chairman Haluska have afforded it with two public hearings.

Im also currently planning a public hearing in the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee on the

issue. Im pleased that the valid concerns raised have been addressed through a bi-partisan amendment

and strong committee vote.

As a result of this cooperative process that resolves the legitimate concerns with the bill, I urge

my fellow sportsmen and conservationists to re-examine this legislation before allowing the politics and

rhetoric to overshadow its merits.

Consistency, transparency and accountability are important tenets of government. They do not

run counter to species designation and management, and in many ways they will actually augment it.

I look forward to seeing this bill move through the House so that we can continue to consider it,

on its merits, in the Senate.

NewsClips:

Controversial Endangered Species Bill Passes House Committee

House Committee OKs Bill To Limit Protection Of Endangered SpeciesCommittee Approves Bill On Determining Endangered Species

Endangered Species Bill Advances In House

Editorial: Changing Endangered Species Protection

News From Around The State

Penn State Study: Legacy Sediment Makeup Could Help Guide Stream Restoration
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fendangering-governance-1.1586058&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGEDW_zhlU3xbdBU32rEeA8e2l0Jghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F11%2F13%2Fendangered-species-bill-advances%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGG_vRLl-b7CPXr4i_JGDIOezNeSQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20131114_Pa__House_committee_approves_bill_so_panel_can_determine_endangered_species.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5kPjXg2br8SqOEolguc9zrIpZBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-endangered-species-vote-20131113%2C0%2C896914.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnZxIBL8t1bqLN-Uxpii6vFx1ADwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Farticle%2Flocal%2F918317_Controversial-endangered-species-bill-passes-Pennsylvania-committee-vote.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHqPl-1oP6izFqMP4YscWNChXZKzghttp://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%3D1047&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF2PA6KYg0aeQgY-p7DknwuELNXCA


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Legacy sediment behind milldams in Pennsylvania preserved leaves deposited just before European

contact that provide a glimpse of the ancient forests, according to a team of geoscientists, who note that

neither the forests nor the streams were what they are today.

[Note:Landstudies, an environmental consulting firm based in Lititz, Lancaster County, was the

first to do research on the impacts of legacy sedimenton water quality. Click Hereto watch a videofrom Mark Gutshall at Landstudies explaining legacy sediment.]

"Milldams were built from the late 1600s to the late 1800s in Pennsylvania and other parts of

the east," said Peter Wilf, professor of geosciences, Penn State. "We can't get information from historic

records on what the area looked like before the dams because recording of natural history didn't really

begin until the 1730s and was not detailed."

U.S. census shows that by 1840, tens of thousands of milldams existed in the mid-Atlantic

region. About 10,000 of these were in Pennsylvania. In Lancaster County, estimates were one dam for

every mile of stream. The abundance of dams in the area altered the landscape dramatically, according

to the researchers.

"I see a potential modern day benefit for this research," said Sara J. Elliott, recent Penn State

master's degree recipient, currently a research scientist associate at University of Texas Austin, Bureauof Economic Geology. "Attempts to restore precontact environments have been unsuccessful when the

effects of milldams were not considered. Understanding the past forest makeup may provide a way to

help get a successful and useful reconstruction."

The researchers think that reconstructing landscapes more along the lines of those that actually

existed before the 1700s might be a more successful approach to restoration. Establishment of

precolonial-like habitats might also decrease the amounts of nutrients from the legacy sediments that

currently flow into the Chesapeake watershed and cause increased algal and plant growth.

"We now know that legacy sediment from the stream banks caused by the milldams is the major

source of eutrophication in the Chesapeake area," said Wilf. "Not, as is usually assumed, modern

agricultural runoff."

The researchers looked at samples of 300-year-old leaves buried by sediment that backed up

behind Denlinger's Mill in Lancaster County. The leaves came from trees on an outcrop above the dam.

Because sediment quickly covered the leaf layer, the leaves that date from before the dam remain intact.

When carefully separated and cataloged, the leaves reveal the makeup of the forest near the

water's edge before milldams were built and forests were cleared. The researchers published their

findings in today's (November 13) issue of PLOS ONE.

Dorothy J. Merritts, chair, Department of Earth and Environment and Harry W. and Mary B.

Huffnagle Professor of Geoscience, and Robert C. Walter, associate professor of geosciences, both of

Franklin and Marshall College, who found the fossil leaf mat note that the Denlinger's Mill site was our

'Eureka' moment in the unraveling of this anthropogenic impact story."

"We expected to see evidence for single stream channels that meandered back and forth acrossthe valley bottom landscape for millennia," they wrote. "Instead, we found that most of the valley

bottoms at the time of European contact were dominated by wetland ecosystems with numerous small,

stable 'anastomosing' streams."

These branching and reconnecting streams were far different from the steep-banked meandering

streams that, since the dams were breached, now cut through the silt deposits created by the dams.

"First we had to uncover the leaf mats and then try to get a sample," Elliott said. "The mats were

fragile and delicate, and getting them back to the lab or just transferring them from one container to
http://youtu.be/YN33r5-QVJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flandstudies.com%2Fimages%2Fpdfs%2FLS-Floodplain%2520Restoration.4.13.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLCV-1oN8kM1UskVSmShElFJoYTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.landstudies.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEc2wV2cjurqFPUE8uHCyH61zz0Tg


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another was problematic."

Elliott carefully peeled away the leaves, stacked on top of each other in sticky mud and

preserving gorgeous detail, to preserve as many pieces as possible. She then treated them in a variety of

chemical baths, mounted them between large glass slides and cataloged their species.

"We got a lot of information that was not available from other sources," said Elliott.

The Denlinger's Mill site is unusual because of the rock outcrop and the trees that grow andgrew there over the water. The leaves found in the stream bank preserve a snapshot of the trees

growing directly above before European settlement, which Elliott then compared to the modern forest

makeup.

The researchers found that the precontact forest was overwhelmingly American beech, red oak

and sweet birch, similar to modern red oak/beech forests today. But box elder and another maple

dominate the current forest that grows above the stream.

"It was intriguing to see samples from American chestnut, which isn't around anymore because

of the chestnut blight," said Elliott. "On the whole though, the species are around today, just in different

proportions and places."

For more information, contact Professor Elliott at 561-310-3476 or send email to:

[email protected].

Harrisburg Whitaker Center Receives EPA Chesapeake Bay Education Grant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday announced Harrisburg's Whitaker Centerfor

Science and the Arts is the recipient of a $205,305 environmental education grant.

The funding will be used to train middle and high school science teachers in the Chesapeake

Bay Watershed to conduct hands-on scientific investigations with their students in the Susquehanna

River, the bay's largest river. The Susquehanna River provides nearly 50 percent of the fresh water

coming into the bay.

The Expedition Chesapeake Educational Projecthas already attracted applications from more

than 800 science teachers from schools located in the Chesapeake Watershed which includes

Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.

"Expedition Chesapeake is taking science to the classroom in a mindful way where students will

learn about scientific research, fieldwork and data collection, right in their own backyard," said EPA

Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "These students are today's environmental stewards and

getting out of the classroom for fieldwork is a far more effective and fun way to learn about science and

the environment."

The primary goal of the Expedition Chesapeake Educational Project is to engage middle school

and high school students in exploring and analyzing the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, its

ecosystem and inhabitants. In addition to gaining scientific knowledge, the students will also learn about

the local civic decision-making process. This learning experience will provide them with a personalconnection to restoring the overall health of the bay.

Todays financial and symbolic endorsement from EPA is the catalyst necessary to advance the

Expedition Chesapeake watershed education program beyond Central Pennsylvania and beyond the

watershed itself, said Steve Bishop, project manager and vice president of science and IMAX

programs at Whitaker Center. It also increases awareness of Whitaker Center as a source for

cutting-edge educational experiences both inside and outside of the classroom.

For more information, visit EPAs Environmental Education Grantswebpage.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.epa.gov%2Feducation&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-31QP3xBXP47ynW_4PXNNtUAOawhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.expeditionchesapeake.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9GXWel9sja63q1_hOIde8IMZhWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whitakercenter.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGPqGoHUXqac_iXsSS5uf8iVclMagmailto:[email protected]


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The University of Scranton - Downtown Planter Spring Planting Project and

Yellow Breeches Watershed Association - One 'Sweet' Yard - A Creekalicious Landscape

Competition

Visit the Pennsylvania American Water Facebook Contest page, read about the Community

Investment Challenge entries and vote for your favorite one. The deadline for voting is December 8.

Awards will be announced in early December.

Penn State Extension Releases Roadside Springs Survey

Roadside springs are a common source of drinking water in Pennsylvania but little is known about the

quality of these water supplies. Penn State Water Resources Extension Educators Jim Clark and Diane

Oleson presented a webinar on October 30, which included water quality results from a recent survey

of 35 heavily used roadside springs across the state.

The objective of the survey was to determine the drinking water safety of these springs and to

increase awareness about the use of roadside springs for drinking water supplies.

The 35 roadside springs included in the survey were mostly located within PennDOT road

rights-of-ways in 19 counties. Water samples were collected by seven Penn State Water ResourcesExtension Educators between April and August of 2013.

Each sample was analyzed for 20 common inorganic and microbiological water quality

parameters by the Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory at Penn State University.

Overall, 97 percent of the roadside springs failed at least one drinking water standard. The

most common health-related pollutants were coliform bacteria (91 percent), E. coli bacteria (34

percent), and lead (3 percent).

Other common pollutants that could cause various tastes or other aesthetic issues included

corrosive water (89 percent), low pH (40 percent), sediment (31 percent), iron (6 percent) and

manganese (6 percent). Several pollutants were not found in any of the springs in excessive

concentrations including aluminum, nitrate, arsenic, barium, copper and chloride.

Clark and Oleson suggest that these results should provide caution for anyone currently

collecting and drinking water from a roadside spring. They recommend that homeowners should

consider having the roadside spring tested for safety by a state accredited water testing laboratory or

utilize other sources of drinking water.

The Penn State Water Resources Extension team hopes to utilize this small pilot study to seek

additional funding to support more extensive testing of a larger number of roadside springs across the

state.

Full results from the survey can be viewed on the 30-minute taped webinar and other supporting

materials are available online.

(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, PennState Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and reprinted from

Watershed Windsnewsletter.)

Latest DEP News Highlights Natural Gas Grants, Solar Rebates, Mine Subsidence

TheNovember 15 issueof DEP News highlighted the announcement of natural gas vehicle conversion

grants, solar rebates for homeowners and businesses, completion of mine subsidence repair work in
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Murrysville and opening of the Recycling Works exhibitat the State Museum. Click Hereto sign up to

get your own copy by email.

Nature Abounds Seeking Volunteers For IceWatch USA Season

Nature Abounds, a Clearfield-based non-profit environmental group, is seeking volunteers for the2013-14 IceWatchseason. IceWatch USA engages volunteers from across the United States to

monitor local waterways over the winter season.

In as little as 10 minutes per visit, volunteers gather and report information, helping to analyze

how our climate is changing in different regions of the United States and how our ecosystems are

reacting to the change.

Volunteers contribute information about ice coverage on local waterways, snow and rainfall

amounts, air temperature and wildlife observations.

IceWatching can be done in an area that receives snow and ice regularly as well as areas that

do not receive snow and ice regularly. We are looking to collect information from all areas of the

country, said Melinda Hughes-Wert, President of Nature Abounds.

IceWatch USA, a citizen-scientist opportunity modeled after Ice Watch Canada, was launchedin November 2008. IceWatch USA now has over 500 active volunteers in forty-six states.

Nature Abounds is a national 501c3 non-profit, headquartered in DuBois, Pennsylvania, is

bringing people together for a healthy planet. Nature Abounds was a recipient of a 2013 Western

Pennsylvania Environmental Award.

More information, visit the Nature Abounds IceWatch USAwebpage or by sending email:

[email protected].

New I Want To Be Recycled Ads Help Celebrate America Recycles Day

The Ad Council and Keep America Beautiful are partnering with popular online grocer, FreshDirect, to

feature messaging from their national I Want to Be Recycledpublic service advertising campaign on all

FreshDirect delivery boxes.

The collaboration, announced in advance of America Recycles Dayon November 15 is a part

of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the benefits of recycling and encourage recycling to become

a daily social norm.

Beginning this week and continuing year-round, the new FreshDirect cardboard delivery boxes

featuring messaging from the PSA campaign will be delivered throughout the greater New York, New

Jersey, Connecticut and Delaware metro areas, as well as the greater Philadelphia, Penn., area.

The boxes include the line, "I want to be a cereal box. Recycle Me." They also direct customers

to visit IWantToBeRecycled.org, where they can access a localized search tool to find curbside

locations or recycling centers in their area and receive more information on how and what to recycle.

EPA Recognizes Ahold USA, Giant, Shop-Rite For Food Recovery Challenge

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday recognized Ahold USA the parent company of

GIANT Food Storesand Shop-Rite of Roxborough for outstanding contributions to EPA's Food

Recovery Challenge.

The Food Recovery Challenge encourages organizations to donate and divert as much of their
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffoodrecovery&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVg2DPw2KEdoEV1nkDTDqoq4uBYghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffoodrecovery&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVg2DPw2KEdoEV1nkDTDqoq4uBYghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.giantfoodstores.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEzniSp4he5R-TvMJ1YSOIwO6Mviwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwanttoberecycled.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYQjoXXsqTtxH7zEAtee-JHwcbXQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Famericarecyclesday.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH3SDc0DC833XbaNbN_Tux9VhR4rQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iwanttoberecycled.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYQjoXXsqTtxH7zEAtee-JHwcbXQmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org%2FIceWatch_USA.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFf_LbA0Jpd-2LtY3qjxmrX6SfkLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org%2FIceWatch_USA.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFf_LbA0Jpd-2LtY3qjxmrX6SfkLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.natureabounds.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcQABnVFiuOZ5YXWl4Qd7EIkAFpwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FBe_Informed!%2F21504&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEq440qx2AKq7npuSDVs90jxGPLJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F11%2Frecycling-works-exhibit-celebrates-25th.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFb9Ei9AftBeqNHeL2fgcJ7nL35EA


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excess food as possible. Organizations that join EPA's challenge find that they not only save money, but

they also feed the needy, and help protect the environment at the same time.

"The Food Recovery Challenge benefits families in need, helps grocers reduce costs, supplies

badly needed donations to organizations like the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and helps to create

green jobs," said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. "Today is America Recycles Day, and

with Thanksgiving just a week away, this is an excellent time to raise awareness of this important issue."Food is the largest waste category in the U.S. going into municipal landfills. In 2011, 36 million

tons of food waste was generated. When excess food, leftover food, and food scraps are disposed of in

a landfill, they decompose rapidly and become a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas

contributing to climate change.

During 2012, Ahold USA provided food donations equivalent to more than12 million meals

served based on conversion factors used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Food not suitable for

donation in the amount of 19,000 tons was diverted into composting instead of being sent to landfills.

That represents approximately 3,820 tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions.

"Ahold USA and our retail divisions like GIANT are committed to reducing waste and

minimizing our impact on the environment while at the same time maximizing food donations to regiona

food banks," said Tracy Pawelski, vice president, external communications and community relations,Ahold USA. "The EPA Food Recovery Challenge not only makes good business sense by lowering

costs, but can be a game changer for local hunger relief efforts, especially during these times of need."

"By committing to donate food and to compost food waste, Shoprite of Roxborough is serving

as a significant environmental steward" said Garvin. "As a result of their efforts, Shop-Rite of

Roxborough diverted food waste while providing nutritious meals to members of the local community in

need. Food not suitable for consumption was recycled into a nutrient-rich soil supplement which will

nourish crops and landscaping, thereby reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides and water."

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is proud to play a part in the EPAs Food Recovery

Challenge, said Joe Arthur, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank executive director. The number of

people needing food assistance is at an all-time high, so by proactively searching for new methods to

conserve food and resources everyone can play a pivotal role in furthering the Food Banks mission of

fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening communities.

Founded in 1981, the The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank has been dedicated to ending

hunger for more than 30 years. Serving 27 counties, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is the largest

non-profit food distribution organization in central Pa.

The Food Bank partners with 800 agencies to directly serve people struggling with hunger. The

Food Banks distributes the equivalent of 2.5 tractor-trailer loads of food distributed every day of the

year.

For more information, visit EPAs Food Recovery Challengewebpage.

CHEMSWEEP To Provide Safe Pesticide Disposal In 20 Counties In 2014

Agricultural businesses and pesticide applicators in 20 counties can dispose of unwanted pesticides

safely and easily in 2014 through the Department of Agriculture's CHEMSWEEP Program.

The program is offered in different counties each year. In 2014 it will be available in Adams,

Allegheny, Beaver, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Franklin, Jefferson,

Lancaster, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill and Washington counties.

"CHEMSWEEP provides a safe, legal way to dispose of unwanted pesticides," said Agriculture
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pda.state.pa.us%2FCHEMSWEEP&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5ig3oIEutidV4vRSwlHfF-4-4Kghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epa.gov%2Ffoodrecovery&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVg2DPw2KEdoEV1nkDTDqoq4uBYg


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overall energy production.

Our energy industry is creating tremendous economic and environmental progress for

Pennsylvanias citizens, Corbett said during his address to the conference delegation. Home heating

costs have been cut in half electricity prices are down 40 percent and according to the EPA, carbon

emissions are down by 7 percent.

More than 200,000 people are working in jobs created or made more prosperous and moresecure by the vast wealth being tapped from our energy industry, including the Marcellus Shale gas

play, Corbett said. Just visit Williamsport, Greene County, Washington County or any of a dozen

others, and see the crowded restaurants, the full motels and the stores who are seeing heavier customer

traffic and higher sales. Ask those people if theyd be doing this business without the drilling industry.

The Department of Labor & Industry uses the Quarterly Census for Employment and Wages to

measure employment levels and to track the employment change of the energy industry in the state.

Employment data indicate that there are 28,155 jobs in the industries where core activities for

Marcellus Shale occur, which is an increase of 162 percent since 2009. Work in these core industries is

often the most high-profile and visible work related to Marcellus Shale. These industries include drilling

and extraction work, building pipelines, and transporting natural gas through pipelines.

Employment data also indicate that there are more than 200,000 jobs in the industries whereancillary or supply-chain activities for Marcellus Shale occur. The companies in the core industries rely

on the companies in these industries to provide the products and services they require. This group of

industries was created based on the relationships that have historically existed within the natural gas

sector of the economy.

This conservative job number does not take into account the many induced jobs, such as

hospitality, service and other professions that have clearly seen a positive impact from Pennsylvanias

development of our natural gas industry.

As Marcellus Shale development continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that additional

industries will be identified that play a larger role in the energy economy than they have in the past.

New manufacturers are arriving and building plants. Companies with deep histories are

expanding and branching out to the energy supply chain. Engineering firms are growing and

environmental firms are hiring and we are seeing this throughout Pennsylvania where there is drilling

and miles away from it, Corbett said.

The Commonwealths support for safe, innovative energy development has led to a number of

economic successes, most notably the continued operations of three refineries in the southeastern

section of the state, saving more than 1,000 jobs.

The bright future of energy in Pennsylvania also helped to secure operations at the Aker

Philadelphia Shipyard, increasing demand and putting 1,000 Pennsylvanians back to work.

In Chester County, Schramm, Inc. added 50 employees in 2012, mostly engineers, to design a new

drilling rig for the natural gas industry. The additional jobs bring the companys total employment up to

235.In October, Corbett visited Environmental Tank Container, which currently supplies oilfield

services companies, water hauling firms, frack tank rental companies and energy companies. The

company is experiencing tremendous growth and will add 100 new jobs over the next five years in

Cambria County.

In Columbia County, a business partnership between two Pennsylvania-based companies,

WellSpring Environmental Services, LLC, headquartered in Orwigsburg, and Ultra-Poly Corporation,

based in Portland, Northampton County, is expected to create 80 new jobs. The new recycling venture


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is projected to remove at least 20 million pounds a year of plastic well pad liner material and turn it into

to useful products.

NewsClips:

Corbett Defends His Marcellus Shale Jobs Numbers

Panelists Discuss Economic Impact Of Marcellus

Yudichak: Marcellus Shale Cure For NE PAs Economic ProblemsDrilling Companies: Were Hiring, Pay Is Good

Bush Avoids Controversy At Marcellus Shale Conference

DEP Secretary: Regulating Radiation Next Frontier In Drilling

Debunking Sen. Ferlos Anti-Fracking Expert Panel

Trout Unlimiteds Aim Is Cooperation In Gas Lands

PA Gas Drilling Job Figures Raise Questions

Beneath Pittsburgh Lies Abundance Of Natural Gas

GE Transportation To Explore Natural Gas Locomotives

West Virginia Might Get Petrochemical Complex

Natural Gas Could Spell Doom For Nuke Power

Editorial: Keystone Pipeline Pandering

PUC Finalizes Updates To Electric Shopping Definitions

The Public Utility CommissionThursday finalized guidelines on the pricing labels used when selling

electric generation service to residential customers.

The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the updates to its electric competition dictionary,

which is available on www.PAPowerSwitch.com. The updates provide guidance to electric generation

suppliers (EGSs) on the appropriate use of the fixed-price label when presenting offers to potential

customers.

The Commission proposed the changes after the filing of informal complaints by consumers as

well as inquiries from EGSs and electric distribution companies about pricing practices.

Some EGSs are offering fixed-rate products to residential customers but include language in the

disclosure statement that allows the EGS to pass through rate changes if an outside entity such as the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or the PJM Interconnection imposes costs on the supplier.

The Commissions main concern is that these types of offers may be misleading, especially when

an EGS prominently advertises a fixed price but includes possible additional costs that are described in

the pass-through clause far down in the fine print of the disclosure statement.

The relevant existing definitions are:

-- Fixed Price: A fixed electricity rate will remain the same, for a set period of time.

-- Variable Price: A variable electricity rate can change, by the hour, day, month, etc. according to the

terms and conditions in the suppliers disclosure statement.-- Introductory Price: For new customers, a price kept comparatively lower for a period of time and

then adjusted after a specified period of time, consistent with terms and conditions in the supplier's

disclosure statement.

The newly revised definitions as approved in the Final Order include:

-- Fixed Price: An all-inclusive per kWh price that will remain the same for at least three billing cycles or

the term of the contract, whichever is longer.

-- Variable Price: An all-inclusive per kWh price that can change, by the hour, day, month, etc.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.papowerswitch.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqRX9XQidOCXhIHfJl80dsZ2Xy1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&snt

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