Pa Environment Digest Dec. 23, 2013

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some question whether the impact fee which has resulted in over $400 million over the past two years,

will remain in place going forward.

A reasonable level of regulatory consistency across the Commonwealth is vital to the success

of any major industry or employer however the Supreme Court failed to recognize that in their

majority decision. Our fear now is that landowners and hardworking individuals will suffer because of

todays decision.Senate Democrats

Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), the Senate Democratic leader, offered his reaction to the

decision:

The courts decision to overturn portions of Act 13 those provisions that involve zoning

restrictions and the communitys right to protect their own water resources provides Pennsylvania

lawmakers with a second chance to craft a better, more responsible law. This is an opportunity to

revisit an issue and devise a shale drilling law that is meaningful one that offers protections for our

citizens, communities and a valuable Pennsylvania natural resource.

While Act 13 included a wide range of subjects, it failed to institute a reasonable shale drilling

tax and took too much control away from local municipalities. We left too much control in the hands of

gas drilling companies and the governor was too lenient in dealing with energy companies at the expenseof Pennsylvanias citizens and our communities.

Senate Democrats are hopeful that the governor will work with legislators on a balanced plan

that includes a responsible approach to drilling restrictions and community protections.

Earlier this year, Senate Democratic Caucus filed an amicus brief in support of overturning the

blanket local zoning preemption provision and the setback requirements related to sensitive water

resources in Act 13.

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources

and Energy Committee, said in a statement--

"Today's Supreme Court decision is a significant victory for Pennsylvania's local governments,

our environment and our economy as it restores local control and gives the legislature another

opportunity to maximize the economic potential of our Marcellus shale drilling industry.

"Act 13 wrongly stripped away the rights of local governments to zone industries within their

municipal boundaries and this lengthy opinion rightly restores local control and allows these local

governments to have an input in protecting the environment.

"The Marcellus shale industry has the potential to change the course of Pennsylvania's economy

for the next generation as long as we continue to enact smart regulations and enforce strong policies to

protect our environment. It is my hope that this opinion forces the legislature's hands to seriously

consider stronger environmental protections and a responsible severance tax in 2014.

House Democrats

House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) said, "This ruling gives us an

opportunity to go back to the drawing board and do this right. We want to work with industry andenvironmental stakeholders to craft a law that will constitutionally protect the environment and also

include a fair and reasonable severance tax on the oil and gas industry.

"Today's ruling reaffirms what House Democrats have been saying for two years that Gov.

Corbett's sham of a Marcellus Shale drilling law wrongly and unconstitutionally stripped local

communities of their zoning powers. The state Supreme Court today stood up for the important

principle of local control, restoring zoning authority in Pennsylvania back to residents and municipalities

It is an important victory for the environment and the communities we live in."


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NewsClips:

Supreme Court Rules Municipalities Can Limit What Drillers Do

Corbett, Gas Industry Decry Court Ruling

Corbett Voices Displeasure With Gas Zoning Ruling

Court Sends Act 13 Doctor Gag Rule Back To Lower Court

Court Strikes Down Zoning Limits On DrillingCourt Declares Parts Of Drilling Law Unconstitutional

Court: State Cant Make Municipalities Accept Drilling

Court Strikes Down Act 13 Local Zoning Restrictions

PA Supreme Court Jolts Shale Industry

Court Rules Municipalities Can Limit What Gas Drillers Do

PA Court Sides With Towns In Gas Drilling Fight

Court Strikes Down Major Part Of Gas Drilling Law

For Drillers, Act 13 Ruling Creates Uncertainty

What Act 13 Ruling Will Mean To Municipalities, Drillers

Court Decision On Drilling Draws Varied Reactions

Editorial: Court Reins In Drilling Excesses Of Act 13Criminal Case Against Marcellus Driller Gets Underway

GOP Lawmakers Join Call For Higher Drilling Tax

Drilling Company To Keep Water Tanks At Homes

Marcellus Shale Drilling Becomes More Efficient

Candidate For Governor Calls On DEP To Review Well Contamination

New Gas Pipelines Endangering Some Wild Animals

Editorial: Stop Coddling Drillers, Pass Fair Tax

Op-Ed: Save Loyalsock State Forest From Fracking

Consol Energy To Reduce Air Pollution From Airport Drilling

Consol Using Electric Engines For Airport Drilling

Allegheny Park Drilling Offer Includes $3.5 Million Bonus

Allegheny Park Drilling Could Reap $73 Million

Deer Lakes Park Drilling Might Net Up To $74 Million

Editorial: Drill, Carefully, Drill In Allegheny County

Safety Concerns Over Cross-State Natural Gas Pipeline

Coast Guard Mulls Moving Drilling Wastewater By Barge

Panel Discusses Pros, Cons Of Fracking In Ligonier Valley

Audubon: What Happens When We Frack The Forest?

Analysis: Landmark Court Opinion Turns Environmental Regulation In PA Upside Down

Its dangerous to do an analysis of a 162-page court opinion in 24 hours, but the decision Thursday by

the PA Supreme Court declaring the preemption of local regulation under the Act 13 Marcellus Shale

drilling law unconstitutional is clearly a landmark by any definition. Many environmental law experts sa

it has the potential to turn the way environmental impacts are regulated in Pennsylvania upside down.

By giving counties, townships and boroughs the broad authority to set their own environmental

standards through zoning and other controls under Article I, Section 27 of Pennsylvanias Constitution--

the Environmental Rights Amendment-- the impact of the opinion will not just be felt by the oil and gas
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fconserveland.org%2Fpolicy%2Fenvirorights&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE56dIOMYQpqNGiv_LjYBOBSRy39Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.audubonmagazine.org%2Farticles%2Fclimate%2Fwhat-happens-when-we-frack-forest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwyz3kgF7SwVrJ4ooXuq9HyrwBBghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fneighborhoods%2Fyourligonier%2F5236755-74%2Ffracking-natural-gas%23axzz2nudmCv5z&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG8AOeUFLb6GMCpcS_Ump1ewYGvdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F2013%2F12%2F15%2FRiver-routes%2Fstories%2F201312150077&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGpNbUaAop2ZGRgpobTW4jdl62wuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F17%2Fsafety-concerns-arise-over-cross-state-natural-gas-liquids-pipeline%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEfLhOhZVaBUpdfy0MmpMURpLPUvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2F2013%2F12%2F17%2FDrill-carefully-drill%2Fstories%2F201312170004&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHS8RBvrK7BTn72BlH0XJ_mu8OtlAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F5265546-74%2Fcounty-park-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGonw5mxMGAx68f5cF74IHkEpoD-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fgas-drilling%2Fallegheny-cuonty-could-reap-73m-by-fracking-a-park-1.1601635&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9W4T2bDM2XcjSHakaQI6vdsWq5ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Flocal%2Fnorth%2F2013%2F12%2F15%2FPark-gas-offer-includes-3-5M-bonus%2Fstories%2F201312150160&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHWukKPT1Up6Dueq2m0g7AaebLxRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F2013%2F12%2F17%2FConsol-announces-electric-rigs-for-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-drilling%2Fstories%2F201312170144&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjzncq7QM8V0DiZEL0UJG2bYjDWwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5270034-74%2Fconsol-airport-engines&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOpkKW3k7e-4QmhemWpeRrdWg4IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Ffracking_marcellus_shale_natural_gas_exploration_gasland_pennsylvania.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHPZsTck4ciw8Is0-QcDiGx-4geVQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fstop-coddling-gas-drillers-pass-fair-tax-1.1601287&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQN9GAzeYcVDcclB4XJ-00kzc6vghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2FNew_Pa_gas_pipelines_endanger_some_wild_animals_cause_others_to_migrate.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFRnlshvkFIEUGX-uo6hqH39EkSwghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fformer-dep-exec-calls-on-agency-to-review-well-contamination-again-1.1604477&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENYKDWl_fXkcqQLqQKwl3UUfu9uAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fbusiness%2Fhomepage%2F20131215_Marcellus_Shale_drilling_becomes_more_efficient.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8rj9E5d4NaVhAD_reNErKj052NQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F14%2Fcompany-drops-plans-to-remove-water-tanks-from-franklin-forks-homes%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-pxhci1VVivohRdPFfZG6gHvsUwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F24245737%2Fgop-lawmakers-join-call-for-higher-tax-on-marcellus-drillers&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsQ5Ff3CrtDy31H8-wbwAVcAVFLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F19%2Ffirst-criminal-case-against-marcellus-driller-gets-underway%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF7fDN06nj_wzYV5P6xWqnbXk-eXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Feditorial_act_13_local_zoning_preemption_unconstitutional_gas_drilling.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFMyc1TwUg4YJfD59NkqJoQaSM4DAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fpost_643.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE79_XFJssDod-nJutKksLbLoBZYQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fnews%2F2013%2F12%2F19%2Fhigh-court-ruling-seems-pre-act-13.html%3Fpage%3Dall&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFD6RmgDNMVWc2-efto7E7ZxCMNVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fblog%2Fenergy%2F2013%2F12%2Ffor-drillers-act-13-ruling-creates.html%3Fpage%3Dall&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbCcBa3gbDj2Hx5lqZ_sqDi9qjewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-marcellus-shale-zoning-20131219%2C0%2C902680.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIja23dnVtFZ4xn3o1rfkjxxD_Rwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fmarcellus%2F16019768468557905499%2FPa.-court-sides-with-towns-in-gas-drilling-fight&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFAALB2oM1tm4EygVjTQAiWotS6uAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5285484-74%2Fstate-drilling-court&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industry.

Environmental standards for power plants, landfills, hazardous waste facilities, biosolids

application, farm operations, mining and much more would still be set by DEP, but now could also be

set by local governments if they choose and more easily challenged by citizens given the sweeping

language in the opinion.

As a result, some say, Pennsylvania could have 2,500 mini-DEPs setting different, morestringent, environmental standards and development and impact fees in the state which pleases some

and worries others.

Several other environmental statutes also preempt municipal regulation in one way or another,

either explicitly or as a result of earlier court decisions. As a result, their legal status may be in doubt as

a result of the opinion.

Those laws include: the Air Pollution Control Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, the

Nutrient Management Act and the Agriculture and the Communities and Rural Environment Act

(ACRE).

The opinion also seems to give citizens and groups the ability to challenge directly any state

environmental standard as being inadequate in at least three other ways: through their local governments,

potentially through pre-enforcement review of state environmental regulations or in cases involvingenvironmental justice concerns.

In addition, more traditional local challenges to zoning and land development ordinances and

decisions could be expanded to include other environmental requirements and standards since the Court

gave municipalities the authority to set their own.

In the near future, the Court opinion will have an impact on portions of DEPs proposed

revisions to Chapter 78drilling regulations required by Act 13 since they implement the setback

provisions and the requirement for DEP to evaluate the impact on public resources struck down as

unconstitutional by the opinion.

The opinion would also allow counties and municipalities to adopt their own environmental

standards to cover drilling on State Forest Land, rather than relying solely on the standards set by the

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In particular the controversy over drilling in the

Loyalsock State Forestin Lycoming and Sullivan counties comes to mind.

In reality, the broader application of the decision may not be felt for years as individual legal

cases challenge specific statutes and litigation over specific local environmental standards work their

way through the court system.

And since the Court opinion was based on the Pennsylvania Constitution, passing a new piece

of legislation to modify the impact of the opinion could have limited impact. That legislation itself woul

then be subject to legal challenge on the same constitutional grounds and the same precedent established

by the opinion, at least until the composition of the PA Supreme Court changes.

Either way, the opinion is going to generate lots of new work for environmental lawyers.

Environmental Rights Amendment SponsorFormer Sen. Franklin Kury (D-Northumberland) and prime sponsor of the Environmental

Rights Amendment legislation in 1970-71 told the Digest the Court got it right and he was gratified to

see the Court recognized the language in the Amendment as having real meaning.

The opinion as it relates to Article I, Section 27 is everything I hoped it would be. It took

everything we did then and set a new standard for precedent, said Kury. Environmental laws and

actions will now have to be judged against the Amendment.

The Courts opinion quoted from papers and other information Kury entered into the record
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while the Amendment was considered in the General Assembly, although he was not involved in the

case in any way.

Kury is the author of Clean Politics, Clean Streams: A Legislative Autobiography and

Reflections about his career in the General Assembly and the issues he was involved in.

Other Comments

A plurality of our Supreme Court recognizes that Article I, Section 27 is actual constitutionallaw, and that its text matters. This is a huge step in the right direction, said John Dernbach, a former

DEP attorney, now professor at Widener Law School in Harrisburg and another source quoted in the

Courts opinion.

This decision obviously has major consequences for Marcellus Shale development in

Pennsylvania as well as Article I, Section 27. Major parts of Act 13 will need to be rewritten by the

General Assembly, and there may be another round of litigation after that. But the revitalization of

Article I, Section 27 may be of even greater import, even though it did command the votes of a

majority. And it is impressive that the plurality framed the amendments relationship with other

provisions of the constitution in terms of sustainable development.

Click Herefor a copy of the decision. Click Herefor a copy of the concurring opinion.

NewsClips:Supreme Court Rules Municipalities Can Limit What Drillers Do

Corbett, Gas Industry Decry Court Ruling

Corbett Voices Displeasure With Gas Zoning Ruling

Court Sends Act 13 Doctor Gag Rule Back To Lower Court

Court Strikes Down Zoning Limits On Drilling

Court Declares Parts Of Drilling Law Unconstitutional

Court: State Cant Make Municipalities Accept Drilling

Court Strikes Down Act 13 Local Zoning Restrictions

PA Supreme Court Jolts Shale Industry

Court Rules Municipalities Can Limit What Gas Drillers Do

PA Court Sides With Towns In Gas Drilling Fight

Court Strikes Down Major Part Of Gas Drilling Law

For Drillers, Act 13 Ruling Creates Uncertainty

What Act 13 Ruling Will Mean To Municipalities, Drillers

Court Decision On Drilling Draws Varied Reactions

Editorial: Court Reins In Drilling Excesses Of Act 13

Budget Office Projects Need To Fill $1.7 Billion Hole In FY 2014-15 Budget

Budget Secretary Charles Zogby Wednesday said the Corbett Administration is projecting the need to

fill a $1.7 billion holein the FY 2014-15 budget caused by the usual budget drivers-- increases in stateand school employee pension payments, medical assistance costs and at the Department of Corrections.

The Budget Office expects FY 2013-14 revenue estimates to be on-track which will result in

a $232 million surplus for the year ending June 30.

Pension payments for state and school employees are expected to increase about $610 million

for the coming fiscal year.

Secretary Zogby said the Governor is particularly worried about the tsunami of pension

payment increases coming for school districts and their potential impact on students in the classroom.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fdocument%2F1383964%2F2013-14_mid_year_briefing_pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG46NOyGRjrd38OwKZ9-ti2-5y25Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Feditorial_act_13_local_zoning_preemption_unconstitutional_gas_drilling.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFMyc1TwUg4YJfD59NkqJoQaSM4DAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fpost_643.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE79_XFJssDod-nJutKksLbLoBZYQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fnews%2F2013%2F12%2F19%2Fhigh-court-ruling-seems-pre-act-13.html%3Fpage%3Dall&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFD6RmgDNMVWc2-efto7E7ZxCMNVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bizjournals.com%2Fpittsburgh%2Fblog%2Fenergy%2F2013%2F12%2Ffor-drillers-act-13-ruling-creates.html%3Fpage%3Dall&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbCcBa3gbDj2Hx5lqZ_sqDi9qjewhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fbreaking%2Fmc-pa-marcellus-shale-zoning-20131219%2C0%2C902680.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIja23dnVtFZ4xn3o1rfkjxxD_Rwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftimesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fmarcellus%2F16019768468557905499%2FPa.-court-sides-with-towns-in-gas-drilling-fight&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFAALB2oM1tm4EygVjTQAiWotS6uAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5285484-74%2Fstate-drilling-court&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJHa9QMb61MQ7I1Y7K7XA-SDVfCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20131220_PA__Supreme_Court_jolts_shale_industry.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGGOPoyZyNjpgIdXezjBu8GIzZbAQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F19%2Fstate-supreme-court-strikes-down-act-13-local-zoning-restrictions%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGr1oVhaN4R3K-DqqZXU3ehEE8WAghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fpa_supreme_court_says_state_ca.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH4Pzgwug3xL_9UXnNqlaU8KmIT7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Flocal%2F2013%2F12%2F19%2FPennsylvania-Supreme-Court-declares-portions-of-shale-drilling-law-unconstitutional%2Fstories%2F201312190254&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFyKEFTcg0um3yXmdkGPkU5cOFsbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fhigh-court-strikes-down-zoning-limits-on-drilling-1.1604164&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYVWWcc2rjWt9uYa3v3aJs79ceZwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F20%2Fsupreme-court-sends-act-13-doctor-gag-rule-challenge-back-to-lower-court%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGbeUqRgMMzD-2C8WWXVehLfWCVSghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ydr.com%2Fstate%2Fci_24759002%2Fhigh-court-strikes-down-zoning-limits-drilling&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGDgDFAQ6MU_RAeY8Em-GSQHpkSAQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Fcorbett_gas_industry_decry_pa.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEn5zZfmuZrl5uTb_JHAwx8FfSB3Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F5285484-74%2Fstate-drilling-court&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJHa9QMb61MQ7I1Y7K7XA-SDVfCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delawareriverkeeper.org%2Fresources%2FReports%2FConcurring%2520Opinion%2520J-127A-D-2012co.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNESjOprsmm4ubDTyFgm-ozl3yEY7ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.delawareriverkeeper.org%2Fresources%2FReports%2FOpinion%2520J-127A-D-2012oajc.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG9ftt9jnVhNNhkb-rte28DlcPpEQ


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He said discussions continue with the General Assembly on pension reform and he said he believes they

are on a path to see positive developments in time to impact the FY 2014-15 budget discussions.

In addition to the usual increases in medical assistance costs, Secretary Zogby said changes in

the way the federal government calculates payments to the state for these costs will cut the states

federal payments by an extra $300 million next year.

He also explained an added budget concern is the $180 million loss of tobaccosettlementmoney as a result of a recent adverse decision by the panel overseeing the settlement agreement. He

noted those monies were expected in the Spring and have already been frozen in the current year

budget.

He said the enactment of Small Games of Chance changes were a positive development in the

states revenue picture. These changes are estimated to bring in about $156 million in new tax revenue

to the Commonwealth.

He also pointed to the $2.3 billion bipartisan transportation funding package approved in

November as a significant improvement in funding for transit systems and highway and bridge projects.

The funding plan will increase the 2014 tax on gasolineto 40.7 cents per gallon, an increase

from 31.2 cents per gallon in 2013, and 51 cents per gallon for diesel fuel, an increase from 38.1 cents

per gallon in 2013.Secretary Zogby said the Governor issued instructions to agencies to present a budget for next

year with level funding, but which will actually result in an 8 percent cut due to increases in pension and

salary expenses.

He said his Office is looking at all options for bringing in new revenues, short of new taxes.

When asked about adopting a new severance tax on natural gas production, Secretary Zogby

noted the existing drilling impact fees are bringing in substantial revenues to local and state government

and a new tax is not part of the mix of options being considered.

On slowing down the phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax, Secretary Zogby said

no options are off the table and said this issue was part of the discussion for the FY 2013-14 budget.

However, he said he would not be reacting to individual options before the Governor has an opportunity

to review them.

Click Herefor a copy of Secretary Zogbys mid-year budget briefing presentation.

NewsClips:

State Faces Grim Budget Outlook

Budget Chief Warns Of Gaping State Deficit

State Could Be In Store For Another Big Deficit

PA Again Faces Budget Shortfall

Cost Of State Employees To Climb 9% In 2014-15

Corbett, Lawmakers Seek Cash To Plug Deficit

Editorial: Stop Coddling Drillers, Pass Fair Tax

GOP Lawmakers Join Call For Higher Drilling Tax

PA Climate Change Action Plan Update Moves To Completion

On Friday, DEPs Climate Change Advisory Committeemet to provide its last comments on a PA

Climate Action Plan Update and individual work plan recommendations, but took no overall vote or

action on the documents.

DEP said the Plan Update would be finalized by December 31 and presented to the Governor
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fclimate_change_advisory_committee%2F10412&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGo_jGR61C9kKe2cJPi0gAdkXzcJwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F24245737%2Fgop-lawmakers-join-call-for-higher-tax-on-marcellus-drillers&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsQ5Ff3CrtDy31H8-wbwAVcAVFLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fstop-coddling-gas-drillers-pass-fair-tax-1.1601287&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQN9GAzeYcVDcclB4XJ-00kzc6vghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20131214_ap_1ebb7ab9278a4aeaa8fb9c546ef46191.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEzPGa1a6QiXjNmWhL4NDxucdRpuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F12%2Faverage_cost_of_a_state_employ.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFmaSAYlqrfyVW-6zE-OQZkQ1itvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20131219_Pa__faces__1_2B_shortfall__budget_secretary_says.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8N9lucg1l-vptjRcboYI3nNOi7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-budget-20131218%2C0%2C4684140.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFb9OfBHVEpGKmtv9KT6DhVkRSQIwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F5271076-74%2Fmillion-budget-state&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFFBw99G7KTMb5DsZ9GoBx2i-9dbwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fstates-faces-grim-budget-outlook-1.1603539&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFaqZDaNDFM512pwBH8j7fp8J2K8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fdocument%2F1383964%2F2013-14_mid_year_briefing_pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG46NOyGRjrd38OwKZ9-ti2-5y25Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol42%2F42-50%2F2441.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtDiQDN68uD_jdWksafD2f8HpOlwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-50%2F2336.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGATwh4uAeS7nYS9_oF_O4c-6L8PQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1098P2639.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYh2mxkv6ocQcuCzoPrFo6RpZsTAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.philly.com%2F2013-10-04%2Fnews%2F42670285_1_tobacco-settlement-tobacco-companies-arbitration-panel&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSjou4Eck2QzeCYpeQG5VK9skoVw


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-- Support AEPS: Continue to support the implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio

Standards and

-- Add New Waste-To-Energy To AEPS:Amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to

permit the inclusion of additional waste-to-energy facilities.

Climate Impact Assessment

In addition to the draft Action Plan Update, DEP released a Climate Impacts AssessmentUpdatein October prepared by professors and students at Penn State Universitys Environment and

Natural Resources Institute.

NewsClips:

PA Climate Plan, Recommendations Released

Op-Ed: Climate Change Converts Nuisance Insects Into Real Threat

Editorial: Ignoring Science Is A Mistake (On Climate Issues)

Ozone Hole Stabilizing But Not Shrinking Yet

Related Stories

PA Environmental Council Opposes Rollback Of Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards

DEP Publishes Schedule Of Advisory Committee, Board Meetings For 2014

The Department of Environmental Protection published a schedule of 2014 advisory committee and

board meetings in the December 21 PA Bulletin starting on page 7503.

DEP Reminds Pennsylvanians Tis The Season To Recycle Electronics

This holiday season, many people will receive new TVs and computers, often as replacements for older

electronics. DEP reminds Pennsylvanians to recycle unwanted electronicsinstead of throwing them in

the trash.

When electronic items are thrown away, they often end up in a landfill where heavy metals

within the electronics, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, pose a threat to the environment.

Recycling is a simple way for all of us to do our part in protecting our environment, DEP

Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. Lets make this holiday season a little bit greener by properly recycling

our unwanted electronic devices.

On January 24, 2013, Pennsylvanias Covered Device Recycling Act took effect, banning

landfill disposal of certain electronics. Under this law, TVs, desktop and laptop computers, tablets,

computer monitors and printers from residents and small businesses with fewer than 50 employees must

be recycled.

The law also requires manufacturers to develop systems to recycle certain electronics. This puts

the responsibility to recycle on the producer, making recycling easier for consumers.There are several ways consumers can easily recycle electronic items:

-- Some local governments offer curbside electronics recycling. Consumers should first check with their

local municipality to see if curbside or drop-off service is provided.

-- Many retail and non-profit outlets recycle most electronic items for free including Best Buy, Goodwill

Salvation Army and Staples. Its best to call ahead to confirm which electronics are accepted.

-- There are free collection events that take place throughout the year at various locations, which may

be organized by county, local governments and non-profit partnerships. The Recycling Hotline
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Felectronics_recycling_management_program%2F20342&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVyuDFkz8sJSR6QKk3C0tH9CkV7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-51%2F43-51.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGjAQNrBe39Aup1ZSPy17OWAnbNNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27372&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELhuskFjzjtfYMbFxYC3GHajmzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fnation%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2FOzone-hole-stabilizing-but-not-shrinking-yet%2Fstories%2F201312160113&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_luxbGYBNvv1JEI8nFa13JzCo2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20131215_Inquirer_Editorial__Ignoring_science_is_a_mistake.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE12qxogz0_dIyFfJxfjpEskUq6MAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.poconorecord.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F20131215%2FNEWS04%2F312150307&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGksY3epFZfQzXcdEGpLmk6KyY4Dwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fenvironment%2F2013%2F12%2F20%2FState-climate-plan-recommendations-released%2Fstories%2F201312200062&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_kAmu-loNz79aEQ66yl0f0y7kNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26752&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKF3M806KfzTdys2FjMz4MKLjz3whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26752&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKF3M806KfzTdys2FjMz4MKLjz3w


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(1-800-346-4242) provides statewide information about recycling services and upcoming events.

-- Consumers can also take their items to permitted electronics recyclers, some of which offer pick-up

service.

-- Many waste and recycling hauling companies also collect electronic items destined for recycling.

For more information, visit DEPs Electronics Recyclingwebpage.

PA Environmental Council Interview With DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti

This months issue of the PA Environmental CouncilsForum newsletter

features an interview with DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti touching on a

variety of issues facing the agency, including trail development,

conservation landscapes, natural gas drilling and other topics. The Digest

reprints the interview here--

FORUM: What are your thoughts about the department working in larger landscapes

throughout the Commonwealth? And what is the status of the departments ConservationLandscapes Program?

FERRETTI:From my perspective, DCNR has always worked in large landscapes throughout the

Commonwealth since the old Bureau of Forests and Waters days. From our 2.2 million acres of state

forests and our 120 state parks comprising a total of 300,000 acres to our Bureau of Topographic and

Geologic Survey which literally works on every square inch of the Commonwealth to the hundreds of

conservation, park, trail, greenway and blueway projects completed, planned and underway by

communities, organizations and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania that have received funding from

our Bureau of Recreation and Conservation through our wild plant program that is statewide DCNR

is right there working with our local partners.

The Conservation Landscapes program is doing well in the seven designated landscapes. We

are working on our committed projects and will be looking to better understand the community and

resource impacts from the more than 10-years of this initiative as we move ahead.

FORUM: And how about the Water Trail Partnership? Where does this program fit in DCNRs

plans?

FERRETTI:DCNR sees the Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership as an integral part of its Rivers

Program. By actively working to develop Pennsylvanias Water Trail System, the partnership provides

citizens and visitors the opportunity to easily engage in paddle sports.

This recreational use establishes a direct relationship between the participant and the naturalresource they are paddling on, thereby educating the user and encouraging the responsible use,

conservation and stewardship of our states river systems. In short, we are using fun recreational

pursuits to engage citizens in waterway conservation.

PEC and DCNR have worked very closely on water trail issues for more than a decade. In

2008, DCNR and PEC teamed up with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the National

Park Service to form the partnership. Its purpose is to further develop and promote a system of water

trails in Pennsylvania. There are currently 25 water trails designated statewide.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2Fwatertrails&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJBUUODtQktYawXbNEChe5F6wq-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcli%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEciXLTFHESptdD1RjESkKcV-oM2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcli%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEciXLTFHESptdD1RjESkKcV-oM2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecforum.org%2F2013%2F12%2Fnewsmaker-interview-dcnr-secretary-ellen-ferretti%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEk_466bUnrfxA5fORcPingDqB3lghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Felectronics_recycling_management_program%2F20342&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVyuDFkz8sJSR6QKk3C0tH9CkV7w


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FORUM: Could you give us a peek inside some of your thinking about things like trails and

greenways in DCNRs future?

FERRETTI: We know from surveys done related to our statewide outdoor recreation plan that what

people want most related to outdoor activities is trails that are close to home. Based on therecommendations from the current plan, we are working to provide information about local trails

through websites and sojourns, including the increasingly popular and growing

www.ExplorePAtrails.comwebsite for searching, mapping and sharing trails information.

We also did a trail gap analysis, and now have a comprehensive trail plan to inform where to

make our investments through our grant program so that we are strategic with funding to close gaps in

trail systems and connect users to trails.

Related to greenways, we continue to use the county natural heritage inventory data as a key

building block for county greenway and open space planning supported by DCNR. Almost all of our

counties now have completed plans. We use them to help develop the statewide network of greenways,

as well as encourage more detailed planning at the local level.

FORUM: How is DCNR assessing the impacts of natural gas drilling in Pennsylvanias state

forests?

FERRETTI:Pennsylvanias rich conservation legacy emerged from lessons learned during past eras of

natural resource development. Conservation action oriented toward protecting wild places and

producing a sustainable supply of resources for people is a complementary approach undertaken by

DCNR each day.

Since the arrival of Marcellus Shale development, DCNRs focus has been on the development

of guidelines and procedures that are consistent with its ecosystem management approach. As the

infrastructure is built, monitoring is necessary to document both positive and negative changes.

Our monitoring efforts focus on plants, wildlife, water resources, social and recreational values.

The monitoring team in our Bureau of Forestry is looking to detect changes, track activities, reporting on

the findings and modify practices where applicable. We are currently finalizing our first monitoring

report and anticipate releasing it in the first quarter of 2014.

FORUM: The states forest system continues to be certified for sustainable practices. Why is

that so important?

FERRETTI:Our forest system supports thousands of jobs in the states multi-billion dollar timber and

energy industries. State forests also promote clean water and air conserve scenic beauty and habitat

and act as a haven for those who like to hunt, fish, hike and pursue outdoor activities.Our state forest has been independently certified for more than 15 years a testimony to

DCNRs ability to manage our forests balancing their many uses and values.

This certification allows removed timber to be sold as sustainably harvested, giving an edge to

our timber and wood product industries.

FORUM: The Commonwealths state parks were recently recognized as the best in the

country. What is DCNR doing to improve the quality and benefits of our state parks?
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2FNaturalGas%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEX7-YLvpBn55AW7spuomP0voo9jAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.explorepatrails.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmrsYkoahEihAXYPorSdJlDJRqsg


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FERRETTI:The vision of great conservation leaders at critical times in Pennsylvanias history has

resulted in the system of state parks and forests that Pennsylvanians enjoy and love today. Our modern

challenge is caring for our public lands, focusing on improvements for aging facilities well-managed

forests and high management standards for our award-winning state parks.

During my time at DCNR, I intend to work with Gov. Corbett to improve the efficiency of ourcurrent assets and operations, and direct our resources into the maintenance and renewal of our

campgrounds, water resources, buildings, roads and trails to maintain and improve the experience of our

visitors.

FORUM: Looking ahead, what can we anticipate as some new areas of attention for DCNR in

the next couple of years?

FERRETTI:For me, promoting opportunities for children and young people to connect to nature

through our state parks and forests is a priority.

I grew up in an area that had been stripped from coal mining. Nature to me was black hills

and birch trees, until my parents introduced me to the natural beauty in our state parks. These visitsresonated with me and forged my future love of the outdoors.

I believe that young people visiting our state parks and forests with their families, their scout

troops, their schools, and participating in the unique programs we offer including Adventure Camps for

kids from urban areas ECO Campto introduce teens to environmental careers and our newly launched

Project Learning Tree, will come to know and appreciate our natural resources and the great outdoors.

They will be the future stewards of our public lands. With study after study showing that being

outdoors presents a mental and physical benefit to us all, we can concurrently conserve our

Commonwealths natural heritage and produce a real benefit to our citizens.

(Reprinted fromDecember 2013 Forumnewsletter,PA Environmental Council)

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

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

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David

Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

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

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

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

PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog:provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and

announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as
http://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.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecforum.org%2F2013%2F12%2Fnewsmaker-interview-dcnr-secretary-ellen-ferretti%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEk_466bUnrfxA5fORcPingDqB3lghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Fecocamp%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGs1TIDcvXxZXYmS2mEzzYCYAUZJA


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$6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions to natural gas. Click

Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 7): Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:the Finance Committeeholds a hearing on House Bill 1461(Killion-R-Chester) establishing a

waterfront development tax credit-- summary-- in Philadelphia. Click Herefor full House

Committee Schedule.

Senate: 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

Transportation

Links 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 WelfareTransportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0IvrazqU61quAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D12%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHChd4URUtlhk9tHinZDzI9l2PFSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D12705&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGErWtrtQs2Ulu6ap_ecIXfL7e1nghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1461&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHuD8FegaRbiL0FSpQcu7AC_qvB3Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dg


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Endangered Species:House Resolution 586(McCarter-D-Montgomery) commemorating the 40th

anniversary of the Endangered Species Act-- sponsor summary.

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--

Open Space:House Bill 1523(Toepel-R-Montgomery) further providing for open space preservation

by local governments. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

News From The Capitol

New Bipartisan Marcellus Shale Drilling Tax Proposal Announced By House Members

A bipartisan Marcellus Shale drilling tax proposal was announced Tuesday by a bipartisan group of

state lawmakers, led by Reps. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) and Tom Murt (R-Montgomery). The

proposal will be similar to House Bill 1863from last session.

Representatives DiGirolamo and Murt are working with a bipartisan team of their colleagues

Reps. Harry Readshaw (D-Allegheny) and Pam DeLissio (D-Philadelphia) to develop legislation that

would implement a severance tax on drilling in the Marcellus Shale as a way to supplement funding for a

number of important programs in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth is the only major gas producing

state that does not impose a drilling tax.

For years, we have been hearing about the large natural gas deposits throughout much of the

Commonwealth, and how Pennsylvanias natural assets have the potential to help fund some of the most

critical needs for our residents, Rep. DiGirolamo said. Although an impact fee was adopted a coupleof years ago to help communities impacted by the development caused by drilling, there is still so much

more potential.

The proposed legislation calls for a 4.9 percent severance tax to replace the impact fee that was

enacted in 2011 and would be lower than the rate already imposed in neighboring West Virginia.

Under the current impact fee structure, each well is assessed a fee which declines over time for

the first 15 years of operation. All unconventional wells drilled each year, no matter how much natural

gas is produced, pay the same fee.

For what is thought to be a typical unconventional well, the total impact fees paid over 15 years

amount to less than 2 percent of the value of the natural gas sold from the well.

The $400 million in impact fee revenue for the first two years has made an incredible difference

in mitigating many impacts, they noted, but it is time to allow the rest of the Commonwealth to reap thebenefits of drilling.

Every year, the budget battle becomes a tug of war for disability funds with no certainty until

sometime around midnight each June 30, Rep. Murt said. This is not acceptable to the families who

rely on human services to survive, and its not acceptable to us.

Due to the higher rate and Pennsylvanias rapidly increasing natural gas production, a severance

tax would generate additional funds above the existing impact fee. As production grows, this difference

grows larger, and as the severance tax grows, these programs would receive more funding than they
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2011%26sInd%3D0%26body%3Dh%26type%3Db%26bn%3D1863&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHtbkUnprEuOWWn2zoycPaFAHONTwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1523P2030.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFll1e_hZiYqlFeq85DaGOWDLYOFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1523&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxxCWRvx0kUbY-5D3Br19BjIZg-Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13794&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqgCfEBvLsr08blm7dGBu1pnpILwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D586&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbjXWVvHNBASaa54DXk0yWmRK81Q


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would under the impact fee.

Under the legislation, 40 percent of the revenue would be directed to local governments in the

drilling areas to help with the cost of replacement and repair of deteriorated bridges, water and sewer

infrastructure and environmental initiatives.

The remaining 60 percent of the drilling tax revenue would provide enhanced funding to the

following programs that invest in education, the environment, human capital and economic developmentMore specifically the first year, 60 percent of the tax revenue would be allocated to--

40% - Basic education

10%-- Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener)

10%-- Investment in Public LandsState Parks and State Forests

4%-- Solar energyPennsylvania Sunshine Program

8%-- Drug and Alcohol Programs

8%-- Adults with Special Needs

5%-- Behavioral Health

5%-- Human Services Development Fund

3%-- HEMAP

2%-- Rape and Domestic Violence Programs 2%-- Veterans Homes and

3%-- Industry Partnerships.

If this legislation is enacted, the waiting list for services will shrink and the pressure on our

overburdened counties will be reduced, Rep. Murt said. Most importantly, we will end the annual

budget ritual of wondering if the state will fund these critical programs.

Any good drilling tax proposal should be fair and reasonable, assist host communities with their

needs and impacts, make long-term investments in our natural resources and environmental programs,

invest in our economy and human capital, strengthen our safety net and ensure that every citizen of the

Commonwealth will benefit from the development of the Marcellus Shale and other deep gas reserves,

Rep. DiGirolamo said. We believe this meets all of these criteria, and we look forward to introducing

the legislation in the near future.

A summary of the proposal by the sponsors is available online.

Click HereTo view Rep. DiGirolamos comments. Click Hereto view Rep. Murts comments.

NewsClip:GOP Lawmakers Join Call For Higher Drilling Tax

House Democrat Hearing On Climate Change Based On 2009 Climate Plan, Not 2013 Plan

Pennsylvania should be doing more to address climate change, a panel of experts told the House

Democratic Policy CommitteeMonday during a hearing organized by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware),

Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

"State renewable portfolio standards are the most effective tools for reducing carbon," saidBruce Burcat, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition.

Burcat said his organization supports House Bill 100(Vitali-D-Delaware).

House Bill 100 would amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act by requiring

Pennsylvania electric companies to obtain 15 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2023.

The AEPS now requires electric companies to purchase 8 percent of their power from renewable

sources by 2021.

According to the 2009 Pennsylvania's Climate Action plan, emissions associated with electric
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0100&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGrctwrAwQTVZ-JVnjPbac1fY3YlQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pahouse.com%2Fpolicycommittee%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHkPoCg_bzhsdfWTNGwdCWeKJgzbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pahouse.com%2Fpolicycommittee%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHkPoCg_bzhsdfWTNGwdCWeKJgzbghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F24245737%2Fgop-lawmakers-join-call-for-higher-tax-on-marcellus-drillers&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsQ5Ff3CrtDy31H8-wbwAVcAVFLQhttp://youtu.be/qdJ309-Cj9shttp://youtu.be/Onl7xX81Xhkhttp://goo.gl/1WgJvI


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companies are projected to be the largest future contributor to greenhouse gasses.

However, the 2013 Plan Updateto be considered Friday by DEPs Climate Change Advisory

Committee notes there have been significant changes to Pennsylvanias greenhouse gas emissions since

the base year of 2000 used in the Plan resulting in the estimate that overall climate changing emissions

from the Commonwealth will be lower in 2020 than in the base year.

The reduction in the use of coal for power generation and the switch to natural gas alone willresult in emissions savings of about 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

The draft Plan concludes: Pennsylvania CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions have fallen

dramatically, in large part because Pennsylvania is generating more electricity with natural gas instead of

coal. However, other factors, including improved energy efficiency standards from consumer products

and automobiles have contributed to the decline in carbon emissions. Pennsylvania continues to be a

leader in reducing methane emission from the natural gas industry and solid waste landfills. Moreover,

further reductions are occurring, and future reductions will occur, through new regulatory requirements

like the Tailoring Rule, NSPS, and MACT (new air quality regulations).

Richard Alley, professor of climatology at Penn State University, said greenhouse gases have

caused temperatures across the globe have risen by one degree. He said if temperatures continue to

rise, it will be more difficult to grow crops there will be more floods and droughts and stronger storms,and sea levels will continue to rise.

Delaware Valley Green Buildings Council Policy and Advisory Coordinator Holly Shields said

more energy efficient buildings also could help combat climate change.

"DVGBC recommends that the legislature institute an energy benchmarking policy for

state-owned or leased buildings over a certain size to enable the performance of those buildings to be

compared to others nationally and to encourage private building owners to follow suit," Shields said.

Shields also said her organization supports House Bill 34(Harper-R-Montgomery), which

would require the Department of General Services to adopt high-performance building standards.

The state could encourage the expansion of renewable energy and energy conservation through

"Green Banks," which help finance projects, said Thomas D. Peterson, president of The Center for

Climate Change. He noted that New York is forming the $1 billion New York Green Bank.

Alley said the state should act soon.

"We can beat climate change, but the longer we wait the higher the cost and the more difficult it

will be to address," Alley said.

NewsClips:

PA Climate Plan, Recommendations Released

Op-Ed: Climate Change Converts Nuisance Insects Into Real Threat

Editorial: Ignoring Science Is A Mistake (On Climate Issues)

Ozone Hole Stabilizing But Not Shrinking Yet

Related Stories

PA Climate Change Action Plan Update Moves To CompletionPA Environmental Council Opposes Rollback Of Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards

December Environmental Synopsis Available From Joint Conservation Committee

The December issueof the Environmental Synopsis newsletters is now available from the Joint

Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee.

The issue features articles on: alternative fueled vehicles, carbon capture technology, wildlife
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2Fftp%2Fdocuments%2Fnewsletters%2FEnvironmental%2520Synopsis%2520-%2520December%25202013.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMZfOye-i7rz_lofwVWoVFpvlvhwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27372&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGELhuskFjzjtfYMbFxYC3GHajmzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27350&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEmGQibKIxDLeiEVw55jp3ggDVhEghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fnation%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2FOzone-hole-stabilizing-but-not-shrinking-yet%2Fstories%2F201312160113&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_luxbGYBNvv1JEI8nFa13JzCo2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20131215_Inquirer_Editorial__Ignoring_science_is_a_mistake.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE12qxogz0_dIyFfJxfjpEskUq6MAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.poconorecord.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcs.dll%2Farticle%3FAID%3D%2F20131215%2FNEWS04%2F312150307&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGksY3epFZfQzXcdEGpLmk6KyY4Dwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fenvironment%2F2013%2F12%2F20%2FState-climate-plan-recommendations-released%2Fstories%2F201312200062&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG_kAmu-loNz79aEQ66yl0f0y7kNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0034&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFMccYLRgR82vmRFB77DeU_70qbfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FEnergy%2FOffice%2520of%2520Energy%2520and%2520Technology%2FOETDPortalFiles%2FClimate%2520Change%2520Advisory%2520Committee%2F2013_12%2FDRAFT_Climate_Change_Action_Plan.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN8yPLPLkJpWQK_ohBtdlnHMVkTg


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Additional funding for these projects was provided by: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation

Service, USDA-Farm Service Agency, Pennsylvanias REAP tax credit program, PA Growing

Greener, the Bradford County Conservation District, and by other generous donors.

Project Partners: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Bradford County Conservation District,

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pheasants Forever, USDA-Farm Service Agency,

Red Barn, Inc., TeamAg, Inc., and the Towanda Creek Watershed Association.To read about the many farming success stories happening in Pennsylvania and throughout the

watershed, visit CBFs Farm Successeswebpage. Visit CBFs Pennsylvania Clean Water Blueprint

webpage to learn more about the progress Pennsylvania is making toward its Chesapeake Bay cleanup

goals.

Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Fact Sheets

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Officehas issued a series of fact sheets outlining the

water quality problems and solutions being implemented in the Pennsylvania portion of the Chesapeake

Bay Watershed--

-- A Primer On Pollutants Of Concern-- outlines the contributions Pennsylvanias portion of the

Chesapeake Bay Watershed makes to nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution to the Bay.

--Nearly 20,000 Miles Of PA Streams Are Polluted-- details the fact there are thousands ofstream miles and hundreds of acres of lakes all across Pennsylvania that are considered impaired

under the federal Clean Water Act that either have or will require what is known as a Total Maximum

Daily Load (TMDL).

-- Cost Effective Solutions Are Known, Documented For The Chesapeake Bay-- notes cost

effective pollution solutions have already made significant progress in reducing pollution going to the

Bay, particularly in Pennsylvania.

-- Lancaster County Plain Sect Farms As Clean Water Stewards-- provides a snapshot of the

Buffer Bonus initiative from CBF to encourage the installation of stream buffers by Amish and Plain Sec

farmers in Lancaster County.

-- Amish and Old Order Mennonite Farms Protect Streams And The Bay -- provides an

overview of a CBF initiative to work with Plain Sect farmers in Lancaster and Chester counties to install

best management practices under federal Farm Bill Programs like the Conservation Reserve

Enhancement Program (CREP).

In addition, Dr. Beth McGee, Senior Water Quality Scientist at CBF, gave a PowerPoint

presentationOctober 16 on the status of the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup in Pennsylvania and the

challenges that remain.

NewsClips:

Is The Susquehanna River Watershed Healthy Or At Risk?

Boosters Try To Drum Up Votes For Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers

Decent Food From Local Farmers Should Not Be Luxury

Improving Streams, Rivers In PA An Acre At A TimeDriveway Sealer Toxins Found In Conodoguinet Creek

PUC OKs Deal To Subsidize Rural Wastewater Systems

Conewago Creek Initiative Featured In Penn State Video

Penn State Public Media recently released A Conewago Story, a video documenting the work of

farmers and other landowners as part of the Conewago Creek Initiativein Dauphin, Lancaster and
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conewagoinitiative.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEeEHsuwZKUr_x7vsup_GonS2_DxQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYAQpRKpBFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2Fpuc-oks-deal-that-would-have-water-customers-subsidizing-rural-wastewater-systems-1.1604318&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-Wk2abNtZ9qQf7KBlWP5ucfJOXAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fwildaboutpa%2F2013%2F12%2Fdriveway_sealer_toxins_found_i.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGIoXhO60JyDscfcEjAUtJmLZbdLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.publicnewsservice.org%2F2013-12-19%2Fenvironment%2Fimproving-streams-and-rivers-in-pa-an-acre-at-a-time%2Fa36397-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGn_o2RnpliteXkPcWz-Lp02sq_wwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fportfolio%2F2013%2F12%2F17%2FDecent-food-from-local-farmers-should-not-be-a-luxury%2Fstories%2F201312170084&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWPqjWBV-XZqHqpWlZ2ZvyeZ7-tQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fneighborhoods%2Fyourallekiskivalley%2Fyourallekiskivalleymore%2F5244373-74%2Friver-kiski-rivers%23axzz2neMDFBTT&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvUkghfCMfneFzFvGsdbDtcg1W-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2Fthe-susquehanna-river-watershed-healthy-or-at-risk%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAgGuxiVCW_TfE5REkgwKR3N05tAhttp://goo.gl/f6wRgohttp://goo.gl/f6wRgohttp://goo.gl/mfHQBIhttp://goo.gl/2fAuZnhttp://goo.gl/o2hPBZhttp://goo.gl/LuLikkhttp://goo.gl/6X1A4Fhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fhow-we-save-the-bay%2Fchesapeake-clean-water-blueprint%2Fupdate-on-local-efforts%2Fpennsylvania&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGzLHgKW9F6vXB1tlWgCvzr9ujtaghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcbf.typepad.com%2Fchesapeake_bay_foundation%2Ffarmer-success-stories%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFZepOh7kjH8U1EjpszjAQKNTxLsA


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Lebanon counties.

Over the last several years, a partnership of over thirty organizations called the Conewago

Creek Initiative has been working cooperatively to increase watershed engagement and work with

farmers and landowners to adopt land management practices to improve water quality, according to

Matthew Royer, Director of the Agriculture and Environment Centerat Penn State.

The partnership is facilitated by the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, andsupported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Further support was provided by

the USDAs designation of the Conewago as a Showcase Watershed and DEP through the Section

319 program.

The results are impressive and demonstrate what local partnerships and citizens can do to

improve water quality.

Click Hereto watch the video. To learn more, visit the Conewago Creek Initiativewebsite.

StateImpact PA: Is The Susquehanna River Healthy Or At Risk? Jan. 20 Program

StateImpact Pennsylvaniais hosting a panel discussion on Is The

Susquehanna River Healthy Or At Risk at WITF studios in Harrisburgfrom 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A panel of experts and be part of a community discussion about issues

affecting the Susquehanna River watershedeverything from curbing

pollution and protecting the Chesapeake Bay to promoting business,

tourism, and recreation.

Speakers will include John Arway of the Fish and Boat Commission,

Andrew Dehoff of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Don McNutt from the Lancaster County

Conservation District, and Alexandra Chiaruttini, an attorney with the York firm, Stock and Leader.

Ask questions and air your views. Youll leave with a much richer sense of how the

Susquehanna is doing. For those who cant make it to Harrisburg, the event will be live-streamed online.

Event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Click Hereto sign up.

NewsClips:

Is The Susquehanna River Watershed Healthy Or At Risk?

Boosters Try To Drum Up Votes For Kiski-Conemaugh Rivers

Penn State: New Sustainable Ag Farmers Need Access, Farm Management Knowledge

On-farm internships and land-link programs are two important models for increasing the number of

farmers in the sustainable-agriculture movement, according to researchers in Penn State's College of

Agricultural Sciences.

The majority of newcomers to sustainable agriculture do not enter farming through a familyenterprise -- the traditional succession process of learning skills and inheriting property is not common

among these first-generation farmers.

As a result, novice producers often lack essential knowledge and access to land, both critical

for supporting new farmers growing food for local markets, explained Kathleen Wood and Leslie Pillen,

both master's degree students in rural sociology.

For these aspiring farmers, learning to farm often comes through a relationship with an

experienced farmer, and gaining access to land occurs through an agreement between land seeker and
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Faese.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHAy2OxE3TW77OntuLinx0LwuUx5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fagsci.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbQrZgwhFm-3VN_L72z6OkaLi77Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fagsci.psu.edu%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbQrZgwhFm-3VN_L72z6OkaLi77Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fneighborhoods%2Fyourallekiskivalley%2Fyourallekiskivalleymore%2F5244373-74%2Friver-kiski-rivers%23axzz2neMDFBTT&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvUkghfCMfneFzFvGsdbDtcg1W-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2Fthe-susquehanna-river-watershed-healthy-or-at-risk%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEAgGuxiVCW_TfE5REkgwKR3N05tAhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fs%2FSIPA_River&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFvbUX2yCWkVR58uvameoBMSrzoqwhttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fovee.itvs.org%2Fscreenings%2F4autm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGKtaAk6h9R0RGak2B_zpzvzzh__Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2Fthe-susquehanna-river-watershed-healthy-or-at-risk%2F%23more-23520&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJZexJT_Qj9__IYOFhaWNt3v5iAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F12%2F16%2Fthe-susquehanna-river-watershed-healthy-or-at-risk%2F%23more-23520&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJZexJT_Qj9__IYOFhaWNt3v5iAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F%3F__utma%3D36319398.1149671699.1381657367.1387205857.1387237760.150%26__utmb%3D36319398.4.10.1387237760%26__utmc%3D36319398%26__utmx%3D-%26__utmz%3D36319398.1386338410.129.5.utmcsr%3Dgoogle%257Cutmccn%3D(organic)%257Cutmcmd%3Dorganic%257Cutmctr%3D(not%2520provided)%26__utmv%3D-%26__utmk%3D82375828&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFdHoCZBQErQVERatrYK6wxnBamcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.conewagoinitiative.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEeEHsuwZKUr_x7vsup_GonS2_DxQhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYAQpRKpBFwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Faec&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTCDqED6Yq7NmjXBdD5z_mFasuHg


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landowner.

For their theses, Wood and Pillen conducted research examining the role that farm internships

(Wood) and land-link programs (Pillen) play in supporting a new generation of beginning farmers in the

Northeast.

In their research, which was partially funded through 2012 Northeast SARE Graduate Student

Research Awards, Wood and Pillen explored the social processes and structures of farm internshipsand land-link programs, and studied the implications of these for providing the necessary resources to

new farmers.

Their data were independently collected through mixed-method research designs. Both studies

included intensive interviewing and Web surveys, and Wood also conducted focus groups and

distributed time-use diaries to farm interns. There are few sociological studies conducted on either topic.

Wood focused on the role farm internships play for curious or aspiring farmers to gain hands-on

farming skills. She found that the emphasis these internships place on labor imparts practical skills to

interns. However, the model leaves gaps in knowledge provided to participants if work is not

supplemented with instruction from a farm mentor.

"Farmers are expected to offer a broader picture of farming by including interns in labor tasks

and providing instruction on a range of farming topics, so the interns will gradually gain experience," saiWood.

"But in many cases, interns feel they are laborers more than learners, and farm interns receive

limited instruction apart from labor activities."

Although most farm interns were given alternate remuneration for their labor, they were more

motivated by skills learned and the value of their work, noted Wood. Many of them wished that their

employers had spent more time training them in areas of management or farm planning in addition to

labor.

Since the farm population in the United States has dwindled, and growing numbers of farmers

are nearing retirement age, new farmers are crucial to continuing local and sustainable agriculture.

Organizations and individuals that offer their land to farmland seekers through land-link programs see it

put to good use and support the growing of food on the local level.

Nevertheless, according to Pillen's research, these landowners mainly look for credibility among

potential lessees when deciding to lease their land.

"Owners may look for prior farm management experience before they trust land seekers to

lease their land," said Pillen. "In my research, I found that over a third of the seekers did not have

experience in farm management."

Land-link programs -- often motivated by supporting beginning farmers and local agriculture --

manage databases of farmland to help beginning farmers locate properties to cultivate. However, it is

less common that they support farmers and landowners in establishing clear expectations of the

partnership in a lease agreement, Pillen pointed out.

"Owner inexperience and owner 'farming fantasies' are two barriers land-link programs facewhen facilitating a lease," she said. "Some landowners may be excited about supporting local agriculture

but they might not know exactly what it entails in cases where they themselves have never farmed or

experienced a farm."

The goals of the land seeker and the landowner must be clearly communicated and compatible,

Pillen emphasized, so both parties can engage in a successful partnership.

Land access security is another barrier of leases facilitated through land-link programs. "Owners

retain ultimate control," Pillen said. "They have the ability to end the partnership if they are unhappy with


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it."

The need for new farmers is evident, the researchers agreed. But there is also a need for

farmers and landowners who are prepared to teach aspiring farmers proper farm management and to

provide them access to land.

"Without addressing the challenges present in internships and land-link programs within current

sustainable agriculture systems, the future sustainability of these efforts to support beginning farmers wilremain in question," Wood said.

DEP Jan. 7 Webinar On GP-8 Stream Crossings Permit Changes

The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday it will hold a second webinar on

January 7, at 2:30 p.m., to discuss proposed revisions to the GP-8 permit used for temporary road

crossings.

The webinar will focus on a DEP proposal to modify a permit for temporary road crossings

which allows for the construction, operation, maintenance and removal of various types of temporary

crossings through bodies of water and wetlands.

The proposed permit includes a standardized format of definitions of terms, instructions, forms,examples and sample drawings.

The proposal also revises the scope of the permit for temporary activities, such as a pipeline,

electric transmission line, telephone or water line and environmental testing or monitoring activities, suc

as temporary soil sampling and seismic testing lines. The activities covered under the permit proposal

will be held to the specific permit conditions provided when the proposed permit modifications become

final.

Public comments on the proposed permit revisions are welcome. The public comment period

runs until January 10, 2014. Written comments can be mailed to the Department of Environmental

Protection, Bureau of Waterways Engineering and Wetlands, Division of Wetlands, Encroachments and

Training, P.O. Box 8460, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8460 or emailed to: [email protected].

To register for this event, visit the DEPs Webinarwebpage.

Allegheny Front Radio Series Features Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Efforts

The Allegheny Front, a radio news program featured on Pittsburgh's local National Public Radio, NPR,

is hosting a new series called "Ripple Effects: Water Pollution and Solutions."

Ripple Effects, partially funded by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, has published

three stories about Abandoned Mine Drainage.

To hear the reports and enjoy interviews with some of Western Pennsylvania's most influential

and notable acid mine drainage remediation volunteers and advocates, click on the links below--

-- Can Big Gas Help PA Clean Up Its Coal Mining Past ?-- Mining Company Invests Big To Treat Acid Mine Drainage

-- Turning Acid Mine Drainage Pollution Into Pottery

(Written By: Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Reclamationand reprinted fromAbandoned Mine Posts.)

Penn State Extension Offers Water Testing Clinics In 2014
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Famp.wpcamr.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQb9eTWDJEskZDk4w-x6-uWHQqsAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wpcamr.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1XcSd50vxROitu7CbiHBehggs2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wpcamr.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF1XcSd50vxROitu7CbiHBehggs2Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleghenyfront.org%2Fstory%2Fturning-acid-mine-drainage-pollution-pottery&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEDikoJ_x3IYPwVEFVx3aU6SRhOqghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleghenyfront.org%2Fstory%2Fmining-company-invests-big-treat-acid-mine-drainage&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVwWg_UVwhHSxGusj_N4Q9do2Z6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleghenyfront.org%2Fstory%2Fcan-big-gas-help-pa-clean-its-coal-mining-past&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOWV9-82fiwROnzDvwq59_M-FyiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennsylvaniawatersheds.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPJ1WEUcSvzzh0_CJG64TxxXuYDwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.alleghenyfront.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFL9rphtRa_dnVnFlt_9rWYxAb7hghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwebinars%2F21506&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9V9LdnTd_S5XOd7AalkM5LPCOSgmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-44%2F2059.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKK4vBQZf6MZJ2rVKBYoB1DUWZNwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-44%2F2059.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKK4vBQZf6MZJ2rVKBYoB1DUWZNw


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Penn State Extension is offering a series of Drinking Water Clinicsin 2014 that include discounted wate

testing through the Penn State water testing laboratory.

Clinics are being offered for

Pa Environment Digest Dec. 23, 2013

Documents

Transcript of Pa Environment Digest Dec. 23, 2013