PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In PA Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa February 23, 2015 DEP To Replace All Members Of The Oil & Gas Technical Advisory Board DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday approved a list of three recommended candidates to serve on DEP’s five­member Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board which will now be refocused on advising the agency on unconventional oil and gas drilling regulations and policy. DEP is also planning to add several ad hoc members to the Board.

DEP will pick one of the three names recommended by Council to serve on the Board. DEP is also forming a new Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee with seven

members to advised the department on conventional drilling regulations and policy. The Council was asked and did recommend three potential candidates to that Committee.

DEP will pick one of the three names recommended by Council to serve on the Committee.

DEP is also soliciting nominations from the public for membership on the Conventional Advisory Committee which are due March 3.

Secretary’s Report Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley also attended the meeting, his second with the CAC,

to answer questions and give a short update on agency activities. In response to a question about Gov. Wolf’s proposed natural gas severance tax to fund

education, Quigley said not all the decisions have been made on where all of the funding will go, but he does expect some of the revenue will be used to fund DEP’s regulation of oil and gas drilling.

He also said not all the details have been worked out on how much of the existing drilling impact fee will be retained, except the proposal does call for communities to keep receiving funding for impacts from drilling operations.

Quigley said he does not yet have a date for a confirmation hearing on his nomination, but next week expects to begin his individual meetings with Senators that are part of the confirmation process.

Underground Coal Mining Impact Report The CAC heard a presentation by the authors of DEP’s Act 54 2008­2013 Underground

Coal Mining Impact Report from the University of Pittsburgh highlighting the findings and recommendations in the report.

The report includes information that documents and assesses the surface impacts resulting from both longwall and traditional room and pillar underground bituminous coal mining, including damage to surface structures and impacts to aquatic life, pH and conductivity of streams and the loss of domestic water supplies from mining in Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria,

Clearfield, Elk, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Somerset and Washington counties. One of several key findings in the report showed 40 percent of the streams undermined

by deep coal mining­­ 39 of 69 miles­­ suffered flow loss or pooling that had an adverse impact on aquatic life, pH and conductivity in the streams.

The report, the fourth in a series required under Act 54, was prepared by the University of Pittsburgh and reviewed by DEP staff and released on December 30. DEP is required to submit the impact report to the CAC, the General Assembly, and the Governor every five years. Three previous Act 54 reports, also reviewed by the CAC, covered 1993 through 2008.

The University was selected by DEP to complete the report due to the expertise of its faculty and research staff on all aspects of the effects of mining­related subsidence. A copy of the presentation is posted on the CAC’s webpage.

Tom Callaghan, Director of DEP’s Bureau of Mining Programs, said in response to a question from Council, the agency is still reviewing the recommendations and findings in the report and has not made any decision about any changes they plan to make.

The Council has invited the public to comment on the contents and recommendations in the Act 54 Report and has set aside two hours at its March 17 meeting to hear public comments on the plan. Written comments are due to Council by March 31.

During the CAC’s open public comment period, a request was made by Joanne Kilgour, Director of the PA Chapter of the Sierra Club, for Council to hold a public comment session in Southwestern PA in the area affected by longwall coal mining.

Council Chair Terry Dayton said in response to the request they would try to work out a way to hold an additional comment session in the area if it can be reasonably be accomplished within the Council’s budget.

The budget for the CAC has been cut in half over the last six years which has limited the ability of the Council to hold meetings outside of Harrisburg.

Recommendations To Prevent Illegal Dumping The CAC heard a presentation by Shannon Reiter from Keep PA Beautiful and Michele

Nester, of Nestor Resources, Inc. on the conclusions and recommendations in a report completed last year for KPB on illegal dumping.

The report­­ Illegal Dumping In PA: Recommended Policies and Programs for Future Prevention and Enforcement­­ made a series of recommendations, including­­ ­­ Universal access to waste and recycling services including the establishment of permanent, gated convenient centers within close proximity to the population; ­­ Establishing measures such as building and demolition permitting and a registration network for small contractors and transporters to deter commercial dumping; ­­ Heightening awareness and understanding of waste management issues through a statewide multi­media campaign and an Environmental Law Training Program for Enforcement Officers and Justices; ­­ Expanding the use of electronic surveillance at active illegal dumpsites; ­­ Creating county level Joint Code Enforcement Officer Programs to support local governments; and ­­ Establishing fines that significantly outweigh the avoided cost of disposal and publishing the identities of those who continue to illegally dump.

A copy of the presentation is posted on the CAC’s webpage. Recycling Convenience Center Grants

Larry Holley from DEP’s Division of Waste Minimization and Planning briefed Council on a new demonstration grant program they are developing to create a limited number of recycling convenience center projects that will offer rural areas of the state both recycling and limited waste drop off services.

Holley said about $750,000 in Act 101 recycling funds is being set aside to fund two or three centers to provide rural residents more convenient access to these services in hopes it will prevent illegal dumping.

Public Comments Council also heard from several other individuals during its open public comment period

at the meeting­­ ­­ Roberta Winters, PA League of Women Voters, commended DEP for turning down the Phase I siting applications for a hazardous waste facility in Bucks County, urged DEP to take a fresh look at what constitutes administrative and environmental violations in reporting compliance actions, and suggested DEP could cut costs by introducing new technology to monitor the environment, including the use of drones. ­­ Stephen Kunz, Schmid & Company, Inc., said he looked forward to DEP’s comments on the Act 54 report and the changes it would propose to regulate underground coal mining because the report demonstrated environmental impacts are happening that cannot be fixed.

The next meeting of Council will be on March 17 starting at 10:00 in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg.

For more information, visit the DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council webpage. NewsClips: DEP Starts 2nd Advisory Board For Conventional Oil & Gas DEP To Create Separate Boards For Shale, Conventional Drilling COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways York County Cancels Saturday Recycling Event Big Push To Spread Recycling In Apartments In Pittsburgh Creative Attempt To Fill Recycling Costs Leads To Lawsuit Independent Engineer Report On Keystone Landfill Expansion PA Environmental Council Supports Nominations Of Quigley At DEP, Dunn At DCNR The PA Environmental Council has sent letters to Sen. Gene Yaw (R­Lycoming) and Sen. John Yudichak (D­Luzerne), the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, supporting the nominations of John Quigley for DEP Secretary and Cindy Dunn as DCNR Secretary.

As part of the confirmation process, both Quigley and Dunn will be visiting each member of the Senate over the next few weeks and will appear before the Senate Committee for a public

hearing. Click Here for a copy of PEC’s letter on Quigley. Click Here for a copy of the letter on

Dunn. PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your Google+ page and search for DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, 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.

You’ll receive as­it­happens 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 they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive comment to any blog posting. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Governor’s Schedule Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public Appearances. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced­­

Bill Calendars House (February 23): <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (February 23): <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committee Meeting Agendas This Week House: the Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 57 (Payne­R­Dauphin) relating to improving natural gas retail competition by providing a more frequent mechanism for truing up natural gas costs (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi­R­ Delaware) will modernize the Pennsylvania Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act (sponsor summary); the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 214 (Yaw­R­Lycoming) promoting the expansion of natural gas service into unserved or underserved areas (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak­D­Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 289 (Fontana­D­Allegheny) funding for sewage lateral line improvements and repair (sponsor summary); the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 201 (Schwank­D­Berks) allowing the the location of agriculture­related business on preserved farmland (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for 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 Welfare Transportation Links for all other Standing Senate Committees Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week­­ Alternative Energy Standards: House Bill 100 would increase the state's Tier I Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to 15 percent by 2023. The current rate is 8 percent by 2021 (sponsor summary). Energy Consumption Limits: House Bill 129 would require natural gas distribution companies to reduce energy consumption and demand by 1 percent by 2018 and 3 percent by 2020. These are the same requirements currently placed on electric distribution companies under Act 129 of 2008 (sponsor summary). PA Sunshine Program: House Bill 200 would establish a dedicated funding source for the PA Sunshine Solar Program. The program, which has exhausted its funding, helps homeowners and businesses install solar systems. The program would receive $25 million a year from a 1.25­mill increase on the utilities’ Gross Receipts Tax (sponsor summary). Disposal Well Siting: House Bill 507 (Gabler­R­Clearfield) prohibiting disposal wells within 1,000 feet of a vertical well bore of a water well, reservoir or other water supply extraction point (sponsor summary). Severance Tax: Senate Bill 519 (McGarrigle­R­Delaware) which would impose a 4 percent tax on the value of natural gas at the wellhead. All the revenue from the tax would be devoted to fund basic education and nothing for any environmental restoration program (sponsor summary). Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House­­ Senate February 23, 24, 25 March 2, 3 (Budget Address), 4 April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

House February 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 March 2, 3 (Budget Address), 4, 30, 31 April 1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Senate/House Bills Moving The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate­­ Senate Crude Oil Council: Senate Bill 279 (Hutchinson­R­ Venango) creating the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council within DEP was amended and reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and was passed by the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. The bill now goes to the House for action. Development Around Transit Hubs: Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi­R­Delaware) will modernize the Pennsylvania Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate Transportation Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. (The bill is scheduled to be considered by the Appropriations Committee Monday.) News From The Capitol Senate Committee OKs Bill To Encourage Private Development At Mass Transit Hubs The Senate Transportation Committee Tuesday approved legislation introduced by Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R­Delaware) to encourage private development at mass transit hubs.

Senate Bill 385 will modernize the Pennsylvania Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act, originally enacted in December 2004.

“The goal of the original TRID law is admirable: encouraging private development at mass transit hubs,” Sen. Pileggi said. “Unfortunately, since the law’s enactment, only one TRID has been created. It has become clear that the law needs to be streamlined and strengthened and Senate Bill 385 makes the changes needed for TRIDs to become real engines for economic growth.”

Senate Bill 385 streamlines the TRID creation process, sets clear parameters for TRID funding and the use of those fund, and authorizes a new “tax capture” funding mechanism to provide funding. Any projects funded in a TRID will require a minimum one­third match from private dollars.

The legislation is supported by a wide range of organizations across Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the Pennsylvania State Association of

Township Supervisors, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

“The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs has been a supporter of innovative TRID legislation since the original act was passed ten years ago,” said Ed Troxell, PSAB’s Director of Government Affairs. “We’re extremely pleased that Senator Pileggi’s amendments to the act will provide expanded options for the use of TRIDs in our boroughs throughout the Commonwealth.”

“One of the reasons that the TRID program hasn’t taken off is that there have been limited funding options,” said Elam Herr, Assistant Executive Director for PSATS. “Senate Bill 385 helps rectify that issue and will make the program much more effective.”

“Upper Darby is the sixth largest municipality in the state, and a TRID would greatly enhance the opportunity for businesses to locate in the 69th Street Transportation Center,” said Upper Darby Mayor Thomas Micozzie

By simplifying the TRID process and implementation, Senate Bill 385 will enhance the opportunity for private developers to invest in improving mass transit hubs in communities across Pennsylvania.

“I want to thank Sen. John Rafferty, Chairman of the Transportation Committee, for advancing this bill so quickly in the legislative session,” said Sen. Pileggi.

The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday, February 23. Senate Passes Bill Promoting Conventional Oil Production In PA The Senate Wednesday approved legislation 48 to 0 introduced by Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) that will protect and promote conventional oil and natural gas production in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 279, legislation to protect the conventional oil and gas production industry from state regulations intended for companies extracting Marcellus Shale gas, now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The bill would establish the Penn Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, a panel empowered to study existing regulations and assist the Department of Environmental Protection in making changes that better address the differences between conventional and unconventional oil and gas production.

“Oil and gas production is a part of the Commonwealth’s heritage and remains a key component of the economy of northwestern Pennsylvania,” said Sen. Hutchinson. “The council created under this bill would work to promote the conventional gas and oil industry and protect it from regulations intended solely for the Marcellus Shale gas extraction industry. The panel would work with the DEP to ensure that the differences between the operations are taken into account as these regulations and laws are developed and implemented.”

On Tuesday the Department of Environmental Protection announced the formation of a Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to increase transparency and communication about regulating the conventional oil and gas drilling industry.

“I am pleased to see the DEP is now moving in a similar direction as I propose in Senate Bill 279, but I still believe it is important that we codify this initiative in law,” Sen. Hutchinson said. “One significant difference is the Penn Grade Crude Development Advisory Council is

intended to promote the conventional oil and gas industry in the Commonwealth. My Senate district includes the birthplace of oil and gas production in Pennsylvania over a century and a half ago. These resources fueled the industrial revolution and transformed our nation’s economy. This industry is an important part of the regional economy. It should be supported by the state, not stymied by excessive and unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

Senate Bill 279 now goes to the House for consideration. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. NewsClips: DEP Starts 2nd Advisory Board For Conventional Oil & Gas DEP To Create Separate Boards For Shale, Conventional Drilling

Sen. McGarrigle Introduces Severance Tax Proposal, Nothing For The Environment Sen. Thomas McGarrigle (R­Delaware) Thursday introduced a natural gas severance tax proposal­­ Senate Bill 519­­ which would impose a 4 percent tax on the value of natural gas at the wellhead. All the revenue from the tax would be devoted to fund basic education and nothing for any environmental restoration program. NewsClips: Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways Rep. Boback Introduces Bill To Create Marcellus Shale Health Registry Rep. Karen Boback (R­Luzerne) recently introduced House Bill 252 to create a Marcellus Shale Health Registry.

"I remain committed to tracking the potential health risks to people who live near drilling sites," Rep. Boback said. "Our state's natural gas industry is the fastest growing in the nation. This bill would keep an eye on any health effects caused by drilling activity."

The measure would create a population­based registry. All health­related data, which may be associated with drilling activity, would be provided by healthcare practitioners to the state Department of Health.

The legislation was a suggestion of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission in 2011. Furthermore, the House had previously passed legislation which would have provided $2 million for this project, but the bill did not gain passage in the Senate prior to the end of the legislative session.

A sponsor summary is available online. Rep. Vitali Introduces Bills To Reduce PA Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Rep. Greg Vitali (D­Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Thursday unveiled legislation designed to encourage Pennsylvania to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Pennsylvania has a duty to work toward carbon neutrality because it produces almost 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases," said Rep. Vitali. "The legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf must find ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels and shift to renewable energy."

To work toward that goal, Rep. Vitali has introduced three bills that would increase the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, permanently fund the Sunshine Solar program and reduce the demand for energy.

"Too much of our energy comes from dirty sources that harm the environment and our communities ­­ but it doesn't have to be that way," said Elowyn Corby, PennEnvironment’s global warming and clean energy associate. "We can harness abundant and pollution­free energy from the wind and the sun. Legislation like this shows how Harrisburg can help us get to the clean energy future Pennsylvanians deserve."

Joanne Kilgour, director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, said increasing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard to require electric companies to use more power generated by renewable sources would increase jobs and help the environment.

"Strengthening our Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard is not just a step toward securing healthier communities in Pennsylvania, but will make our energy sector more competitive in the region's economy."

Richard Whiteford, leader at the Climate Reality Project, said burning fossil fuels from the start of the Industrial Revolution until today has increased the planet’s average temperature by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. He noted that scientists say we can’t exceed a 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit increase without causing climate destabilization that would jeopardize the ability of future generations to survive.

"We are already witnessing extreme weather events and we are only about half way to the 3.6 degree limit," Whiteford said. "This leaves us only one choice: We must leave carbon in the ground or humans won’t be around."

Rep. Steve McCarter (D­Montgomery), said rep. Vitali has proposed "modest legislative changes that will go a long way in encouraging a culture change in how we – as consumers – think about energy, energy consumption and climate change."

The bills introduced include: ­­ House Bill 100 would increase the state's Tier I Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to 15 percent by 2023. The current rate is 8 percent by 2021 (sponsor summary). ­­ House Bill 129 would require natural gas distribution companies to reduce energy consumption and demand by 1 percent by 2018 and 3 percent by 2020. These are the same requirements currently placed on electric distribution companies under Act 129 of 2008 (sponsor summary). ­­ House Bill 200 would establish a dedicated funding source for the PA Sunshine Solar Program. The program, which has exhausted its funding, helps homeowners and businesses install solar systems. The program would receive $25 million a year from a 1.25­mill increase on the utilities’ Gross Receipts Tax (sponsor summary).

Also speaking at the news conference were Brooks Mountcastle, eastern Pennsylvania director for Clean Water Action; Sandy Strauss, director of public advocacy for the Pennsylvania Council of Churches; and John Dernbach, co­director of the Environmental Law Center at

Widener University. NewsClips: Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change Exelon: EPA Clean Power Rule Can Be Implemented Using Existing Mechanisms Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills Senate Environmental Committee Meets Feb. 24 On Bill To Expand Natural Gas Service The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on February 24 to consider legislation to extend natural gas service into unserved or underserved areas, on sewer lateral funding and an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board. The bills include­­ ­­ Senate Bill 214 (Yaw­R­Lycoming) promoting the expansion of natural gas service into unserved or underserved areas (sponsor summary); ­­ Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak­D­Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board (sponsor summary); and ­­ Senate Bill 289 (Fontana­D­Allegheny) funding for sewage lateral line improvements and repair (sponsor summary).

The meeting will be held in Room 8E­B East Wing of the Capitol starting at 9:30. Sen. Gene Yaw (R­Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair and Sen. John Yudichak

(D­Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair. Senate Local Government, Environment Committees Set March 3 Drilling Fee Hearing The Senate Local Government and Environmental Resources and Energy Committees are scheduled to hold a joint hearing on the opportunities created by the Act 13 drilling impact fee for counties, municipalities, conservation districts and local economic development agencies.

The hearing will be in Hearing Room 1, North Office Building starting at 8:30. Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) serves as Majority Chair of the Local Government

Committee and Sen. Rob Teplitz (D­Dauphin) servers as Minority Chair. Sen. Gene Yaw (R­Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Environmental Resources

and Energy Committee and Sen. John Yudichak (D­Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair. NewsClips: Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways

Senate, House Republicans To Announce Initiative To Limit State Spending On Monday, February 23 Republicans from the Senate and House are scheduled to hold a news conference to announce the introduction of legislation to limit the growth of state spending.

Senators Camera Bartolotta (R­Beaver) and Mike Folmer (R­Lebanon) will be joined by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R­Jefferson) and House Speaker Mike Turzai (R­Allegheny) at the announcement.

The proposal comes just a week before Gov. Tom Wolf is scheduled to make his first budget address to the General Assembly on March 3.

The announcement will be in the Main Capitol Rotunda at 10:30. News From Around The State Keep PA Beautiful Earns Recognition At National Conference Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful received top honors at Keep America Beautiful’s National Awards Dinner at the 2015 KAB National Conference in Washington, D.C. for its outstanding promotion of KAB’s mission statewide and for its program support for local affiliates in Pennsylvania. Established in 1953, KAB consists of a national network of more than 600 community­based affiliates whose programs, initiatives and efforts aim to transform public spaces into beautiful places.

“Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup Awards recognize the outstanding success of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for its GAC program,” said Jennifer Jehn, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “It’s my privilege to honor Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for their important achievements and leadership.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to accept these awards on behalf of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The success of our organization and its programs, particularly the Great American Cleanup of PA’s, is a direct result of the dedication of our volunteers and on­going commitment of our Business Council Members and partners, particularly the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, PA Food Merchants Association and the Pennsylvania Waste Industry Association.”

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful earned recognition for the following initiatives and accomplishments from Keep America Beautiful: ­­ Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful earned the Diamond Level State Affiliate Recognition Award for management and administration. The Diamond Level is the highest level of recognition. ­­ U.S. State Department of Transportation Partnership and Great American Cleanup Award – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation was recognized for supporting the Great American Cleanup. The Pennsylvania DOT was one of seven Keep America Beautiful/U.S. State Department of Transportation Partner Award recipients.

“To reduce roadside litter and illegal dumping, KAB state affiliates must develop effective public­private partnerships,” said Keep America Beautiful President & CEO Jennifer Jehn. “Our State Department of Transportation Partner Awards represents the fine work that state

DOTs achieve with their respective KAB state affiliate partners.” ­­ Best Statewide Promotion of the Great American Cleanup – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, in partnership with the PA Department of Environmental Protection and PA Department of Transportation, for the development and circulation of a statewide public service announcement. ­­ 2014 Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award – Presented to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful and Keep York Beautiful for their management and program excellence. ­­ Cigarette Litter Prevention Program Award – Keep Lancaster County Beautiful received honorable mention for implementing the program.

Keep America Beautiful’s National Conference, KAB’s premier educational and networking event, brings together KAB’s national network of state and local affiliate directors, business leaders, policymakers and other national experts who focus on framing new ideas and strategies to build and sustain vibrant communities.

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is honored and grateful to be a part of the Keep America Beautiful National Conference where resources and ideas can be shared with a broad network of partners,” explains Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, “We are honored to be recognized by this national organization.”

For more information on its programs, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. NewsClips: York County Cancels Saturday Recycling Event Big Push To Spread Recycling In Apartments In Pittsburgh Creative Attempt To Fill Recycling Costs Leads To Lawsuit Independent Engineer Report On Keystone Landfill Expansion Jeannette Glass Cleanup Taking Too Long DEP To Facilitate Cleanup Of Illegal Dumps In Carbon, Schuylkill Counties The Department of Environmental Protection has hired a contractor to clean up six piles of illegally dumped waste scattered throughout Carbon and Schuylkill counties after the responsible party has failed to complete the work.

The piles were discovered last summer after residents called DEP to complain. Staff from DEP's Northeast Regional Office investigated the complaints and determined that hauler Michael Stine of Northampton County was the responsible party.

The piles contained construction and demolition debris. Some were dumped on private property while others were dumped on borough­owned properties.

An order was issued in November 2014 giving Stine 60 days to clean up all of the piles. The department also revoked his waste hauling permit.

Earlier this month, DEP hired URS, a state­lead contractor, to do the cleanup work. The contract calls for costs not to exceed $30,000 and work should begin in late March.

Money to pay for the cleanup will come from the Solid Waste Abatement Fund, that is funded by fines haulers pay for violating state environmental laws. NewsClips: York County Cancels Saturday Recycling Event Big Push To Spread Recycling In Apartments In Pittsburgh Creative Attempt To Fill Recycling Costs Leads To Lawsuit

Independent Engineer Report On Keystone Landfill Expansion Jeannette Glass Cleanup Taking Too Long (Reprinted from Feb. 9 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Wissahickon Watershed Groups Seeking Volunteers For April 25 Cleanup The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are once again joining forces to clean the Wissahickon Creek on April 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

All volunteers are invited to join us after the clean­up for the “Talkin’ Trash” picnic at Fort Washington State Park at the Flourtown pavilion on Mill Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This spring marks the 45th anniversary of the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s annual creek clean­up, which is sponsored by Merck and Co. It is the 6th year that Friends of the Wissahickon has joined forces with WVWA to clean the Wissahickon Creek.

The Friends of the Wissahickon will clean up a section of the creek in Chestnut Hill, at Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at Northwestern Avenue and Forbidden Drive at 9 a.m.

Please register online and indicate if you plan to attend the picnic. Contact volunteer coordinator, John Holback, with questions at 215­247­0417 x107 or send email to: holback@fow.org.

In Montgomery County, volunteers of all ages will be pre­assigned sections of the Wissahickon Creek or a tributary, extending from Lansdale to Flourtown. Sign­up online or contact Madalyn Neff by sending email to: madalyn@wvwa.org.

Please indicate the name, size and age range of your group and whether you will join the picnic. You will be contacted regarding your clean up location assignment.

Registration is not required but is recommended in order to be notified in case of any changes due to weather. The event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Check FOW’s or WVWA’s website or Facebook page for updates.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers will be assigned to clean sections of the area and will be given bags in which to collect trash.

About Our Sponsors Sponsors of this event provide funding for WVWA’s stewardship efforts throughout the

year. The presenting sponsor is Merck & Co. Volunteers from Merck’s West Point plant located at the headwaters of the Wissahickon Creek will help with the clean­up.

Conservationist sponsors include Covanta, DOW Chemical Company, First Niagara Bank and MSS Movers Specialty Service. Both DOW and First Niagara Bank will also send employee volunteers to help with the clean­up.

Additional sponsorship is provided by Aqua Pennsylvania, Ambler Savings Bank, Artman Lutheran Home, BBD, LLP, Caddick Construction, First Priority Bank, Manufacturer’s Golf & Country Club, North Penn Water Authority, The Philadelphia Cricket Club, Rotary Club of Blue Bell and Russell Roofing.

Companies interested in sponsoring the creek clean up should contact Gina Craigo by calling 215­962­8726 or send email to: GinaCraigo@wvwa.org. PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Request For Presentations, Film Festival

With a theme of "Reclaiming Our Communities," the 2015 Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference is currently accepting proposals for presentations at the Conference.

They are looking for presentations that highlight the diverse and unique partnerships that have made Pennsylvania so successful at cleaning up the abandoned mine legacy of water and land pollution.

Presentations showcasing developments in AMD treatment technologies, case studies on successfully implemented projects, and useful tools for the efforts of the reclamation community are all welcome topics.

The Conference will be hosted at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center in State College on June 25­26 and will feature many informative presentations on AMD treatment technologies.

Numerous networking opportunities are scheduled and include a film festival, golf outing, sustainability tour of the State College PA region, and a happy hour.

Abstract submissions for a 40 minute presentation slot should include a title, one paragraph describing your presentation and a short biography (if you have never presented at our conference previously).

Please send abstract submissions to Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator­WPCAMR, by email to: anne@wpcamr.org. Abstracts are due by April 1. Call Anne at 724­832­3625.

Film Festival As part of the Conference there will also be a film festival showcasing independently

produced environmental films. The Conference planning committee is currently accepting submissions.

This is a great opportunity for watershed groups to highlight their projects and exercise their creative skills behind a video camera.

YouTube and Vimeo submissions as well as DVD's are eligible for consideration. Environmental topics are preferred. Films should be no longer than 30 minutes and be of original material.

The submission deadline is March 31. The festival entry form and submission guidelines are available online.

For more on the agenda and events, visit the 2015 Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference website.

(Written By: Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, WPCAMR, for Abandoned Mine Posts published by WPCAMR.) CBF­PA Tells DEP Act 162 Stream Buffer Requirements Should Apply To All Streams The Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA submitted comments this week to DEP saying Act 162 passed by the General Assembly last year requires stream buffers along all waterways when developers are applying for an NPDES permit, not just in Special Protection Watersheds.

CBF­PA’s comments were directed at an interim final technical guidance document DEP is using to implement Act 162.

They said it part, “CBF maintains that the Department is incorrect in applying Act 162 requirements only to special protection waters, such as High Quality (“HQ”) or Exceptional Value (“EV”) rivers, streams, creeks, lakes ponds, or reservoirs.

“The plain language of Section 402(c)(1) states that “…persons proposing or conducting earth disturbance activities when the activity requires a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [(“NPDES”)] permit for storm water discharge…” may install either a forested riparian buffer or a substantially equivalent alternative to ensure compliance with water quality standards. See. Act of October 22, 2014, P.L. 2600, No. 162.

“There is no mention of this only occurring in special protection waters. The only mention of EV/HQ watersheds, comes in Section 402(c)(2) of the law with regard to the need to “offset” activities within 100 feet of a special protection water.

“The failure to clearly state that buffers, or their functional equivalent, are only needed in EV/HQ watersheds where an NPDES permit is needed, while specifically mentioning the EV/HQ requirement in Section 402(c)(2), suggests a specific legal intent by the General Assembly.

“CBF contends that buffers or their substantial equivalent alternatives are now required wherever NPDES permits are to be issued for such activities.”

A copy of CBF­PA’s comments are available online. CBF­PA also joined in comments submitted by the PA Campaign for Clean Water

Stormwater Work Group saying the Act 162 guidance should be strengthened. DEP Webinars A series of four webinars have been scheduled by DEP on March 10 and 11 on

implementation of the stream buffer requirements in Act 162. DEP is also expected to publish additional guidance on implementing Act 162 in March

covering determining equivalency and buffer offset requirements. For more information, visit DEP’s Act 162 webpage.

Penn State: What Is A Healthy Stream Or Wetland Worth? Seminar Feb. 27 The Penn State Center for Nutrient Solutions will hold an in person and online seminar entitled, “What Is A Healthy Stream Or Wetland Worth?” on February 27 starting at 12:15.

Robert P. Brooks, Professor of Geography and Ecology, Director of Riparia at Penn State, will make a presentation on identifying the value the benefits accrued to people from ecosystem services.

This seminar will explore approaches to making those translations. The focus will be on demonstrating how impacts on landscape and field­based indicators of stream, wetland, and riparian condition can be used to predict changes in the services provided to us all by healthy aquatic ecosystems, such as water­based recreation, floodwater storage, and carbon sequestration.

The seminar will be held in 105 Forest Resources Building on the Penn State campus in State College. Click Here to participate by webinar.

For more information, contact Matt Royer by sending email to: mroyer@psu.edu or call 814­863­8756 Home Water And Septic Workshops Being Offered By Penn State In Feb., March, May The Penn State Water Resources Team is offering Home Water and Septic Workshops across the state during 2015. The two hour class covers private water supplies and how they should be

maintained, tested, and treated. Best management practices for homeowners to use to protect and maintain on­lot septic systems are also discussed.

Extension Educator, Jim Clark, instructed a class of 15 in McKean County on January 15th, and 19 in Potter County, on January 22nd. Out of these 34 participants, 31 (94 percent) answered a post survey.

All 31 stated they learned some to a great deal of new information. Twenty­three (74 percent) stated they would take action to improve their water supply because they attended and 24 (77 percent) stated they would take action to improve their on lot septic system. Maintaining private water systems and on lot septic systems not only saves homeowners money, it also protects the water resources.

Clark’s next workshop is set for February 26 in Emporium, Cameron County. To find out about future Home Water and Septic System Workshops and workshops near

you, Click Here. Feb. 16 Watershed Winds Newsletter Available From Penn State Extension The February 16 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State Extension featuring articles on­­ ­­ DEP Sets 4 Webinars On New Act 162 Stream Buffer Requirements ­­ Registration Now Open For 2015 Great American Cleanup Of PA ­­ Penn State Home Water, Septic Workshops Being Offered ­­ WREN Source Water Protection Grant Round Now Open ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy. Keystone Clean Water Team Launches New Website The Keystone Clean Water Team, formerly the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians, a northeastern Pennsylvania non­profit organization dedicated to improving the health, safety, and welfare of our community and the environment, has launched a new website through which it will extend its services to the community.

“Our carbonwaters.org website attracts traffic from all over the country,” said Brian Oram, president of the Keystone Clean Water Team’s board of directors. “There is no better place to share detailed information about issues related to our groundwater. There is a great deal of technical information available on our existing web portals but we wanted to add another layer to the site that was more user­friendly.”

Oram says that visitors to the organization’s new website do not need to have degrees in environmental science to get information they can use and to find potential solutions to any water quality issues they may have.

“Northeastern Pennsylvania’s groundwater is subject to many risks that can, if left unchecked, threaten the health and safety of the people living here,” Oram said. “We can help area residents keep their drinking water safe and learn more about conservation efforts that will protect this important natural resource for future generations.”

As part of its efforts to reach out to the community, the organization has also launched a Facebook page and a Twitter Feed.

For more information, visit the Keystone Clean Water Team website.

Delaware River Basin Commission Meets March 10­11 The Delaware River Basin Commission has scheduled a hearing and business meeting on March 10 and 11 at Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. The hearing will begin at 1:30 on March 10 and the meeting at 1:00 on March 11.

The meeting agenda includes proposed water withdrawals requests and other administrative issues before the Commission. (formal notice, agenda) Lebanon County Grazing Network Grazing Conference March 3 The Lebanon County Grazing Network is hosting a Grazing Conference on March 3, 2015 at the Lebanon County Extension Office, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Presentations will include will include; Crops, Soils, & Nutrients: Strategies for Getting More From Your Land­­ Dan Ludwig, USDA­NRCS; Mortality Composting­­Mat Haan, Penn State Extension; Direct Marketing to Consumers­­ Rich DiFebo, Harvest Home Meats; and Grass Fed Livestock Production and Marketing­­ Nevin Mast, Bandy Brook Farms.

The event is free but pre­registration is requested. To register call Susan Richards, Capital RC&D, at 717­241­4361 or send email to: srichards@capitalrcd.org.

For more information, visit the Grazing Conference webpage to view the event flier and speaker biographies. NewsClip: Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants USDA: 500 Fewer PA Farms, 20,000 More Acres Of Farmland In 2014 The U.S. Department of Agriculture Thursday reported Pennsylvania had 500 fewer farms in 2014 than 2013, but 20,000 more acres of farmland. The total land in farms was reported as 7.7 million acres. Click Here for USDA’s 2014 Farms and Land In Farms Report. PA Environmental Council Releases Small Hydro Permitting Manual For PA The PA Environmental Council Wednesday released the Hydroelectric Permitting Manual for Pennsylvania. This manual was created with the following goals in mind: — Facilitate greater development of economically­ and environmentally­feasible projects in PA by outlining the specific steps required for permitting, identifying the appropriate contacts, and clarifying the order of steps. — Improve the quality and completeness of applications submitted to DEP and other agencies by outlining clear expectations. — Eliminate projects that are not economically­ or environmentally­feasible early in the process, by providing clearer guidance and access to resource agency staff.

With its abundant water resources and rolling topography, Pennsylvania provides ample opportunity for hydroelectric renewable energy development. However, feedback at the 2011 PA Hydropower Summit and one­on­one interviews with developers indicated that the complexity of permitting significantly increases the time and cost of a project.

This complexity poses a particular challenge to smaller projects located at water

treatment plants, parks, and farms. These projects are also often smaller in size, meaning the owner is less likely to recoup the costs of legal services through revenue generated.

In addition to the renewable energy benefits of hydroelectricity, are the potential co­benefits to the entities that own them and the communities in which they are located.

For example, a municipally­owned project has the potential to reduce its energy costs and/or generate revenue from excess electricity sold to the grid, freeing up funds for services like road maintenance, park improvements, and street lighting in Pennsylvania’s often cash­strapped municipalities.

PEC specifically supports “low­impact” hydropower development, which is not limited by size constraints but rather depends on a case­by­case analysis. PEC does not advocate for new dams and impoundments, but rather for use of existing impoundments, pipes, or natural water features.

This document was produced in close consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, as well as other regulatory agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Army Corps of Engineers, and the PA Historical and Museum Commission.

The Med­Ed/enelec Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies supported the research and production of this Manual.

A copy of the Manual is available online. For more information, visit PEC’s Hydropower Permitting webpage or contact Lindsay

Baxter, PEC, by calling 412­481­9400 or sending email to: lbaxter@pecpa.org. DEP Reschedules Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board Meeting To March 20 The Department of Environmental Protection announced on its website late Thursday it has rescheduled the next Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting to March 20 in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00. A meeting was planned for March 5.

Although no agenda has been posted, the Board was to review the proposed changes DEP plans to make in the Chapter 78 (unconventional drilling) and Chapter 78A (conventional drilling) regulations that were the subject of nine public hearings last year.

At DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council meeting Tuesday, DEP asked Council to nominate individuals for the Board which it did. DEP is planning to replace all the current members of the Board and may add several ad hoc members to the Board.

DEP also announced this week it is forming the Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to provide advice on regulating the conventional oil and gas drilling industry.

For more information, visit the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board webpage. DEP Accepting Nominations For Conventional Oil & Gas Advisory Committee The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced a newly formed Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to increase transparency and communication about regulating the conventional oil and gas drilling industry.

“Creating this advisory committee will increase dialogue between DEP and the regulated community as well as broaden the interests we hear from,” Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley said. “Improving communication between all stakeholders and our department will foster stronger environmental safeguards in the future.”

COGAC will advise DEP on matters related to conventional oil and gas extraction practices and regulations and will be structured similarly to DEP’s existing Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board.

“I am extremely pleased to see the DEP is now moving in a similar direction as I propose in Senate Bill 279, but I still believe it is important that we codify this initiative in law,” Sen. Hutchinson (R­Venango) said. “In addition, my bill is intended to promote the conventional oil and gas industry in the Commonwealth. My Senate district includes the birthplace of oil and gas production in Pennsylvania over a century and a half ago. These resources fueled the industrial revolution and transformed our nation’s economy. This industry is an important part of the regional economy. It should be supported by the state, not stymied by excessive and unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

Persons interested in nominating a committee member should send their full name, title, affiliation, address, email, and telephone number and their nominee’s resume to Todd Wallace of the Office of Oil at Gas Management at: Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105­2063 or by email to: twallace@pa.gov.

Nominations will be accepted through March 3. NewsClips: DEP Starts 2nd Advisory Board For Conventional Oil & Gas DEP To Create Separate Boards For Shale, Conventional Drilling C.O.G.E.N.T. Blog Post: Concerned About The Severance Tax? You Betcha! By: Emily Krafjack, President Connection For Oil, Gas & The Environment In The Northern Tier The announcement of the Governor’s proposal for severance tax probably got more news bytes than any other news articles this week. Most of these news bytes were beyond the shale. Why is that?

Governor Wolf announced his proposal while visiting a Chester County school this week touting his “Pennsylvania Education Reinvestment Act” his first stop on the “Schools That Teach Tour.”

Every Pennsylvania Shaler (residents above the Shale) including municipal, county officials and assembly members need to be concerned about this on so many levels.

“Featuring” a natural gas severance tax in an education bill is an insult to the communities that will be directly affected by such a tax— and not necessarily in a good way. Is it “featuring” or “burying?”

Late January, Governor Wolf signed an executive order reinstating the moratorium on new leases for oil and gas development in state parks and forests at Benjamin Rush State Park located in the north east section of the City of Philadelphia, a highly unlikely state park to experience either unconventional natural gas leasing or drilling activity.

While largely symbolic, we figured it was reasonable to recognize that the Governor is very busy and perhaps lacked the time to travel to an actual state park or forest land that would actually benefit from his executive order.

During December, then Governor­elect Wolf, commenced with a short­lived budget tour that ended at the far northern reaches of Pennsylvania in Kingston, a good hour away from the

nearest unconventional natural gas well. Actually, we had very much hoped that the then Governor­elect would come to our

northern tier region and talk about his intentions as we knew that likely a severance tax was going to be the focus of his plans.

So, this week, the severance tax tour’s alter­ego “Schools That Teach Tour” was kicked off in Chester County with the next stop in Schuylkill County, both many hours drive away from the nearest unconventional natural gas well.

The 2013 impact fee revenue to Chester County, $485,000+; Philadelphia County, $1.4 million+; Schuylkill County, $140,000+; pretty good revenue from unconventional shale gas resources for having no impacts.

Our region at this point anyway, is clearly not part of this conversation in any way. Being patient with the budget tour, the signing of the moratorium, but now the third event

with the severance tax, well, it is a little hard to feel any politics of inclusion here in the northern tier, the true far reach of Pennsylvania and the heart of unconventional natural gas drilling.

Presently, there is not much we can say about the proposal as once again, there are no firm details, no draft document we can actually read and review. What we can see is that the aim of the tax is education, featuring it in an education bill and far removed from our area is not lost on most of us.

What we do know is that the proposed revenue calculation details are not clear. While there is a production forecast, there are no details on the actual price these calculations are base on and, unfortunately, we’ve seen this before.

Previous proposals based on the Henry Hub price which one would be hard pressed to find either a northern tier or other Pennsylvania leaseholder paid on the HHP.

As taxpayers, leaseholders and living directly in the development area experiencing impacts, whether it be roads or air quality— we have several reasons to be included in the discussion of any and all severance tax proposals and deliberations.

What are these reasons? Well, first and foremost, the guaranteed minimum royalty is yet to be adequately defined.

Our regional air quality is dramatically changing and we’ve been lacking adequate air monitoring, not to mention air studies. The long­term study we’ve been awaiting failed to include producing well pads as a monitored source point.

There has been no studies done and no state regulation of setbacks/mitigations developed on a health­based standard.

Act 13 of 2013’s impact fee calculations and accounting methods need to remain intact with any new tax adopted.

We continue to lag with mandated PA One Call for unconventional gathering lines and gas safety regulations for Class 1 Area gathering lines, well over 90 percent of all gathering lines in our region.

There is an uncertainty and lack of clarity regarding funding of DEP for oil and gas and other programs related to the development in our region, including need for sufficient staffing levels.

We continue to have an emphasis deficit by the Commonwealth to do any health studies relating to unconventional shale gas development.

These issues have all been waiting a long time now to be addressed. Any severance tax package needs to be appropriately labeled as to what it is. It needs to be clearly defined as a

severance tax and these issues need to be clearly attended to within the legislative language. There are matters that need to be addressed better and funding education is not the

mechanism to do that. Our region’s leaseholders, many of us, are going to be the taxpayer when it comes to the

severance tax. Many of our executed leases, valid contracts provide for that. As such, we need to be included in the conversation.

Severance tax may be a volatile revenue source and the administration needs to understand that. Just this year, the state of North Dakota booming in the Bakken Shale unconventional oil play has had major changes as a result of the volatility attached to a severance tax.

North Dakota has a pretty efficient legislative body that works with a two­year budget cycle. Because of the volatile nature of fossil fuel resource extraction— falling oil prices and reductions in well drilling— they are experiencing a massive budget shortfall.

“The new forecast cuts about $762 million from the state’s budget for the rest of the fiscal year ending in June 2015 and slices $4.05 billion from the two­year biennium from July 2015 to June 2017.”

This forecast actually includes a crude oil price where this week’s announced proposal is silent on natural gas price.

Further, “Royalty payments to landowners will cut individual income tax collections by $30 million in the current fiscal year and by $139 million of the 2015­2017 biennium. Corporate income tax collections will drop by $13 million this year and by $58 million in the next biennium. Sale tax revenue is expected to drop by $87 million in the rest of the current fiscal year and by a total of $350 million in the next two years as a result of the decline in the number of drilling rigs.”

In June 2014, Industry Week, noted that North Dakota is the second largest oil producing state in the United States. Our Commonwealth needs to look at better ways to fund education and resolve the pension crisis.

From where we sit, unconventional drilling is not the cash cow to fund or settle either issue.

So, as I write this blog, our road here is snow covered. In fact, our road has been snow covered many a day lately. Perhaps the infamous jeep the Governor drives, just can’t handle our snowy roads and include us in the conversation.

I hope I am wrong. I hope Governor Wolf not only visits a school in every northern tier county, but also hosts a town hall meeting here to explain to leaseholders the benefits of one more deduction to their royalty checks.

As, while the press releases notes that “No portion of the tax imposed in this legislation will be allowed to be deducted from royalty payments,” it seems highly unlikely that legislation can trump bona fide contracts that provide for tax deductions. Emily Krafjack is President of the Connection for Oil, Gas and the Environment in the Northern Tier, a grassroots organization of ordinary Shalers working together to maintain their community flavor while continuing to live where they’ve always live and right now that is on top of the Marcellus Shale. Click Here for the blog post and the C.O.G.E.N.T website. NewsClips: Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville

Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways Allegheny Institute Policy Brief: Drilling Impact Fee Benefits Western PA Counties Act 13 of 2012 set an impact fee on drillers for each unconventional well started (spud) into the Marcellus Shale formation within the Commonwealth’s borders. Act 13 sets the parameters and ranges for the fee which is determined by a formula using the average selling price of natural gas on the market and the age of the well itself.

A description of how the rate is set can be found in Policy Brief Volume 12, Number 11. Each year the Public Utility Commission (PUC) sets the fee for that year, collects

payments from the drillers, and then distributes the funds to state agencies, counties, and municipalities across the state.

Act 13 also specifies how the impact fee is to be returned to these governmental entities. The purpose of this Brief is to report the impact fee revenue received by the seven counties that make up the Pittsburgh metropolitan statistical area (MSA) (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland) after the first three years of disbursements.

There are two sections of Act 13 pertaining to the distribution of revenues to the counties. The first section, 2314(d), allocates money to counties based on the number of unconventional wells in the county as a proportion of the number of such wells in the Commonwealth. Funds distributed through this section can be spent only on specified areas. These categories range from public infrastructure to tax reductions to social and judicial services.

The following table shows the amount each county in the MSA received from this section of Act 13 over the first three years. County 2011 2012 2013 Allegheny $79,430 $145,016 $201,308 Armstrong $511,855 $533,923 $597,430 Beaver $52,594 $151,608 $207,802 Butler $741,351 $1,001,930 $1,571,501 Fayette $1,332,667 $1,232,628 $1,331,230 Washington $4,253,943 $4,521,869 $5,915,585 Westmoreland $1,412,097 $1,272,188 $1,357,206

Act 13 mandates that counties receiving funds from section 2314(d) submit a report to the PUC on how the money was spent. According to these reports, Allegheny County spent its 2011 and 2012 distribution on the category of emergency preparedness/public safety. Armstrong County also spent its entire 2011 allocation on this area, but divided its 2012 allocation between this category and on environmental programs.

The PUC did not have either county’s 2013 expenditure report available as of this writing. The PUC also did not have an expenditure report available for either 2011 or 2013 for Beaver County, but did show 2012’s distribution to have been spent on a capital reserve fund.

Butler County was more diverse in spending this portion of its impact fee money. In 2011 it spent money on social services, emergency preparedness/public safety, its capital reserve fund, environmental programs, and on judicial services. For 2012 they spread the money even further to include public infrastructure construction, storm water/sewer systems, and on information technology in addition to repeating the same categories from 2011. 2013’s expenditure report is not yet available.

Fayette County’s 2011 report consisted of expenditures on emergency preparedness/public safety, information technology, a capital reserve fund, and planning initiatives. In 2012 they split the money between emergency preparedness/public safety, and the capital reserve fund. The 2013 report is not yet available.

Washington County, which has the most unconventional wells in the Pittsburgh MSA, has received the most money from this part of Act 13. The 2011 expenditure report for Washington County shows the most money spent on public infrastructure construction followed by their capital reserve fund, information technology, social services, and emergency preparedness/public safety.

In 2012 the list was not as extensive as they spent money on emergency preparedness/public safety, information technology, the capital reserve fund, and social services. In 2013 the list of expenditures included the capital reserve fund, information technology, public infrastructure construction, emergency preparedness/public safety, social services, and judicial services.

Finally, Westmoreland County in 2011 put its money toward capital reserves and social services. In 2012 the money was spent mostly on emergency preparedness/public safety with only a very small fraction being used for environmental programs. 2013’s report is not yet available.

Act 13 also sets up the Marcellus Legacy Fund to deal specifically with environmental issues. Section 2315(a.1)(5), distributes money to counties from this fund. All counties, regardless of whether or not they host an unconventional well, receive revenues from this section. This money is allocated based on population of the county as a proportion of the statewide population. There is a minimum of $25,000 allotted for the smallest of counties and of course the allocation depends on available funds.

The following table shows how each county fared under this section of Act 13. County 2011 2012 2013 Allegheny $1,037,889 $1,027,541 $1,178,031 Armstrong $58,490 $57,419 $65,554 Beaver $144,685 $142,704 $163,140 Butler $155,989 $154,791 $177,250 Fayette $115,897 $113,967 $129,998 Washington $176,315 $174,415 $200,005 Westmoreland $309,810 $305,207 $348,229

As mentioned above these funds are restricted to environmental purposes, but they do not have to be reported to the state. The areas for which this money can be spent include the development, rehabilitation, and repair of greenways, recreational trails, water resource management, and community and beautification projects. It can also be used for land damaged or prone to drainage by storms or flooding.

Thus counties in the Pittsburgh MSA have been the direct beneficiary of the Marcellus

Shale natural gas boom. Over the first three years of impact fee distributions, counties in the MSA have received a total of $10.38 million, $10.84 million, and $13.44 million respectively.

Of course while these funds have been restricted in their usage from the specific sections of Act 13, it does free up money from their general fund budget for use elsewhere. How much money they will receive going forward remains to be seen.

The impact fee, and thus the amount received by these counties, is affected by variables such as the price of natural gas, age of wells, and number of wells not only within each county, but across the Commonwealth as a whole.

Across Pennsylvania as a whole, the total amount of impact fee revenues distributed to counties and municipalities reached $632.4 million by 2013 with another significant allocation coming from the 2014 collections.

What Happens With A Severance Tax? The Governor’s plan to impose a severance tax and flat per thousand cubic foot fee

would require the elimination of the impact fee, setting up substantial resistance from local governments who are benefitting from the impact fee revenues.

Likely this will mean that if the severance tax bill is to have any chance at all of being passed, there will have to be a provision that will essentially replace the dollars lost by the local governments. Not to mention the impact fee revenue that is allocated to state programs. What will happen to them?

Written By: Frank Gamrat, Ph.D., Sr. Research Associate For more information, visit the Allegheny Institute website.

Related Story Allegheny Institute Blog: Governor Pitches Severance Tax Proposal NewsClips: Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways Hundreds Attend Public Meeting On Westmoreland Natural Gas Power Plant Nearly 300 residents attended a DEP public hearing on February 11 about a proposal by Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners to build a natural gas­fired power plant in South Huntington Twp., Westmoreland County.

Representatives from DEP's Clean Water and Air Quality programs responded to questions and listened to testimony. Tenaska officials also participated in the question and answer session.

In order to begin construction, the company must obtain an air quality plan approval and a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from DEP.

In the air quality plan approval application, Tenaska requests permission to construct and temporarily operate the gas­fired facility. The company’s NPDES application requests to

discharge water used to cool the power generation equipment into the Youghiogheny River. DEP has issued draft approvals for both requests which include conditions specifying

how these air emissions and waste­water discharges must be controlled. Anyone wanting to submit written comments should address them to: The Department of

Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Please note on the envelope that you are commenting on the Tenaska proposals. The public comment period will close on February 23. NewsClips: Dispute May Derail Sale Of Prison For Natural Gas Power Plant Carlisle Energy Company Won Bid For SCI­Greensburg UGI Encourages Gas Conservation In Certain Areas UGI Asks Clark Summit Residents To Turn Down Heat Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio

(Reprinted from Feb. 9 DEP News. Click Here to sign up for your own copy.) Panda Power Funds To Develop 1,000 MW Pennsylvania Power Project In Snyder County Panda Power Funds has entered into a joint venture with Sunbury Generation LP to develop, finance, construct and operate a 1,000 megawatt natural gas­fueled, combined­cycle power project near Shamokin Dam in Snyder County.

The Panda “Hummel Station” power facility will occupy an 18­acre parcel of the 192­acre Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone at the site of the recently retired Sunbury coal­fired power plant.

To date, Hummel Station is expected to be one of the largest coal to natural gas conversion projects in the United States. The plant is expected to supply large power markets, including Philadelphia and New York City, when it enters commercial operations in the second half of 2017.

The facility’s access to Marcellus Shale gas through the Marc I, Regency and Transcontinental regional gas pipelines is expected to provide Hummel Station with a significant operating cost advantage.

The plant will interconnect to the pipelines through a 35­mile lateral that will be constructed by a subsidiary of UGI Energy Services. UGI commenced the permitting process for the pipeline with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in December 2014 after completing a year of environmental and cultural surveys.

“I’m extremely proud of the Panda team in their work with Sunbury Generation and UGI Energy Services to complete the lateral pipeline agreement. Finalizing the agreement makes the entire project possible,” said Todd W. Carter, president and senior partner of Panda Power Funds. “We continue to see Pennsylvania as a great place to invest and are strengthening our roots here by partnering with well­established companies in the Commonwealth.”

“We found a great partner in Panda,” added Dave Meehan, president of Sunbury Generation. “They currently have more generating capacity under construction in the United States than any other company. They have a deep bench in the power industry and know what they are doing.”

Panda Power Funds has two Marcellus gas­fueled generating stations currently under construction in Bradford and Lycoming counties. The 829 megawatt “Liberty” power plant, located in Towanda, Pennsylvania, is expected to enter commercial operations in the first quarter of 2016.

The 829 megawatt “Patriot” power plant, located near Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is expected to enter commercial operations in the second quarter of 2016.

Panda’s Hummel generating station is expected to bring significant benefits to the region during construction and the life of the facility. Approximately 500 jobs will be created to construct the power plant over a two and a half year period.

The generating station will create approximately 27 direct, long­term jobs to run the facility and 45 indirect jobs within the community to support the plant. Construction of the 35­mile pipeline lateral is also expected to create 300 jobs, with several additional permanent jobs created to operate the pipeline over the life of the new facility.

By serving as the anchor tenant in the Sunbury Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ), Hummel Station will also support additional investment at the site of the retired coal plant. “Our dream has been that Hummel Station will attract other industrial tenants to the KOEZ site being developed by our affiliate Arcova Development LLC.,” Meehan said.

The power facility will also help support a long­term market for Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale gas producers and royalty owners.

The state­of­the­art Hummel Station generating facility will utilize the latest, most advanced emissions­control technology, making it one of the cleanest natural gas­fueled power plants in the nation. While the new power station will supply 260 percent more power than the coal plant it replaces, key air emissions will be reduced by approximately 97 percent.

The Hummel Generating Station will also use 97 percent less water for cooling purposes than the retired coal­fired Sunbury plant.

The existing ash basin and impoundment area will be closed under the Department of Environmental Protection regulations. The Hummel project received its air permit from the Department of Environmental Quality in September 2014. The project has also received its water use and land development permits.

The generating station will be located on the west bank of the Susquehanna River in Shamokin Dam Borough, Pennsylvania. An engineering, procurement and construction contractor has not yet been selected. Construction will take approximately 30 months and will commence upon financing and other conditions. NewsClips: Dispute May Derail Sale Of Prison For Natural Gas Power Plant Carlisle Energy Company Won Bid For SCI­Greensburg UGI Encourages Gas Conservation In Certain Areas UGI Asks Clark Summit Residents To Turn Down Heat Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio UGI Asks Natural Gas Customers In Specific Areas To Consider Voluntary Conservation Due to predicted extreme cold temperatures, UGI Utilities, Inc. has asked natural gas customers in specific communities to consider voluntary conservation through Saturday.

While UGI’s natural gas distribution system is operating normally, UGI is making this request to customers in specific areas of the Company’s service territory out of an abundance of caution. Communities asked to practice voluntary conservation include: ­­ Carlisle, Cumberland County ­­ Clark’s Summit, Lackawanna County ­­ Easton, Northampton County ­­ Jim Thorpe/Lehighton, Carbon County ­­ The Greater Millersville area, Lancaster County ­­ Palmyra/Campelltown, Lebanon County ­­ Renovo, Clinton County

Customers in these communities are asked to consider lowering their thermostats to 65 degrees or lower overnight Thursday through 9 a.m. Friday morning and overnight Friday through 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. This will assist UGI in continuing to maintain system integrity.

Customers with questions or concerns are urged to contact the UGI Call Center at 1­800­276­2722 for additional information. NewsClips: UGI Encourages Gas Conservation In Certain Areas UGI Asks Clark Summit Residents To Turn Down Heat UGI Planning New Natural Gas Pipeline UGI Plans $160M Pipeline To Snyder County Power Plant DEP Holds Hearing On Natural Gas Liquids Pipeline Property Owners Brace For Constitution Pipeline Eminent Domain Native Americans Fight To Keep Pipeline Off Their Land Sunoco Gets Pushback On Pipeline In Central PA West Virginia Crude Oil Train Derailment, Explosion Could Happen In PA The Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Clean Water Action, Clean Air Council and Protecting Our Waters released this statement Tuesday about the West Virginia crude oil train derailment Monday.

A CSX train carrying Bakken crude oil from North Dakota derailed along the Kanawha River at Adena Village and Boomer, West Virginia upstream of Charleston, during a snow storm Monday. A powerful fireball explosion led to evacuation of residents within a half mile, according to news reports.

The train was carrying more than 100 tank cars of highly volatile crude oil when 12 to 14 cars derailed, several caught fire, and at least one car fell into the river. The river was set afire and one house was burned, residents fleeing for their lives in frigid temperatures.

It is reported that one resident has been hospitalized, several hundred people are in community shelters and a state of emergency has been declared by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. The fires were still burning Tuesday and water intakes on the river have been closed due to oil in the river.

On January 31, in south Philadelphia, 11 tank cars carrying crude oil derailed in the CSX rail yard along the Delaware River next to Rt. 95. There has been a veritable black out of any information about how and why the derailment occurred and any safety or environmental

impacts. There has been no follow up reporting about what occurred at the rail yard, how the tank

cars were righted, what type of tank cars were involved and the level of risk for neighboring areas and the river if the trains had spilled, punctured or caught fire. This is disturbing because the public is shut out of the most basic information about events that could have very big effects on them.

On January 20th last year, the City dodged a bullet when seven cars from a CSX train derailed; one of the tank cars carrying crude oil dangled over the river from the Schuylkill Arsenal Bridge for days.

There have been no safety improvements by CSX since this accidents; in fact, the volume of dangerous crude being carried through Philadelphia and the region has increased, increasing risk and opportunities for pollution.

These near disasters have left many Philadelphia residents asking not IF a catastrophe like the West Virginia calamity will happen here but WHEN it will happen.

Two to three mile­long trains carrying domestic crude roll through Philadelphia neighborhoods every day to the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) refinery, which is expanding its operations.

Today PES is the largest single customer of Bakken crude in the nation. There are hundreds of thousands of people within the blast zone of the train tracks in Philadelphia.

"West Virginia's derailment is a horrifying reminder of what could happen in Philadelphia. The possibility of an explosive oil train derailment threatens our health and safety every day. We need action from City Council and the Office of Emergency Management and we need to know what is being done to prevent a catastrophe," said Mary Donahue, Program Organizer, Clean Water Action.

“CSX is the operator responsible for both derailments here in Philadelphia and for this horrific disaster in West Virginia and many more across the nation. Crude by rail accidents are increasing as fast as the oil is being fracked and loaded into these substandard tank cars on old rickety train tracks and railroad bridges. Where is City Council and emergency management when we need them to protect the City from these unacceptable risks? We are sitting ducks here in Philly, waiting for a catastrophe just like West Virginia’s and no one in authority seems to care,” said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

“I live in University City near train tracks that run along the Schuylkill and near the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. If a train explodes here, the river, homes (including my own) and hospital could be destroyed. Oil trains must be banned,” says resident Ann Dixon, member of Protecting Our Waters.

"It was extremely fortunate that no one was seriously hurt by the derailment and explosion in West Virginia," said Matt Walker, Community Outreach Director with Clean Air Council." If an explosion were to happen in Philadelphia, with our high population density and higher number of older oil trains, it could have catastrophic impacts to residents, businesses, universities, and hospitals. While the federal government plans to slowly phase out older tank cars, this doesn't address the inherent volatility of Bakken crude oil, which can cause explosions even in newer tank cars like those in the West Virginia accident," added Walker.

"Oil trains are an outrageous risk to our communities. These trains are barreling through Pennsylvania putting the lives of hundreds of thousands at risk and it's time our elected officials ended this threat before a disaster like West Virginia happens here,” said, Adam Garber,

PennEnvironment. A coalition of organizations has requested City Council to adopt a resolution banning

DOT 111s and taking other actions to protect the City from oil train pollution and danger. A letter submitted to City Council and the draft resolution is available online. NewsClips: WV Trail Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River WV Train Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River Federal Officials Probing WV Oil Train Derailment Collective Sigh After Chaos At Oil Train Derailment WV Oil Train Derailment Burns For 3rd Day Displaced Families Try To Adjust After WV Train Derailment Trains Carrying More Oil, Spilling More Heavy Flaring At Philly Refinery Sends Black Smoke Into The Air Feb. 19 DEP News Now Available From Department Of Environmental Protection The February 19 edition of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental Protection featuring articles on­­ ­­ DEP Forms Conventional Oil and Gas Regulation Advisory Committee ­­ Hundreds Attend Public Meeting On Westmoreland Natural Gas Power Plant ­­ DEP Launches Mine Subsidence Insurance Campaign In Allegheny County ­­ DEP To Facilitate Cleanup Of Illegal Dump Sites In Carbon, Schuylkill Counties ­­ March 2 Deadline To Apply For Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award ­­ Click Here to sign up for your own copy. 2015 Chamber Environmental Conference And Trade Show April 8 The PA Chamber of Business and Industry 2015 Environmental Conference and Trade Show will be held April 8 at the Best Western Premier Eden Resort in Lancaster.

Covering the critical compliance areas in­depth, the Pennsylvania Chamber presents state and national environmental officials and top field and legal experts to provide best practices and proven strategies to enhance your in­house environmental programs.

They will provide the answers you need on the rules and deadlines to help keep you up to date and able to execute your company’s environmental plan with confidence: ­­ EPA Update from the Water Protection Division Director, EPA Region III, including climate change, the Chesapeake Bay, Pennsylvania’s waters and rivers, stormwater, green infrastructure and related compliance issues; ­­ Federal energy policies and their impact on PA business from the Energy Institute of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; ­­ The state's foremost legal experts and field consultants will present new and potential changes to laws and regulations for solid waste, water, air and natural resources; ­­ Breakout sessions on the hottest issues that environmental managers asked us to cover this year: air, water, waste, tanks and energy laws and regulations; ­­ The latest updates, compliance strategies and best practices from environmental experts with state­wide reputations for being top in their fields; and

­­ Detailed, practical information that answers your questions and ensures that your company is taking the proper steps and complying cost­effectively.

Visit more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology solutions, and network with more than 300 environmental professionals from across the state.

For more information and to register, visit the Chamber’s Environmental Conference webpage.

Dept. Of Health Extends Expiration Dates For Potassium Iodide Tablets Potassium Iodide (KI) tablets distributed in recent years by the Department of Health with either February or June 2015 expiration dates have been given a two­year shelf life extension using guidelines issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The department’s Bureau of Laboratories tested the two lots of ThyroSafe Potassium Iodide according to FDA guidance and determined the tablets will remain effective beyond their original expiration dates.

KI tablets are available year round at county and municipal health departments or state health centers for individuals who live or work within a ten­mile radius of one of Pennsylvania’s five nuclear power plants, which are closely regulated, secure and well­maintained.

Any residents who received these KI tablets through previous Department of Health distributions do not need to replace them and should not throw them out. KI tablets are still okay to use if they were stored in a dry place, between 59 and 86° Fahrenheit and the foil packaging is still intact.

The tablets can be used until January 2017. The department will also conduct an annual KI distribution later this summer.

KI can help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during radiological emergencies. Individuals should only take KI when told to do so by state health officials or the governor.

Anyone can take the tablets as long as they are not allergic to KI. They are safe for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants.

For more information, read Health’s Potassium Iodide Fact Sheet or call 1­877­PA­HEALTH (1­877­724­3258). NewsClips: Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet Exelon: EPA Clean Power Rule Can Be Implemented Using Existing Market Mechanisms The electric industry can achieve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s goal to reduce carbon emissions from existing power plants on schedule and at a minimal cost to consumers without harming grid reliability or compromising the efficiency of existing energy markets, Exelon said Thursday.

“We estimate that states could eliminate at least 75 percent of the rule’s impact on retail electric rates, limiting retail rate increases to 2 percent to 5 percent on a regional basis”

Testifying before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission at a technical conference to discuss EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan, also known as Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act,

Kathleen Barrón, Exelon’s senior vice president of federal regulatory affairs and wholesale market policy, said that well­designed carbon reduction rules can be a driving force to modernize our aging electric system, maximize the use of clean energy and support economic growth.

Barrón said EPA’s Clean Power Plan does not require making a choice between greenhouse gas regulation and affordable, reliable energy. Rather, she said our nation can rely on existing market structures to incentivize investment in clean energy sources.

Exelon supports the call of a number of organizations – including the Edison Electric Institute, system operators, power generators, environmental groups, academics and industry trade groups ­­ for EPA to give states a way to comply with the Clean Power Plan by imposing a cost on carbon emissions. Barrón called on FERC to help facilitate this compliance option.

The proposal, referred to in Exelon’s testimony as the “Reliability Dispatch Safe Harbor,” builds on existing, proven market mechanisms, in which grid operators dispatch power plants in order of their cost to operate. Under the Reliability Dispatch plan, EPA would determine a single, nationwide adder for carbon emissions that would result in emission reductions commensurate with the Clean Power Plan’s overall goals.

Carbon­emitting power generators in states that opt into the plan would include the carbon fee as a variable cost of operating and the state would be deemed in compliance with EPA’s interim target.

The additional carbon value would reflect the true cost of operating high­emitting plants, resulting in more clean energy sources being dispatched to the grid based on their lower true cost. High­emitting plants would still be called on when needed in order to meet demand, ensuring that reliability is not compromised, Barrón said.

Reliability Dispatch would treat all low­carbon power equally, increasing the competitiveness of existing sources, including nuclear and hydropower. These resources are essential to FERC’s mandate to ensure consumers have access to reliable power 24/7 and in all weather conditions, while meeting EPA’s carbon­reduction obligation.

At the same time, it would provide a strong financial incentive to invest in new clean energy resources, such as wind and solar.

To reduce the price impacts of compliance, states could require grid operators to return the collected carbon adders to utilities and other electricity suppliers, who would refund them to consumers, effectively capping the cost of the program.

“We estimate that states could eliminate at least 75 percent of the rule’s impact on retail electric rates, limiting retail rate increases to 2 percent to 5 percent on a regional basis,” Barrón said. “This cost is within the range of routine customer rate increases, which averaged 3.2 percent among U.S. utilities last year.”

A copy of Exelon’s testimony is available online. Exelon operates three nuclear power plants, twelve fossil power plants, two landfill gas

plants and one pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Pennsylvania. For more information, visit Exelon’s Environmental Stewardship webpage. NewsClips: Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record

Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills Penn State Researcher Developed Iconic Graph At Center Of Climate Debate The "Hockey Stick" graph, a simple plot representing temperature over time, led to the center of the larger debate on climate change, and skewed the trajectory of at least one researcher, according to Michael Mann, Distinguished Professor of Meteorology, Penn State.

"The "Hockey Stick" graph became a central icon in the climate wars," Mann told attendees today (Feb. 11) at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. "The graph took on a life of its own."

Mann and his coauthors, Raymond S. Bradley and Malcolm K Hughes, created the graph for a paper, "Northern hemisphere temperatures during the past millennium: Inferences, uncertainties, and limitations" which appeared in Geophysical Research Letters in 1999.

In 2001, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a version of the graph in its report, pushing the hockey stick depiction of temperature trends to the forefront of the climate change discussion.

"There have been dozens of other climate reconstructions, all very similar to ours," said Mann. "They are based on different data and different approaches, and of course everyone thinks their approach is best, but they all imply that the modern warming spike is unique. And still the Hockey Stick remains the iconic graph."

The original paper and the IPCC report demonstrated that temperature had risen with the increase in industrialization and use of fossil fuels. The researchers' conclusion was that worldwide human activity since the industrial age had raised carbon dioxide levels, trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and warming the planet.

But the iconic graph engendered attacks, including calls for into the validity and veracity of the research. Subsequent investigations by the National Academy of Sciences, The National Science Foundation and Penn State all found the research both honest and solid.

Mann is quick to point out that there are two entirely distinct debates taking place when it comes to climate change research.

One is the legitimate scientific challenging of research results that is part of the give and take of the scientific method all done in good faith to help advance the forefront of our knowledge. The other consists of bad faith attacks on scientists and the science, intended to advance some agenda ­­ political, religious or economic.

Mann was thrust into a larger­than­life role in the climate debate because of the notoriety of the Hockey Stick Graph. As a scientist he was dragged along with his research to a place most scientists do not go and generally do not want to go.

"I was forced to take on a role very different than the one that I had envisioned," said Mann.

In 2012, Mann published "The Hockey Stick and the Climate Wars: Dispatches from the Front Lines," (Columbia University Press) describing his experiences as a reluctant figure in the climate change debate.

"This was not what I envisioned I would be doing when I chose to be a scientist, but over time I have grown to embrace this role," said Mann. "I feel privileged to be in a position to inform the larger public discourse over what may be the greatest challenge civilization has faced."

Dr. Mann may be reached at 814­863­4075 or sending email to: mann@psu.edu. NewsClips: Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change Exelon: EPA Clean Power Rule Can Be Implemented Using Existing Mechanisms Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills DEP Sets Additional Climate Change Advisory Committee Meeting For March 18 The Department of Environmental Problem published notice of a March 18 Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting in the February 21 PA Bulletin. No agenda was published with the notice or on the Committee’s webpage. The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 10:00. NewsClips: Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change Exelon: EPA Clean Power Rule Can Be Implemented Using Existing Mechanisms Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills Op­Ed: Our Health, Native Plants, Wildlife Compromised By Climate Change By Ed Perry PA NWF Global Warming Outreach Coordinator Slowly but surely, Lyme disease has reached near epidemic proportions in Pennsylvania. Twenty years ago, most of us never heard of Lyme disease. Now, most of us know someone who has had it and many of us have had it as well. Ticks not only are more abundant in Pennsylvania, but they also have migrated into Canada.

It’s no coincidence that warmer winters have facilitated the spread of ticks to the North. Another noxious insect pest, the wooly adelgid, is decimating our state tree, the hemlock.

This species originated in southern Virginia, but has steadily moved north as winters have warmed. As of 2007, the adelgid has impacted over 50 percent of the geographic range of the hemlock.

Hemlocks are what scientists call a “keystone species.” That is, one which many other species depend on for food, cover and nesting habitat. Brook trout, our state fish, is so closely allied with hemlocks that at one time they were called hemlock trout.

Scientists predict that global warming will enable the adelgid to eventually eliminate our state tree from the eastern United States, thereby speeding the demise of our state fish.

Global warming isn’t just blindsiding native species with habitat changes — it’s giving a

leg up to many harmful and invasive species. In essence, climate change puts a thumb on the competitive scale, helping not the species that are most beneficial or most economically valuable, but the ones that can take the heat.

Ordinarily, one would think global warming would have only minor effects on mobile species. However, a recent report by the National Audubon Society found that, of the 588 North American bird species, “more than half are likely to be in trouble. Of the 314 species at risk from global warming, 126 of them are classified as climate­endangered.”

So, if mobile species like birds are unable to cope with the rapid increased temperature change, how do you suppose less mobile creatures will fare?

Conservation biologists believe we already are in the midst of the sixth great extinction event and are on the path to losing half of all species on Earth.

Climate scientists warn that unless we reduce carbon pollution, temperatures will rise by seven to 11 degrees within the lifetime of a child born today. By the year 2100, Pennsylvania will have the climate of Alabama, with roughly 60 to 80 days over 90 degrees (depending on location) and at least 24 days over 100 degrees. This is the legacy we will leave for our kids and grandkids.

We Americans want our government to take action to reduce the threat of climate change. A recent poll by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that over 60 percent of Pennsylvanians support the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to limit carbon pollution from power plants, 82 percent believe Pennsylvania should work with the EPA to reduce carbon emissions, and 97 percent support increased energy efficiency as the way to meet future energy needs.

This public support for clean energy and the overwhelming scientific consensus on global warming drives home why the president has developed a Clean Power Plan, the first real energy policy we have ever had.

His plan proposes the first­ever carbon pollution standards for power plants, but also mandates higher fuel­efficiency standards for cars and light trucks, more efficient appliances and increased energy­efficiency standards for new construction.

If we are going to combat climate change and reduce emissions of climate­disrupting carbon pollution, as scientists tell us we must to avoid increasingly costly and devastating impacts, curbing pollution from our power sector is key, and the president’s Clean Power Plan will help us get there.

The staunch denial of climate change by many lawmakers in Washington is dangerous and does not reflect the true thinking of people across the country who not only recognize the reality of climate change, but also support action to curb its impacts.

The stakes are too high to play politics with the health and safety of our communities. It’s time to end the obstruction and take action.

The least that we Pennsylvanians can do is contact our legislators in hopes of preserving some semblance of our beautiful state’s natural heritage. Ed Perry is the PA National Wildlife Federation Global Warming Outreach Coordinator and can be contacted by sending email to: paglobalwarmingoutreach@gmail.com. Related Story: NWF Report: Global Warming Picks A Winner, The Rise Of Noxious Insect Pests

NewsClips: Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change Exelon: EPA Clean Power Rule Can Be Implemented Using Existing Mechanisms Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills PA Trout Aquatic Invasive Species Workshops Feb. 28, March 7, 21 The PA Council of Trout along with PA Sea Grant, Fish and Boat Commission and the local Trout Unlimited chapters will be conducting three Aquatic Invasive Species and Conservation Workshops across the state. ­­ February 28: Lewistown Recreation Center in Lewistown, Mifflin County; ­­ March 7: McKeever Environmental Learning Center in Sandy Lake, Mercer County; and ­­ March 21: Loyalhanna Watershed Association Building in Ligonier, Westmoreland County.

The first half of the workshop will be presented by PA Sea Grant and discuss the threats of AIS and the impacts they will have on our coldwater resources. The second half of the workshop will focus on conservation initiatives and proper techniques for assessing and protecting PA’s coldwater resources.

These workshops are free and open to the public. A light lunch will be provided for those attending. To register, please contact Samantha Kutskel by sending email to: skutskel@coldwaterheritage.org or call 814­359­5233. PA Parks & Recreation Society Annual Conference March 22­25 The 68th Annual PA Parks and Recreation Society Conference will be held March 22­25 at the Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center, 25 South Queen St., Lancaster.

This year’s PRPS conference theme is #BreakingTraditions. We are #BreakingTraditions with fresh, enhanced conference ideas implemented to the program schedule, exhibit hall and registration and keeping the tried and true conference traditions!

Our new conference location in the picturesque Lancaster County; will have you appreciating the simpler life, with its rolling hills, farmsteads and roadside markets.

Be ready for a buggy to take you on an 80 megabits­per­second high speed internet ride to show you how to bring technology and Parks and Recreation together.

For all the details, visit the PRPS Conference webpage. Save the Date: 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit Sept. 20­22 The 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit will be held September 20­22 at the Holiday Inn and Allegheny Community Center in Warren, Pa.

This walkable event gathers trailblazers from across the state for 2 ½ days of education and networking. The local host committee, which is comprised of five partnering organizations ­­ City of Warren, Warren County Visitors Bureau, Warren County, Warren County Chamber of

Business and Industry, and Allegheny Community Center ­­ is working hard to develop a top­notch event for you.

For more information, visit DCNR’s 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit webpage. Fort Washington State Park Volunteer Day Cleanup, Fixup April 11

The annual Fort Washington State Park Volunteer Day will be held on April 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Montgomery County. Volunteers will help with planting trees, trash cleanup, raking leaves, assembling picnic tables and other springtime projects. All you need to bring is a pair of garden or work gloves to make a big difference in the Park. Fort Washington State Park will supply the tools and trash bags. Volunteers of all ages are welcomed and appreciated. Meet near the observation deck and please register at the

back end of parking lot #5 in the Militia Hill area of the park. Refreshments and a picnic lunch will be provided.

Rain date April 12th ONLY if we have heavy rain or snow. Questions? Call the park office at 215­591­5250.

Chatham University Hosts New Documentary On Rachel Carson Feb. 21 Chatham University’s Eddy Theater will host a new documentary, “The Power Of One Voice ­ A 50 Year Perspective on the Life of Rachel Carson” on February 21 at 6:30 in Pittsburgh. Click Here to watch a trailer.

Following the screening will be a panel discussion and audience conversation about moving from awareness to action.

The event is open to the public with a $15 admission charge. Registration is required. Click Here to RSVP

If you wish to purchase an institutional license of this film to use for classes or as part of your resource library, you can order a DVD online. WVIA Completes Season 3 Of Greenlife Pennsylvania Series The Northeastern Pennsylvania Educational Television Association WVIA in Wilkes­Barre recently completed season three of their Greenlife Pennsylvania series.

The theme is to “Think Globally, Act Locally,” and the series focuses on how Pennsylvanians are tackling universal environmental issues such as habitat loss and restoration, invasive species, and a loss of connection to the outdoors.

This series shows how DCNR, our partners and grantees are using cutting­edge tactics with a can­do spirit to make our state a better place to live. Here is a link and thumbnail sketch of each episode­­ ­­ Episode 301: Explore the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Yards Brewery, and more! ­­ Episode 302: Explore Hawk Mountain, Jennings Environmental Education Center and more

­­ Episode 303: Explore Bike Pittsburgh, Environmental Education Area at the Doylestown Township Central Park and more! ­­ Episode 304: Explore the Lackawanna Heritage Trail, Invasive Species of Fish, and more! ­­ Episode 305: Explore French Creek, Dauphin County Conservation District and more!

Click Here for links to all three seasons of Greenlife Pennsylvania. PA Parks & Forests Foundation Posts Fact Sheets To Encourage You To Get Outside The PA Parks and Forests Foundation recently posted a series of fact sheets about how to become more active in the outdoors called Recreation Basics­How­To And Where­To covering 7 different topics including auto tours, cross country skiing and primitive camping.

The fact sheets were written in a cooperative venture between PPFF and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“We are excited to have these fact sheets, as there are so many activities that can be done in our state parks and forests. We see the fact sheets as a way to excite people about where they can go and what they can do across the state, at any time of the year,” said PPFF President Marci Mowery.

“Current and future visitors to Pennsylvania state parks and forests will benefit from the information contained in the new fact sheets. While answering many frequently asked questions, they also serve to educate and inform visitors about the vast array of passive and active recreational opportunities that are available,” says Terri Kromel, Bureau of State Parks, Chief, Outdoor Programming Services Division. “Each recreation type supports local businesses interests and complements their services, thus building important partnership opportunities between local interests and state parks and forests.”

Pennsylvania state parks and forests are open year­round and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities to suit all interests and skills. Winter activities include fishing, cross country and alpine skiing, sledding, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking and snow shoe hiking. Many parks host family events to encourage people of all ages to get adventurous in the outdoors.

Click Here to read the fact sheets. Winter Scavenger Hunt, Geo­caching Challenge Set At Hawk Mountain Feb. 21 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Berks County, encourages local residents to get outside and enjoy the winter season with two self­guided activities, a Winter Scavenger Hunt and Geocaching Challenge on February 21 starting at 10 a.m. at the Sanctuary Visitor Center.

Cost is included with trail fee for the day ($6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 children 6 to 12), and participants may stop by anytime until 3 pm. A snow date is scheduled for Sunday, February 22.

The scavenger hunt will encourage participants to use the surrounding trails and Native Plant Garden to find signs of wildlife in winter, while the geo­caching challenge will lead participants using handheld GPS units to a number of different coordinates that culminate in a modest "treasure" or prize.

Both activities are one­day­only, and an education intern will be on hand to assist. A limited number of GPS units will also be available on a first­come, first­served basis. Both

activities will include options for the beginner and intermediate levels so kids and adults alike can join in the fun.

Participants should dress for the weather, including proper snowy­weather shoe attire (crampons recommended), GPS units, and carry bottled water and snacks in a daypack.

For more information, visit Hawk Mountain’s Winter Scavenger Hunt and Geocaching Challenge webpage. Rare Long Eared Owl Discovered In Wissahickon Watershed A Long Eared Owl was discovered roosting in a grove of young trees at a Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association preserve in Montgomery County on February 6.

Margaret Rohde, staff naturalist, made the observation while Nate Borger, a researcher from Delaware Valley University took the subsequent photograph. The Owl was discovered while WVWA staff and DelVal scientists were scouting and assessing wildlife habitat for mammals.

The Long Eared Owl is an extreme rarity for southeastern Pennsylvania. The Game Commission consider it Threatened due to loss of habitat. According to the Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, only 11 reported sightings were made between the years of 2004­2008.

The owl was observed perched in a tree about 6 feet above ground, motionless, but the excitement of the witnesses and their close proximity made the bird nervous. It flew east and out of sight, and could not be re­located.

The finding of the Long Eared Owl raises speculation. Is a winter migrant waiting for spring time to return to its breeding location somewhere north or is it a local territorial bird that has been hidden only to be discovered now?

If the Long Eared Owl turns out be part of a breeding pair, the WVWA will exert great caution as to not disturb the birds and minimize public access to ensure their survival.

John Ferro, Manager of the WVWA’s Conservation Resources Program, states, “The discovery of the Long Eared Owl affirms that we are successfully managing our preserves for wildlife. The fact that it has found a home in our preserves makes it likely that it will return next year or that there could be more.”

For more information, visit the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association or call 215­646­8866. Denise Brinley To Be Named DEP Executive Deputy For Programs Denise Brinley is expected to be named Executive Deputy for Programs at the Department of Environmental Protection in the near future. She will start her new position on February 23.

The Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs position plans, directs, integrates and evaluates all of the core environmental protection programs for the agency.

This includes building effective relationships with public officials, non­government organizations, the regulated community and other partners to further the agency's strategic agenda.

Since 2012 Brinley was a vice president and principal

consultant with TRC Companies in its Harrisburg office supporting TRC’s initiatives in the fields of Shale gas, renewables, RE Power, and Brownfield redevelopment, as well as the expansion of TRC’s due diligence, permitting, remediation and other services areas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York and surrounding states.

She also lead TRC's Appalachian Shale Gas Initiative ­ responsible for identifying market opportunities, generating sales, and leading a core team of business development professionals for Appalachian shale gas service growth (Marcellus and Utica Shales in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and New York).

Prior to that position she served as director of the DEP’s Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields in 2011 where she oversaw the Commonwealth’s comprehensive environmental cleanup programs, including the redevelopment of brownfield sites. She is widely known for her efforts in working with public and private partners to bring idled property back into productive reuse.

From 2009 to 2011 Brinley also served as DEP Deputy Secretary for the Office of Community Revitalization and Local Government Support, where she forged partnerships with economic and industrial development associations, local governments, private developers, and the business community.

Brinley facilitated environmental permitting and leveraged state investment for community revitalization projects with the potential for regional, statewide or national impact, or which involved large­scale investment from domestic or international groups.

During her tenure at DEP, Brinley worked on a broad spectrum of issues relating to the increase in the Marcellus Shale gas play, including environmental authorizations, cleanup obligations, and infrastructure requirements. Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation Watershed Restoration, Ag Program Managers The Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA is seeking candidates to fill two positions in the Harrisburg office— a Senior Agriculture Program Manager and a Watershed Restoration Program Manager. ­­ PA Senior Agriculture Program Manager: This position will provide strategic vision and direction of CBF Pennsylvania office agricultural policy initiatives and Watershed Restoration Program. This position will serve as the core strategic advisor to Pennsylvania staff and senior CBF staff in the development and implementation of CBF agricultural initiatives.

Develop and expand close collaborative relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders including, but not limited to, agricultural business leaders, state, and federal agency staff, agricultural associations, legislators and legislative staff, researchers, and other traditional and non­traditional partners. ­­ PA Watershed Restoration Program Manager: This position will manage CBF’s Pennsylvania Restoration Program for the benefit of local streams and rivers as well as the Chesapeake Bay.

The position supervises Pennsylvania restoration field staff, seeks and manages public and private grants with the assistance of CBF financial, grant management, and development staff, and maintains exemplary understanding of in­stream, riparian zone, and upland restoration science, practice, and policy.

Applications are due February 27. Click Here for all the details.

Help Wanted: Chester County Conservation District Ag Resource Conservationist The Chester County Conservation District is seeking candidates for an Agricultural Resource Conservationist to provide technical and financial assistance to local landowners in order to conserve soil, and to protect and enhance Chester County's natural resources. Click Here for all the details. Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates. February 23­­ NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 385 (Pileggi­R­Delaware) will modernize the Pennsylvania Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) Act (sponsor summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor. February 23­­ CANCELED. House Consumer Affairs Committee informational meeting on water and wastewater industries. Room 60 East Wing. 11:00. February 24­­ NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 214 (Yaw­R­Lycoming) promoting the expansion of natural gas service into unserved or underserved areas (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak­D­Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 289 (Fontana­D­Allegheny) funding for sewage lateral line improvements and repair (sponsor summary). Room 8E­B East Wing. 9:30. February 24­­ NEW. Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 201 (Schwank­D­Berks) allowing the the location of agriculture­related business on preserved farmland (sponsor summary). Room 461. 10:00. February 24­­ UGI Energy Services public meetings on Sunbury natural gas pipeline. Lairdsville Volunteer Fire Department, 143 School Lane, Lairdsville, Lycoming County. 5:30. February 25­­ House Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 57 (Payne­R­Dauphin) relating to improving natural gas retail competition by providing a more frequent mechanism for truing up natural gas costs (sponsor summary). Room 39 East Wing. 9:00. February 25­­ DEP public meeting on Keystone Landfill expansion permit. Dunmore High School, 300 West Warren St., Dunmore, Luzerne County. 6 to 10 p.m. Click Here for more information. February 25­­ DEP public meeting, hearing on NPDES, Waste Management permits for the

Wellsboro Johnston Airport expansion. The public meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellsboro Fire Department Annex, 21 East Ave., Wellsboro. Click Here for more information. (formal notice ­ PA Bulletin page 458) February 25­­ UGI Energy Services public meetings on Sunbury natural gas pipeline. Sunbury Social Club, 352 East Drive, Sunbury, Northumberland County. 5:30. February 25­­ Penn State Extension Green Infrastructure Webinar: Ecosystem Services By Green Infrastructure. Noon. February 26­­ Sustainable Pittsburgh Green Workplace Challenge Workshop. Westmoreland County Community College Advanced Technology Center, 1333 Old 119, Tarrs, PA. 8:30. March 2­­ Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air And Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee. Presentation by Brian Wagner, PA Council of Trout Unlimited. Room 8E­A East Wing. noon. March 3­­ NEW. Senate Local Government and Environmental Resources and Energy Committees hold a joint hearing on the opportunities created by the Act 13 drilling impact fee for counties, municipalities, conservation districts and local economic development agencies. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. 8:30. March 3 ­­ Governor’s Budget Address. March 3­­ Agenda Posted. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. ­­ Update On: Federal UST Regulations, Guidelines for UST Cathodic Protection, UST Operator Training Compliance, Significant Operational Compliance, TOS Extension Approvals, USTIB Allocation Requests, Land Recycling Program­ Draft Chapter 250, Revisions to Vapor Intrusion Guidance ­­ Committee Recommendation On Chapter 250 <> Click Here for available handouts. March 4­­ House Game and Fisheries Committee information meeting to receive the Fish and Boat Commission’s annual report. Room B­31 Main Capitol. 9:00. March 5­­ CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 5­ Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting to consider: (1) informational presentation of interest to the Lower Susquehanna Subbasin area; (2) revision of Fiscal Year 2016 budget; (3) ratification/approval of contracts/grants; (4) resolution to encourage the use of dry cooling technology for power generation and other facilities for the conservation of the waters of the Susquehanna River Basin; (5) notice for Four Seasons Golf Course project sponsor to appear and show cause before the Commission; (6) regulatory compliance matter for Cabot

Oil & Gas Corporation; and (7) Regulatory Program projects. Hershey Lodge, 325 University Drive, Hershey. 9:00. March 8­­ Chester­Ridley­Crum Watersheds Assn. Make Your Yard A Sustainable Landscape. Penn State­Brandywine Campus, Media, Delaware County. 2:00. March 9­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 10:00­ Independent Fiscal Office/Economic & Revenue Outlook. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 11­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 2:30­ Department of Agriculture. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 10­­ DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. March 10­­ DEP Webinar on Act 162 Stream Buffer Implementation: 10:00­ Riparian Buffer Equivalency, 1:00­ Riparian Buffer Offsets. March 10­11­­ NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission hearing, meeting on water withdrawal requests. Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 1:30­ hearing, 1:00 meeting. (formal notice, agenda) March 11­­ DEP Webinar on Act 162 Stream Buffer Implementation: 10:00­ Riparian Buffer Equivalency, 1:00­ Riparian Buffer Offsets. March 11­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing:11:00­ PUC Consumer Advocate and Small Business Advocate, 1:00­ Department of Environmental Protection, 3:00­ Public Utility Commission. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 11­­ DEP Certification Program Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 11­­ DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee. Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Dr., Harrisburg. 9:30. March 16­­ Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 9:30­ Governor’s Budget Office, 1:00­ Independent Fiscal Office. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. March 16­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 1:30­ Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 17­­ Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 17­­ DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

10:00. March 18­­ DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. Room 11B Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 18­­ NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) March 19­­ DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 20­­ NEW. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 22­25­­ NEW. 68th Annual PA Parks and Recreation Society Conference. Lancaster Marriott & Convention Center. 25 South Queen St., Lancaster. March 23­­ Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 9:30­ Public Utility Commission. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. March 23­­ House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting to receive the Game Commission annual report. Room 60 East Wing. 10:00. March 24­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. March 25­­ Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 9:30­ Dept. of Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. March 25­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 9:30­ Emergency Management Agency. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 26­­ House Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 9:30­ Budget Secretary­Office of the Governor, 1:00­ House Member Testimony. Room 140 Main Capitol. March 31­­ House Consumer Affairs Committee informational meeting to hear presentations from the electric and natural gas industries on priorities. Room 60 East Wing. 9:15. March 31­­Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 3:00­ Dept. of Agriculture. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. April 1­­ Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearing: 11:00­ Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1 North Office Building. April 2­­ DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference

Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. April 2­­ DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. April 8­­ CANCELED. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel­Powered Equipment meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. (formal notice) April 13­­ Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee to hear a presentation by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA on the economic benefits of cleaning up the Bay. LTBA. Noon. April 15­­ DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. April 15­­ NEW. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel­Powered Equipment meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. (formal notice) April 15­­ NEW. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. (formal notice) April 16­­ DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. April 21­­ DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. April 22­­ DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. April 22­­ DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. April 23­­ DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. April 29­­ CANCELED. DEP Mine Families First Response and Communications Advisory Council meeting. DEP Mining Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 10:00. (formal notice) May 6­­ 2015 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference Center, State College. May 6­­ NEW. DEP Mine Families First Response and Communications Advisory Council meeting. DEP Mining Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 10:00. (formal notice)

May 6­8­­ PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference. Toftrees Resort, State College. May 7­9­­ PA Land Trust Assn. PA Land & Water Conservation Conference. Wyndham, Gettysburg. May 13­15­­ DEP and Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania 2015 Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference. Erie Bayfront Convention Center, Erie. May 19­­ DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. May 28­­ DEP Certification Program Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. June 3­­ DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference, Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. June 9­­ DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. June 24­­ DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee. Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Dr., Harrisburg. 9:30. July 22­­ DEP Certification Program Advisory Committee for Water and Wastewater Systems Operators meeting. 14th Floor, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice) September 20­22­­ NEW. 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit. Holiday Inn and Allegheny Community Center, Warren. September 24­­ DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee & Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. October 2­­ DEP Low­Level Waste Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. October 28­30­­ 2015 Partnership for Safe Water 2015 Water System Optimization Conference hosted by the Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association. Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011­12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Grants & Awards This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. February 27­­ POWR PA Sojourn Grants February 27­­ Coca­Cola, Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants February 28­­ Appalachian Trail Museum Hall Of Fame Nominations March 2­­ Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards March 2­­ Dominion Resources Environmental Stewardship Grants March 13­­ PA American Water Environmental Grant Program March 13­­ EPA Presidential Innovation Award For Environmental Educators March 16­­ PA American Water Stream Of Learning Scholarships

March 20­­ WREN Source Water Protection Collaborative Grants March 20­­ PA Wilds Champions Awards March 21­­ PAEP Karl Mason And Walter Lyon Awards March 27­­ PECO/Natural Lands Trust Green Region Grants March 31­­ NEW. Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Film Festival March 31­­ DEP Host Municipality Waste Inspector Reimbursement Grants March 31­­ Delaware Highlands Conservancy Yeaman Student Scholarship April 5­­ DCNR ECO Camp, Students Interested In Environmental Careers April 10­­ PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest April 15­­ DEP Small Business Advantage Grants (or until funds run out) April 16­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants June 30­­ CFA Watershed Restoration Protection Grants June 30­­ CFA Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Grants June 30­­ CFA Baseline Water Quality Data Grants June 30­­ CFA Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants June 30­­ CFA Sewage Facilities Grants June 30­­ CFA Flood Mitigation Grants June 30­­ CFA Greenways, Trails and Recreation Grants June 30­­ DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until rebates run out) July 30­­ TreeVitalize Inventory, Planting Grants September 12­­ PPFF State Parks and Forests Through The Season Photo Contest September 30­­ DEP Recycling Performance Grants October 31­­ PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest ­­ Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle General Environmental/Budget NewsClips Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state­­ Budget Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways Other York County Cancels Saturday Recycling Event Big Push To Spread Recycling In Apartments In Pittsburgh

Creative Attempt To Fill Recycling Costs Leads To Lawsuit Independent Engineer Report On Keystone Landfill Expansion Jeannette Glass Cleanup Taking Too Long PennDOT Waives Limits On Haulers Of Heating Oil, Propane PennDOT Temporarily Waives Restrictions On Commercial Drivers Pittsburgh Looks To Add Biodiesel Fuel Systems To Trucks Natural Gas Fueling Station Eyed In Dunbar Dispute May Derail Sale Of Prison For Natural Gas Power Plant Carlisle Energy Company Won Bid For SCI­Greensburg Distortions In Energy Markets Hurting FirstEnergy’s Nuclear Fleet Lawmaker Outlines Ambitious Plan To Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions Op­Ed: Pennsylvania vs. Climate Change FirstEnergy Looks To Switch Topic From Generation Portfolio PPL Sets Electricity Use Record Some PPL Customers In Line For Higher Bills UGI Asks Clark Summit Residents To Turn Down Heat UGI Encourages Gas Conservation In Certain Areas Anthracite Heritage Museum Plans State Charter Day Program Colcom Foundation Funds Immigration, Environmental Projects Almost All Of Lake Erie Now Covered By Ice Presque Isle Receiving Less Money For Sand In 2015 Bus Meets Bike: Next Wave Of Commuters PA Leads Great Backyard Bird Count With 2,000 Checklists PA 2nd In Great Backyard Bird Count Codorus State Park Bald Eagles, Where’s Daddy? Pittsburgh Eagles Lay Season’s 1st Egg Editorial: Valentine’s Day Viewing: Live Eagle Nest Cam 10,000 Snow Geese At Middle Creek NH Resort Offers Asylum To Punxsutawney Phil Meteor Tracking Across PA Captured On Camera ­­ DEP’s NewsClips webpage ­ Click Here The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle. Marcellus Shale NewsClips Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling­­­ COGENT: Concerned About Severance Tax? You Betcha! Wolf Pushes Natural Gas Extraction Tax In Monroeville Wolf Pushes Shale Tax For Education In Monroeville Wolf Touts Natural Gas Severance Tax For Schools In NE Lt. Gov Advocates For Severance Tax In Pittsburgh

Column: Case Against Shale Tax Is Running Out Of Gas Lebanon Commissioners Award Drilling Fees Grants DCNR Raised $19M From Drilling Leases Under Waterways DEP Starts 2nd Advisory Board For Conventional Oil & Gas DEP To Create Separate Boards For Shale, Conventional Drilling Dispute May Derail Sale Of Prison For Natural Gas Power Plant Carlisle Energy Company Won Bid For SCI­Greensburg UGI Encourages Gas Conservation In Certain Areas UGI Asks Clark Summit Residents To Turn Down Heat UGI Planning New Natural Gas Pipeline UGI Plans $160M Pipeline To Snyder County Power Plant DEP Holds Hearing On Natural Gas Liquids Pipeline Property Owners Brace For Constitution Pipeline Eminent Domain Native Americans Fight To Keep Pipeline Off Their Land Sunoco Gets Pushback On Pipeline In Central PA State’s Gas Wells Increase Production By 30 Percent DEP: Shale Producers Hit 4 Trillion Cubic Feet Of Gas In 2014 Marcellus Shale Production Breaks Another Record Scientists Measure Low Methane Leaks From NE Gas Fields Cabot Held Top­Producing Wells Last Year PA, Unlike Other States, Retains Drilling Rigs Natural Gas Fueling Station Eyed In Dunbar Mud Serves Multiple Purposes In $100B Shale Industry Fracking Application Under Review In Penn Twp Monroeville Eyes Impact Of Penn Twp Well Sites Shell, Center Twp Discuss Relocating Municipal Water Wells Award Winning Team At Penn Works To Make Fracking Safer 50 NE Landowners Sue Gas Company Over Leases Landowners File Anti­Trust Lawsuit Against Chesapeake, Williams Partners Financial/Other States Heavy Flaring At Philly Refinery Sends Black Smoke Into The Air WV Trail Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River WV Train Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River Federal Officials Probing WV Oil Train Derailment Collective Sigh After Chaos At Oil Train Derailment WV Oil Train Derailment Burns For 3rd Day Displaced Families Try To Adjust After WV Train Derailment Trains Carrying More Oil, Spilling More After Fracking Ban, Some New York Towns Want To Secede Congressional Dems Want More Fracking Oversight Commuters See Windfall As Oil Prices Fall Oil Falls Sharply After U.S. Crude Inventories Rise Gasoline Prices Starting to Increase Sinking Oil Prices Also Hitting Natural Gas Liquids

The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle. Watershed/Flooding NewsClips Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state­­ Flooding Other Watershed NewsClips WV Trail Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River WV Train Derailment Sends Oil Tanker Into River Federal Officials Probing WV Oil Train Derailment Collective Sigh After Chaos At Oil Train Derailment WV Oil Train Derailment Burns For 3rd Day Displaced Families Try To Adjust After WV Train Derailment Some WV Residents Allowed To Return Home After Derailment Trains Carrying More Oil, Spilling More Oil Trains In PA Getting More Scrutiny Letter: Trains Worse Than Oil Pipeline? Editorial: Another Oil Train Disaster Revives Safety Concerns DEP Project To Delay Eddy Creek Sewer Project Presque Isle Receiving Less Money For Sand In 2015 More Should Be Done To Promote Mon Riverfront Shippers Welcome Lock, Dam Funding For Mon Dry Conditions In Midstate Not Serious Yet Almost All Of Lake Erie Now Covered By Ice Coast Guard Dispatches Ice­Breakers To Delaware River Freezing Weather Complicating River Traffic Around Pittsburgh Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle. Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin ­ February 21, 2015 DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of draft technical guidance on the Acid Mine Drainage Set­Aside Program. DRAFT: DEP ID: 370­5500­001. Title: Acid Mine Drainage Set­Aside Program: Program Implementation Guidelines. Description: This document establishes uniform procedures to ensure that the Acid Mine Drainage Set­Aside Program is implemented in a scientifically sound and cost­effective manner to maximize the stream miles restored with the funds available. The document, initially drafted in 2009, was reevaluated and revised, and will be finalized after receipt and consideration of public comments.

Written Comments: Interested persons may submit written comments on this draft technical guidance document by March 23, 2015. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted. Comments, including comments submitted by e­mail, must include the originator's name and address. Written comments should be submitted to Pamela Milavec, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Conservation and Restoration, 286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg, PA 15931, pmilavec@pa.gov. Contact: Pamela Milavec, (814) 472­1832, pmilavec@pa.gov. DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process. Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest.

Stories Invited Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg­based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non­profit organizations. Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.