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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa June 23, 2014
Commonwealth Sues Major Oil Companies To Recover MTBE Damage, Cleanup Costs
Attorneys representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed separate lawsuits in the Philadelphia
Court of Common Pleas Thursday, seeking relief for the widespread pollution and harm done to
Pennsylvania's waterscaused by gasoline containing the additive known as MTBE, and reimbursement
for misuseof the PA Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund(USTIF).Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), a chemical additive that oil companies manufactured and
used in gasoline, was distributed and sold throughout Pennsylvania beginning in the 1970's. It was
phased out as a gasoline additive in Pennsylvania in 2005.
The first suit, filed by Attorney General Kathleen Kane and Gov. Tom Corbetts General
Counsel James Schultz, seeks to recover millions of dollars paid by the Commonwealth to clean up
MTBE groundwater pollution.
The lawsuit also seeks monetary damages for the loss of groundwater use and damages for the
water resources of the Commonwealth, as well as injunctive relief, fines and penalties relating to unfair
and deceptive trade practices and marketing of MTBE and MTBE gasoline.
"When we entrust the Commonwealth to the hands of others we expect that they will care for it
as we do, however, when companies pollute something so precious as our water this cannot and will notbe overlooked," said Attorney General Kane.
"MTBE-related spills over the past twenty years have cost Pennsylvania hundreds of millions of
dollars," said General Counsel Schultz. "We cannot take the health of Pennsylvanias waters for granted
and their protection must remain our utmost priority."
Since 1994, more than 3,000 gasoline releases have occurred from underground storage tanks
at gas stations and other petroleum facilities located in every Pennsylvania county. More than 75 percent
of these spills and leaks involved MTBE gasoline, which is substantially more difficult to clean up than
MTBE-free gasoline.
The lawsuit alleges that the oil companies knew of MTBEs unprecedented risk to groundwater,
but nevertheless used it as an additive in gasoline sold in Pennsylvania. It also details how MTBE is
more persistent and mobile in groundwater, which increases the size, complexity, duration and cost ofMTBE gasoline clean-ups, many of which continue to this day. Minute amounts of MTBE render water
non-potable due to foul and putrid smell and taste.
A number of other states and governmental bodies are suing or have sued oil companies for
MTBE groundwater pollution, with substantial recoveries achieved.
A second lawsuit filed by Attorney General Kane and General Counsel Schultz seeks
reimbursement of funds, initially disbursed by USTIF to 36 named defendants, to clean up gasoline
spills, regardless of whether they were MTBE related or not.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DAU6Q6FYNoCAZTbLTkIaPrZM5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAmszSy7scDleEnkemK_cl7BE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DUSTIF_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGah5kMV2diuUlau9gxEYsJHF98cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DBichiTDK52wos9uxT9AnK5M5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAlYz1_5tkKhdyz5iDJ7lV%24qE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DMTBE_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEo_B8q0UJMrzkehpZUQH7PhW6CXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foffices__organizational_charts%2F9304%2Fustif_-_underground_storage_tank_indemnification_fund%2F606627&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGU6dw2ZmCBihFd4dF8AVlaOp3RXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DBichiTDK52wos9uxT9AnK5M5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAlYz1_5tkKhdyz5iDJ7lV%24qE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DMTBE_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEo_B8q0UJMrzkehpZUQH7PhW6CXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DBichiTDK52wos9uxT9AnK5M5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAlYz1_5tkKhdyz5iDJ7lV%24qE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DMTBE_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEo_B8q0UJMrzkehpZUQH7PhW6CXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DAU6Q6FYNoCAZTbLTkIaPrZM5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAmszSy7scDleEnkemK_cl7BE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DUSTIF_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGah5kMV2diuUlau9gxEYsJHF98cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DAU6Q6FYNoCAZTbLTkIaPrZM5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAmszSy7scDleEnkemK_cl7BE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DUSTIF_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGah5kMV2diuUlau9gxEYsJHF98cghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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The USTIF lawsuit alleges that, the defendants had numerous releases prior to 1994 which
were ineligible for reimbursement from the USTIF and that the defendants collected in excess of $1
billion under their commercial, captive and mutual insurance policies for the same corrective action cost
covered by the USTIF.
The USTIF lawsuit further asserts that the defendants chose to not disclose what they knew
about the pre-1994 releases and that they failed to inform the Commonwealth about their insurancerecoveries. The Commonwealth alleges that these "double-dip" USTIF payments are prohibited by law
and that the oil companies must disgorge the payments.
Click Herefor a copy of the lawsuit related to recovery of penalties for harm done to the
environment. Click Herefor a copy of the lawsuit to recover USTIF cleanup costs. These documents
include a list of defendants.
NewsClips:
PA Sues Big Oil Companies For MTBE Leak Cleanups
PA Sues Oil Companies For MTBE Pollution
AG Pursing 5 Energy Companies For Jacked Up Electric Rates
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Commends Gov. Corbett For Signing New Bay Agreement
The Chesapeake Bay FoundationMonday thanked
Gov. Tom Corbett for recommitting the
Commonwealth to the effort to restore
Pennsylvanias rivers and streams, and the
Chesapeake Bay.
The agreementwas signed Monday by the
Chesapeake Bay Programs Executive Council,
made up of the Bay state governors, the mayor of
Washington, D.C., the EPA Administrator, and the
chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Commission.
The agreement includes a continuing
commitment to the Clean Water Blueprint, a science-based roadmap for restoring local rivers, streams,
and the Chesapeake Bay. It establishes a framework for improving the health of crabs, oysters, and
other aquatic resources, and begins to tackle the difficult problems posed by toxics and global warming.
It also contains a commitment to ensure that the education of todays students, tomorrows
leaders, will include not only reading, writing, and arithmetic, but environmental literacy as well.
This is a historic moment in time for the restoration of Pennsylvanias rivers and streams, and
the Chesapeake Bay. The Clean Water Blueprint lays out a transparent roadmap for restoring local
waters, said CBF President William C. Baker. While this agreement is an important step, the next
step--developing management strategies and making firm commitments on how to implement thosestrategies--is just as important, and the devil is always in the details.
This has been a generational effort to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay. We've made
tremendous progress from where we were to where we are, said Gov. Tom Corbett. On behalf of the
citizens of Pennsylvania, I'm proud to renew our commitment to continuing our efforts toward cleaner
water and a healthier Bay for the benefit of our children and grandchildren."
This agreement is a sensible way to approach improving both the water quality and the
environment of a region that means so much to all of us, Corbett said. I applaud the cooperative
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fhow-we-save-the-bay%2Fchesapeake-clean-water-blueprint&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHQPuINXqIpKyS8rewOOHVJ5KnaMQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Fchesapeakebaywatershedagreement%2Fpage&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr0hcwQyF10vw1OkqADUsivnslOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F6318505-74%2Fenergy-complaints-consumers&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHuuzqj91nlm4z1UIHXVtObeDvxzQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F25823655%2Fpennsylvania-sues-oil-companies-for-mtbe-pollution&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9xzmsd7uxcbmh07525x1dg5-Ehghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F6313767-74%2Fcompanies-mtbe-state%23axzz358WPOV4x&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFG_aXFpYnbVriL5M7datgPyimUXghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DBichiTDK52wos9uxT9AnK5M5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAlYz1_5tkKhdyz5iDJ7lV%24qE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DMTBE_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEo_B8q0UJMrzkehpZUQH7PhW6CXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fcsp%2Fmediapool%2Fsites%2Fdt.common.streams.StreamServer.cls%3FSTREAMOID%3DAU6Q6FYNoCAZTbLTkIaPrZM5tm0Zxrvol3sywaAHBAmszSy7scDleEnkemK_cl7BE0%24uXvBjavsllACLNr6VhLEUIm2tympBeeq1Fwi7sIigrCfKm_F3DhYfWov3omce%248CAqP1xDAFoSAgEcS6kSQ--%26CONTENTTYPE%3Dapplication%2Fpdf%26CONTENTDISPOSITION%3DUSTIF_Lawsuit.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGah5kMV2diuUlau9gxEYsJHF98cg8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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efforts of all bay watershed entities that have made this historic agreement possible.
Pennsylvanias commitment to the bay watershed is evidenced by the significant amount of
financial and technical resources allocated to this issue over the past 30 years, DEP Secretary E.
Christopher Abruzzo said. The new bay agreement renews our responsibility to protecting this vital
water resource.
Pennsylvanias farmers know firsthand how best management practices improve theiroperations and the environment, said PDA Secretary George Greig. They reduce input costs, increase
crop yields and improve local waterways, which in turn ensure a healthier Chesapeake Bay.
The investments to restore and protect our rivers and streams will benefit our economy, our
health, and the legacy we leave for future generations, said Harry Campbell, CBFs Pennsylvania
Executive Director.
Retiring Rep. Ron Miller (R-York), current Chair of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and
Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, has been a champion for
clean water efforts in Pennsylvania.
"I am pleased to represent the Chesapeake Bay Commission on the Executive Council as we
sign a new Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement," Rep. Miller said. The signatories have
accomplished much in reaching this agreement but we cannot implement this Agreement alone. We'llneed the help of local governments, businesses and citizen groups to meet the Management Strategies of
this important new document.
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement is an important step in the continued effort to
protect and improve the tremendous asset that is the Chesapeake Bay, Rep. Miller said. While this is
a project that will not be completed overnight, I can say in the time I have served on the commission,
significant strides have been made that will only continue if the six states agree to keep working
together.
Rep. Miller was quick to give credit to the current administration for its efforts in the clean-up.
Corbett and Chris Abruzzo, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, have been
leaders in resolving complex issues that were incorporated into this agreement and moving initiatives tha
are helping protect water quality and restore the bay.
Pennsylvania, I feel, has been a leader in the clean-up, especially with regard to our robust
nutrient credit trading program, Rep. Miller added.
The Bay Program has made a commitment to an environmental component in our public
schools, said Rep. Miller. This ensures a continuation of good stewardship by future generations.
Stephanie Detwiler from Hempfield High School in Lancaster County was one of three students who
spoke at the executive council meeting prior to signing of the agreement. She did great job emphasizing
the role of student government and other leadership organizations in supporting bay restoration.
If we are to be truly successful with restoration of the Chesapeake Bay, it will only be through
the collective efforts of local towns and neighborhoods across the watershed, Rep. Miller commented.
Also at Mondays meeting, four students, representing Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, andWashington DC, spoke on behalf of clean water.
Stephanie Detwiler, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania represented Pennsylvania. She was
first introduced to agricultural conservation practices on her grandparents farm in Bedford County,
Pennsylvania.
Building on those lessons in conservation, Stephanie joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundations
Student Leadership Courses and saw the impact pollution has had on the island communities of the
Eastern Shore, and also learned about environmental policy in Washington D.C.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesbay.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLy-14iNqR1ZKzPIX3hsJ7D6O4ig8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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Ms. Detwiler spoke eloquently about the importance of clean water, and her outdoor
environmental education experiences.
I was lucky enough to go to a school that has a creek on the property, and the highlight of my
biology class was getting to go outside, catch insect larvae and small fishes, to determine the quality of
the stream Stephanie Detwiler said. These outdoor learning experiences improved my understanding
of the content I was learning in the classroom and overall made science meaningful because the sciencewas hands-on."
A recent graduate of Hempfield High School in Lancaster County, Stephanie will be attending
Goucher College in Towson, Maryland, and is planning to major in Biology.
I believe that as more environmental subjects, such as the health of the Chesapeake Bay
Watershed, are addressed in the classroom, students will be more likely to engage in conservation
outside of the classroom, concluded Detwiler.
CBF would like to thank the Bay state governors who signed this new commitment to the
Chesapeake Bay and the student leaders for speaking on behalf of clean water. This momentous
occasion marks a renewed commitment to regional and local collaboration, innovation, and leadership
to improve water quality in Pennsylvanias rivers and streams.
A copy of the new Bay Agreement is available online.For more information, visit the DEP Chesapeake Bay Programwebpage.
NewsClips:
Corbett Signs New Chesapeake Bay Agreement
Letter: PA Is Doing Its Part To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay
Editorial: Chesapeake Bay Health Affects Us
Indiana Watershed Groups Make Headway Against Mine Drainage
Stormwater At issue In Conneaut Township
Lancaster Expo Offers Lessons On Chiques Creek Watershed
EPA To Take More Comments On Waters Of The U.S. Rule
Op-Ed: EPA All Wet On Proposed Waters Of U.S. Rule
Possible Removal Of Wehrs Dam Questioned
Water Company Wants Swimmers To Stay Out Of Reservoirs
3 Companies Interested In Leasing Middletown Water, Sewer Systems
RiverQuest To Explore Merger With Rivers Of Steel Heritage
DEP CAC Told PA Must Reduce Nitrogen By Over 10 Million Pounds By 2017
Andy Zemba, Director of DEPs Interstate Waters Office, told the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
Tuesday Pennsylvania must reduce its nitrogen load going into our rivers and streams by over 10 million
pounds, our sediment load by nearly 212 million pounds and our phosphorus pollution by 141,000
pounds if we are to meet our 2017 Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones.Wastewater plants and the forest sector have already met the 2017 nitrogen and phosphorus
reductions. Wastewater plants have already met the 2017 for sediment/total suspended solids
reductions.
Zemba said the new Chesapeake Bay Agreement will give Pennsylvania new responsibilities to
develop management strategies to meet goals for specific outcomes like wetlands protection, stream
health, fish passage, submerged aquatic vegetation, forest buffers, tree canopy and fish habitat over the
next two years.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F6298699-74%2Friverquest-merger-carlino&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5qu7T_raU923d93bVz8twPNS7Qwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fthree_companies_express_intere.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXvCkHjjxJuQyUR0mXLp1TaoWKbwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fwater-company-wants-swimmers-to-stay-out-of-its-reservoirs-1.1705539&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSzHisbFwmf0oCjO6OGpgfI56UCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fparkland%2Fmc-wehrs-dam-removal-protest-20140619%2C0%2C2827304.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH3lzepJozDp1huOgBa7QGWByPIcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1475389%2FCOMMENTARY%3A-CARL-T.-SHAFFER-EPA-all-wet-on-water-rules&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPit1fdJ1ZJZetWlu0BB03FdgCKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2Fepa-to-take-more-comments-on-water-regulation.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH__SyHIBi-a_4hR7NxdSec1wGDqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fwatershed-expo-offers-lessons-on-chiques-creek%2Farticle_54bcdee0-f88d-11e3-b0ef-0017a43b2370.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDhCWDdor6otO1MyMxd922o7MaAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140616%2FNEWS02%2F306169963%2FStormwater-management-at-issue-in-Conneaut-Township&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZ00Y62itT2ggS9i1w46ip-0udtghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6260448-74%2Fcounty-mine-watershed%23axzz34n69kyLs&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEV0zlNlenyI0k8JKG_swi5lwJgqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Feditorial%2Four-view-chesapeake-bay-health-affects-us%2Farticle_51c0cd3e-f5ac-11e3-adcd-001a4bcf887a.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBNkvnIRu-1Dkl2-hIe1pqG0QU9ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania_is_doing_its_part.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOdxAo3jOgYzix70UsIwU95vH7pQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-signs-new-regional-agreement-to-clean-up-chesapeake-bay%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLToPwMA6YZxTV5z3xr9fpq_54Xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fchesapeake_bay_program%2F10513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHjWqMiCKLWIqCzZ55684oMOO6H6Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Fchesapeakebaywatershedagreement%2Fpage&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr0hcwQyF10vw1OkqADUsivnslOg8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
5/49
Zemba said DEP plans to involve the Chesapeake Bay Management Teamand other
stakeholders in the process.
Click Herefor a copy of Zembas presentation.
Steve Taglang, Chief of the Conservation Division in the Bureau of Conservation and
Restoration, said DEP has taken a number of steps to ramp up its efforts to get best management
conservation practices on the ground to meet the Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones. They included---- Revised Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Regulations that clarified and made more
specific requirements covering agriculture in 2010
-- Revised General Permit and other requirements for concentrated animal feeding operations and
concentrated feeding operations in 2013
-- Revised the Manure Management Manualin 2011 to make it more practical and user-friendly
-- Worked with Penn State University and the State Conservation Commission to develop PaOneStep,
an online tool to help farmers develop nutrient management plans which will be expanded to develop
other farm conservation plans in the future
-- Worked with county conservation districts to visit about one-third-- 11,114-- of the farms in the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed since 2012 to make them aware they need to have conservation, erosion
and sedimentation control and nutrient management plans and offering assistance to prepare those plansand
-- Conducted targeted enforcement checks of farm operations in seven watersheds with DEP staff
which did 951 inspections, took 415 enforcement actions and imposed $123,000 in penalties as part of
a Regional Agricultural Watershed Assessment initiative.
Click Herefor a copy of Taglangs presentation.
The size of the reductions Pennsylvania must achieve to meet the 2017 milestones in the next
three years will offer real challenges to the Commonwealth, particularly for needed reductions from
agriculture, urban/stormwater runoff and on-lot septic systems
The size of the reductions needed for agriculture alone, at least according to the models, are
approximately equal to more than all the reductions achieved by the Chesapeake Bay Programin
Pennsylvania for the 27 years from 1985 through 2012.
As a follow-up to the presentations, Council members took a tour of a working dairy farm in
Cumberland County Tuesday afternoon to get a first-hand look at best management practices on the
ground. The tour was arranged with the help of Council member Bill Fink who is the Environmental
Manager for Country View Family Farms. (Click Herefor a video about the visit.)
Secretarys Report
Hayley Book, Director of DEPs Office of Policy, gave the Secretarys Report at the meeting
and updated Council on these items--
-- Oil and Gas Regulations:The June 26 meeting of the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Boardwill
be webcast live. The Board will consider a summary of comments on the Chapter 78 drilling regulation
changes and a conceptual overview of new, draft changes for a new regulation package covering welldrilling standards, operations, plugging and underground gas storage. Click Herefor more information
on how to register for the webinar when it becomes available.
Book also said DEP plans to finalize the Chapter 78 drilling regulations in 2015.
-- Auditor General Marcellus Shale Audit: DEP expects the Auditor General to release his final
version of the Marcellus Shale water quality performance program audit in July.
-- EPA Proposed Carbon Reduction Rule:DEP expects to present testimony on EPAs proposed
carbon reduction rulefor existing power plants at a July 31 hearing in Pittsburgh. Book said, among
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.epa.gov%2Fcarbon-pollution-standards&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpTkHouHWy-J1s-CaiyjGphvdARQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.epa.gov%2Fcarbon-pollution-standards&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpTkHouHWy-J1s-CaiyjGphvdARQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpublic_resources%2F20303%2Fsurface_regulations%2F1587188&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGfyIpbOtfdSOAF-lp0rCmS98x8SAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil_and_gas_technical_advisory_board_(TAB)%2F18260&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHdeFbnraAMeRxKMqBRhDZq-IVafwhttp://youtu.be/UiWrvNjpmPEhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fchesapeake_bay_program%2F10513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHjWqMiCKLWIqCzZ55684oMOO6H6Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fchesapeake_bay_program%2F10513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHjWqMiCKLWIqCzZ55684oMOO6H6Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_06%2F2014%252006%252017%2520CAC%2520Meeting%2520FINAL.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZC4JWCDx58hRvXUCYx9j7LfJjMghttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paonestop.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpVu3emXMGFX26NBYb0ajI_0tz1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fagricultural_operations%2F10617%2Fmanure_management%2F554281&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgWxCjzPbLFa765WCf1PW7NnqcwAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_06%2FCAC%2520-Chesapeake%2520Bay%2520Update-AndyZemba-June%25202014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJlWlcypyOJY1E-NNWwt8vGhp8iwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Friver%2Fiwo%2Fchesbay%2Fmain.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYDHQEMvsM1BhVh5sGz8PlC0nULg8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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other concerns, the proposed rule uses different baseline starting points for different states and does not
give states enough flexibility to develop compliance plans to meet the requirements.
-- Waters Of The U.S. Proposed Rule:Book repeated what DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said last
month to Council saying the proposed EPA/Corps of Engineers rule clarifying the federal definition of
waters of the U.S.should not have an impact in Pennsylvania because our state laws have used a similar
definition.More information is available in DEPs June Reportto the Council.
Public Comments
-- Roberta Winters, PA League of Women Voters, said DEP needed more resources to ensure proper
enforcement of water quality regulations to meet Pennsylvanias clean water commitments, in particular
the new Chesapeake Bay Agreement. She also recommended Council become involved in reviewing
the proposal to lease additional DCNR lands for natural gas development and said there should be
tighter controls on air emissions from oil and gas operations.
Committee Reports
-- Nominations Committee: Cynthia Carrow reported the Committee recommended and Council then
unanimously elected Terry Dayton to serve another one year term as Chair of the CAC. Bill Fink was
elected Vice Chair.-- Policy and Regulatory Oversight Committee:Tim Weston reported the Committee
recommended and the Council adopted a motion to recommend DEP move forward with two air
quality regulations to the Environmental Quality Board for public comment-- VOC Emissions for
Industrial Cleaning Solvents and VOC Emissions for Automobile and Light-Duty Truck Assembly
Coatings.
-- Act 54 Longwall Mining Impact Review Committee:Terry Dayton reported that due to
incomplete information, the Committee could not review the draft Act 54 report DEP gave the Council
for review and recommended the Council wait for the final report to offer comments. There were no
objections to the recommendation. Dayton said DEP expects to finalize the report by the end of
August. Click Herefor a copy of the last report.
-- Public Participation Committee:David Hess reported the Committee recommendedCouncil focus
its future public participation efforts on reviewing and making improvements to DEPs 1998 Advisory
Committee Guidelineswhich outlines how the agency works with its advisory committees.
The Committee recommended a two step-process-- first ask each of DEPs advisory
committees a short series of questions about how DEP could make better use of their expertise, how
well is the committee supported by DEP in getting timely agendas and meeting packages posted and
solicit their ideas for improving the Advisory Committee Guidelines.
This step was refined to send the questions to each member of each DEP advisory committee.
A second step would be getting together with the Chairs of the Committees as a group in the fall
to go over the information received and develop final recommendations.
The tentative schedule for these steps is having a deadline in September for advisory committeemember responses, an October meeting with the advisory committee chairs and bringing
recommendations to Council at its November meeting.
There were no objections to these recommendations.
Hess noted there apparently was some miscommunication over whether DEP was revising its
Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy. He said agency staff said they were not.
The next meeting of the Council is July 15 in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building in
Harrisburg starting at 10:00. The Council does not meet again until September 16.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-48649%2F012-1920-002.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9Ys5oNlPPTslfpB3Ynn-KGmTRQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdsweb%2FGet%2FDocument-48649%2F012-1920-002.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF9Ys5oNlPPTslfpB3Ynn-KGmTRQQhttp://goo.gl/AUvxQxhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_54%2F20876&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8ujidD3FZ1QW77KgRh02NKaBvJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_06%2FLeague%2520of%2520Women%2520Voters%2520of%2520PA%2520CAC%2520comments%25206-17.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHswE-EUYTi8rpvaEPiCH1kgJ0XxQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_06%2F06022014_FINAL_June%25202014%2520DEP%2520Report%2520to%2520CAC.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxk0zOyZfObISSs-kc0ZcYU5py9whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.epa.gov%2Fuswaters&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPCE5_eOU8Ld4Re7i727RUbk4qQAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.epa.gov%2Fuswaters&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPCE5_eOU8Ld4Re7i727RUbk4qQA8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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For more information and copies of handouts and presentations, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory
Councilwebpage.
NewsClips:
Corbett Signs New Chesapeake Bay Agreement
Letter: PA Is Doing Its Part To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay
Editorial: Chesapeake Bay Health Affects UsIndiana Watershed Groups Make Headway Against Mine Drainage
Stormwater At issue In Conneaut Township
Lancaster Expo Offers Lessons On Chiques Creek Watershed
EPA To Take More Comments On Waters Of The U.S. Rule
Op-Ed: EPA All Wet On Proposed Waters Of U.S. Rule
Possible Removal Of Wehrs Dam Questioned
Water Company Wants Swimmers To Stay Out Of Reservoirs
3 Companies Interested In Leasing Middletown Water, Sewer Systems
RiverQuest To Explore Merger With Rivers Of Steel Heritage
Video: DEP Citizens Advisory Council Visits Dairy Farm To See BMPs First-Hand
Members of the DEP Citizens Advisory CouncilTuesday visited
the Dennis Garman Farm in Cumberland County to see
first-hand how a working dairy farm incorporates best
management practices into its operations to not only reduce their
environmental footprint, but to improve profitability.
Dennis Garman is a third generation farmer who farms
between 1,400 and 1,500 acres of farmland every year raising
wheat, soybeans and other crops to support his 220-cow dairy
herd.
The Garman Farm incorporates several BMPs into its
operations, including: farm drainage controls to prevent clean water from getting dirty, a manure storage
facility to better control land application of manure, using no-till farming practices to limit the disturbanc
of the soil, planting cover crops and double cropping to help keep soil on the land, retaining forested
stream buffers along a stream on the farm and roofing over heavy use animal areas to control runoff.
Dennis Garman took Council members on a tour of his farm with additional comments by Pam
Eyer, Cumberland County Conservation District, Scott Williamson, DEP Southcentral Regional Office
and Bill Fink, a CAC member and Environmental Manager for Country View Family Farms, who
helped arrange the tour.
Click Hereto watch a video from the tour highlighting the Garman Farm best management
practices.NewsClips:
Corbett Signs New Chesapeake Bay Agreement
Letter: PA Is Doing Its Part To Cleanup Chesapeake Bay
Editorial: Chesapeake Bay Health Affects Us
Indiana Watershed Groups Make Headway Against Mine Drainage
Stormwater At issue In Conneaut Township
Lancaster Expo Offers Lessons On Chiques Creek Watershed
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fwatershed-expo-offers-lessons-on-chiques-creek%2Farticle_54bcdee0-f88d-11e3-b0ef-0017a43b2370.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDhCWDdor6otO1MyMxd922o7MaAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140616%2FNEWS02%2F306169963%2FStormwater-management-at-issue-in-Conneaut-Township&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZ00Y62itT2ggS9i1w46ip-0udtghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6260448-74%2Fcounty-mine-watershed%23axzz34n69kyLs&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEV0zlNlenyI0k8JKG_swi5lwJgqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Feditorial%2Four-view-chesapeake-bay-health-affects-us%2Farticle_51c0cd3e-f5ac-11e3-adcd-001a4bcf887a.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBNkvnIRu-1Dkl2-hIe1pqG0QU9ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania_is_doing_its_part.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOdxAo3jOgYzix70UsIwU95vH7pQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-signs-new-regional-agreement-to-clean-up-chesapeake-bay%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLToPwMA6YZxTV5z3xr9fpq_54Xghttp://youtu.be/UiWrvNjpmPEhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F6298699-74%2Friverquest-merger-carlino&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5qu7T_raU923d93bVz8twPNS7Qwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fthree_companies_express_intere.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXvCkHjjxJuQyUR0mXLp1TaoWKbwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fwater-company-wants-swimmers-to-stay-out-of-its-reservoirs-1.1705539&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSzHisbFwmf0oCjO6OGpgfI56UCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fparkland%2Fmc-wehrs-dam-removal-protest-20140619%2C0%2C2827304.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH3lzepJozDp1huOgBa7QGWByPIcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1475389%2FCOMMENTARY%3A-CARL-T.-SHAFFER-EPA-all-wet-on-water-rules&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPit1fdJ1ZJZetWlu0BB03FdgCKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2Fepa-to-take-more-comments-on-water-regulation.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH__SyHIBi-a_4hR7NxdSec1wGDqwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fwatershed-expo-offers-lessons-on-chiques-creek%2Farticle_54bcdee0-f88d-11e3-b0ef-0017a43b2370.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDhCWDdor6otO1MyMxd922o7MaAwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140616%2FNEWS02%2F306169963%2FStormwater-management-at-issue-in-Conneaut-Township&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZ00Y62itT2ggS9i1w46ip-0udtghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6260448-74%2Fcounty-mine-watershed%23axzz34n69kyLs&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEV0zlNlenyI0k8JKG_swi5lwJgqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion%2Feditorial%2Four-view-chesapeake-bay-health-affects-us%2Farticle_51c0cd3e-f5ac-11e3-adcd-001a4bcf887a.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBNkvnIRu-1Dkl2-hIe1pqG0QU9ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania_is_doing_its_part.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGOdxAo3jOgYzix70UsIwU95vH7pQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-signs-new-regional-agreement-to-clean-up-chesapeake-bay%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLToPwMA6YZxTV5z3xr9fpq_54Xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQ8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
8/49
EPA To Take More Comments On Waters Of The U.S. Rule
Op-Ed: EPA All Wet On Proposed Waters Of U.S. Rule
Possible Removal Of Wehrs Dam Questioned
Water Company Wants Swimmers To Stay Out Of Reservoirs
3 Companies Interested In Leasing Middletown Water, Sewer Systems
RiverQuest To Explore Merger With Rivers Of Steel Heritage
Gov. Corbett Gives Pension, Liquor Ultimatum, Does Not Rule Out Severance Tax
Gov. Corbett this week made a request that the Senate and House do meaningful pension reform and
liquor reform first before he will talk about what to do with the state budget or enacting revenue
measures like a natural gas severance tax. But he didnt rule out enactment of a severance tax.
I am willing to be here. The Lt. Governor is willing to be here. No bluster, no threats. These
are the facts, said Gov. Corbett.
Expanding on Gov. Corbetts budget statements this week, the Patriot-News reported Friday
Budget Secretary Charles Zogby said Gov. Corbett is committed to fighting for targeted spending
increases and is conditionally open to some higher taxes to pay for them, but he will accept them onlywith significant reform in Pennsylvanias public pension systems.
Those spending increases include: $306 million in new funding for basic education programs,
about $30 million to expand home and community based services for adults with intellectual disabilities
and $25 million toward college scholarships.
Even with pending cuts, Secretary Zogby said he does not see an immediate concern about
state worker furloughs or shutdowns of government services.
Secretary Zogby said the Governor is will to trade an on-time budget for a budget that reflects
his priorities, but I dont know that this really needs to linger that deep into July, he said.
Click Hereto watch a video of the interview.
Secretary Zogby will appear at the Pennsylvania Press Club on Monday to talk about budget
issues.
The language used by Gov. Corbett is giving people flashbacks to Gov. Rendell who one year
was photographed with his feet in a kids wading pool waiting for the Republican Senate and
Democratic House to figure out how to balance the budget.
In reaction to the Governors request, the Senate and House skipped a planned Thursday
voting day, presumably so they can work on pension and liquor reform and the budget.
The Senate did move a potential General Fund budget vehicle-- Senate Bill 1431
(Corman-R-Centre)-- out of and back into the Senate Appropriations Committee and referred a likely
Fiscal Code bill-- House Bill 927(Sankey-R-Clearfield)-- back to Appropriations.
Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said in
an interview, he supports both pension and liquor reform, but I dont have 26 votes for both. I can onlydo what we have votes for.
Sen. Charles McIlhenny (R-Bucks), Majority Chair of the Senate Law and Justice Committee,
said Senate Republicansare working to get the votes for some sort of liquor reform, but they arent
there yet. He said liquor reform was third fiddle next to the state budget and pension reform, adding
some people think its more important, but its really not.
Rep. Glen Grell (R-Cumberland), an advocate for pension reform with his own proposal, said
this weekthe Governor should solicit new ideas on pensions because its clear the (House) bill the
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F158%2FVIDEO-Rep-Grell-thinks-the-Governor-should-solicit-new-ideas-on-pension-reform-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGBhFAL496OUaH0PnvNA06anA7jGwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F158%2FVIDEO-Rep-Grell-thinks-the-Governor-should-solicit-new-ideas-on-pension-reform-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGBhFAL496OUaH0PnvNA06anA7jGwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F159%2FVIDEO-McIlhinney-discusses-progress-of-liquor-reform-medical-marijuana-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYOB5iwIXwTRQMVj_kWGt9gFMYPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F156%2FVIDEO-Corman-says-votes-are-not-yet-there-for-what-Governor-wants-in-budget-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSXFe-ooR6CLhTSjYsb5P7V3_howhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F156%2FVIDEO-Corman-says-votes-are-not-yet-there-for-what-Governor-wants-in-budget-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSXFe-ooR6CLhTSjYsb5P7V3_howhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0927&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhgszqlvIWwW9xfnrT4Yh4Gybyhghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1431&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKTwrTE91PONEN7W3iJx4F-Mh-cAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fwatch_a_live-stream_with_pa_bu.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLWP0cxUMKGaz6YLkFGResjRrBdAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpa_budget_secretary_charles_zo_3.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHg0RZYzHudQHL0f-0687ykLayCiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F6298699-74%2Friverquest-merger-carlino&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5qu7T_raU923d93bVz8twPNS7Qwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fthree_companies_express_intere.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEXvCkHjjxJuQyUR0mXLp1TaoWKbwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fwater-company-wants-swimmers-to-stay-out-of-its-reservoirs-1.1705539&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSzHisbFwmf0oCjO6OGpgfI56UCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fparkland%2Fmc-wehrs-dam-removal-protest-20140619%2C0%2C2827304.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH3lzepJozDp1huOgBa7QGWByPIcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1475389%2FCOMMENTARY%3A-CARL-T.-SHAFFER-EPA-all-wet-on-water-rules&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPit1fdJ1ZJZetWlu0BB03FdgCKAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2Fepa-to-take-more-comments-on-water-regulation.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH__SyHIBi-a_4hR7NxdSec1wGDqw8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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Governor is supporting doesnt have the votes to pass the House. Its going to take some leadership on
his part (Governor) to make this happen, Rep. Grell added.
The House budget vehicle-- House Bill 2328(Adolph-R-Delaware)-- didnt move. Its still in
the House Rules Committee after being reported out of the House Appropriations Committee last week
to move the vehicle forward.
Both chambers continue to move related budget bills for the Gaming Fund, Public UtilityCommission and others through the process.
New Deficit Number No Surprise
The Independent Fiscal OfficeMonday released its official revenue estimateshowing a $1.44
billion state revenue deficit which has to be made up in the budget process. FY 2013-14 revenues are
$572 million below estimates and FY 2014-15 are $870 million lower for a two-year difference of
$1.442 billion. Click Herefor more details.
$153.5 Million Legislative Surplus
The bipartisan Legislative Audit Advisory Commission reported this weekthe House and
Senate were sitting on a $153.5 million surplus in their legislative accounts at the end of 2013, $14
million more than in 2012.
Members of both chambers have traditionally held they need this funding reserve so they can beindependent of the Executive Branch, especially if there is a disagreement with the budget. That way
legislators and staff can get paid, even if state workers do not because a General Fund budget has not
been passed. Click Herefor more details.
Next Week
The Senate and House are scheduled to be in voting session June 23 through June 30.
Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware), Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said
in an interviewthey would begin their annual marathon of amendments to the General Fund budget bill
on the House Floor Monday, but gave no indication of when the real budget amendment might be
considered.
House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said Friday a vote is scheduled on House
Bill 1353(Kampf-R-Chester) that would make some pension reforms. Gov. Corbett supports
Amendment A06917to the bill proposed by Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill).
For its part, the Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet Monday to consider
Senate Bill 922(Brubaker-R- Lancaster) comprehensive pension reform.
By the way, Happy Birthday to Gov. Corbett! He turned 65 on June 17. You can probably
guess what he wished for when he blew out his birthday candles.
NewsClips:
Big Oil, Gas Groups Warn Pennsylvania On Taxes
Corbett Issues Budget Ultimatum To Legislature
Corbett Not Ruling Out Severance Tax
Corbett Wont Rule Out Severance TaxCorbett Grapples With Economics, Politics Of Budget Deficit
Corbetts Tattered No Tax Pledge Could Be Finally Shredded
Lawmakers Preparing For July Budget Vote
No Surprises Here, State Budget Picture Is Bad
State Budget Remains Just Theoretical
Budget Secretary Warns New Taxes May Be Required For Budget
Legislature Sitting On $154 Million Surplus
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-legislature-audit-0618-20140618%2C0%2C5726570.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG02WhanFRYGNhsrBhqNyHpbPpCUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpa_budget_secretary_charles_zo_3.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHg0RZYzHudQHL0f-0687ykLayCiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fbudget-remains-just-theoretical-1.1703265&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_NR-ERHSr6ugrj3lEdcOYWAKA7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fno_surprises_here_pennsylvania.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbmExAh49c0KCJC2l_SAkBobMQjAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Flawmakers-preparing-for-july-budget-vote%2Farticle_7807c112-00b4-5547-abb5-de33d30a0783.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqYY_KWLAFCpT2L1OPCzNLOEmFSghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Ftom_corbett_corbett_no-tax_ple.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaZjlLUBQYBLNlxFHwkDRHxoEsuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-state-budget-0616-20140616%2C0%2C4103012.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAfGg8KAcsAdyjNAxvb04QLHuV1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-administration-wont-rule-out-gas-tax-this-year%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEue8i-Q0PDQwfRVAPe6kU3-jPltAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F6298816-74%2Ftax-corbett-state&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGJz7HP7MMu2ftDr3fR7IEROvFkghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-legislature-budget-0617-20140617%2C0%2C7178349.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJFCWKkV3osaDfhDysf8UqMnuHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fstate-and-regional%2Fbig-oil-and-gas-groups-warn-pennsylvania-on-taxes%2Farticle_44a9aeaa-f8a3-11e3-9f72-0019bb2963f4.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9T0_s0Wqk7y4ApTk4dyPN12QqLAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D922&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGM98EtLCZA533_yR1jgrS0aHMgRQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ctbpls.com%2Fwww%2FPA%2F13R%2FAMD%2FH2152A06917.PDF&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5aPOCZ4z8lKPvfNuu_zpK9gXYiAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1353&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ3gB-QQSLR7gQQe_i1LW_Aew-zwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1353&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQ3gB-QQSLR7gQQe_i1LW_Aew-zwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F157%2FVIDEO-Adolph-hopes-to-move-budget-vehicle-bill-to-House-floor-Monday-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhOj8-DlNQA_xTLYHDrxo2l7wMSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fplsreporter.com%2FHome%2FTabId%2F56%2FArtMID%2F472%2FArticleID%2F157%2FVIDEO-Adolph-hopes-to-move-budget-vehicle-bill-to-House-floor-Monday-.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhOj8-DlNQA_xTLYHDrxo2l7wMSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F%3Fp%3D6647&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZrwXXf0bAmU_ja979JqncmHaRPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Flaac.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGGdQHZcECRU7xRA0yrCFBDO-O-SAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F%3Fp%3D6594&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHVRVsMAj4Adad3e4JSi9HVrKNSvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifo.state.pa.us%2Fgetfile.cfm%3Ffile%3D%2Fresources%2FPDF%2FInitial_Estimate_May_2014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-rdsiMoSc1JPPwc9wNFpsuiO0jwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ifo.state.pa.us&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG75fvsJQi8P6_u2t8iAVxHial_4Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2328&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF0WH8HAdY2AZgCHccn3F51XpRYlQ8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
10/49
Philly Area Counties Shale Impact Fees Up 15.5 Percent
Counties Receive Millions In Marcellus Shale Fees
Editorial: Extraction Tax On Natural Gas To Narrow Budget Shortfall
Editorial: PA Budget, Susquehanna Sausage
Corbett Appeals Order To Release State Parks, Forest Drilling Documents
What Can Drillers Do With New State Forest Leases?
CBF-PA: Any Severance Tax Should Help PA Meet Clean Water Commitments
On Tuesday, Harry Campbell, Director of the PA Office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, wrote to
members of the House and Senate urging them to remember the commitments Pennsylvania has made to
cleaning up its rivers and streams if they enact a natural gas severance tax. The text of the letter
follows--
With Budget negotiations currently underway and a looming deficit around $1.4 billion in our
midst, discussions have begun, once again, on the introduction of a severance tax in the Commonwealth.
While the legislature wrestles with the necessity of a severance tax, the amount of the tax rate,
whether or not the impact fee should remain intact, and funding apportionment, one crucial, ongoingendeavor must not be forgottenrestoring Pennsylvanias rivers and streams.
The promise of hundreds of millions of dollars generated through an unconventional natural gas
tax could easily appear to be the answer the Commonwealth needs to fill gaps and patch holes in the
state budget.
While no one doubts the state has numerous priorities, we must not neglect the fundamental
necessity of clean water.
Last fiscal year, the state collected nearly $220 million from the impact fee, with approximately
only $28 million going to address Pennsylvanias most serious environmental problems.
Clean water, according to Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, is a right
bestowed upon the residents of the Commonwealth, and it has lasting impacts on the health and
economic well-being of all the citizens of Pennsylvania.
Yet, the Commonwealth has roughly 19,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet water
quality standards due to the impacts of certain agricultural operations (5,802 miles), the legacy of
abandoned mine drainage (5,584 miles), and urban and suburban polluted runoff (4,325 miles) as the
top three causes.
While these numbers may seem daunting, in the majority of cases we know how to fix the
problems and clean up our local rivers and streams. Every day, successes in pollution reduction occur
on farms, infrastructure is being updated, and trees are being planted.
But, in order to achieve a legacy of clean water, we must invest in the programs that result in the
solutions.
Any severance tax which is passed in the General Assembly and signed by the Governor intolaw must place a significant share of the revenues into protecting and restoring natural resources,
specifically clean water.
Making certain the Commonwealth prevents continued environmental legacy issues, such as
abandoned mine drainage, demands funding from the enactment of a severance tax.
In order to address these issues, the General Assembly and the Governor must ensure that any
severance tax passed into law keeps more in mind than just the education of future generations, but also
leaves our Commonwealth an economically robust, healthy, clean, and beautiful place to live.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F16%2Fdo-not-disturb-what-can-drillers-do-with-new-forest-leases%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQDQyX5YGXZDLsfshrNaReMFMHxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fgreg_vitali_tom_corbett_appeal.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGzHD0hoRylS5uwmrm6refqA3WZFAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F6304409-74%2Ftax-budget-plan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOhiQl6LEg3117ZvoKQ7Gbd8uRzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1459958%2FOTHER-OPINION%3A-EXTRACTION-TAX-Let-shale-drillers-dig-state-out-of-hole&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtYIFp5VOo8ooi1n3oft84UlnPOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-shale-impact-fee-counties-20140617%2C0%2C5363323.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbEVdGcc99f94d5uiQxjq2hteUOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140616_Area_counties__Shale_impact_fees_up_15_5_.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHv5vNaRcEryueKdsuCYEWcug2-UQ8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
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NewsClips:
Big Oil, Gas Groups Warn Pennsylvania On Taxes
Corbett Issues Budget Ultimatum To Legislature
Corbett Not Ruling Out Severance Tax
Corbett Wont Rule Out Severance Tax
Corbett Grapples With Economics, Politics Of Budget DeficitCorbetts Tattered No Tax Pledge Could Be Finally Shredded
Lawmakers Preparing For July Budget Vote
No Surprises Here, State Budget Picture Is Bad
State Budget Remains Just Theoretical
Budget Secretary Warns New Taxes May Be Required For Budget
Legislature Sitting On $154 Million Surplus
Philly Area Counties Shale Impact Fees Up 15.5 Percent
Counties Receive Millions In Marcellus Shale Fees
Editorial: Extraction Tax On Natural Gas To Narrow Budget Shortfall
Editorial: PA Budget, Susquehanna Sausage
Corbett Appeals Order To Release State Parks, Forest Drilling DocumentsWhat Can Drillers Do With New State Forest Leases?
Rep. DiGirolamo Introduces 4.9 Percent Natural Gas Severance Tax Proposal
Rep. Gene DiGirolamo (R-Bucks) Thursday introduced House Bill 2358(DiGirolamo-R-Bucks)
providing for the imposition of a 4.9 percent natural gas severance tax to replace the drilling impact
fees-- sponsor summary.
The bill would allocate 40 percent of revenues to replace impact fee revenues now going to
local governments.
The remaining 60 percent would be allocated to these programs--
-- Basic education 40%
-- Environmental Stewardship Fund (Growing Greener) 10%
-- Investment in State Parks & State Forests 10%
-- Solar energy-Pennsylvania Sunshine Program 4%
-- Drug and Alcohol Programs 8%
-- Adults with Special Needs 8%
-- Behavioral Health 5%
-- Human Services Development Fund 5%
-- Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance 3%
-- Rape and Domestic Violence Programs 2%
-- Veterans Homes 2%-- Industry Partnerships 3%
The bill was referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Click
Herefor a summary of other severance tax proposals now in the Senate and House.
NewsClips:
Big Oil, Gas Groups Warn Pennsylvania On Taxes
Corbett Issues Budget Ultimatum To Legislature
Corbett Not Ruling Out Severance Tax
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F6298816-74%2Ftax-corbett-state&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGJz7HP7MMu2ftDr3fR7IEROvFkghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-legislature-budget-0617-20140617%2C0%2C7178349.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJFCWKkV3osaDfhDysf8UqMnuHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fstate-and-regional%2Fbig-oil-and-gas-groups-warn-pennsylvania-on-taxes%2Farticle_44a9aeaa-f8a3-11e3-9f72-0019bb2963f4.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9T0_s0Wqk7y4ApTk4dyPN12QqLAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28775&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_PPtJ0UjyWuXzgtFMeRjdfNj6HQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28775&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_PPtJ0UjyWuXzgtFMeRjdfNj6HQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13789&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGT-SwythxZ2WXdcMCk1qvx8UIYvAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2358&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGTkH21Mg11mhViC-u_n8vwPliuvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F16%2Fdo-not-disturb-what-can-drillers-do-with-new-forest-leases%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQDQyX5YGXZDLsfshrNaReMFMHxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fgreg_vitali_tom_corbett_appeal.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGzHD0hoRylS5uwmrm6refqA3WZFAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F6304409-74%2Ftax-budget-plan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOhiQl6LEg3117ZvoKQ7Gbd8uRzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1459958%2FOTHER-OPINION%3A-EXTRACTION-TAX-Let-shale-drillers-dig-state-out-of-hole&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtYIFp5VOo8ooi1n3oft84UlnPOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-shale-impact-fee-counties-20140617%2C0%2C5363323.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbEVdGcc99f94d5uiQxjq2hteUOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140616_Area_counties__Shale_impact_fees_up_15_5_.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHv5vNaRcEryueKdsuCYEWcug2-UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-legislature-audit-0618-20140618%2C0%2C5726570.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG02WhanFRYGNhsrBhqNyHpbPpCUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpa_budget_secretary_charles_zo_3.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHg0RZYzHudQHL0f-0687ykLayCiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fbudget-remains-just-theoretical-1.1703265&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_NR-ERHSr6ugrj3lEdcOYWAKA7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fno_surprises_here_pennsylvania.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbmExAh49c0KCJC2l_SAkBobMQjAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Flawmakers-preparing-for-july-budget-vote%2Farticle_7807c112-00b4-5547-abb5-de33d30a0783.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqYY_KWLAFCpT2L1OPCzNLOEmFSghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Ftom_corbett_corbett_no-tax_ple.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaZjlLUBQYBLNlxFHwkDRHxoEsuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-state-budget-0616-20140616%2C0%2C4103012.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAfGg8KAcsAdyjNAxvb04QLHuV1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-administration-wont-rule-out-gas-tax-this-year%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEue8i-Q0PDQwfRVAPe6kU3-jPltAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fadminpage%2F6298816-74%2Ftax-corbett-state&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHGJz7HP7MMu2ftDr3fR7IEROvFkghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-legislature-budget-0617-20140617%2C0%2C7178349.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJFCWKkV3osaDfhDysf8UqMnuHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fstate-and-regional%2Fbig-oil-and-gas-groups-warn-pennsylvania-on-taxes%2Farticle_44a9aeaa-f8a3-11e3-9f72-0019bb2963f4.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9T0_s0Wqk7y4ApTk4dyPN12QqLA8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
12/49
Corbett Wont Rule Out Severance Tax
Corbett Grapples With Economics, Politics Of Budget Deficit
Corbetts Tattered No Tax Pledge Could Be Finally Shredded
Lawmakers Preparing For July Budget Vote
No Surprises Here, State Budget Picture Is Bad
State Budget Remains Just TheoreticalBudget Secretary Warns New Taxes May Be Required For Budget
Legislature Sitting On $154 Million Surplus
Philly Area Counties Shale Impact Fees Up 15.5 Percent
Counties Receive Millions In Marcellus Shale Fees
Editorial: Extraction Tax On Natural Gas To Narrow Budget Shortfall
Editorial: PA Budget, Susquehanna Sausage
Corbett Appeals Order To Release State Parks, Forest Drilling Documents
What Can Drillers Do With New State Forest Leases?
Environmental Groups Urge Senate, House To Stop Cuts, Protect Our Land And Water
The Growing Greener Coalition, PA Land Trust Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA,
Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Western PA Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy-PA
Chapter, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Preservation Pennsylvania, HeritagePAand dozens of other
environmental and conservation groups Thursday urged members of the Senate and House to oppose
budget cuts that reduce or eliminate General Fund appropriations to program that protect land, water
and Pennsylvanias heritage.
Other groups and individuals can sign-on to the letter by Clicking Here.
The text of the letter follows
Dear Member of the General Assembly,
We, the undersigned business leaders, educators, elected officials, and organizations, strongly
urge you to protect general and special fund sources in the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year budget for
conservation, recreation, and preservation programs critical to the protection of our land, water and
heritage.
We recognize the budget challenges currently facing the Commonwealth and ask for your
leadership in addressing these challenges without sacrificing core programs that contribute so much to
the economic health and overall well being of Pennsylvania communities.
We oppose cuts that reduce or eliminate General Fund appropriations to programs that protect
our land, water, and heritage - like the Heritage Areas Program.
And while no specific proposals currently threaten the Keystone Recreation, Park and
Conservation Fund, the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, farmland preservation, and
the historic preservation tax credit, we want to emphasize the importance of keeping intact these specialfunds and the investments they make for all Pennsylvania communities.
Now more than ever, Pennsylvania needs to strengthen its investment in local efforts to protect
our open space, preserve our family farms, support parks and recreation, and preserve our historic and
cultural sites.
Pennsylvania communities have had to endure significant cuts to several programs in the past. If
we hope to make real progress in tackling the many environmental challenges facing Pennsylvania, now
is the time to step up our commitment to programs that protect land and water.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2Fissues%2Fgrowing-greener%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYVkmKl6thgHP2CwN7wkJB0XRvXwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keystonefund.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBsSl4c2tRRSIHiV9vNlvK5LqvSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keystonefund.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBsSl4c2tRRSIHiV9vNlvK5LqvSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2Fsign-on-letter%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPo1e_mnaxqjsAjG3GsQbbUqmfRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heritagepa.net%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHd-L5lTm4HK8sEiI1ot6wtKw5PEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.preservationpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtJJSMMpFB52Fn5yWOVQq3pd3sSghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lancasterfarmlandtrust.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWjMgpexs18KgXQEySTwlBPd00Nghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.org%2Fourinitiatives%2Fregions%2Fnorthamerica%2Funitedstates%2Fpennsylvania%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyimqDHrhI-D2P8U4k-96wd314xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.org%2Fourinitiatives%2Fregions%2Fnorthamerica%2Funitedstates%2Fpennsylvania%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyimqDHrhI-D2P8U4k-96wd314xghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwaterlandlife.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Sb2Rxja602LE0iOMashBCPf2XAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fconserveland.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtaj_m3wdUCW3x-H0jsutxDySTlQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzqaFQ5UO57_P-aA2d9NIXq3FzcAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F16%2Fdo-not-disturb-what-can-drillers-do-with-new-forest-leases%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFQDQyX5YGXZDLsfshrNaReMFMHxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fgreg_vitali_tom_corbett_appeal.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGzHD0hoRylS5uwmrm6refqA3WZFAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F6304409-74%2Ftax-budget-plan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFOhiQl6LEg3117ZvoKQ7Gbd8uRzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fotheropinion%2F1459958%2FOTHER-OPINION%3A-EXTRACTION-TAX-Let-shale-drillers-dig-state-out-of-hole&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFtYIFp5VOo8ooi1n3oft84UlnPOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-shale-impact-fee-counties-20140617%2C0%2C5363323.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbEVdGcc99f94d5uiQxjq2hteUOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140616_Area_counties__Shale_impact_fees_up_15_5_.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHv5vNaRcEryueKdsuCYEWcug2-UQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-legislature-audit-0618-20140618%2C0%2C5726570.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG02WhanFRYGNhsrBhqNyHpbPpCUghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpa_budget_secretary_charles_zo_3.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHg0RZYzHudQHL0f-0687ykLayCiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fbudget-remains-just-theoretical-1.1703265&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_NR-ERHSr6ugrj3lEdcOYWAKA7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fno_surprises_here_pennsylvania.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbmExAh49c0KCJC2l_SAkBobMQjAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Flawmakers-preparing-for-july-budget-vote%2Farticle_7807c112-00b4-5547-abb5-de33d30a0783.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqYY_KWLAFCpT2L1OPCzNLOEmFSghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Ftom_corbett_corbett_no-tax_ple.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaZjlLUBQYBLNlxFHwkDRHxoEsuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-state-budget-0616-20140616%2C0%2C4103012.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAfGg8KAcsAdyjNAxvb04QLHuV1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F17%2Fcorbett-administration-wont-rule-out-gas-tax-this-year%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEue8i-Q0PDQwfRVAPe6kU3-jPltA8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
13/49
Consider that:
The Commonwealth has 19,000 miles of rivers and streams that do not meet basic water quality
standards.
More than 2,000 family farms remain on the statewide list for preservation.
Pennsylvania continues to lose more forest, wildlife habitat, farmland and other open spaces to
development than we are able to preserve. Abandoned mines still scar almost 220,000 acres across the Commonwealth and are the cause of
more than 5,000 miles of dead streams.
The investments made by the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, the Growing
Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund, farmland preservation, and historic preservation programs in
conservation, recreation, and preservation are proven to bolster the economy.
For example, a Trust for Public Land study on the Keystone Fund found that for every $1
invested in land and water conservation, $7 in natural goods and services is returned to the state of
Pennsylvania.
Moreover, investments in parks and open space add billions of dollars to property values and
help support Pennsylvanias tourism and recreation industry. A report by the Outdoor Industry
Association indicates that outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania generates $1.6 billion in state and local taxrevenue and supports 219,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.
Lastly, polls show strong, consistent public support for programs that improve our quality of life,
boost the economy and protect the environment throughout Pennsylvania. The Growing Greener
Environment Stewardship Fund, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and the Keystone
Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, which just passed its 20th anniversary, have enjoyed strong,
support from voters, legislators and governors since the beginning.
A survey released June 3rd by Penn State found that more than 97.4 percent of Pennsylvanians
surveyed think that state funds dedicated to protecting rivers and streams conserving open space,
forests, natural areas and wildlife habitats providing parks and trails, and preserving farmland should
continue to be used for these purposes. This figure represented strong bipartisan support, and is up by
five percentage points since 2012.
The survey also found that more than three-quarters of respondents 82.6 percent would
support increasing state funds to address these issues, even if it would cost the average household $10
more annually. This figure is up from 77.7 percent in 2012.
The people of Pennsylvania clearly feel that these programs hold value and must not be
diminished.
The General Assembly rightly rescued the Heritage Areas Program last year, and we urge you
to restore this program and provide $3 million in funding for the program this year. It is a valuable
program that creates jobs and brings business to the region, which generates hundreds of millions of
dollars in state revenues.
We recognize the challenges ahead and look forward to working with you to ensure that fundingfor programs that protect our open space, preserve our family farms, support our parks and trails, and
safeguard our historic treasures remains intact.
Thank you.
Click Herefor a complete list of organizations signing on to the letter.
NewsClips:
Big Oil, Gas Groups Warn Pennsylvania On Taxes
Corbett Issues Budget Ultimatum To Legislature
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-corbett-legislature-budget-0617-20140617%2C0%2C7178349.story&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdJFCWKkV3osaDfhDysf8UqMnuHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcumberlink.com%2Fnews%2Fstate-and-regional%2Fbig-oil-and-gas-groups-warn-pennsylvania-on-taxes%2Farticle_44a9aeaa-f8a3-11e3-9f72-0019bb2963f4.html%3Fcomment_form%3Dtrue&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9T0_s0Wqk7y4ApTk4dyPN12QqLAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpagrowinggreener.org%2Fsign-on-letter%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPo1e_mnaxqjsAjG3GsQbbUqmfRw8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 23, 2014
14/49
Corbett Not Ruling Out Severance Tax
Corbett Wont Rule Out Severance Tax
Corbett Grapples With Economics, Politics Of Budget Deficit
Corbetts Tattered No Tax Pledge Could Be Finally Shredded
Lawmakers Preparing For July Budget Vote
No Surprises Here, State Budget Picture Is BadState Budget Remains Just Theoretical
Budget Secretary Warns New Taxes May Be Required For Budget
Legislature Sitting On $154 Million Surplus
Philly Area Counties Shale Impact Fees Up 15.5 Percent
Counties Receive Millions In Marcellus Shale Fees
Editorial: Extraction Tax On Natural Gas To Narrow Budget Shortfall
Editorial: PA Budget, Susquehanna Sausage
Corbett Appeals Order To Release State Parks, Forest Drilling Documents
What Can Drillers Do With New State Forest Leases?
DEP To Webcast Oil & Gas Advisory Board Meeting Live June 26
DEPs Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Boardis scheduled to meet on June 26 to consider a summary
of comments on the Chapter 78 drilling regulation changes and a conceptual overview of new, draft
changes for a new regulation package covering well drilling standards, operations, plugging and
underground gas storage.
Hayley Book, Director of DEPs Office of Policy, told the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
Tuesday the agency will be webcasting the meeting live as a webinar. Click Herefor more information
on how to register when it becomes available.
Book also told the Council DEP expects to finalize the Chapter 78 regulations in 2015, after
additional consultation with stakeholders.
The meeting will be in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00.
For a copy of available handouts, visit the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Boardwebpage.
NewsClips:
Corbett Not Ruling Out Severance Tax
Corbett Wont Rule Out Severance Tax
Survey: Public Distrusts Gas Industry And Anti-Fracking Film
Editorial: Extraction Tax On Natural Gas To Narrow Budget Shortfall
Big Oil, Gas Groups Warn Pennsylvania On Taxes
Philly Area Counties Shale Impact Fees Up 15.5 Percent
Counties Receive Millions In Marcellus Shale Fees
What Can Drillers Do With New State Forest Leases?Dept. Of Health Employees Say They Were Silenced On Drilling
Gas Driller Fined $192,044 By DEP For Spills
Driller Fined Nearly $200G For 2 Wyoming County Spills
Drilling Company Accuses AG Of Selective Prosecution
Royalty Issues On Back Burner Until Fall
DEP Regulates Allegheny National Forest Oil Wells
Higher Risk Oil, Gas Wells Not Inspected By Feds
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