Pa Environment Digest October 18, 2010

8/8/2019 Pa Environment Digest October 18, 2010

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In

PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa October 18, 2010

Senate Adjourns Before Agreement On Severance Tax, House Coming Back Early

With action on several of Gov. Rendell's key legislative priorities--

transportation funding and alternative energy-- off the table, the

only high profile environmental issue left is action on a proposed

severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production.

What a roller coaster ride this week!

First Senate Republicans refused to meet with the Governor

and House Leaders on Monday-- Columbus Day-- saying coming

back on Tuesday was good enough.

Senate Republicans maintained all week the bill used by the House to pass their version

of the severance tax was unconstitutional and the Senate did not have a vehicle they could use to

send any agreed-to tax package back to the House for final action.

After a meeting Tuesday, Gov. Rendell said the Senate Republican position on the

constitutionality of the House severance tax bill was "bull." Dueling opinions from theLegislative Reference Bureau were trotted out on the issue by both sides.

House Speaker Keith McCall (D-Carbon) said a Legislative Reference Bureau opinion

said the constitutionality problems could be fixed and by the way the Senate had two other

House Bills they could use to get the job done if they wanted-- House Bill 786 (D-George)

establishing a state energy office within DEP orHouse Bill 2235 (Vitali-D-Delaware) putting in

place a three year moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling (never in the Senate).

By Wednesday, after another meeting of Senate and House Leaders and the

Administration, the Governor told the Capitol Press Corps there was progress in the tax talks and

commended Senate Republicans for their willingness to work toward a compromise and "meet in

the middle."

A spokesperson for Senate Republicans was puzzled saying he didn't know what changedbetween Tuesday and Wednesday.

The sides are still very far apart on the tax rate and whether to include the auxiliary issues

the Senate wanted on local government regulation of drilling, well spacing and other

environmental and inspection issues.

Talks between the Senate, House and Rendell Administration are continuing in spite of

the adjournment by the Senate. We were told the Senate does intend to come back to finish
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action on a Marcellus Shale natural gas severance tax when (or if) there is final agreement on a

package. The Senate still has no plans to consider legislation after the election.

The House has already committed to return before the election, if there is an agreement

on the tax.

Late Friday the House announced it would be holding voting session on October 18, and

possibly more days, to vote on House Bill 2497, the pension reform and Independent FiscalOffice bill.

In addition to other pressures, Gov. Rendell is still counting on $70 million from a

severance tax to fill the last hole created by the federal government shortchanging the state on

Medicaid funds, although September revenues pushed up state revenues for the year over $75

million.

Stay tuned to thePA Environment DigestTwitter Instant Updates and PA Environment

Daily Blog for the latest information.

Senate Action On Other Issues

The Senate did take action to pass and send to the Governor bills on alternative energy

production on preserved farmland, blight, local government mergers, electric purchases by

boroughs and encouraging traditional neighborhoods. (seeBills On Governor's Desk)

They also passed and sent back to the House for concurrence bills requiring the recycling

of electronic devices, another bill dealing with alternative energy production on preserved

farmland and passed a bill on the recycling of textbooks. (see Senate/House Bills Moving)

NewsClips: Senate Recess Puts Severance Tax Bill On Hold

Senate Wraps Up, No Proposal For Marcellus Severance Tax

State Jobs Depend On Gas Drilling Tax

Rendell Sees Some Life On Severance Tax Talks

Rendell Hopeful Compromise On Severance Tax Can Be Reached

Rendell, Senate GOP Reach Impasse In Shale Tax Talks

Severance Tax Builds To CliffhangerWould Fees On Shale Drilling Break Corbett's No Tax Pledge?

Rendell: Progress, But No Agreement On Shale Tax

Senate Republicans Propose Natural Gas Severance Tax Rate

Senate Leaders Refuse Call For Holiday Session On Shale Gas Tax

Governor Wants Columbus Day Meeting On Severance Tax

Forced Pooling Won't Become Law Just Yet

$70 Million In Capital Budget Projects Aimed At Marcellus Gas

John Baer: Common Ground Missing From Lawmakers' Lists

Op-Ed: Slow Down On A Shale Tax

Op-Ed: One Chance To Get Marcellus Shale Right

Op-Ed: A Tax On Gas Drilling Should Be An Easy CallEditorial: Compromise On Gas Extraction Tax

Editorial: Get Back To Work On Severance Tax

Editorial: Lots Of Hot Air But No Gas Tax

Editorial: Severance Tax In Everybody's Best Interest

Editorial: Political Gas, But No Tax Revenue

Editorial: State Needs Middle Ground On Marcellus Shale Tax
http://www.twitter.com/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17074http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17075http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_704456.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101015_Pennsylvania_Senate_wraps_up_with_no_proposal_for_tax_on_gas_from_Marcellus_Shale.htmlhttp://www.wgal.com/news/25389186/detail.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/rendell-sees-some-life-on-severance-tax-talks-1.1048335http://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/5217-rendell-hopeful-compromise-on-severance-tax-can-be-reachedhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Rendell__Senate_GOP_reach_impasse_in_Shale_tax_talks_10-13-2010.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/severance-tax-builds-to-cliffhanger-1.1048049http://www.pennlive.com/statehouse/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1286846705240900.xml&coll=1http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_703815.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/5189-pa-senate-republicans-propose-natural-gas-severance-tax-ratehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10281/1093635-100.stmhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/10/gov_ed_rendell_wants_lawmakers_1.htmlhttp://standardspeaker.com/news/forced-pooling-won-t-become-law-just-yet-1.1048456http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_703480.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20101013_John_Baer___Common_ground__is_missing_from_lawmakers__lists.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10284/1094187-109.stmhttp://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/10/11/opinion/doc4cb27f000b773040994475.txthttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101012_A_tax_on_gas_drilling_should_be_an_easy_call.htmlhttp://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_16347403http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/get-back-to-work-on-severance-tax-1.1048931http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/lots-of-hot-air-but-no-gas-tax-1.1047746http://republicanherald.com/opinion/severance-tax-in-everybody-s-best-interest-1.1047136http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/political-gas-but-no-tax-revenue-1.1045834http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/10/goldilocks_approach_state_need.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/10/goldilocks_approach_state_need.htmlhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/political-gas-but-no-tax-revenue-1.1045834http://republicanherald.com/opinion/severance-tax-in-everybody-s-best-interest-1.1047136http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/lots-of-hot-air-but-no-gas-tax-1.1047746http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/get-back-to-work-on-severance-tax-1.1048931http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_16347403http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101012_A_tax_on_gas_drilling_should_be_an_easy_call.htmlhttp://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2010/10/11/opinion/doc4cb27f000b773040994475.txthttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10284/1094187-109.stmhttp://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20101013_John_Baer___Common_ground__is_missing_from_lawmakers__lists.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_703480.htmlhttp://standardspeaker.com/news/forced-pooling-won-t-become-law-just-yet-1.1048456http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/10/gov_ed_rendell_wants_lawmakers_1.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10281/1093635-100.stmhttp://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/5189-pa-senate-republicans-propose-natural-gas-severance-tax-ratehttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_703815.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/statehouse/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1286846705240900.xml&coll=1http://thetimes-tribune.com/severance-tax-builds-to-cliffhanger-1.1048049http://www.timesleader.com/news/Rendell__Senate_GOP_reach_impasse_in_Shale_tax_talks_10-13-2010.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/news/regional-and-state/5217-rendell-hopeful-compromise-on-severance-tax-can-be-reachedhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/rendell-sees-some-life-on-severance-tax-talks-1.1048335http://www.wgal.com/news/25389186/detail.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101015_Pennsylvania_Senate_wraps_up_with_no_proposal_for_tax_on_gas_from_Marcellus_Shale.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_704456.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17075http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=17074http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/http://www.twitter.com/


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Editorial: Severance Tax In Taxpayers' Best Interest

Editorial: PA Needs The Severance Fee

Editorial: Meet In Middle On Marcellus Tax

Editorial: Legislative Finger Pointing

Editorial: Taxpayers Get Drilled Again

Drillers' Campaign Contributions Draw ConcernGroups Say Corbett Received Most Natural Gas Campaign Money

Growing Greener Coalition: We All Lose If Severance Tax Not Adopted

Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing

Greener Coalition, released this statement encouraging

action on the severance tax--

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition has been advocating for substantial revenue from a

severance tax to be allocated to the Environmental Stewardship Fund and Renewing Growing

Greener.Growing Greener has transformed Pennsylvania by empowering communities, non-profit

groups and citizens to protect working farms and special places, clean up rivers and streams,

create and improve parks and trails, and revitalize cities and towns.

A recent Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report shows that Growing Greener

is running out of money. We cannot allow the depletion of the Growing Greener funds to

occur, said Heath. If it does, the consequences will be felt across the entire state and for many

years to come.

Heath stated, A month ago I said, Our policy makers must make passing a severance

tax their highest priority. Now, the urgency is even greater. The Renew Growing Greener

Coalition urges the General Assembly and Governor to enact a severance tax and invest asubstantial part of the revenues in our natural resources thus enhancing the quality of life of our

communities.

The Senate, House and Governor have a responsibility to follow through on their

commitment to adopt a severance tax. Now is the time to take politics out of this discussion and

focus on protecting Pennsylvanias most treasured places.

Where there is a will, there is a way. We have all been in Harrisburg long enough to

know that anything is possible there is no time for excuses, name calling or political posturing.

Now is the time to come together. Now is the time to stand up for Pennsylvania, to stand up for

the environment, and to stand up for our future by taking the first step to Renewing Growing

Greener through passage of a fair and reasonable severance tax. If a severance tax is not adopted

this week, it will not matter who is to blame because we will all lose.

Did You Know You Can Search Nearly 6 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search nearly 6 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on

dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.
http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/severance-tax-in-taxpayers-best-interest-1.1046240http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/10/09/opinion/columns/column110.txthttp://www.timesleader.com/opinion/Meet_in_middle_on_Marcellus_tax_10-08-2010.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/10/what_will_be_part_of_legislato.htmlhttp://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101014/NEWS04/10140305http://www.timesleader.com/news/Drillers_rsquo__bucks_draw_concern_10-14-2010.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/10/groups_say_pennsylvania_attorn.htmlhttp://renewgrowinggreener.org/http://renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/search.asphttp://renewgrowinggreener.org/http://renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2010/10/groups_say_pennsylvania_attorn.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drillers_rsquo__bucks_draw_concern_10-14-2010.htmlhttp://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101014/NEWS04/10140305http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2010/10/what_will_be_part_of_legislato.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/opinion/Meet_in_middle_on_Marcellus_tax_10-08-2010.htmlhttp://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2010/10/09/opinion/columns/column110.txthttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/severance-tax-in-taxpayers-best-interest-1.1046240


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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest aswell as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Important Change- Session Schedule

Note: Late Friday the House announced it would be holding voting session days October 18 and

possible more days to vote on House Bill 2497, the pension reform and Independent Fiscal

Office bill.

We were told earlier the Senate does intend to come back to finish action on a Marcellus

Shale natural gas severance tax when (or if) there is final agreement on a package. The Senate

still has no plans to consider legislation after the election.The House had already committed to return before the election, if there is an agreement

on the tax.

Senate Session

November 17 (Ceremonial Session to Elect an Interim President Pro Tempore)

House Session

October 18, (New, Possibly more days)

November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16

Calendars

House (October 18): House Bill 80 (Vitali-D-Delaware) expanding the Alternative Energy

Portfolio Standards and authorizing a carbon sequestration network; House Bill 894 (Phillips-R-

Northumberland) establishing a Lyme Disease Task Force and assigning responsibilities to the

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources without funding; House Bill

2405 (DePasquale-D-York) which would increase the solar mandate provisions of the

Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and provide for carbon sequestration facilities; House
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Bill 2619 (Preston-D-Allegheny) further providing for municipal aggregation of electric

generation supply; House Resolution 864 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) memorializing Congress to pass

the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act.

Senate (November 17): All bills remaining on the Senate Calendar were Tabled prior to

adjournment.

Committees

House: the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus shale

environmental issues in Phoenixville.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week (but will go nowhere)--

Conservation Districts: House Bill 2771 (Boback-R-Columbia) PA Conservation DistrictDelegated Oversight Act designating conservation districts as the primary agency for reviewing

erosion and sedimentation control permits.

Compressor Station Plan: House Bill 2772 (Sonney-R-Erie) requiring a natural gas

compressor station plan as part of the operator's permit application.

Drilling Damages: Senate Bill 1486 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) amending the Oil and Gas

Act to require disclosure to the landowner by gas companies the landowner may be liable for

damages done to other properties as a result of gas drilling.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bill was given final action by the General Assembly and is now on the Governor's

Desk for action--

Capital Budget: House Bill 2291 (D.Evans-D-Philadelphia) 2010-2011 Capital Budget projects

bill.

Neighborhoods: House Bill 1609 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) amending the Municipalities Planning

Code further defining traditional neighborhood development.

Borough Electric Purchases: Senate Bill 168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further authorizing

electric purchases by boroughs.

Energy Production On Farmland: Senate Bill 298 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amends the Farmland

and Forest Land Assessment Act to allow the splitting off of preserved farm and forest lands

used for alternative energy systems and natural gas and coal bed methane.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2619http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sInd=0&body=H&type=R&bn=864http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2771http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2772http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1486http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2291http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1609http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0168http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0298http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0168http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1609http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2291http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1486http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2772http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=2771http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sInd=0&body=H&type=R&bn=864http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2619


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Blight: Senate Bill 900 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) establishing the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation

and Revitalization Act.

Local Government Merger: Senate Bill 1429 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) further providing for the

merger and consolidations of local governments.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

Senate

Neighborhoods: House Bill 1609 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) amending the Municipalities Planning

Code further defining traditional neighborhood development was passed by the Senate without

amendment and now goes to the Governor for his action.

"Traditional neighborhood development, or TND, is a better way to develop than sprawl

which eats up our farmland and creates traffic congestion nightmares," said Rep. Freeman. "Not

only does a TND use less land, it is also pedestrian-friendly and provides for a mix of uses and

housing options that foster a greater sense of community than conventional suburban

developments. Because a TND creates an actual village or neighborhood rather than a

subdivision, it reduces dependence on cars to meet everyday needs."

Energy Production On Farmland: Senate Bill 298 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amends the Farmland

and Forest Land Assessment Act to allow the splitting off of preserved farm and forest lands

used for alternative energy systems and natural gas and coal bed methane was reported from the

Senate Rules Committee and was passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor forhis action.

"I am pleased this important legislation has passed the Legislature and I am hopeful the

Governor will sign it quickly so we it can get it on the books ," Sen. Yaw said. "Farmers and

landowners need this bill to become law because it provides counties across the state with a

consistent interpretation of the Clean and Green Program. Ultimately, it will alleviate the

financial pressure of having to pay roll-back taxes, interest and penalties on entire properties

especially before any royalty payments are made to the property owner."

Blight: Senate Bill 900 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) establishing the Neighborhood Blight Reclamation

and Revitalization Act was reported from the Senate Rules Committee and was passed by the

Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action."I introduced Senate Bill 900 to carry on the efforts of my predecessor, Senator Jim

Rhoades," Sen. Argall said. "This bill will strengthen current law to identify property owners of

blighted buildings and hold them responsible for the costs to rehabilitate or demolish these

structures. Today, I was pleased to join with my colleagues in finally sending this bill to the

Governor."
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"Senate Bill 900 is an important victory for communities affected by an aging

infrastructure and absentee property owners," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-

Delaware). "This bipartisan comprehensive measure brings certainty to dealing with abandoned

and blighted property, and substantially improves how communities can address these issues."

Borough Electric Purchases: Senate Bill 168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further authorizingelectric purchases by boroughs was reported from the Senate Rules Committee and was passed

by the Senate. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

"Rising energy costs are one of the primary concerns for many consumers, so it is very

important to give boroughs the ability to negotiate power supply agreements that will benefit

members of their community," Sen. Brubaker said. "This bill would give municipalities another

option to reduce energy costs for residents."

Local Government Merger: Senate Bill 1429 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) further providing for the

merger and consolidations of local governments was reported from the Senate Rules Committee

and was passed by the Senate. It now goes to the Governor for his action.

Electronics Recycling: House Bill 708 (Ross-R-Chester) requiring electronics recycling funded

by industry fees was amended and passed by the Senate 48 to 1. It now returns to the House for

a concurrence vote.

Farm Energy: House Bill 1394 (Houghton-D-Chester) relating to splitting off farm and forest

land under preferential assessment for alternative energy production was amended and reported

from the Senate Appropriations Committee and was passed by the Senate. It now returns to the

House for a concurrence vote.

"My proposal will help strengthen Pennsylvania's homegrown energy production by

providing a major boost to the wind and solar industries and thereby propelling us closer toenergy independence," Rep. Houghton said. "Like my bill to make Pennsylvania the 21st 'solar

access' state in the country, which currently awaits Senate action, this bill will help create green

jobs. Further, it will provide an additional revenue source to help farmers to continue to farm on

their land."

Recycling Textbooks: Senate Bill 1379 (Musto-D-Luzerne) requiring the recycling of college

textbooks was passed by the Senate. It now goes to the House for consideration.

Land Banks: House Bill 712 (J.Taylor-R-Philadelphia) further providing for the creation of

urban land banks was amended and reported from the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing

Committee and then referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Stormwater Funding: Senate Bill 1422 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing PennVEST to fund

non-point source management projects including specifically urban stormwater projects

and House Bill 2591 (George-D-Clearfield) authorizing PennVEST to fund non-point source

management projects including specifically urban stormwater projects were Tabled.
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News From The Capitol

Senate Committee Hears Revised Homeland Security Plan From Rendell Administration

At a follow-up hearing this week, Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency

Preparedness Committee heard from Steven Crawford, Gov. Rendell'sChief of Staff, on revised plans for collecting and evaluating information

on possible terrorist threats in the Commonwealth.

The Committee hearing was the second in response to news

accounts in late Septemberdocumenting instances where opponents to

Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling were included in state Office of

Homeland Security alerts as possible terrorist threats.

Crawford said the Rendell Administration would be creating in-

house capability to identify and evaluate intelligence on possible threats in

the future along the model of the existing PA Criminal Intelligence Center and working in close

cooperation with other state and federal law enforcement officials.

"The subject before this committee is not an easy one," said Crawford as he addressed the

Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. "In today's world it seems that

all of us struggle with this question: How do we protect our people from those who would do us

harm and, at the same time, protect the rights and freedoms that make us a special nation to begin

with?"

In his remarks, Crawford said he has, at the Governor's direction, conducted a thorough

analysis of the state's intelligence operations. Throughout that process, the guiding questions

were: how can the Commonwealth create an in-house capability to obtain credible and useful

intelligence on situations that pose a real threat; how can it establish an information sharing

scheme that ensures intelligence reaches those who need to know in a timely and useful manner;

and how can it build on existing structures and partnerships to facilitate real-timecommunications without being hindered by bureaucracy.

"We already have a working model for doing this, and that is the Pennsylvania Criminal

Intelligence Center," said Crawford. "PACIC provides strategic analytical support. Its analysts

routinely monitor available information related to various criminal organizations and threat

groups. Ongoing assessments of their activities can be provided to law enforcement managers

and investigators."

Crawford said from this point on, the Rendell administration is going to augment the

resources already dedicated to PACIC to collect and examine non-law enforcement information,

as well. The administration is also recommending that the commonwealth hire four new analysts

and one supervisor dedicated exclusively to non-criminal intelligence gathering, concentrating

on situational awareness and critical asset protection pursuant to state and federal mandates.PACIC currently has a staff of 28. The FBI, federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms,

the state Department of Corrections, and the state Attorney General also maintain staff at

PACIC.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania

State Police will establish intelligence information-sharing protocols.
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The plan unveiled today is in response to a comprehensive review of the state's

intelligence work in the wake of Gov. Rendell's order to end a contractual agreement with the

Institute for Terrorism Research and Response, which had been supplying the state Office of

Homeland Security with information.

"It is now well-established and all agree that the ITRR bulletins went too far," said

Crawford. "Neither I nor anyone else in the Governor's office was briefed on the breadth anddepth of concern that State Police and other law enforcement entities had with respect to the

bulletins. The ITRR contract, however misused, was entered into legally and with good

intentions. Unfortunately, the content of the bulletins rendered them of marginal value,

inflammatory and hurtful, if not harmful."

Crawford also added that Col. Jim Powers, the former director of the state Office of

Homeland Security, should not be made a scapegoat for the concerns raised by the bulletins.

"Col. Powers spent 30 years defending our country in places and in ways that few have

the courage to do. His resignation was but a final acknowledgement that the function of

homeland security is too important to be compromised by distractions involving one individual

and his error in judgment," said Crawford.

Copies of testimony and a video of the hearing are available online.Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Sen.

Lawrence Farnese (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClips: PA To Do Terrorism Monitoring Internally

New Hires to Boost State Anti-Terror Efforts

Rendell Aide Can't Recall Reading Terror Alerts

Rendell To Overhaul Intelligence Gathering

Rendell To Bring Intelligence Gathering In-House

Controversial Terror Contractor Has Another Contract In Southeast

Rep. Ross Named To EPA Environmental Advisory Committee

Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) has been appointed by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency to serve on the agency's Local

Government Advisory Committee. The 30-member committee provides

advice to the EPA on environmental issues affecting communities.

Rep. Ross, who serves as Republican chairman of the House Urban

Affairs Committee and as a member of the House Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee, is one of 30 new state, local and tribal

officials from around the country to be named to the committee.

Members assist the EPA in finding innovative solutions to a variety

of environmental issues including climate change, air and water quality, and ways to clean upcommunities.

"I have always had a strong commitment to protecting the environment," said Rep. Ross.

"It is an honor and a privilege to play a role on this nationwide panel and to participate in finding

common solutions to environmental problems that are affecting communities all across the

country."

The Local Government Advisory Committee, in existence since 1993, is comprised of

elected and appointed officials, representatives of environmental interest groups and labor.
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News From Around The State

Academy Of Natural Sciences: Marcellus Shale Needs Scientific Study To Set Guidelines

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia is calling for acomprehensive research plan that would result in guidelines and an

assessment tool for regulators and managers in order to minimize

the environmental impact of Marcellus Shale gas drilling.

"At this time, there is very little information available as to

the impacts of long-term exposure of a watershed to Marcellus

Shale drilling activities," said Dr. David Velinsky, vice president

of the Academy's Patrick Center for Environmental Research. "Nor do we know if there is a

cumulative impact of drilling activity on the ecosystem services of a small watershed."

Preliminary research by Academy scientists and a University of Pennsylvania graduate

student shows the environmental impact of drilling may be directly related to the amount of

drilling in a specific area, referred to as the "density" of drilling.

"The question that needs to be addressed is whether there is a threshold point past which

a certain amount of drilling activity has an impact on the ecological health and services of the

watershed -- regardless of how carefully drilling is conducted," Velinsky said.

In the preliminary research conducted this summer, scientists examined small watersheds

in northeastern Pennsylvania -- three in which there had been no drilling, three with some

drilling and three with a high density of drilling. At each site, they tested the water, abundance of

certain sensitive insects, and abundance of salamanders. The presence of salamanders is

particularly important because amphibians are especially vulnerable to changes in the

environment.

For each of the measures, there was a significant difference between high-density drillinglocations and locations with no drilling or less drilling. The studies showed that water

conductivity (which indicates the level of contamination) was almost twice as high in the high

density sites as the other sites, and the number of both sensitive insects and salamanders were

reduced by 25 percent.

"This suggests there is indeed a threshold at which drilling -- regardless of how it is

practiced -- will have a significant impact on an ecosystem," Velinsky said. "Conversely, it also

suggests there may be lower densities of drilling at which ecological impact cannot be detected."

Velinsky stressed that the data is preliminary and that a larger, more comprehensive study

must be done before definitive conclusions can be drawn. The Academy has applied to the

Department of Environmental Protection to fund such a study.

Visit the Academy's Marcellus Shale webpage for more information.NewsClips: Academy Of Natural Sciences: Drilling Threatens Streams

Early Study Shows Dense Drilling Impacts Watersheds

Drilling's Effect On Streams Eyed

EQB Adopts New Gas Well Construction Standards To Prevent Gas Migration
http://www.ansp.org/http://www.ansp.org/about/news/marcellus-shale.phphttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101012_Philly_academy_study_finds_gas_drilling_threatens_streams.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/early-study-shows-dense-drilling-impacts-watersheds-1.1047935http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_704182.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_704182.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/early-study-shows-dense-drilling-impacts-watersheds-1.1047935http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101012_Philly_academy_study_finds_gas_drilling_threatens_streams.htmlhttp://www.ansp.org/about/news/marcellus-shale.phphttp://www.ansp.org/


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The Environmental Quality Board this week approved, by a 14-1 vote, a proposed set of

regulatory improvements that will make natural gas wells in Pennsylvania significantly safer by

making them subject to more stringent construction standards.

The proposed oil and gas well cementing and casing requirements will help prevent

natural gas from migrating from a well, which has been associated with contaminated water

supplies and adverse impacts to public health and safety.Additionally, the new rules will require drillers to report production and waste volumes

electronically and to submit a detailed report of the chemicals they use to hydraulically fracture

wells.

"The EQB's actions will strengthen our regulations significantly, making them as strong

as any in the country," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger.

"They will lead to a decline in the number of incidents and problems we have experienced

related to gas migration."

The board approved the proposed rulemaking in May. During a subsequent 30-day public

comment period and after five scheduled public hearings, the board received nearly 2,000 public

comments, the majority of which were supportive. DEP also met with numerous oil and gas

operators, industry groups and environmental groups to discuss the regulations in detail.The department used the public's input to make several important changes to the

regulations, which further improved the well design requirements to prevent gas migration

incidents, including:

-- A provision that requires operators to have a pressure barrier plan to minimize well control

events;

-- A provision that requires operators to condition the wellbore to ensure an adequate bond

between the cement, casing and the formation;

-- Provisions that require the use of centralizers to ensure casings are properly positioned in the

wellbore; and

-- A provision that improves the quality of the cement placed in the casing that protects freshgroundwater.

In addition to these important provisions, the EQB-approved regulations will require

operators to keep a list of emergency contact phone numbers at the well site and specify what

actions an operator must take in the event of a gas migration incident. It also includes amended

provisions that clarify how and when blow-out prevention equipment is to be installed and

operated.

The next steps in the regulatory review process are review by the Independent Regulatory

Review Commission scheduled for November 18, and the House and Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committees.

If approved by IRRC and the standing committees, the final step in the regulatory review

process is review by the Attorney General's office.Once all reviews and approvals are obtained, the regulations will go into effect upon

publication in the PA Bulletin.

A copy of the final rule is available on the Environmental Quality Board meeting

webpage.

NewsClip: Gas Drillers Must Adhere To New Rules

Nominations Now Being Accepted For DCNR's 2011 River Of The Year
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The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Organization for Watersheds

and Rivers are now accepting nominations for DCNR's 2011 River of the Year recognition. This

year nominations will be accepted from the Ohio River Basin.

Nominations are due October 30.

A local organization must take a leadership role in celebrating the river, includingcommittin to a 1-2 day Sojourn and a series of events throughout the year. That organization will

receive a $10,000 grant to support those efforts, and additional funding is available for the

Sojourn.

To nominate your river, go to the River of the Year nominations webpage and enter in

your rivers information.

The winner will be selected in November, so get your nominations in now!

Click here to learn more about DCNRRivers Conservation Programs.

Friends Of Wissahickon Set Water Quality Program For November 4

The Friends of the Wissahickon is offering a free lecture on Water Quality in the Wissahickon byJohn K. Jackson on November 4 at Valley Green Inn. The lecture starts at 6:30 p.m. with a wine

and cheese reception to follow.

Jackson is a Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research Centerand a

member of the adjunct faculty of the University of Delaware and the University of Pennsylvania.

His recent projects include studies of aquatic insects, influences on the genetic structure of

stream organisms, aquatic insect ecology, and the Schuylkill River Project, a water quality

monitoring project conducted from 1996 to 2007. He was a Fulbright Senior Scholar in 1998.

Valley Green Inn is located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. RSVP to

this event by sending email to: [email protected] or call 215-247-0417 ext 104. Spaces are

limited.

Reminder: EPA Public Meetings On Chesapeake Bay TMDL This Week

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold four public meetings in Pennsylvania next

week to discuss the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) a strict pollution

diet to restore local waters and the Chesapeake Bay.

EPA released the draft Bay TMDL on September 24 and is holding public meetings

throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed during a public comment period that ends November

8.

The public meetings will be held in Lancaster, State College, Williamsport and Ashley,

Pa. The meeting in Williamsport will be broadcast live on-line via webinar.The meetings are:

-- October 18, 2-4 p.m., Best Western Eden Resort, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster;

-- October 19, 2-4 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 850 Stratford Drive, State College;

-- October 20, 2-4 p.m., Lycoming College, Wendle Hall, 700 College Place, Williamsport (Also

broadcast live online as webinar); and

-- October 21, 2-4 p.m., Bentleys, 2300 Route 309, Ashley.

Meeting and webinar details on Chesapeake Bay TMDL website.
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Northeast Environmental Partners Recognize 2010 Award Recipients

The Northeast Environmental Partners this week recognized the seven winners of the

Environmental Partnership Awards and the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership

Award at their annual awards dinner in Wilkes-Barre.The recipients of the Environmental Partnership Awards for 2010 are:

-- Field Habitat Partnership at Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County: Field Habitat

Partnership is being honored for their work to restore more than 60 acres of old fields located

within Nescopeck State Park in Butler Township, Luzerne County in an area known as the old

Hoda Farm.

-- Susan Gallagher, Chief Naturalist, Carbon County Environmental Education Center

(CCEEC), Carbon County: Gallagher is being honored for her work as the planner, teacher and

coordinator of all the environmental educational activities at the CCEEC. Gallagher has been

with the CCEEC since 1988 and became the Chief Naturalist in 1998.

-- Keystone Active Zone Passport Program, Luzerne County: The Keystone Active Zone

Passport Program is being honored for its successful efforts at inspiring thousands of LuzerneCounty residents to get outside and be active. In 2009, the Passport Program had 915

participants and currently has 605 people registered for the 2010 program.

-- Ryan Koch, Natural Resource Conservation Service Coordinator, Lackawanna County: Koch

is being honored for his work and achievements in bringing together partners, organizations and

individuals to work on a variety of environmental projects including native grasses, bio-fuels and

sustainable energy.

-- Don Miller, Technology Instructor at Clear Run Elementary Center, Monroe County: Miller is

being honored for his efforts to preserve Monroe Countys natural resources via his career as an

educator as well as his numerous other activities.

-- Schuylkill County Sportsman Association, Schuylkill County: The Schuylkill CountySportsman Association is being honored for their activities to protect and manage the fish and

wildlife habitat of Schuylkill County.

-- Dr. Jerry M. Skinner, Susquehanna County: Dr. Skinner is being honored for his outstanding

achievements as a professor of biology at Keystone College, educator for the Keystone College

Environmental Education Institute and the resident Naturalist and Volunteer Steward at the

Nature Conservancys Woodbourne Forest and Wildlife Sanctuary in Susquehanna County.

In addition to his work as a Biology Professor at Keystone College, Dr. Skinner teaches a

variety of courses including the Flora and Fauna of Pennsylvania (created by Dr. Skinner) for

teachers enrolled in the Keystone College Environmental Education Institute, conducts nature

education and natural history activities in partnership with Lackawanna State Park, Salt Springs

State Park and Endless Mountains Nature Center, conducts aquatic fauna studies in the AckerlyCreek Watershed and lead the Eco Club at Keystone College.

Thomas P. Shelburne Award

The Sixteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award will be

presented this year to Tim Herd, Monroe County.

Herd is being honored for his dedication to providing environmental education and

promoting community collaboration for the benefit of the environment in Northeastern

Pennsylvania for over the last 30 years.


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With the RMCs management team, more than 20 companies were coordinated to donate

recycled content building products and materials management services to the project, while more

than 300 organizations participated in the entire build.

Building products included manufacturing ingredients of steel, paper, aluminum, glass,

plastic, compost, soil, and rubber sourced from Pennsylvania recycling collections.

In addition, through RMCs integrated materials management solution, of the 99.0 tons ofdebris generated in the project, the team results include:

-- 65.93 percent of the materials generated were reused or recycled;

-- 25.07 percent of the materials were recovered for alternative energy generation; and

-- 9.0 percent of the materials were disposed.

For illustration, the weight of the reused, recycled, and recovered materials in the project,

90.09 tons, is approximately equal to the weight of one Boeing 757 Aircraft. It is estimated that

more than 40,000 spectators and 2,500 volunteers working three shifts contributed to this project

during a seven-day period, gaining front-line exposure to use of recycled content building

products and services.

For more information, visit the PA Recycling Markets Centerwebsite.

Western PA Conservancy Gardens, Others Win 2010 Community Greening Awards

Fourteen community gardens planted and maintained by volunteers

and staff of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy have received

2010 Community Greening Awards from the Pennsylvania

Horticultural Society.

The Community Greening Award recognizes businesses,

municipalities, civic associations, community groups, garden clubs

and individuals across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware

who have created and maintained public green spaces that enhance their communities.Drawing 84 nominations this year, the program honors 61 recipients at award ceremonies

in Pittsburgh on October 10 and in Philadelphia on November 7.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is the producer of the Philadelphia International

Flower Show and the renowned urban greening program Philadelphia Green.

Studies show quality green spaces enhance the health, beauty and economic vitality of

an area, said Drew Becher, president of PHS. This award represents a mark of excellence. We

congratulate all of the Community Greening Award participants for the impact they have made

in their communities.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancys award-winning gardens are:

-- Route 8 and Kittanning Street Etna, Allegheny County;

-- Columbus Avenue and Fulton Avenue Manchester, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;-- Forbes Avenue at Carnegie Museum Oakland, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;

-- S. Aiken Avenue and Centre Avenue Shadyside, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;

-- Spring Garden Avenue and Vinial Street Spring Garden, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County;

-- Kennedy Avenue and Brodhead Road Aliquippa, Beaver County;

-- 11th Street and Penn Avenue Tyrone, Blair County;

-- 15th Street and Lincoln Avenue Tyrone, Blair County;

-- Route 322 Triangle, Meadville Crawford County;
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-- 7th Street and Forster Street Harrisburg, Dauphin County;

-- Route 119 and Pittsburgh Street Connellsville, Fayette County;

-- 93 E. High Street Hooper Park, Waynesburg, Greene County;

-- Route 286 and Indian Springs Road Indiana, Indiana County; and

-- Route 30 at Greengate Road Greensburg, Westmoreland County.

Spaces were judged on a host of criteria, including variety of plant material, maintenance,design, visual appeal and use of space. Though these landscapes were not competing against

each other, it was the task of the committee to determine which plantings deserved PHS

recognition. Each group will receive a framed certificate along with a sign to display in the

garden.

Other sites recognized across the state included Philadelphias Germantown Friends

School, which showed great sustainable practices and maintains two green roofs; Johnstown,

Pa.s Kernville Community Garden, which brought neighbors together; Venetia, Pa.s historic

Enoch Wright House; Gettysburg Pa.s Lincoln Square, outfitted with hanging baskets and

beautiful plantings; Boyertown, Pa.s Sandy Neiman Cancer Center; Lewes Del.s Gateway

Garden; and several gorgeous traffic islands across Pennsylvania.

For a full list of winners, please visit the PHS website. Visit the Western PennsylvaniaConservancy community gardens webpage to volunteer and see other garden projects in western

Pennsylvania.

DCNR Invests $23 Million To Improve Recreation, Conservation Opportunities In 65

Counties

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the award of more than $23

million for 189 conservation and recreation projects in 65 counties.

"The health and vitality of our communities is reflected in the quality of their parks and

trails, access to rivers, open spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities," said DCNR SecretaryJohn Quigley. "This round of grants will fund almost 200 projects to help preserve and enhance

those natural amenities."

Funding for the grants comes primarily from DCNR's Keystone Fund, which is generated

from a portion of the realty transfer tax and the Growing Greener program.

"DCNR put a significant effort into 'greening' the grant program this year. Part of the

selection process included scoring applications based on a number of green criteria, and this

focus clearly had an impact on applications from across the state," Secretary Quigley said.

"Generally, the applications included green construction materials; provisions for more trees;

green stormwater handling technologies; and more surfaces that water can pass through.

"Many of the funded facilities are close-to-home for many people, requiring less driving

and expense to experience. That's a big benefit of the 'staycation' trend," Secretary Quigleyadded.

In keeping with the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, 39 of the grants were

awarded to trail projects. Eighty four percent of Pennsylvanians responded that walking was their

number-one recreational activity in a recent survey. Additionally, more than 90 grants will be

used to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities.
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The grants announced today will also help to protect critical habitat, preserve open space,

and create or upgrade community parks for active recreation. In total, 27 grants were awarded to

acquire more than 2,200 acres of land.

Finally, two grants will help develop iPhone applications that promote tourism, three

grants will develop skate parks, and two grants will develop dog parks.

Combined, projects benefiting from the state's $23 million in grants account for a totalinvestment of more than $76 millionor nearly three-and-a-half times more than the state's

commitments. The additional funds come from local, county and private investments.

"As in previous years, the demand for these grants was higher than the money we had

available, and we were unable to fund 177 applications," Secretary Quigley said. "The number of

applicants we cannot fund next year will be even greater, as one of our primary funding

sourcesthe Growing Greener II bond fundwill be depleted."

A complete list of grants by county is available online. Visit the Community

Conservation Partnerships webpage for more information on DCNR grants.

NewsClip:NE Gets $1.7 Million Conservation, Recreation Grants

PEC, POWR Receive DCNR Funding For Trails, EACs And Establishing Meadows

FourPA Environmental Council and PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers received

funding from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the latest round of

Community Conservation Partnership grants. The projects include--

-- $50,000 to lead the implementation of the Statewide Comprehensive Recreation Plan goal to

promote, create and encourage the strategic engagement of Environmental Advisory Councils

(EAC) in Pennsylvania, support the EAC Network addressing priority issues including:

stormwater management, green building & energy, open space preservation and recreation

opportunities. Jonathan D. Meade, 717-230-8044.

-- $25,000.00 to provide education and outreach to communities and Environmental Advisory

Councils by benchmarking best management practices for meadow establishment and

maintenance in municipal parks. Four specific meadow test sites will be developed as case

studies in Whitemarsh and Upper Dublin townships. Mindy Lemoine, 215-592-7020.

-- $100,000 to prepare a master site development plan and conceptual design for the

development of approximately 2.2 miles of trail on Spring Garden Street connecting the East

Coast Greenway through downtown Philadelphia to the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware

River Trail. Spencer Finch, 215-592-7020.

In addition, the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers received funding to continue

Pennsylvania's exciting sojourn program to promote 2011 River of the Year activities and

administer a mini-grant program for river conservation organizations to conduct river awareness

and sojourns. Jonathan D. Meade, 717-230-8044.

Latest Natural Biodiversity Newsletter Now Online, Annual Meeting Oct. 27
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/indexlist.aspxhttps://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grantshttps://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grantshttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Area_gets__1_7_million_conservation__recreation_grants_10-14-2010.htmlhttp://www.pecpa.org/http://pawatersheds.org/http://pawatersheds.org/http://www.pecpa.org/http://www.timesleader.com/news/Area_gets__1_7_million_conservation__recreation_grants_10-14-2010.htmlhttps://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grantshttps://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/grantshttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/grants/indexlist.aspx


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Natural Biodiversity now has available the latest edition of its newsletterthe Leaflet. This issue

highlights the October 27 annual meeting of Natural Biodiversity, an overview of the group's

outdoor classroom initiative and much more.

Annual Meeting

The first ever Natural Biodiversity Annual Meeting will take place on October 27 at the

group's new office at 539 Park Ave, in the Moxham neighborhood of Johnstown. The meetingwill be held from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

Since the meeting is close to Halloween, costumes are encouraged! The fee for attending

the annual meeting will be $35 and will cover local food and 2 beverage tickets as well as a one

year 2011 membership to Natural Biodiversity and distinction as a Founding Member. The

meeting will include networking, dinner, a business meeting, a program speaker, and door

prizes.

If you do plan to attend we ask you to please RSVP by sending email to:

[email protected] October 20.

Outdoor Classroom Initiative

Natural Biodiversity is teaming up with the Department of Environmental Protection to

offer a school the opportunity to construct an outdoor classroom learning facility on their schoolgrounds. The Outdoor Classroom Initiative will offer students first hand experiential education

in current environmental issues that are affecting Pennsylvania and the Earth.

In order to be chosen by Natural Biodiversity to receive assistance in creating the outdoor

classroom the school would first have to meet the criteria put forward by Natural Biodiversity.

By participating in the Outdoor Classroom Initiative your school will be promoting

environmental awareness, habitat management, healthy living, and outdoor recreation, all while

providing a full bodied curriculum. Your school will also become a leader in environmental

education and an example for other schools across Pennsylvania to follow.

One school within Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset, or Westmoreland County

will be chosen to develop the outdoor classroom facility.If you are an educator within one of the counties listed and would like more information,

please contact Natural Biodiversity send email to: [email protected] with the

subject: Outdoor Classroom Initiative.

Natural Biodiversity is a nonprofit program created to control invasive, non-native plants

and to restore native plants within the Allegheny Mountains' rivers and streams.

Click here to read the newsletter.

Raptor Migration In Central Pennsylvania Presentation Nov. 2 In State College

The ClearWater Conservancy is hosting an Adventure in Conservation program entitled, "Raptor

Migration in Central Pennsylvania" on November 2 starting at 7:00 p.m. at Centre FurnaceMansion in State College.

Nick Bolgiano and Greg Grove, two local, experienced birders and authors will present

from their recently published book, Birds of Central Pennsylvania. Come and join us for an

interactive photo-filled presentation covering: unique aspects of raptor migration in our area;

Stone Mountain and Jacks Mountain hawk watches; golden eagle migration; and raptor

identification during migration.
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Please RSVP by November 1 so we can plan for refreshments to Sarah at ClearWater

Conservancy 814-237-0400 or send email to: [email protected].

For more information, visit the ClearWater Conservancy Events webpage.

Hawk And Hike Day At Waggoner's Gap Set For October 30

The Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and Audubon Pennsylvania are hosting a Hawk and Hike

Day at Waggoner's Gap on October 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Cumberland-Perry

county border north of Carlisle on Route 74.

Visit the Cliff Jones Field Station at Waggoner's Gap to learn more about hawk and

raptor migration.

For more information, contact Amy Weidensaul by sending email to:

[email protected].

Trail Ambassadors Lead Fall Walks In The Wissahickon Watershed

The Friends of the Wissahickon are offering free nature walks in Wissahickon Valley Park thisfall led by FOW Trail Ambassadors.

The Trail Ambassador program was launched in 2008 in partnership with Philadelphia

Parks and Recreation. These volunteers share their knowledge of the Wissahickon with park

users after completing an eight-week training course which covers Wissahickon history,

watersheds, current park projects, wildlife, geology, plants, park rules and regulations, and first

aid/CPR.

Their primary role is to provide information to park visitors about Wissahickon Valley

Park and report any problems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers.

Trail Ambassador Walks last up to two hours. Unless otherwise specified, these hikes use

rocky, rugged trails that may be wet, slipper, or steep. Please bring water and snacks if desired.Children over six are welcome if accompanied by an adult, unless otherwise specified. Walks are

cancelled in heavy rain or icy conditions.

Visit the Friends of the Wissahickon website for a complete schedule.

Game Commission To Webcast Replay Of October 4-5 Board Meeting

The Game Commission will be webcasting a replay of its October 4-5 Board meeting on October

15 to 18 and October 22 to 25. If you could not attend, you can watch the voting sessions and

see all the staff reports at the meeting.

To provide those who missed the meeting a chance to see it, we will begin broadcasting a

3.5-hour loop of the meeting, which will ensure that anyone interested in viewing the meetingwill have the entire weekend from noon on October 15, until around 8 a.m. on October 18. The

Commission will rebroadcast the meeting the following weekend as well, from noon on October

22, until around 8 a.m. on October 25."

To view the meeting, go to Game Commission's website.

Opportunity To Bid On Well Plugging Project In Warren County
mailto:[email protected]://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/events.htmhttp://www.centralpaconservancy.org/http://pa.audubon.org/http://www.waggap.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.fow.org/upcoming.php#tahikeshttp://www.fow.org/upcoming.php#tahikeshttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=643557&mode=2http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=643557&mode=2http://www.fow.org/upcoming.php#tahikeshttp://www.fow.org/upcoming.php#tahikesmailto:[email protected]://www.waggap.com/http://pa.audubon.org/http://www.centralpaconservancy.org/http://www.clearwaterconservancy.org/events.htmmailto:[email protected]


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Senate Lauds PA Companies Aiding In Chilean Mine Rescue

The Senate unanimously approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. Richard A. Kasunic (D-

Somerset) commends officials and workers from Center Rock Inc. of Berlin, Somerset County,

for their efforts to help rescue the trapped Chilean miners."News accounts of the Chilean mine rescue this week were both heart warming and

inspirational," Sen. Kasunic said on the Senate Floor. "I am proud that two Pennsylvania firms

helped provide the equipment and expertise that enabled rescuers to extract the trapped miners

two months early."

Sen. Kasunic paid tribute to Brandon Fisher, president of Center Rock Inc, and numerous

employees who traveled to Chile for weeks and provided the drill bit that carved its way through

over 2,000 feet of hard rock to reach the miners.

He also commended workers from Schramm Inc. of Chester County, which manufactured

the T-130 drilling rig that was used in the rescue.

"These American workers, technicians and engineers went many sleepless days working

around the clock making sure that the drilling equipment was working properly," Sen. Kasunicsaid. "It was American ingenuity at its best."

In his floor remarks, Sen. Kasunic also reminisced about how Pennsylvanians pulled

together in 2002 to save nine miners who were trapped in the local Quecreek Mine.

"In many ways, the Quecreek mine rescue will always serve as a sterling reminder of

what can be accomplished when we all pull together toward reaching a worthy goal," Sen.

Kasunic said. "Even in the Chilean rescue, technology and equipment used and developed at

Quecreek was provided to help in the rescue."

NewsClips: Former Governor Recalls PA Mine Rescue

Quecreek Survivor Watches Chile Rescue Efforts And Remembers

Someset County Company Uses Drill To Free Chilean MinersSomerset Company Aids Trapped Chilean Miners

Chile Mine Drama Stirs Emotions In Somerset

Rescue In Chile Brings Back Memories Of Quecreek

Chile Rescue Plan A Triumph For Somerset Drilling Company

PA Companies Help Free Miners

Editorial: Miner Miracle

Sbaffoni: Quecreek Different Than Chile

George Love Named New State Geologist

DCNR Secretary John Quigley announced the appointment of GeorgeLove to the position of director, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic

Survey.

Love has been serving as the Assistant Bureau Director in

Topographic and Geologic Survey since joining DCNR after retiring from

Carmeuse North America in 2006.
http://www.wfmz.com/news/25371014/detail.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101013_Quecreek_survivor_watches_Chile_rescue_efforts_-_and_remembers.html%3Cbr%20/%3Ehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10286/1094681-455.stmhttp://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/somerset/25360492/detail.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_703878.htmlhttp://news.yahoo.com/video/pittsburghkdka-15751084/rescue-in-chile-brings-back-memories-of-quecreek-22376645http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10283/1094046-455.stmhttp://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-allentown-chile-rescue-20101013,0,5840648.storyhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101015_Inquirer_Editorial__Miner_miracle.htmlhttp://www.heraldstandard.com/news_detail/article/1631/2010/october/13/bsbaffoni-quecreek-different-than-chile-b.htmlhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/index.aspxhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/index.aspxhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/index.aspxhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/index.aspxhttp://www.heraldstandard.com/news_detail/article/1631/2010/october/13/bsbaffoni-quecreek-different-than-chile-b.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20101015_Inquirer_Editorial__Miner_miracle.htmlhttp://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-allentown-chile-rescue-20101013,0,5840648.storyhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10283/1094046-455.stmhttp://news.yahoo.com/video/pittsburghkdka-15751084/rescue-in-chile-brings-back-memories-of-quecreek-22376645http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_703878.htmlhttp://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/somerset/25360492/detail.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10286/1094681-455.stmhttp://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20101013_Quecreek_survivor_watches_Chile_rescue_efforts_-_and_remembers.html%3Cbr%20/%3Ehttp://www.wfmz.com/news/25371014/detail.html


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Love will function as the state geologist of Pennsylvania and be responsible for directing

the activities of the bureaus professional, technical and administrative staff.

His more than 30 years experience in executive leadership includes positions in mining,

minerals, exploration, permitting, geology and geotechnical engineering in private industry and

government. Love has led up to 240 workers with an overall operating budget of $37 million. He

has a masters degree in Geology and numerous credits in Civil Engineering and Soil Mechanics.Love was born in Panama and still has family there. He is married with three children,

and has grandchildren in Texas, Tennessee and California.

The mission of the Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey is to serve the citizens of

Pennsylvania by collecting, preserving, and disseminating impartial information on the

Commonwealth's geology, geologic resources, and topography in order to contribute to the

understanding, wise use, and conservation of its land and included resources.

Former State Geologist Jay Parrish stepped down in September, and is now teaching

remote-sensing online at the Dutton Institute at Penn State.

Spotlight

Autumn Leaves Should Fall, Not BurnBy Jill Reigh

Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania

As the days and nights become cooler, Pennsylvanias beautiful canvas of

green foliage is turning into a myriad of colors before falling to the

ground.

Some great traditions surround the falling of these colorful

treasures theyre perfect as decoration around pumpkins and mums on

the front porch, for jumping into when raked into big piles and rollingaround, laughing all the while!

After the children have finished jumping, many traditionalists in

the Keystone State then rake those leaves once more and burn them.

I grew up helping my dad burn leaves once we were finished playing. But as the

Communications Manager for PROP, the state recycling association, I have learned the error of

that practice. Leaf -burning releases particulate matter and hydrocarbons, which contain a

number of toxic, irritant and carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compounds, into the air.

Particulate matter composed of tiny pollutant-laden particles, cause health problems

including asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, and other respiratory problems, according to

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Did you know that children absorb up to six times

more by-products from the air as adults? EPA reports confirm this statistic. So when those leaves

are releasing toxins, your children are getting a super dose that reaches the deepest regions of

their lungs, where they can remain for years.

Outdoor burning is a leading cause of wildfires when conditions are dry. When the leaves

are wet, they cannot burn efficiently, resulting in incomplete combustion. According to Jim

Garthe of Penn State Universitys Agricultural and Biological Engineering fact sheet, Banning

Burn Barrels, incomplete combustion (which occurs when leaves are damp), causes the leaves


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to burn poorly, creating compounds including propenal and acetic acid. Propenal, according to

Garthe, is responsible for the red streaming eyes we experience near open waste fires.

Leaf smoke, again thanks to incomplete combustion, also contains carbon monoxide.

This invisible gas, according to the EPA, is absorbed into the bloodstream when inhaled. The

result is less oxygen in red blood cells as they travel to body tissue. That is the major threat of

leaf burning to the unborn, newborns, children and adults who have respiratory problems.So, though traditions are important elements to the fabric of our families and society, this

is one tradition we need to replace with a better idea. Burning organic material such as leaves is

contrary to what nature intends for their life cycle.

Think about it this way: did you have a vegetable garden this year or did you share in the

bounty of your neighbors garden tomatoes and other fresh produce? Would you like an even

more successful garden next year? If you are ready to be a little greener in your habits, then

instead of burning those leaves, discarding all their wealth of nourishment away in a toxic cloud

of smoke, start a new tradition with one of the following alternatives:

1. Start a compost pile Place leaves and grass clippings along with organic materials from

your kitchen including vegetable and fruit scraps and coffee grounds (avoid meat, grease or dairyproducts as they can be rather odorous) in a pile or bin, maintain adequate moisture and turn your

pile periodically to mix it with air and keep the heat at a reasonable temperature. With compost,

you want your pile to get hot enough to break down the microorganisms but not to be so hot that

it burns. (For details on composting, visit the PROP website at www.proprecycles.org, click on

Composting and then Home Composting for lots of simple ideas and tips.) When handled

properly, you will create your own mulch for next years flower beds and garden. When leaves

and grass clippings, which contain nitrogen, are composted together they create an excellent

organic fertilizer - just the way nature intended!

2. Dont have space to compost leaves and grass clippings in your yard? Take them to a localcompost facility or community-wide composting site. If you dont have access to a compost

facility, perhaps a local farmer has his own compost pile and would take them.

3. Mow your leaves into your grass. If your mower can chop the leaves small enough, dont

bag them. Use them on the lawn to protect it over the winter and nourish the ground in the early

spring. Or if you prefer to bag them, sprinkle the chopped leaves over dormant plants for the

winter.

Whether you decide to start a new tradition of composting or just chopping your once-

lovely leaves, your family will literally breathe easier without those burning leaves. All of you

can also be proud of yourselves, knowing that your new tradition will also benefit your yard andsky now and for many years to come.

Jill Reigh is the Communications Managerfor PROP. She can be reached at 1-800-769-7767 or

by sending email to:[email protected].

Opinion
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Marcellus Works Will Create Jobs and Secure Pennsylvanias Energy Future

By Rep. Stanley Saylor

Pennsylvania sits in the middle of one the largest natural gas fields in the

world. The natural gas lies under the Marcellus Shale rock formationbetween 4,000 and 8,000 feet underground.

The development of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale offers

great potential for Pennsylvanias economic future including the creation

of tens of thousands of jobs in natural gas and related industries.

For the better part of two years, Gov. Ed Rendell and House

Democrats have been fixated on the idea of imposing a severance tax on

companies extracting gas from the shale. As of this writing, the debate

over a severance tax remains unresolved.

Regardless of the outcome of the severance tax debate, Pennsylvania needs a clear vision

for a clean energy future that will create jobs for Pennsylvania citizens for generations to come.

Last month, I offered that vision when I unveiled a package of legislation known as MarcellusWorks.

By creating incentives to use the natural gas that is available right here in Pennsylvania,

Marcellus Works will build a bridge to a clean energy future. Natural gas emits fewer toxic and

carcinogenic pollutants. It emits little or no particulate matter and it creates no evaporative

emissions.

Switching to natural gas would reduce carbon monoxide emissions by between 90

percent and 97 percent. Likewise, carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 25 percent.

Nitrogen oxide emissions would be reduced by between 35 percent and 60 percent. Non-

methane hydrocarbon emissions could potentially be reduced by between 50 percent and 75

percent.In fact, converting just one tractor trailer to natural gas provides an environmental benefit

that is equivalent to taking 1,400 cars off the road.

Marcellus Works will assist Pennsylvania in realizing the full potential of this new

resource, and as a result, it will help create thousands of jobs not only in the natural gas industry

but also in related fields like the infrastructure, manufacturing, and service sectors. And it will

accomplish all of that without spending billions of taxpayer dollars and accumulating more debt.

The Marcellus Works plan has four basic components:

1. Transition state vehicles to clean natural gas to reduce the Commonwealths reliance on

foreign oil.

2. Provide tax credits for clean natural gas fleet vehicles and infrastructure. This will provide

another incentive for the use of Pennsylvanias abundant supply of clean natural gas.3. Provide incentive grants to local governments to encourage them to convert their fleets to

clean natural gas and provide incentive grants to encourage mass transit systems to convert their

fleets to clean natural gas.

4. Make the Pennsylvania Turnpike a Clean Natural Gas Corridor across the Commonwealth

by constructing clean natural gas stations at every other service station along the turnpike.

With Pennsylvanias unemployment rate stagnating near 10 percent and with state

government running a budget deficit year after year, it is clear the policies of the past eight years
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simply do not work. If we are going to dig ourselves out of the hole we are in, we must take a

new approach. By developing Pennsylvanias natural gas industry in a reasonable, responsible

manner we have an opportu

Pa Environment Digest October 18, 2010

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Transcript of Pa Environment Digest October 18, 2010