Pa Environment Digest June 16, 2014

8/12/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 16, 2014

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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 16, 2014

Gov. Corbett, Challenger Tom Wolf Discuss Environmental Issues At PEC Dinner

Gov. Tom Corbett and Democratic candidate for

Governor Tom Wolf Wednesday discussed

environmental issues in remarks before the annual

dinner of the PA Environmental CouncilinPhiladelphia. It was the first time the two candidates

appeared at the same time in any forum.

Both candidates spoke about the need to

balance environmental protection and economic

development and each lauded PEC as a voice of

reason among environmental groups that just demonstrate outside a governors office.

Gov. Corbett said he has witnessed significant improvement in the environment from his own

experience as a Boy Scout growing up and going on canoe trips on the Allegheny River. We all have

the same goal, and that goal is the better environment weve all been talking about, a stronger, more

prosperous Pennsylvania for our children and our grandchildren.

On natural gas issues, Gov. Corbett said the existing drilling impact fee he proposed hasgenerated $630 million over the last three years and is working for people across the state and at the

local level. Everyone ought to pay their fair share, and they do, said Corbett.

Gov. Corbett pointed out that greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania have declined

significantly while the economy has grown thanks in part to the use of natural gas.

Wolf said a new responsible and reasonable severance tax would provide certainty for the

industry as well as help Pennsylvanias schools and mitigate some of the damage to the environment and

infrastructure the industry might have inadvertently caused.

Wolf said he would propose a third round of the Growing Greener if he was elected, but did not

say how it would be paid for. He talked about the need to address climate change and greenhouse gas

emissions by, among other things, joining the regional greenhouse gas initiative under the right

circumstances and expand wind and solar power.Click Herefor additional background on the environmental positions by the candidates from an

earlier Q/A published by the PA Environmental Council.

NewsClips:

Corbett, Wolf Make Their Pitches To PEC In First Appearance

Corbett, Wolf Address Environmental Group In Philadelphia

Corbett, Wolf Talk Environment, Energy At First Appearance

Wolf, Corbett On Environment In First Joint Appearance
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28846&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJV3QZyt9fN2OvWCVMwACpSdEC3Qhttp://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.thecourierexpress.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2Farticle_56700e4f-53c1-5263-976a-4c4e17a34829.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGHqjuMlv33pH7zdUh74zHxyLzTwQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F11%2Fcorbett-wolf-talk-environment-energy-during-first-joint-appearance%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH_kSLJJ_nSG1rYl04nnHshOAc6Owhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140612_Corbett__Wolf_address_environmental_group_in_Phila_.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJpckGMMICFgc421-UC_QEPpwbSQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fcorbett_wolf_make_their_pitche.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE-uuBRCwyr6v9dETddNVrnvvBqawhttp://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.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28846&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJV3QZyt9fN2OvWCVMwACpSdEC3Qhttp://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.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


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Gov. Corbett, Tom Wolf Share Stage For First Time

Marcellus Industry Coalition Poll Shows 55% In PA Support Adding Severance Tax, But

A new poll releasedTuesday by the Marcellus Shale Coalitionfound 55 percent of those following the

debate about a new severance tax would favor its adoption and 34 percent would oppose. If,however, the new tax would result in the loss of jobs, 58 percent opposed a new severance tax and 33

percent favor.

In other results, 57 percent oppose a severance tax to pay for public employee pensions and 61

percent said they would pick encouraging the growth of the natural gas industry over new and higher

taxes to fund the state budget.

64 percent of voters said they were more likely to vote for a political candidate who encourages

the growth of the natural gas industry.

A copy of the poll is available online.

NewsClips:

Polls Show PA Not Solidly Behind Drilling Tax

Column: Gas Industry Poll Shows, If You Ask The Right QuestionBudget Talks Heating Up Severance Tax Debate

Report: Gas Drillers Can Afford A Severance Tax

Report: Loopholes, Tax Incentives Lets Drillers Pay Less In Taxes

Severance Tax?, Maybe Top House Republican Says

Rendell Urges Severance Tax To Pay For Early Education

Chester, Montgomery Counties Receive Impact Fees

Drilling Impact Fee Dollars On The Rise

DEP Increases Gas Well Permit Fees

Op-Ed: Lawmakers Need A Drilling Impact Fee With Real Impact

Op-Ed: Stop Leasing State Land For Gas Drilling

Letter: Vitalis Criticism Of State Forest Leasing Off-Base

Corbett Hints Hell Hold Up Budget Over Pensions

Scarnati Says Budget Deadline Is Dog Years Away

Report: Natural Gas Production Booms, Drillers Tax Payments Drop

The PA Budget and Policy Center Monday released a new reportwhich found the Corporate Net

Income tax payments of Marcellus Shale drilling companies peaked in 2011 and now have an effective

tax rate of less than 1.9 percent paying just $10.3 million in 2013. Individuals pay a 3.07 percent

income tax rate.

The report also found oil and gas producers paid just 9 percent of Corporate Income taxescollected while drilling support companies-- pipeline, distribution and other related industries-- paid the

other 91 percent.

The report noted drilling companies did pay $223 million in drilling impact fees in 2013.

At the same time, natural gas production increased from 65 billion cubic feet in 2009 to 3.1

trillion cubic feet in 2013.

The report is available online.

NewsClips:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2Fsites%2Fpennbpc.org%2Ffiles%2FGas%2520Production%2520Booms%2520Final%2520w%2520Append%2520June%25202014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFV6yTquJ1ADK0XUvfdOLMcdTZKEwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2Fsites%2Fpennbpc.org%2Ffiles%2FGas%2520Production%2520Booms%2520Final%2520w%2520Append%2520June%25202014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFV6yTquJ1ADK0XUvfdOLMcdTZKEwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpennbpc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF6VneClE2-jSJhIWWT3oTEdkm0xAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fdeadline_for_completing_an_on-.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsxjUpPt2liKm3mMg7UykpehVVVwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2F1457788%2FCorbett-hints-hell-hold-up-budget-over-pensions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgGAWZ51Yu_2HyJYRDV3XKDZDd6ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fvitalis_criticism_of_governors.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGjIstRuybv7nldpKqm1sAkm8wguAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fstop_the_leasing_of_state_land.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFgVBSj5dI6WeTAnlp7wRMgv_2aQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fas_they_debate_severance_tax_l.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHW-r0HV2Tbd4xHBC6pMGggPMWlTQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F13%2Fdep-increases-gas-well-permit-fees%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSap6mO69d3VhZoWufeLlEZnesBghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6256864-74%2Ftownship-borough-impact%23axzz34Z3KJZ4n&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGO-oZ5xMEQ-lmb8I65pluMbEb-bAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesherald.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20140612%2Fmontgomery-county-chester-county-receive-thousands-from-marcellus-shale-impact-fees&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpY8ycraombTm7B32dZEMKb4VHughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140609%2FNEWS02%2F306099925%2FRendell-urges-Marcellus-gas-tax-to-pay-for-early-education&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFW6ojO51_yZfDdkImoB2I25yMhCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Fuse_severance_tax_to_close_bud.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxPnZRyR8BLVmCHXU72pLSWEMcVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news-news%2F1453158%2FReport%3A-Gas-drillers-in-Pa.-not-paying-fair-share&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbR2EZzo194sB1Jmjp0EKQ_qumaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fgas_drillers_can_afford_an_ext.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEM32m73AFhvt_Ba-8TU014JvuVMQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F10%2Fbudget-talks-heating-up-severance-tax-debate-in-harrisburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFhO-JhB9YLtTLzilsga6JilX3saQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fpublic_support_severance_tax_p.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNELAl156R-8HMt1vtjHKMhgaKXSqAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania_voters_are_not_so.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5-2POoVFihwk1W0iVtfajmt0FRQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdoc%2F228992745%2FMarcellus-Poll-June-2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwhjg12ObbMhBXrk79P9Gc_O4FkAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fmarcelluscoalition.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGnjkaNj7HupiWhU6IzN6o0H6A36ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scribd.com%2Fdoc%2F228992745%2FMarcellus-Poll-June-2014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHwhjg12ObbMhBXrk79P9Gc_O4FkAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2F6abc.com%2Fpolitics%2Fgov-corbett-tom-wolf-share-stage-for-1st-time%2F109170%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEV8U4jVkB_EqtNXbG0fGeNCA0lPA


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Column: Gas Industry Poll Shows, If You Ask The Right Question

Budget Talks Heating Up Severance Tax Debate

Severance Tax?, Maybe Top House Republican SaysRendell Urges Severance Tax To Pay For Early Education

Chester, Montgomery Counties Receive Impact Fees








Commonwealth Court Delays Decision On Use Of DCNR Oil & Gas Fund Monies

Commonwealth Court Judge Kevin Brobson issued an order Monday

dated June 5 delaying a decision in a lawsuitbrought by the PA

Environmental Defense Fundover the use of DCNR Oil and Gas

Fund monies until after the FY 2014-15 saying if the Court issued a

ruling before the budget was finalized it would run afoul of the

principle of separation of powers.

The Judge further explained, although this Court may

determine whether challenged legislative enactments are lawful, there

is no place carved out in our constitution for the Court to rule on the legality of budget proposals.

The Court ordered the PA Environmental Defense Fund to to file a request for a status

conference after the budget is finalized saying it would schedule the conference as expeditiously as

possible.

A copy of the Courts order is available online.

NewsClips:






Rendell Urges Severance Tax To Pay For Early EducationChester, Montgomery Counties Receive Impact Fees






http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2F1457788%2FCorbett-hints-hell-hold-up-budget-over-pensions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgGAWZ51Yu_2HyJYRDV3XKDZDd6ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F13%2Fdep-increases-gas-well-permit-fees%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSap6mO69d3VhZoWufeLlEZnesBghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fvitalis_criticism_of_governors.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGjIstRuybv7nldpKqm1sAkm8wguAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fstop_the_leasing_of_state_land.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFgVBSj5dI6WeTAnlp7wRMgv_2aQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fas_they_debate_severance_tax_l.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHW-r0HV2Tbd4xHBC6pMGggPMWlTQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6256864-74%2Ftownship-borough-impact%23axzz34Z3KJZ4n&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGO-oZ5xMEQ-lmb8I65pluMbEb-bAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesherald.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20140612%2Fmontgomery-county-chester-county-receive-thousands-from-marcellus-shale-impact-fees&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpY8ycraombTm7B32dZEMKb4VHughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140609%2FNEWS02%2F306099925%2FRendell-urges-Marcellus-gas-tax-to-pay-for-early-education&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFW6ojO51_yZfDdkImoB2I25yMhCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Fuse_severance_tax_to_close_bud.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxPnZRyR8BLVmCHXU72pLSWEMcVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news-news%2F1453158%2FReport%3A-Gas-drillers-in-Pa.-not-paying-fair-share&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbR2EZzo194sB1Jmjp0EKQ_qumaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fgas_drillers_can_afford_an_ext.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEM32m73AFhvt_Ba-8TU014JvuVMQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F10%2Fbudget-talks-heating-up-severance-tax-debate-in-harrisburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFhO-JhB9YLtTLzilsga6JilX3saQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania_voters_are_not_so.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5-2POoVFihwk1W0iVtfajmt0FRQhttp://goo.gl/DjlvaMhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28990&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5kjomYcamhrcjXJzmjwWKLwPfOQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28990&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5kjomYcamhrcjXJzmjwWKLwPfOQhttp://goo.gl/DjlvaMhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fdeadline_for_completing_an_on-.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsxjUpPt2liKm3mMg7UykpehVVVwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2F1457788%2FCorbett-hints-hell-hold-up-budget-over-pensions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgGAWZ51Yu_2HyJYRDV3XKDZDd6ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fvitalis_criticism_of_governors.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGjIstRuybv7nldpKqm1sAkm8wguAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fstop_the_leasing_of_state_land.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHFgVBSj5dI6WeTAnlp7wRMgv_2aQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fas_they_debate_severance_tax_l.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHW-r0HV2Tbd4xHBC6pMGggPMWlTQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F13%2Fdep-increases-gas-well-permit-fees%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHSap6mO69d3VhZoWufeLlEZnesBghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Findiana%2F6256864-74%2Ftownship-borough-impact%23axzz34Z3KJZ4n&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGO-oZ5xMEQ-lmb8I65pluMbEb-bAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesherald.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20140612%2Fmontgomery-county-chester-county-receive-thousands-from-marcellus-shale-impact-fees&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEpY8ycraombTm7B32dZEMKb4VHughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140609%2FNEWS02%2F306099925%2FRendell-urges-Marcellus-gas-tax-to-pay-for-early-education&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFW6ojO51_yZfDdkImoB2I25yMhCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Fuse_severance_tax_to_close_bud.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxPnZRyR8BLVmCHXU72pLSWEMcVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F10%2Fbudget-talks-heating-up-severance-tax-debate-in-harrisburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFhO-JhB9YLtTLzilsga6JilX3saQht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Report: PA Exceeds Chesapeake Bay Phosphorus Reduction Goal, Misses On Nitrogen

An analysis of selected Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones

conducted by the Chesapeake Bay Foundationand the ChooseClean Water Coalitionfound pollution is being reduced, however

many jurisdictions fell short in implementing practices that reduce

pollution from agricultural sources and urban and suburban polluted

runoff.

Pennsylvanias part of the reportsaid the Commonwealth

exceeded its phosphorus goal and fell short in reaching its overall

nitrogen pollution reduction goal.

Of the eight practices evaluated, the Commonwealth met or exceeded its goals for four

practices: barnyard runoff controls, stormwater infiltration practices, wastewater treatment plants, and

conservation plans.

It fell short in four areas: forest buffers, conservation tillage, nutrient application management,and erosion and sediment control.

While Pennsylvania farmers have made significant strides since 1985 in pollution reduction,

some practices are falling short of achieving commitments. To help attain this essential goal, improved

investment in cost-share and technical assistance programs that to help farms develop and implement

required erosion and nutrient plans is necessary.

Because these plans have been required by law for decades, adequate enforcement to ensure

that all farms not only have them but are following them correctly is imperative.

As the largest contributor of nitrogen pollution damaging the Chesapeake Bay, Pennsylvania

has an important responsibility to meet its pollution reduction goals, said CBFs Pennsylvania Executiv

Director Harry Campbell. This effort is bigger than one community or one industry. The effort begins in

our own backyards and in Pennsylvanias rivers and streams. Investments made here have benefits

hereprotecting drinking water and human health, improving the quality of life in local communities, an

improving agricultural production.

Pennsylvania also needs to continue to expand innovative approaches that maximize

environmental benefits, such as CBFs buffer bonus program. The program rewards farmers who

establish riparian forested buffers with vouchers to cover additional pollution-reduction practices needed

on the farm

Delaware and Pennsylvania are the only two states in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed that did

not meet their milestone goals. Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. met their

commitments. New York does not have milestones.

A copy of the Pennsylvania report is available online.The milestones, two-year commitments made by the Bay states and District of Columbia to

reduce pollution, are a key part of the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint.

In addition, the Blueprint includes pollution limits that will result in a restored Bay and long-term

state plans designed to have practices in place by 2017 to achieve 60 percent of water quality

improvements, and complete the process by 2025.

NewsClips:

Challenges, Opportunities For PA On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.publicnewsservice.org%2F2014-06-13%2Fwater%2Freport-challenges-opportunities-for-pa-to-reach-clean-water-milestones%2Fa39919-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH0F0eRf3xYGb8oNpVn05lLjeX0oAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fhow-we-save-the-bay%2Fchesapeake-clean-water-blueprint%2Fwhat-is-the-chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFT1auH3sH7n9Hvw70pOVivIupTLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fnews-media%2Fcbf-reports%2Fpa-milestones-2012-2013-final%2Fembedded-pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFrTGniGoKd38c8PeZPs8S65oTwwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fnews-media%2Fcbf-reports%2Fpa-milestones-2012-2013-final%2Fembedded-pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFrTGniGoKd38c8PeZPs8S65oTwwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fchoosecleanwater.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJ0h7xfS5qGUeN_-Qbgw4XxluHvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fchoosecleanwater.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFJ0h7xfS5qGUeN_-Qbgw4XxluHvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fdeadline_for_completing_an_on-.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsxjUpPt2liKm3mMg7UykpehVVVw


5/41

Study Faults PA On Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

PA Hindering Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Editorial: Restoring Clean Water

Corbett: Tackle State Pension Problems, Then Well Talk About The Budget

Gov. Corbett this week issued a clear challenge to the House and Senate

Republicans-- seriously tackle the states rising state and school employee

pension costs and then hell talk about ways to plug the expected $1.6 billion

budget gap.

Corbett also said privately he doesnt expect an on-time budget this

year, one of the hallmarks of his Administration, because he wants the Senate

and House to make some tough budget decisions.

The House this week tried and failed to get enough votes for a modest

pension reform measure in the form of Amendment A06917to House Bill

1353introduced by Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill) and adjourned before a vote was taken.

Gov. Corbett last week said he supported the amendment.The Senate didnt fair any better with a modest wine, beer and liquor privatization proposal.

Twice Senate Republicans tried to put together enough votes to amend House Bill 790

(Turzai-R-Allegheny), the House Republican liquor reform proposal, in the Senate Appropriations

Committee this week and failed. It was never brought to a vote.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said there is plenty of time for

lawmakers to complete work on a budget noting its always painfully slow at the beginning of June.

We got dog years ahead of us, said Sen. Scarnati.

On Monday, June 16 the House is expected to begin formal consideration of the General Fund

budget bill-- House Bill 2328(Adolph-R-Delaware)-- in hopes of moving the process along.

Both the House and Senate will be in session four out of five days next week and have

scheduled to be in every day for the remainder of June starting June 23.

The budget clock is ticking, but with big decisions expected from the General Assembly in a

short time, Gov. Corbett may be correct-- were going into July folks!

NewsClips:


Corbett To Lawmakers: Change State Pension System

House Knocks Off Early Without Debating Pensions

House Fails To Act On Pension Reform

Senator To Seek Vote On Competing Pension Bill

Pension Reform Debate Stalled By Lack Of Money

Corbett Needs His Inner Hulk For This BudgetScarnati Says Budget Deadline Is Dog Years Away

State Budget: Many Ideas, Little Consensus

Weak Collections Will Test Corbett Tax Pledge



PA Likely To Pivot On Shale Tax, Insiders Say

Rendell Urges Severance Tax To Pay For Early Education
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140609%2FNEWS02%2F306099925%2FRendell-urges-Marcellus-gas-tax-to-pay-for-early-education&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFW6ojO51_yZfDdkImoB2I25yMhCwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fmarcellusshale%2F6271800-74%2Ftax-shale-corbett&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEKzEQXHt2uzNC3Aufvu0Fk0Nx-Sghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F06%2F10%2Fbudget-talks-heating-up-severance-tax-debate-in-harrisburg%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFhO-JhB9YLtTLzilsga6JilX3saQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Fuse_severance_tax_to_close_bud.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxPnZRyR8BLVmCHXU72pLSWEMcVghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2F1450831%2FWeak-collections-will-test-Corbett-tax-pledge&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHk6wDEHrk-0pOLcexdnK0OVj0lHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpa-state-budget-many-ideas-but-little-consensus-on-how%2Farticle_d01aab3a-f324-11e3-b838-001a4bcf6878.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzzBd3eo1_EXgwVde366dmK2ZU7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fdeadline_for_completing_an_on-.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsxjUpPt2liKm3mMg7UykpehVVVwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140611_Corbett_needs_to_harness_his_inner_Hulk_for_this_budget.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEW2lGy-0vD4O5NsAWMszXnthh30whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F06%2Fa_different_sort_of_money_prob.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEX3gGPIoQWrBknzLI3ujHyP-MRxAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F25774130%2Fsenator-to-seek-vote-on-competing-pension-bill&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfV7Dur4Y1u1RnUOA1s-vQ-KkDDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2014%2F06%2F12%2FPennsylvania-House-fails-to-act-on-worker-pensions%2Fstories%2F201406120269&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSZJcmK5dl-CIrGONMO3ASlF4MuQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2Fhouse-knocks-off-early-without-debating-pensions.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGswD-IYTsCsYPZfdccF8y2PQSUKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20140611_Corbett_to_lawmakers__Change_state_pension_system.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJd8nCDNKuPl-wDCWVpCpQano01ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2F1457788%2FCorbett-hints-hell-hold-up-budget-over-pensions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHgGAWZ51Yu_2HyJYRDV3XKDZDd6ghttp://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=AFQjCNF0WH8HAdY2AZgCHccn3F51XpRYlQhttp://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%3D0790&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF3yoBIfmoB5ZFsKXUW4gE3GtcN3whttp://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%2Fwww.ctbpls.com%2Fwww%2FPA%2F13R%2FAMD%2FH2152A06917.PDF&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5aPOCZ4z8lKPvfNuu_zpK9gXYiAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Frestoringclean-water-1.1700470&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBpmyOf8MQPvpx1vdhR0qHxo_Rtwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2014%2F06%2F11%2FChesepeake-Bay-cleanup%2Fstories%2F201406090170&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsHegrCRMtla_xcFiPSmu6OZ7CQghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lewistownsentinel.com%2Fpage%2Fcontent.detail%2Fid%2F528109%2FStudy-faults-Pennsylvania-on-Chesapeake-cleanup.html%3Fisap%3D1%26nav%3D5013&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFvYVhTtwMwyBXkuV9k6h6KoO7pMQ


6/41

Can Medicaid Expansion Bridge Budget Gap?

PA Prisons Put Under Hiring Freeze

Study: Why Are PA Taxes So High? Corruption

Op-Ed: Republicans At Crossroad As Budget Deadline Nears

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

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

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

Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

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

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

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

PAEnviroDigest.

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

announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as

they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email

alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blogto get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including

NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted

updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to

new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitterfeed

to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a

list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (June 16): House Bill 202(Harper-R-Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service charges

for fire companies House Bill 1684(Everett-R-Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum royalty

payment in state law House Bill 2104(Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for consumer

protections in variable rate electric supplier contracts House Resolution 249(Swanger-R-Lebanon)

supporting increased development and delivery of oil from North American oil reserves- sponsor
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D12228&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgMc0N3LRCYEnpqfLNZFf6T0viMghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0249&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdBNT-iA9vsY3fsv54hEpEOyngjQhttp://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%3D2104&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4I1Y86S6hXHaPQ5URszJyrTKMNwhttp://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%3D1684&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHLO7PB50CZ34gTSRfNjNRouyNklQhttp://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%3D0202&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqLg9fhRgrF4Z5Xd7u1OtCTkh1WQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F06%2Fas_the_budget_deadline_approac.html%23incart_river_default&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkdlVl3FWC1kHhNp72pEZVdjZxuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fstate%2Fpennsylvania%2F6241878-74%2Fcorruption-public-pennsylvania&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-wSMrUarpvShC4ZQ6JCqGKTDqEghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.witf.org%2Fnews%2F2014%2F06%2Fpennsylvania-prisons-put-under-a-hiring-freeze.php&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbQTN5oOOID_rtLczZBBuP8b9t6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F06%2Fcan_medicaid_expansion_bridge.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFUixQDKt_T0b74GBkQBlbIdW0iOg


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summary. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (June 16): Senate Bill 1155(Scarnati-R- Jefferson) establishing an Aggregate Advisory Board

in DEP Senate Bill 1256(Ward-R-Westmoreland) establishing the Heritage Areas Program in law

Senate Bill 1262(Fontana-D-Allegheny) providing for private lateral sewage line repair funding House

Bill 1672(Miller-R-York) providing for the testing of new energy efficient technologies- summary andHouse Fiscal Note House Bill 1052(Freeman-D-Lehigh) further providing for the use of local

recreation fees to protect open space. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

NOTE:It's June, so watch for lots of last minute Senate, House Committee meetings!

House:the Appropriations Committeemeets to consider House Bill 2177(James-R-Butler)

establishing the Heritage Area Program in law, House Bill 1699(Ross-R-Chester) providing for the

regulation of air emissions from backup generators, Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing

the State Geospatial Coordinating Board the Environmental Resources and Energy Committeemeets to consider House Resolution 815(Snyder-D-Fayette) urging the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency to development guidelines regulating carbon emissions from existing power plants that respect

the primacy of the Commonwealth and take into account unique policies, energy needs and resources

mix and economic priorities of Pennsylvania- sponsor summary the State Government Committee

meets to consider House Bill 2239(Evankovich-R-Armstrong) which provides for public-private

partnerships related to water and sewage treatment services and school construction- sponsor

summary. Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human ServicesJudiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations
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Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and JusticePublic Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Sewer And Water Funding:Senate Bill 1408(Yudichak-D-Luzerne) authorizing a $600 million bond

issue to fund water and sewage system improvements- sponsor summary.

Cancelling Electric Contracts:Senate Bill 1414(Kasunic-D-Somerset) would authorize the

cancellation of electric service contracts at the expense of the electric provider- sponsor summary.

Electric Rate Cap:House Bill 2329(Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) providing for cap on variable electric

rates- sponsor summary.

Session Schedule

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

House

June 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate

June 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Fall Schedule

September 15, 16, 22, 23, 24

October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15

November 12

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's

desk for action--

Lead Ban:Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D- Luzerne) amending the Plumbing System Lead Ban and

Notification Act. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill was signed into law as Act
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55.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Lyme Disease Task Force:Senate Bill 177(Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating the Lyme Disease

Task Force was removed from the Table, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee

and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill returns to the

Senate for a concurrence vote.

Nuclear Power Plant Fees:House Bill 2264(Miller-R-York) increasing nuclear power plant fees-

sponsor summary-- was reported out of the House Rules Committee, referred into and out of the

House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare

available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Heritage Area Program:House Bill 2177(James-R-Butler) establishing the Heritage Area Program

in law was amended and reported from the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee,

re-referred into and out of the House Rules Committee as all bills are this time of year and then referred

to the House Appropriations Committee.

Geospatial Coordinating Board:Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the State

Geospatial Coordinating Board was removed from the Table and referred to the House Appropriations

Committee.

Backup Generators:House Bill 1699(Ross-R-Chester) providing for the regulation of air emissions

from backup generators was amended on the House Floor and referred to the House Appropriations

Committee.

FY 2014-15 General Fund Budget Vehicle: House Bill 2328(Adolph-R-Delaware) will serve as the

vehicle for the FY 2014-15 General Fund budget was reported out of the House Appropriations

Committee and referred to the House Rules Committee as all bills are this time of year.

Senate

Nuclear Plant Fees:Senate Bill 1355(Yaw-R-Lycoming) increasing nuclear power plant fees-sponsor summary-- was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration.

Aggregate Advisory Board: Senate Bill 1155(Scarnati-R- Jefferson) establishing an Aggregate

Advisory Board in DEP was amended and reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and is

now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Local Recreation Fees: House Bill 1052(Freeman-D-Lehigh) further providing for the use of local
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1052&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFl-ugwqT73iBLQMs0jCj3oyYSaKQhttp://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%3D1155&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHltr8v0cEyhMJ1LRgT0SeWAVwurQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14484&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAOixoNdX83uwHcl2XZulvctx0pghttp://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%3D1355&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUZb0B80JayuTHKUBVnmG-gMsdBQhttp://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=AFQjCNF0WH8HAdY2AZgCHccn3F51XpRYlQhttp://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%3D1699&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEn-du6S1rTqRcEf6GLeLJbdl4rYQhttp://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%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://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%3D2177&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEl5SRLiiu_SEW94QUJ8kxZMctu3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2264P3648.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE-eSaZIA8KxqSR_jBkIzhutPINRwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14439&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvxy48-kS3vssUmasNy09sr2SPOAhttp://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%3D2264&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEcSqh-VgDy0val1uafxvWWx6lvzAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB0177P2099.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgaNj7IZKbeAFDY_-IGflyljyTTghttp://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%3D0177&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsjZkmhbfly8rTppfQXrJhz-rCuQ


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recreation fees to protect open space was amended and reported out of the Senate Local Government

Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

Sen. Yudichak: Governor Signs Bill Reducing Lead In Water Supplies

Gov. Tom Corbett has signed Senate Bill 1254 introduced by Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) that

will enhance the quality and safety of drinking water by significantly lowering the lead content in pipes

and other plumbing products.

Under the measure (Act 55 of 2014), the maximum allowable lead content in plumbing products

is reduced from 8 percent to 0.25 percent. The new law also makes Pennsylvanias lead content

standard consistent with a new federal law that took effect in January.

Continually striving to improve the quality of our drinking water supply is essential to the public

health mission of Pennsylvania, said Sen. Yudichak, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to high levels of lead in

drinking water can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with attention span

problems and learning abilities in children. In adults, water tainted by lead can cause increases in blood

pressure and kidney problems.

A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

NewsClip: Corbett Signs Yudichaks Lead Legislation Into Law

House Passes Lyme Disease Awareness, Prevention Legislation

The House Wednesday passed Senate Bill 177(Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating the Lyme Disease

Task Force in the Department of Health to educate the public about Lyme disease and conduct a ticksurveillance program across the Commonwealth.

The task force would develop a public education program and coordinate its efforts with the

Game Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Department of Education

to reach outdoorsman, visitors to state parks, and students.

The task force will investigate and make recommendations to the Health Department regarding

surveillance and prevention of Lyme disease as well as development of a general public and health care

professional information and education program.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted primarily by ticks. Lyme disease and other

tick-borne diseases pose a serious threat to the quality of life for Pennsylvanians, with Lyme disease

cases increasing dramatically over the past several years.

In 2009, 2011 and 2012, Pennsylvania ranked highest in the country in the number of confirmedcases of Lyme disease. From 2002 to 2012, Pennsylvania has reported a total of 46,178 confirmed

cases of Lyme disease.

While Lyme disease is most prevalent in Southeastern PA, it is found across the

Commonwealth. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these tick-borne disorders and diseases

can greatly reduce risks of continued symptoms which can affect every system and organ in the body.

Lyme disease is reaching epidemic proportions in the Commonwealth, said Sen. Greenleaf. I

thank House members for passing this bill, and I look forward to seeing Senate Bill 177 signed into law
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so we can more closely monitor Lyme carrying ticks and help people avoid this debilitating disease.

A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

The bill now returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote before it can be signed into law.

House Environmental Committee To Consider Carbon Limit Resolution June 18

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committeeis scheduled to meet June 18 to consider

House Resolution 815(Snyder-D-Fayette) urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to

development guidelines regulating carbon emissions from existing power plants that respect the primacy

of the Commonwealth and take into account unique policies, energy needs and resources mix and

economic priorities of Pennsylvania- sponsor summary.

The meeting will be in Room 60 East Wing, Capitol Building starting at 9:00.

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves

as Minority Chair.

House Committee To Consider Public-Private Partnerships For Water, Sewage June 17

The House State Government Committeeis scheduled to consider House Bill 2239(Evankovich

-R-Armstrong) which provides for public-private partnerships related to water and sewage treatment

services and school construction on June 17.

Public-private partnerships (P3s) provide an option for a local government, school districts or

public authority to make agreements with private companies to provide public services-- in this case

water and sewage treatment services and school construction-- where the private party assumes

substantial financial, technical and operational risk.

The Commonwealth has already authorized public-private partnerships for transportation

projects.

A sponsor summaryis available.

The meeting will be in Room 205 of the Ryan Building and will start at 9:00.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Mark Cohen

(D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.

News From Around The State

Longwall Mining Impact Report Removed From DEP Citizens Advisory Council Agenda

Proposed comments on DEPs draft Act 54 longwall mining impact report will not be on the June 17

meeting agenda for the DEP Citizens Advisory Council. The meeting willbegin at 9:00 a.m. not the

usual 10:00 a.m. (formal notice of time change)The Council will hear presentations on Chesapeake Bay milestones, agricultural best

management practices and the regional agricultural watershed assessment program.

In the afternoon, Council members will also participate in a field tour of agricultural BMPs on a

farm in Cumberland County hosted by Council member William Fink.

DEP also provided Council with a copy of its June activities reportwhich includes these items of

note--

-- DEPs regulations increasing oil and gas well drilling permit fees are planned to be published as final
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in the June 14 PA Bulletin

-- DEP expects its study of naturally occurring radiation in natural gasproduction, processing and

distribution to be finalized in late 2014

-- DEP is expecting to begin accepting applications June 14 for approximately $12.5 million in

renewable and clean energy project funding through the PA Energy Development Authority

-- DEP provided an update on pending legislation in the Senate and House as well as proposed andfinal regulations and petitions pending in DEP and

-- States in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are expected to sign an update on the Chesapeake Bay

Agreement on June 16.

The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 9:00.

For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilwebpage.

Reminder: Northeast Environmental Partners Accepting Award Nominations

The Northeast PA Environmental Partners are accepting nominations for their annual Environmental

Partnership Awards, the Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award and the Emergency

Environmental Leader Award until July 1. Click Herefor all the details.

DEP Open House On Permitting Activities In Streams, Wetlands June 26 In Harrisburg

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it will host an open house from 10

a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 26 for property owners, homeowners, municipalities and small developers to

learn about permitted activities in and along streams and wetlands.

The open house will be held at DEPs Southcentral Regional Officeon 909 Elmerton Ave. in

Harrisburg.

The open house will provide people with a chance to have face time with department

permitting staff and ask questions about permitting requirements for stream and wetland activities,

South-central Regional Director Lynn Langer said. This is an educational opportunity that should not

be missed because we often find the public is unaware that certain permits are required.

Typically during the summer, DEP receives a higher volume of complaints from the public

regarding work in streams and wetlands.

DEP frequently finds that dredging, which is cleaning out a stream filling in or draining wetlands

also known as ditching placing fill in a floodway to build-up the property relocating a stream stabilizin

a stream bank and installing culverts, bridges, boat docks or ramps have occurred without permits.

Before conducting any of these activities, people should consult first with DEPs Waterways

and Wetlands Program.

During the open house, stations will be set up where staff from DEPs Waterways and

Wetlands program will be ready to assist answering questions ranging from stream bank stabilizationprojects to installation of driveway culverts to small land development projects.

Staff will also be available to identify required permits for stream, wetland, pond, lake, and

creek and river projects, conduct Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventorysearches and explain permit

application requirements.

People attending the event are encouraged to bring pictures and descriptions with them if they

have a question about the potential presence of a stream, wetland or area of where a project will be

located.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naturalheritage.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYR4XpOBkkYzKwFE3EP-TAk2UKHQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fsouthcentral_regional_office%2F13781&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE_BP5hyS1zxyr35IoiC6K468gVoAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2Frelease%2Fnomination-deadline-has-been-extended-northeastern-pennsylvania-environmental-partnership-aw&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXpEit8tJyUUYe0_RFOAxMhD-YFQhttp://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%2Fpeda-move_to_grants%2F10496&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGBh8MqJYsmDoG_U3BmSIdhsPV-tAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Foil___gas_related_topics%2F20349%2Fradiation_protection%2F986697&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFN9KFgZJvE7y0grKFfQrvO5HEWhA


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The open house is intended for people who have questions or a project in the Southcentral

Region. DEPs Southcentral Regional office serves Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland,

Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry and York counties.

For more information about the open house or waterways and wetlands permitting activities, call

DEPs Waterways and Wetlands Program at 717-705-4802.

PA Urban & Community Forest Webinar June 16 On Designing Greener Parking Lots

The PA Urban and Community Forestry Councilwill hold another of its luncheon webinars on June 16

on Designing Greener Parking Lots starting at noon.

As parking lots continue to consumer more and more land in our communities, they have

become significant sources of heat loads, visual blight, water and air pollution. Sometimes trees are

planted only to become "Everbrowns" because they are planted high and dry, doused with salt laden

snow, and given little room for rooting.

Learn how these seas of asphalt can be transformed through good design, species selection, site

modification, and proper installation. Explore the use of structural soils, stormwater infiltration and

community codes that lead to greener parking lots.For more information on how to participate and to watch previous webinars, visit the Lunchtime

Webinar Serieswebpage.

Tour Shows Success Of Monestary Run Abandoned Mine Drainage Cleanup

DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo along with Deputy

Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner recently

visited the Saint Vincent Collegecampus in Latrobe to tour

the Monastery Run Abandoned Mine Drainage Cleanup

Site.

The Monastery Run Projectconsists of five separate

projects completed through the cooperative efforts of all

members of the Loyalhanna Mine Drainage Coalition.

Members of the group include the Westmoreland

County Conservation District, the Loyalhanna Creek Watershed Association, and the Katherine Mabis

McKenna Foundation, as well as local businesses, and Saint Vincent College, which owned much of the

land where the AMD surfaced.

DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Bureau of Watershed Conservation and the

Greensburg District Mining Office provided assistance and funding for the project with support from

federal agencies, including the former Bureau of mines (now under the Department of Energy), the

Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Office of Surface Mining.Before the field trip and tour, Secretary Abruzzo attended the Westmoreland County

Conservation Districts monthly public board meeting in Greensburg to hear how the districts innovativ

stormwater program has benefited local communicates in the area. Staff also described the partnerships

their stormwater program has cultivated over the years and its short and long-term goals.

(Reprinted fromJune 12 DEP Newsletter. To sign up to get your own copy, Click Here.)
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Contract Awarded For Winslow Township Mine Reclamation Project In Jefferson

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has awarded a Government

Financed Construction Contract to P. and N. Coal Company, Inc. of Punxsutawney for a mine

reclamation project in Winslow Township, Jefferson County.

This awarded contract is just one example of the departments efforts to reclaim abandonedmine sites across the state for the safety of our citizens and the health of our environment, DEP Mining

Engineer Roger Bowman said.

The project will include the incidental removal of coal and the reclamation of 19 acres of

abandoned deep mine and subsidence areas. The reclamation work will occur within the Redbank

Creek sub basin, and will eliminate safety hazards, promote positive drainage to Fehley Run and

contribute to the improved use of the property for wildlife habitat.

Located on the north side of State Route 1002, near the community of Rathmel, the project

area is part of an abandoned deep mine from the 1920s on the Lower Freeport coal seam. The project

will take 24 months to complete and is estimated to cost $137,000.

The Federal Office of Surface Mining has authorized DEP to enter into GFCCs to remove

incidental and necessary coal on reclamation contracts that are less than 50 percent federally funded asa means of enhancing the environment and aesthetic values of the Commonwealth.

Penn State Researchers Seeking Clearfield County Participants For Marcellus Project

Penn State researchers are seeking Clearfield County residents who are interested in science and energy

to participate in the Marcellus Community Science Volunteer Program, a ten-week program exploring

the natural and social sciences through the context of natural gas development.

The program itself will take place from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, with the next session

slated for Monday. The final session will be held August 11.

Topics will include energy choices for Pennsylvania and the nation, managing water resources,

Marcellus Shale, and understanding community impacts of natural resource extraction. There is no cost

to participate. Participants who complete the course will receive a $100 stipend

New participants are being accepted at the next session, scheduled for 6 p.m. on June 16 in

room 146 Smeal Building at Penn State DuBois.

For more information, contact Terry Noll, project coordinator, by sending email to:

[email protected], or call 814-865-6598.

PA American Water Plants Among Those Receiving National Recognition

PA American WatersPhilipsburg and Huntsville Water Treatment Plants were among several

American Water Works Company facilities to receive recognition under the U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agencys Partnership for Safe Water Program.

The Philipsburg Water Treatment Plant received the elite Phase IV Presidents Award

recognition. Phase IV goals are the highest possible level of performance that can be achieved in the

four-phase program. The Presidents Award recognizes achieving Phase IVs very stringent individual

filter performance goals for turbidity.

PA American Waters facility has been participating in the Partnership since 1996, and is a

member of the distribution system program. The Philipsburg plant received its first Directors Award in
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1999. It is the first plant in American Waters footprint and only the fourth treatment plant in

Pennsylvania to receive the Presidents Award.

The Huntsville Water Treatment Plant is also being recognized in 2014 for maintaining the Phase

III Directors Award status for five years. With a total of 68 surface water treatment plants recognized,

American Water accounts for about 30 percent of all plants that have received the Phase III award

nationwide.Having one of our plants reach such an elite status is a very significant achievement in our

ongoing efforts to meet stringent performance goals, said Susan Story, President and Chief Executive

Officer. At American Water, we hold ourselves to the highest standards in delivering clean, high-quality

drinking water to the people we serve so we're pleased to be among the select few companies to

achieve this national recognition from the Partnership. This accomplishment is a true testament to our

employees expertise, dedication to excellence and commitment to protecting public health.

For more information on Pennsylvanias program, visit DEPs Partnership for Safe Water

webpage or contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or send email to: [email protected].

Ephrata Water Plant Completes 3rd Phase Of Partnership For Safe Water

The Ephrata Area Joint Authority Water Treatment Plant in Lancaster County recently completed the

third phase of the Partnership for Safe Water, a voluntary effort to provide safe drinking water.

Presently, the water plant provides drinking water service to approximately 17,937 people.

The Ephrata Area Joint Authority Water Treatment Plant is now one of the 58 water plants to complete

this phase of the Partnership in Pennsylvania.

The Partnership for Safe Water is made up of the Department of Environmental Protection,

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the PA Section American Water Works Associationand other

drinking water organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on

optimizing treatment plant performance.

Phase III entails a detailed, peer-reviewed report that summarizes the rigorous self assessment

portion of the program. This phase is specifically geared toward identifying weaknesses in plant

operation, design and administration that could lead to a breakthrough of waterborne disease-causing

organisms into the finished water that is distributed to consumers. Correcting these weaknesses helps

prevent waterborne disease outbreaks from pathogenic organisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia.

By completing this phase of the program, the Ephrata Area Joint Authority Water Treatment

Plant is working to provide an additional measure of protection to drinking water consumers.

Currently, 118 surface water treatment plants serving over 5.9 million people are now involved

in Pennsylvania's Partnership for Safe Water program.

For more information on Pennsylvanias program, visit DEPs Partnership for Safe Water

webpage or contact Kevin Anderson at 717-783-9764 or send email to: [email protected].

(Reprinted fromJune 12 DEP Newsletter. To sign up to get your own copy, Click Here.)

DEP: New Oil And Gas Permit Fees Go Into Effect June 14

The Department of Environmental Protection Friday announced the Environmental Quality Board final

rulemaking increasing unconventional well permit fees was published in the June 14 PA Bulletin. The

new fees will take effect June 14. (formal notice)
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol44%2F44-24%2F1245.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKdsQ6aYOBUJ8v_ykic2jtbWswcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2FNews_and_Events%2F21504%2FDEP_Newsletter%2F1714475&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElhCInUnBt5iuuqv_KGOJnocpi5Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014061262.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG2dO2QzK6hoitiYwuJSIhjC-sKigmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH5qkQSnz1D5XLPskqobD_kR3s4Awhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paawwa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFzX6dH9HwbN3KwIkh6mYFbE1jxVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH5qkQSnz1D5XLPskqobD_kR3s4Awmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.depweb.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpartnership_for_safe_water%2F21166&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH5qkQSnz1D5XLPskqobD_kR3s4Aw


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Under the Corbett administration, there has been a strategic, proactive approach to the

oversight of this industry, DEP Secretary and EQB Chairperson E. Christopher Abruzzo said. The

efforts to date have been unprecedented, and this fee increase will give us the ability to continue to grow

and strengthen our program along with the growing industry.

The department projects the increase will result in additional annual revenue of about $4.7

million, which will support new information technology projects related to oil and gas, includingstreamlining electronic review, mobile digital inspections, upgrades to reporting systems and

modernization of forms and databases.

The new revenue will also be used to hire additional Office of Oil and Gas Management staff for

inspections, policy and program writing, and permitting.

The final rule fixed the fees for unconventional wells at $5,000 for nonvertical natural gas wells

and $4,200 for vertical natural gas wells. Prior to the rulemaking, the fee varied and was charged based

on well bore length.

As a result of this change, the permit fee for an average unconventional well will increase by

about $1,800 per nonvertical natural gas well and $1,300 per vertical natural gas well. The permit fees

for conventional oil and gas well operators will remain the same.

Entirely self-sufficient, DEPs Office of Oil and Gas Management is funded by fees, fines andpenalties and also receives $6 million annually in impact fees paid by operators. The self-funded system

saves taxpayers more than $21 million annually from the general fund.

By law, the oil and gas well permit fee must bear a reasonable relationship to the cost of

administering DEPs oil and gas programs. Department regulations require DEP to evaluate the

appropriateness of the fee every three years.

The last fee increase took effect on October 24, 2009, increasing the fee from $100 to a sliding

scale based on wellbore length.

PA Housing Authority Issues RFP For Marcellus Shale Housing Funding

The PA Housing Finance AgencyMonday issued a Request for Proposalsfor projects to improve the

availability and affordability of housing in the Marcellus Shale region of the state. Proposals are due

August 15.

The funding to address housing needs comes from Marcellus Shale impact fees. Those fees are

directed to, and administered from, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation

Enhancement Fund.

This year's funding includes $5 million received in 2014 for wells drilled in 2013, as well as

Marcellus Shale impact fee funds provided to municipalities that exceeded a certain percentage or dollar

amount set by law.

Eligible applicants for the 2014 RFP include Pennsylvania counties that have adopted

ordinances authorizing the imposition of an impact fee and that have unconventional gas wells. Alsoeligible are municipalities that have excess (or spillover) funds deposited into the PHARE Fund, as

noted above.

"Our first two years of administering this funding have confirmed the wisdom of letting local

governments determine where best to make vital housing investments," said PHFA Executive Director

and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. "We encourage county and municipal governments to take advantage of

this PHARE funding to help them address their most critical housing needs. We will be offering

informational sessions to help them with questions about their proposals."
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phfa.org%2Fhsgresources%2Fact105.aspx%3Fid%3Dddmenu&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEij_6_OdjdnaaWRygEaWyf_6eibghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phfa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFwDKWvW8yZcANph2hX88aCjzlZSw


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The RFP stresses the agency's desire to fund projects that will leverage other funds and

partnerships to improve housing in a community. Proposals must ensure that at least 30 percent of any

funds awarded will be used to help people or families with incomes below 50 percent of the median

area income.

Also, proposals cannot serve people or families with incomes above 200 percent of the median

area income. Additional requirements are described in detail in the RFP.Funding Webinars

PHFA will host two public information sessions during which potential applicants can ask

questions and get clarification on the requirements of the RFP. These will be held via webinar on June

26 and July 21. More information about these sessions will be posted on the PHFA website.

The RFP is available on the PHFA website.

June 12 DEP Newsletter Now Available

Pa Environment Digest June 16, 2014

Documents

Transcript of Pa Environment Digest June 16, 2014