PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaMarch17,2014 DCNRReleasesQ/AOnProposedAdditionalNaturalGasLeasingOnStateLands TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesThursday releasedafactsheetonGov.Corbettsproposaltoleaseadditional statelandsfornaturalgasdevelopmentsolongasthenewleasesdo notinvolveadditionalsurfacedisturbance.TheGovernorsaid additionalleasingcouldraise$75million. AtDCNRsbudgethearinginFebruary,SecretaryFerretti saidtheadditionalleasingwouldincludedeep,horizontaldrillingfrom adjacentprivatelandwithoutadditionalsurfaceimpactsunderState ParksordrillingfromexistingorplanningwellpadsonStateForestland. ShesaidDCNRwouldbeacceptingproposalsfromdrillingcompaniesandwouldnotoffer specifictracksforlease. TheGovernorwillissueanewExecutiveOrderspecificallyguaranteeingadditionalleasingwill havenoimpactonsurfaceimpactsonstatelands.Shenoteditisanopportunitytogeneratemore fundingwithoutincreasingtaxes.TherevenueswillbeprioritizedforusewithinDCNRspecificallyunder theExecutiveOrder. SecretaryFerrettiaddedneitherDCNRsproposedbudgetortheEnhancePennsWoods initiativewouldbedependentonadditionalgasleasing. Questionshavebeenraisedbyanumberofgroupsaboutwhatnonsurfacedisturbance leasingmeansandasaresponseDCNRreleasedthisfactsheet.Thetextfollows Q:WhatistheGovernorsproposalonadditionalleasingofstateownedoilandgasrights? A:Gov.TomCorbettproposestogeneratenewrevenuethroughlimitedleasingofDCNRlandsina mannerwhichprohibitsadditionalsurfacedisturbanceonstateparksandforests.Thisbalanced approachwillensurethatthespecialcharacteristicsandhabitatsofDCNRlandsareconservedand protected,whileallowingforhistoricinvestmentsinenvironmentalandconservationprogramspublic educationaccesstoqualityhealthcareandpublicsafety,withoutraisingtaxesonPennsylvanians. Q:WhatdoesnonsurfacedisturbanceofDCNRlandsmean? A:NonsurfacedisturbanceofDCNRlandsmeansthatnoneworadditionalphysicaldisturbancewill occuronthesurfaceofstateforestorparklandasaresultofthisleasingactivity.Naturalgaswillbe accessedthroughtheuseofdirectionalandhorizontaldrilling. Q:Howmuchrevenuedoesthisproposalanticipategenerating? A:Theproposedbudgetprojects$75millionbeinggeneratedfrombonuspaymentsfortherightto developnaturalgasdepositedmorethanamilebeneaththeground.Thisrevenuewillhelpthe Commonwealthmakerecordinvestmentsinenvironmentalandconservationprogramspublic

educationaccesstoqualityhealthcareandpublicsafety. Specificareasandacreagewillbeanalyzedbyreviewinginterestfromoperatorswhocan accessthegasthroughhorizontaldrillingwithoutadditionaldisturbanceonthesurfaceofDCNRlands. Q:Wouldthisproposalgenerateanyrevenueinadditiontothebonuspayments?Howmuch? A:Yes.Infutureyears,productionofgasunderlyingDCNRmanagedlandwouldgenerateroyalty incomeforthetaxpayersofPennsylvania.Itisdifficulttoestimatehowmuchrevenue,asthatis dependentuponmanyfactors,suchaswhenwellsareputintoproduction,aswellasthepriceofnatural gas.DCNRtypicallycommandsaroyaltyrateof18percentormoreofthevalueofthenaturalgas sold. Q:HowdoestheGovernorproposetoallocatefutureroyaltyrevenuesfromnewleases? A:ThegovernorwillissueanExecutiveOrdertoprioritizetheuseoffutureroyaltyrevenueinthreekey areas:stateparkandforestinfrastructureimprovementsacquisitionofhighvalueinholdingsand acquisitionofprivatelyownedoilandgasrightsunderlyinghighvaluestateparkandforestlandswhich maynotbesuitablefordrillingactivity.DCNRestimatesthatapproximately80percentoftheoiland gasrightsunderlyingstateparklandisprivatelyowned. Q:HowdoesthisproposaldifferfrompriorDCNRleasesforthedevelopmentof unconventionalnaturalgas? A:DCNRhasconductedthreesignificantleaseofferingsduringthemodernMarcellusShaleera:onein 2008andtwoin2010.Theseleaseofferingsgenerallylimitedsurfacedisturbanceonstateforestlandto nomorethanapproximatelytwopercentofthetotalacresleased. UndertheGovernorsproposal,nonewdisturbancewouldbeauthorizedonthesurfaceof stateforestorparkland.Naturalgaswouldbeaccessedthroughsurfaceactivitywhichoccurson private,adjacentlandsorfromwellpadsiteswhichalreadyexistorareplannedunderpreexisting leases. Theadventandrefinementofdirectionalandhorizontaldrillingallowsfortherecoveryofnatural gasthroughtheuseoflateralsthatcanreachamileormoreinlengthandaretypicallylocatedamileor moreunderground. Q:Doesthisproposalrequirelegislativeapproval? A:UnderAct18of1995,theGeneralAssemblyhasalreadyprovidedlegislativeauthorityforDCNR toenterintoleasesforthedevelopmentofoilandgasunderlyingstateforestandstateparkland. Legislativeapprovalisnecessarytoappropriateanyrevenuegeneratedfromnewleases. Q:WhatinvestmentsdoesthisbudgetmakeinPennsylvaniasawardwinningstateparksand forests? A:Aspartofhisbudgetproposal,Gov.CorbettoutlinedhisEnhancePennsWoodsinitiativewhich wouldinvestover$200millioninstateparkandforestinfrastructureimprovementsovertwoyears. EnhancePennsWoodsincludes$45millioninGrowingGreenerBondActfundsrealizedfrom bondpremiumsandinterest,alongwith$57millionincapitalbudgetcommitments. Additionally,otherfundingstreamswillbefocuseduponstateparkandforestinfrastructure improvements.Thisinitiativerepresentsthelargesttwoyearfundingcommitmenttostateparkand forestinfrastructureinthehistoryoftheCommonwealth. Q:HowdoesExecutiveOrder20105affectthisproposal? A:Thecurrentexecutiveorder,issuedinOctober2010,prohibitstheleasingofanylandownedand managedbyDCNR.Whileintendedtoprotectthecriticalcharacteristics,habitat,andmultipleusesof thesurfaceland,thebroadwordingofthisexecutiveorderprecludesnewleaseswhichcanavoid conflictsanddisturbanceonthesurfaceofDCNRmanagedlandsthroughthe

utilizationofdirectionalandhorizontaldrilling. TheGovernorwillissueanewexecutiveorderthatprohibitstheleasingoflandsownedand managedbyDCNRwhichwouldresultinanyadditionaldisturbancetothesurfaceofstateforestor parkland.Theexecutiveorderwillalsodirecttheuseoffutureroyaltyrevenuefromnewleasesfor threekeyareas:stateparkandforestinfrastructureimprovementsacquisitionofhighvalueinholdings andacquisitionofprivatelyownedoilandgasrightsunderlyinghighvaluestateparkandforestlands whichmaynotbesuitablefordrillingactivity. Acopyofthefactsheetisavailableonline. TheproposalandanewreportontheimpactsofnaturalgasdevelopmentinStateForestsare expectedtobediscussedattheApril16meetingofDCNRsNaturalGasAdvisoryCommittee. Formoreinformation,visitDCNRsNaturalGasDevelopmentandStateForestswebpage. NewsClips: Letter:OpEdMisrepresentedCorbettDrillingPlan WhatsStillAtStakeInAct13DrillingLawCourtBattle ElkCountyTwp.PreparesForBattleAgainstDeepInjectionWell TriStatePolicyGroupsPushForMarcellusSeveranceTax NaturalGasTaxCouldFactorIntoGubernatorialRace PALosesMillionsInShaleGasDollars Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? Editorial:EndExcuses,FairlyTaxNaturalGas Editorial:PA,OH,WVSeveranceTaxPlan HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? ToughOppositionDelaysHouseVoteOnEndangeredSpeciesBill,ButItIsntOver AttemptsbysponsorstohaveaHousevotethisweekonHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong),which wouldremovesignificantprotectionsforthreatenedandendangeredspeciesduringenvironmental permitreviews,sufferedasetbackthisweekasanearlyunitedcoalitionofsportsmenandenvironmental groupsworkedtoopposethebill. ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,ChesapeakeBayFoundationPAandmanyother groupsopposedthebillbecauseitwoulddonothingtoaddresstherealpermitreviewissuesofconcern tomanywhilesignificantlylimitingprotectionforspecies. HouseBill1576makesnoactualchangestothecurrentpermitreviewprocessinstead,it placespoliticalhurdlesinfrontofnewspecieslistings,andimposesunclearstandardsonlisting determinationsanddatasharing.Italsosystematicallydropshundredsofspeciesofconcernfromthe permitreviewprocess,irrespectiveoftheirstatusinthestate,welcomingpotentialfederallistingsinthe future,saidJohnWalliser,VicePresident,Legal&GovernmentAffairsforPEC. Butthisissueisntover.HouseBill1576remainsontheHousevotingschedulefornextweek. ThereisalsoacompanionbillintheSenateSenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson)that samething.Sen.RichAlloway(RAdams),MajorityChairoftheSenateGameandFisheries Committee,indicatedhewasplanningtohaveasecondhearingontheSenateBill,butithasnotyet

beenscheduled. NewsClips: Editorial:DeceptiveBillWontProtectEndangeredSpecies ContractArrangedGameCommissionDirectorsEarlyExit $220KPayoutProposedToAvoidLawsuitAgainstGameCommission AttorneyGeneralExaminesDealWithGameCommissionDirector CorbettsOfficeTakesAimAtAnotherGameCommissionOfficial GameCommissionOfficialMoonlightingAsGasLeasingAdvisor CorbettMovesAgainstGameCommissionEmployee HuntersHarvest352,920Deer VisitsFromDoeProvidesCloseViewOfNaturesFragility GameCommissionEnrolls30thWCOCadets HBGPeregrineFalconsEggsExpected HummingbirdMigrationHitsFloridaWithPAInItsSights NedSmithCenterReschedulesSusquehannaWaterfowlWatch SnowGeeseArriveEnMasseAtMiddleCreek InMemoriam:ArthurA.Davis,FormerSecretaryDept.OfEnvironmentalResources FormerDepartmentofEnvironmentalResourcesSecretaryArthurA. Davis(91)passedawayathishomeonMarch9surroundedbyhiswife andotherfamilymembers. DavisservedasDERSecretaryfromJanuary1987toJanuary 1995underGov.RobertP.CaseyandwasthefifthSecretaryofthe agency.(PhotocourtesyofDCNRDEPfromaposterinthelobbyof theRachelCarsonBuildingthisweekhonoringDavis.) Duringhistenure,severalmajorenvironmentalprogramswere enactedintolaw:Act101MunicipalWastePlanning,RecyclingWaste ReductionActestablishingoneofthefirststatewidecurbsiderecycling programs,Act108HazardousSitesCleanupProgramtoparallelthefederalSuperfundProgram,Act 54protectingsurfacestructuresandwatersourcesfromtheimpactsoflongwallmining,creatingthe PennsylvaniaInfrastructureInvestmentAuthority,regulatingnutrientloadingfromfarmsunderthe NutrientManagementAct,theEnvironmentalEducationActfundingeducationprogramwithDER penaltymonies,StorageTankandSpillPreventionActregulatingabovegroundandunderground storagetanks,LowLevelRadioactiveWasteDisposalActrelatingtosafedisposaloflowlevelwaste, theRadiologicalEmergencyPreparednessActfundingpreparednessatnuclearpowerplants, establishingtheKeystoneRecreation,ParkandConservationFundProgramtofundlocalrecreation andStateParkandForestimprovements,legislationcreatingtheRailsToTrailsProgramand establishingtheWildResourceConservationFundvehiclelicensetofundresearchintothreatenedand endangeredspecies. ClickHereformoredetailsonaccomplishmentsduringhistimeasDERSecretary. AmonghisaccomplishmentswhileSecretarywastohelpDERnavigatethroughbitterfights withlegislatorsandprivateinterestsaboutlandfillsandrecycling.Hewasstrictenforcerofhazardous wastepolicyandprotectionsforwetlandsandwaterways,andpressedforcleanupandaccountability forthe1990oilspillontheAlleghenyRiverinPittsburgh,saidCindyAdamsDunn,Presidentand

CEOofPennFuture.OneofhisproudestaccomplishmentswasestablishingPennsylvaniasmandatory recyclingprogramthatisamongthemostprogressiveinthenation.HefoughtforfundingforState Parks,remarkingtherewasneverenough.Artworkedtoensuresurfaceminingcleanupand reclamationandenforcethepostingofbondsbycoalcompaniestoensurereclamation.Onthe20th anniversaryofEarthDayin1990,hemadehiswaytoworkbycanoeingacrosstheSusquehannaRiver. ArtwasknownforhiswitandhiscolorfulsayingsareinusetodaybymanywhoknowArt. MypersonalfavoriteisWelljumpoffthatbridgewhenwecometoitAnotherfavoritewasThis soapsbeenaroundthebathtubbeforewhensomeonekeepsbringingupthesameissue,added Dunn. Amongotherhonors,DavisreceivedtheNationalWetlandsAwardfromtheEnvironmental LawInstitutein1990. PriortoDER,DavisservedastheGoddardChairatPennStateUniversity,Western PennsylvaniaConservancyandU.S.FishandWildlifeServiceforprotectionoftheWhiteRiverin Arkansas.HisworkatWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyfocusedontheconservationof Pennsylvaniasnorthernforests. Inlieuofflowers,contributionsmaybemadetotheConodoguinetCreekWatershed Association,c/oGilFreedman,PresidentCCWA,49SampleBridgeRoad,Mechanicsburg,PA 17050. ClickHereforacopyofthefullobituary. AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle. Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly, Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource. YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog.

PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced BillCalendars House(March17):HouseBill2039(MoulRAdams)furtherprovidingformembershipofthe InterstateCommissiononthePotomacRiverBasinsponsorsummaryHouseResolution583 (MolchanyDAllegheny)designatingJanuary1319Mt.WashingtonEmeraldViewParkTrailWeek sponsorsummaryHouseResolution648(MillardRColumbia)UrgingCongresstoreexaminethe BiggertWatersFloodInsuranceReformAct.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(March17):SenateBill411(KasunicDSomerset)encouragingthereuseofminedrainage andminepoolwaterfordrillingoperationsSenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyalty interestownersofoilandgaswellstoinspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpayments SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyaltyinterest ownersofoilandgaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementSenateBill1238(YawRLycoming) requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecountyRecorderofDeedsofficewhenoiland gasleasesareterminatedSenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionoflead freeunderthePlumbingSystemLeadBanandNotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirements sponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1684 (EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsorsummarytheConsumer AffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonvariablerateelectricitypricecontractstheGameand FisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingondeermanagement.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommittee Schedule. Senate:theAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1037(VogelRBeaver) eliminatingthesummerlowRVPgasolinerequirementinWesternPAtheConsumerProtectionand ProfessionalLicensureCommitteeconsidersthenominationofRobertF.PowelsonasChairmanof thePublicUtilityCommissionandholdsahearingonelectricreliabilityinWarminster.<>Click HereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. Other:LegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteemeetstoconsiderreleaseofreports,among them:UpdateonthefeasibilityofcombiningtheGameandFishandBoatCommissions. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees

HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek HeatingOilDelivery:HouseBill2064(MaloneyRBerks)furtherprovidingforliabilityrelatingto theaccidentaldeliveryofheatingoiltoaresidentialdwellingsponsorsummary. DelawareReservoirs:HouseResolution674(PetriRBucks)memoralizingtheGovernortotake certainactionsrelatingtoyearroundcapacityofthecityofNewYorkownedreservoirsaffectingthe DelawareRiverBasinsponsorsummary. SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House March17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7

June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 Senate March17,18,19,31 April1,2,7,8,9,28,29,30 May5,6,7 June2,3,4,9,10,11,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate House FederalFloodInsurance:HouseResolution648(MillardRColumbia)UrgingCongressto reexaminetheBiggertWatersFloodInsuranceReformActwasamendedandreportedoutofthe HouseInsuranceCommitteeandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction. PotomacRiverBasin:HouseBill2039(MoulRAdams)furtherprovidingformembershipofthe InterstateCommissiononthePotomacRiverBasinsponsorsummarywasreportedoutofthe HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction. Senate GeospatialCouncil:SenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingtheStateGeospatial CoordinatingBoardwasamendedontheSenateFloorandwaspassedbytheSenate.Thebillnow goestotheHouseforitsaction. AggregateAdvisoryBoard:SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishinganAggregate AdvisoryBoardatDEPwasamendedandreportedoutbytheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommitteeandisnowontheSenateCalendarforaction. Oil&GasRoyalties:SenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoil andgaswellstoinspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpayments(amended),SenateBill 1237(YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyaltyinterestownersof oilandgaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreement(amended),SenateBill1238(YawRLycoming) requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecountyRecorderofDeedsofficewhenoiland gasleasesareterminated(amended)werereportedoutoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand EnergyCommitteeandarenowontheSenateCalendarforaction. LeadBan:SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionofleadfreeunderthe PlumbingSystemLeadBanandNotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirementssponsor summarywasreportedoutoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandisnow ontheSenateCalendarforaction.

NewsFromTheCapitol
SenateCommitteeReportsOutBillsOnOilAndGasWellRoyalty,OtherIssues TheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeTuesdayreportedoutathreebillpackage ontheissueofcalculatingoilandgaswellroyaltiesandotherlegislation.Thebillsinclude SenateBill1236(YawRLycoming)authorizingroyaltyinterestownersofoilandgaswellsto inspectrecordsofgascompaniestoverifyproperpayments(amended) SenateBill1237(YawRLycoming)prohibitinggascompaniesfromretaliatingagainstroyalty interestownersofoilandgaswellsbyterminatingtheirleaseagreement(amended) SenateBill1238(YawRLycoming)requiringgascompaniestofillasatisfactionpieceinthecounty RecorderofDeedsofficewhenoilandgasleasesareterminated(amended) SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishinganAggregateAdvisoryBoardatDEP (amended)and SenateBill1254(YudichakDLuzerne)changingthedefinitionofleadfreeunderthePlumbing SystemLeadBanandNotificationActtoconformtofederalrequirementssponsorsummary. ThebillsarenowontheSenateCalendarforfurtheraction. Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)servesasMajorityChairandSen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne) servesasMinorityChair. NewsClips: HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle HouseCommitteeToConsiderGasWellRoyaltyBillMarch17 TheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeisscheduledtomeetonMarch17to considerlegislationtoaddressrecentissueswithcalculatingroyaltiesfromoilandgaswellHouseBill 1684(EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsorsummary. ThebillwasontheCommitteesagendalastweek,butafteralongdiscussionoftheissueno votewastaken. ThemeetingwillbeheldinRoomB31MainCapitolstartingat11:00a.m. Rep.RonMiller(RYork)isMajorityChairoftheCommitteeandRep.GregVitali (DDelaware)isMinorityChair. NewsClips: HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle

NewsFromAroundTheState
Sen.Yaw:AttorneyGeneralWillReviewRoyaltyComplaintsAgainstChesapeakeEnergy

Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,ThursdayannouncedtheOfficeofAttorneyGeneralhasrespondedtohisletterrequesting anofficialinquiryintothepostproductioncostdeductionpracticesofChesapeakeEnergy. TheAttorneyGeneralsOfficesaid:Wehavealsoreceivednumerouscomplaintsfromcitizens locatedintheMarcellusShaleregion,includingyourdistrict,regardingroyaltypayments.Yourletter andthecomplaintshavebeenforwardedtotheAntitrustSectionoftheOfficeforaresponse. AttherequestoftheAttorneyGeneralsOffice,Iamencouragingimpactedleaseholders throughoutmySenateDistricttosendcompletecopiesoftheirleasesandaddendums,alongwithany recordsofpayment,tomyoffice,Sen.Yawsaid.ThisinformationisvaluabletotheAttorneyGeneral asshethoroughlyreviewsthecomplaints. InhisletterdatedFebruary13th,Sen.Yawnotedthatthousandsofcontractshavebeen executedbetweengascompaniesandlandownersinhisSenatedistrict.Withnobackgroundintheoil andgasindustry,localPennsylvaniansbecameconsumersrelyingontherepresentationsoflandmen workingforthegascompanies. Sen.Yawfurthernotedthatoverthepastyear,aseriousissuehasarisenbetweenthecontract languageregardingpostproductioncosts,therepresentationsmadebythelandmenandtheGuaranteed MinimumRoyaltyAct. Sen.Yawisencouragingaffectedleaseholderstoemailhimat:gyaw@pasen.govormailthe informationtohisHarrisburgOfficeat:SenateBox203023,StateCapitolBuilding,Harrisburg,PA 17120. IappreciateAttorneyGeneralKanetakingtheseadditionalstepsinreviewingcomplaintsfrom myconstituents,Sen.Yawadded. NewsClips: AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle RegistrationNowOpen:WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposiumApril1011 TroutUnlimitedandtheWestBranchSusquehannaRestorationCoalitionwillhostthe7thWestBranch SusquehannaRestorationSymposiumonApril1011attheToftreesGolfResortandConference Center,StateCollege. April10willhostaworkshoponhowtoapplyforandmanagegrants.April11willbefilled withavarietyofpresentationsontopicsrelatedtoabandonedminedrainagecleanupeffortsintheWest BranchSusquehannawatershed. StudentPosterContest AstudentpostercompetitionwillbeheldonApril10thinconjunctionwiththe7thWestBranch SusquehannaRestorationSymposium.Postersshouldpresentresearchrelatedtoabandonedmine drainage,abandonedminereclamation,orarelatedtopic. ProjectswithafocusintheWestBranchSusquehannaRiverbasinarepreferred,butnot required. EachstudententeringaposterwillhavetheregistrationfeeforApril10andApril11waived.A monetaryawardwillbegiventothe1st,2nd,and3rdplacecontestants. Toenter,sendanabstract(250wordmaximum)alongwithyourname,affiliationandcontact

informationtoDr.JenniferDemchakbysendingemailto:jdemchak@mansfield.eduby5:00p.m.on March28. ResearchPosters:Ifyouarenotastudent,butwouldstillliketodisplayaresearchposterthere willbeafreeareatodisplayyourwork.IfyouwouldliketodisplayaposterpleasecontactRebecca Hollerbysendingemailto:rholler@tu.orgformoredetails. Formoreinformation:ContactTroutUnlimitedat5707484901orsendemailto: rholler@tu.org.GetupdatesabouttheSymposiumbyvisitingtheWestBranchSusquehanna RestorationSymposiumwebpage. NewsClips: CBFUrgesResidentsToReverseLancasterDecisionOnBayChallenge OpEd:FarmBureauHadItWrongOnChesapeakeBayCleanup Letter:PatriotHadItRightFirstTimeOnChesapeakeBay ChesapeakeBayFoundationOpens2014SaveTheBayPhotoContest TheChesapeakeBayFoundationMondayannounceditisnowacceptingsubmissionsforitsannual SaveTheBayPhotoContestfrombothamateursandprofessionals.ThedeadlineisApril11. CBFisseekingphotographsthatillustratethepositiveaspectsoftheBayanditsriversand streams.TheywanttoseeyourvisionoftheBayregionfromPennsylvaniatoVirginia,fromthe ShenandoahMountainstotheEasternShore. Imagesdepictingpeople,wildlife,recreation,andfarmswithinthewatershedwillallbe considered.AllphotosmustincludewaterfromtheChesapeakeBayorariver,stream,creek,orother bodyofwaterinsidetheChesapeakeBaywatershed. OfficialjudgingwillbeconductedbyapanelofCBFemployeeswhowilljudgeentrieson subjectmatter,composition,focus,lighting,uniqueness,andimpact.Thepublicwillalsobeabletovote onlinefortheirfavoritephotointheViewers'ChoiceGallery. Allwinnerswillreceiveacashaward:FirstPrize:$500:SecondPrize:$250ThirdPrize:$150 andViewers'Choice:$100. Inaddition,thefirstprizephotographwillappearinCBF's2015calendar.Andthat'snotall:All winnerswillalsoreceiveaoneyearmembershiptoCBFandwillhavetheirphotosdisplayedonCBF's website,inaCBFenewsletter,andinCBF'sSavetheBaymagazine. Formoreinformation,visitCBFsSaveTheBayPhotoContestwebpage. NewsClips: CBFUrgesResidentsToReverseLancasterDecisionOnBayChallenge OpEd:FarmBureauHadItWrongOnChesapeakeBayCleanup Letter:PatriotHadItRightFirstTimeOnChesapeakeBay CBFUrgesLancasterCountyResidentsToKeepCleanWaterMomentumMoving TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAsentanactionalerttoitsmembersinLancasterCountyalerting themLancasterCountygovernmenthassignedontoalegalbriefsupportinganappealfiledby21states outsidetheChesapeakeBayWatershedtooverturnChesapeakeBaycleanupstandards. CBFurgedconcernedcitizenstourgeLancastercommissionerstowithdrawfromtheappeal. Thetextoftheactionalertfollows KeepLancasterCountysCleanWaterMomentumMovingForward!

Despitedecadesoftremendouscommitment,ingenuity,andprogressmadebylocalleadersand residentstoimproveourstreams,LancasterCountyCommissionersinadecisionthatwasnot unanimoushavesignedontoanappealthatcouldhaltitall. SendamessagetoLancasterCountyCommissioners.Letthemknowyou'redisappointedthat they'rejeopardizingallthecleanwaterprogressthathasbeenmade.Now'sthetimetokeep Lancaster'scleanwatermomentummovingforward,notbackward! ClickHeretosendyourmessagetoLancasterCountycommissioners. NewsClips: CBFUrgesResidentsToReverseLancasterDecisionOnBayChallenge OpEd:FarmBureauHadItWrongOnChesapeakeBayCleanup Letter:PatriotHadItRightFirstTimeOnChesapeakeBay AFTHelpsOhioRiverBasinFarmersIn1stInterstateWaterQualityCreditTrades AmericanFarmlandTrusthaspartneredwiththeElectricPowerResearchInstituteandother collaboratorsinapilotprogramtohelpfarmersintheOhioRiverBasinparticipateinthefirstever interstatewaterqualitycredittradingprogramtofundonfarminstallationofconservationpractices. EPRIisbuildingarobustpilottradingprogramthatwillallowpublicandprivateindustriesto testapotentialregulatorycomplianceoptiontoimprovewaterquality,saidAndrewMcElwaine, PresidentandCEOofAFT.Itwillalsoprovidefarmersmuchneededfundingfortheinstallationof bestmanagementpracticestoimprovethesoil,reducethecostoffarmingandprotectwaterquality. Waterqualitytradingisamarketbasedapproachwhichallowsfacilitiestomeetrequired pollutionreductionsbypayingfarmersfortheinstallationofconservationpracticeslikeheavyuse protectionareasforlivestock,conversionofcroplandtohaylandandpasturelandandtheuseofcover cropsthatreducepollutionbyspecificamounts.Thosepollutionreductionsarethenconvertedto verifiedcreditsthatcanbeboughtandsold. TheagreementsignedbetweenthestatesofIndiana,KentuckyandOhiotouseacommon definitionforcreditsisanhistoricstepfortradingprograms,saidMcElwaine.Theinvolvementofthe federalandstateagenciesalsoensuresthecreditprogrammeetsfederalstandardssothecreditscan counttowardpollutionreductionsrequiredbythefederalCleanWaterAct. UndertheEPRIprogram,AFTengagedfarmersfromthebeginningtodeveloptheprogram, identifiedandworkedwithcountyconservationdistrictstounderstandtheneedsoffarmersand providedtechnicalsupportindetermininghowmucheachconservationpracticewillreducepollution loads. AFTprovidedhandsonhelptofarmers,stateagriculturalandresourceagenciesandsoiland waterconservationdistrictsduringboththeapplicationphaseoftheprojectandintheverificationand monitoringphasetomakesurethebenefitswerethereforbothfarmersandtheenvironment,saidBrian Brandt,theprojectsagriculturalcoordinator.Wealsobroughtourexperiencewithtradingprograms inotherregionsofthecountrytohelptheproject. Examplesofthetypesofconservationpracticesinstalledundertheprograminclude Indiana: 74acresofnotillcorn/soybeanwithsomebeefcattlenearacreekhasconverted7acresofwheat tohay/pastureland. 80acresofpastureandcroplandnearacreekwith31cowsisinstallingalargeheavyuseprotection areawithwrittenpermissionfromthelandownertomaintainthepracticeifhestopsrentingtheland.

82acrebeefcattle,pastureandhaylandoperationneartwocreeksisinstallingfourseparateheavy useprotectionareasonaridgethatdrainsintwodifferentdirections. Corn,soybean,livestockoperationadjacenttotheOhioRiverisputtingin105acresofcover crops. Corn,soybeanandbeefcattleoperationthathaslandinbothIndianaandOhioisputtingin80acres ofcovercrops. Ohio: Twolivestockoperationsnearcreeksareinstallingfeedlotrunoffcontrolsandmanurestorage facilities. Twodairiesnearcreeksareinstallingmilkhousewastesystems. Kentucky: Livestockoperationsnearcreeksareproposingtoinstallaheavyuseprotectionareas. We view this program as a four way win for the watershed, for rate-paying utility customers, for farmers and for wastewater treatment facilities,saidMcElwaine. WewanttothankEPRI,theparticipatingutilitiesandotherprojectcollaboratorsforhelpingtomake thefirstofitskindprogramavailabletofarmers.WealsowouldliketothankUSDAsNatural ResourcesConservationServiceandtheMosaicCompanyFoundationforsupportingourwork. Weareproudtosupportthedevelopmentofthisfirstofitskindinterstatewaterquality tradingmarket,saidRickMcLellan,MosaicCompanyFoundationboardmember.Mosaicisdriven byourmissiontohelptheworldgrowthefooditneeds,andweunderstandtheneedtoincreaseyields sustainably.BycollaboratingwithEPRIandAFT,wehopetobuildonourinnovationsinprotecting criticalwaterresourcesthroughconservationagricultureandnutrientstewardship. Inthisfirstroundoftrading16farmersparticipatedintheprograminIndiana,Ohioand Kentucky,withapproximately20additionalfarmersexpectedin2014. TheprojectsapprovedsofarinIndianaandOhiowillresultinreducingnitrogenpollutionbyan estimated37,000poundsandphosphorusby12,500pounds.Whenthesecondroundofprojectsare completedinallthreestates,thetotalestimatedreductionsinnitrogenareestimatedtobe66,000 poundsand33,000poundsofphosphorus. EPRIhassetaside$300,000forprojectsinthepilotprogramandwillcoverupto75percent oftheinstallationofthesebestmanagementpractices. Atfullscale,theEPRIprojectcouldincludeuptoeightstatesintheOhioRiverBasinand potentiallycreatecreditmarketsfor46powerplants,thousandsofwastewaterfacilitiesandother industries,andapproximately230,000farmers. Thestewardshipcredittradesmadetodaycanbeusedtowardcorporatesustainabilitygoals andflexiblecomplianceschedulesinthefutureifstricterpermitsareissued,explainedBrandt.They arenotapprovedtobeusedforcompliancewithcurrentwaterqualitypermitlimits. Thepilottradesprovideexperiencewithtradingsoparticipantscanbecomecomfortablewith theprocessandwillcontinueundertheprogramthrough2014and2015totestcriticalprogrammatic featuressuchasanonlinecreditregistryandlivetradingauction,addedBrandt. Formoreinformation,visittheEPRIOhioRiverBasinTradingProjectwebpage.Formorea backgroundontrading,visitAFTsWaterQualityTradingMarketswebpage. NationalConference AFTwillhosttheFarmland,FoodandLivableCommunitiesnationalconferenceinLexington, KentuckyonOctober2022.VisittheAFTNationalConferencewebpageformoreinformation. TheAmericanFarmlandTrustisthenationsleadingconservationorganizationdedicatedto

protectingfarmland,promotingsoundfarmingpracticesandkeepingfarmersontheland. FormoreinformationonthepoliciesandprogramsofAFT,visittheAmericanFarmlandTrust, followAFTonFacebookorTwitter. SewickleyWatershedAssociationSalutesLocalWestmorelandConservationLeaders SewickleyCreekWatershedAssociationwasverypleasedtopresent CommunityEnvironmentalServiceAwardsatitsannualfundraiser banquetheldMarch8atGiannillisIIRestaurantinGreensburg. EachyeartheAssociationrecognizeslocalindividuals, businesses,andgroupsfortheirleadershipinconservingnatural resourcesandimprovingthequalityoflifeinourcommunities. Awardrecipientsthisyearincluded:TheCityofGreensburg, WestmorelandCountyCommunityCollege,WestNewtonSportsmens Association,KathyHamilton,LandscapeArchitect/Stormwater TechnicianwiththeWestmorelandCountyConservationDistrict,andEagleScout,NicholasWolfe. DorothyBibby,anemployeeofHeplersHardware,wasalsorecognizedforherongoing fundraisingeffortsfortheAssociation. (PhotoAwardrecipientsLtoR:JohnSterdisandJohnDetisch(WCCC),Kathy Hamilton,SueTroutandFrankLehman(CityofGreensburg),NicholasWolfeandDorothy Bibby.) GuestspeakerfortheeventwasRep.MikeReesewhoprovidedadetailedhistoryofhow manyofourlocalcommunitiesoriginatedfromcoalminingandcokingoperations.Hispresentation revealedhowsomeofthoseactivitiesresultedintheabandonedminedischargeswearedealingwith today. Rep.Reesecreditedlocalnonprofitorganizations,likeSCWA,fortheircommitmentand leadershipinremediatingmanythosepollutionandlandscapeblightissues. ExecutiveDirector,ThomasKeller,providedabriefWhoWeAreandWhatWeDo presentationexplaininghowtheorganizationwasfoundedin1991andthetypesofprojectsand servicesitsinvolvedin. NicholasWolfe,Troop465,presentedhisEagleScoutprojectwhichwascompletedat SCWAsBrinkertonabandonedminetreatmentfacility.Theprojectincludedconstructionand installationofwoodduckboxes,apurplemartinhouseandnewsignpostsforthesiteentrance. TheAssociationexpressesitssincereappreciationtoallwhoattendedandsupportedtheir 2014fundraiserbanquet. Eventsponsorsincluded:UniversityofPittsburghatGreensburgHeplersHardwareThePT Group/KraisingerFamilyDentistryRachelHoza,CPAWestmorelandConservationDistrictWest NewtonSportsmensAssociationT.P.ElectricAmericanRecoverySpecialistsAdamEidemiller, Inc.and,GibsonThomasEngineeringCo. Formoreinformation,visittheSewickleyCreekWatershedAssociationwebsiteforacomplete listingofsponsors,prizedonorsandphotographsfromtheevent. WestmorelandManureManagementWorkshopsSetForMarch27,April10 TheWestmorelandCountyConservationDistrictwillofferaManureManagementWorkshoptwice,

firstonMarch27andagainonApril10attheJ.RoyHoustonConservationCenter,218Donohoe Road,Greensburg,from5:30p.m.to9:00p.m. Itsnotthemostpleasantjob,butwhendonewell,managingmanurecanbringgreatresultsin termsofhighcropyields,healthyanimals,andcleanstreams. Attheworkshop,attendeeswilllearnspecificdetailsoflawsandregulationsregardingmanure management,includingrecentupdatesgoverninghow,when,andwheretoapplyanimalmanureon land. TheDistrictsnutrientmanagementspecialistalsowillbeavailabletoprovideoneonone assistancetohelpfarmerscompletetheirownManureManagementPlan,whichtheythencanupdate ontheirowneveryyear. Costtoattendis$10perperson,whichincludesalightmealandworkshopmaterials.Alimited numberoffreesoiltestkitsalsowillbeavailable. VisittheWestmorelandCountyConservationDistrictwebsitetoregisterortodownloada registrationformthatcanbemailedinwithapayment. EnsuringWaterQualityInYourWatershedWorkshopMarch27InCollegeville PennStateExtensionandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillhostanEnsuringWater QualityInYourWatershedWorkshoponMarch27attheFarm,HomeandYouthFoundationof MontgomeryCountyat1015BridgeRoadinCollegevillestartingat8:45a.m. Theworkshopwillfocusonhighprioritywatershedissuesaffectingwaterqualityandquantity acrossPennsylvania.Topicsinclude:GreenInfrastructure,RiparianBuffers&Maintenance, ConservationEasements,InvasiveSpeciesManagementandControl. FiveCEUhourswillbeawardedforthefollowing:PLNACertifiedHorticulturists,PADE ChapterofASLALandscapeArchitects,ISACertifiedArborists,PennsylvaniaSocietyofProfessional EngineersandPLANETLandscapeIndustryCertifiedTechnicians. ClickHereformoreinformationandtoregister. PhilipsburgWaterPlantReceivesPresidentsAwardFromPartnershipForSafeWater PennsylvaniaAmericanWatersPhilipsburgWaterTreatmentPlant,whichservesapproximately7,700 customersinClearfieldandCentrecounties,hasreceivedtheelitePhaseIVPresidentsAward recognitionfromthePartnershipforSafeWater. TheprogramisavolunteerinitiativedevelopedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency, AmericanWaterWorksAssociationandotherorganizationsrepresentingwatersuppliersstrivingto providewaterqualitythatsurpassesregulatorystandardsthroughtreatmentplantanddistributionsystem optimization. PennsylvaniaAmericanWatersfacilityhasbeenparticipatinginthePartnershipsince1996,and isamemberofthedistributionsystemprogram.ThePhilipsburgplantreceiveditsfirstDirectorsAward in1999.ItisonlythefourthtreatmentplantinPennsylvaniatoreceivethePresidentsAward. PhaseIVgoalsarethehighestpossiblelevelofperformancethatcanbeachievedinthe fourphaseprogram.ThePresidentsAwardrecognizesachievingPhaseIVsverystringentindividual filterperformancegoalsforturbidity(cloudiness). Reachingthiselitestatusisaverysignificantachievementinourongoingeffortstomeet stringentperformancegoals,saidPaulZielinski,seniordirectorofwaterqualityandenvironmental

complianceforPennsylvaniaAmericanWater.Improvingthequalityofourdrinkingwaterremainsa goalthatwecontinuallystrivetomeetandexceed.OurPhilipsburgteamworkedveryhardtoearnthe PresidentsAward,andthisrecognitionisatestamenttotheirdedicationandhardworkonbehalfofour customers. ThenationalPartnershipforSafeWaterisavoluntaryselfassessmentandoptimizationprogram forwatertreatmentplantanddistributionsystemoperation.Morethan250utilitysubscribers, collectivelyservingmorethan100millionpeople,arecommittedtothePartnershipsgoalsofproviding safe,highqualitydrinkingwaterthroughachievingoperationalexcellenceinwatertreatment. Partnershipmembersparticipateinarigorousfourphaseselfassessmentandpeerreview process,developedbyindustryexpertsandarerecognizedfortheircommitmenttodeliveringsafe watertotheircommunities. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsPartnershipforSafeWaterwebpage. DEPReachesAgreementWithBucksCountyWaterAndSewerAuthority TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayannouncedithasreachedanagreementwith BucksCountyWaterandSewerAuthoritythatwillsystematicallyaddresscurrentandfuturesewage capacity,fostergrowthandprotecttheenvironment. Thepartieshaveagreedthat,throughacombinationofcorrectiveactionsandearnedcredits, the13municipalitiesservedbytheauthoritywillbeabletomanagetheirsewageflowsandgainnew connections. ThesettlementcallsforcomprehensiveAct537municipalplanningtoaddressexistingand futureneeds,improvementstotheexistingsewageinfrastructure,completionofnecessaryupgradesand removalofstormwater. Theagreementputsanendtopendinglitigation,andterminatesfurtherdiscussionofaproposed sewagestoragetankontheNeshaminyinterceptor. Italsoreleasesrequestedconnectioncreditsfor2014. DEPhasbeencommittedtoreachinganagreementwiththeAuthoritythatwouldleverage soundplanningandpromoteastrongfutureforthecommunitiesitserves,RegionalDirectorCosmo Servidiosaid.Whenimplemented,thesewageplanningandimprovementsrequiredbythisagreement willbenefitnotonlytheBucksCountycommunitiesintheservicearea,buttheentireregion. Thereleaseofconnectioncreditsfor20152017willbetiedtothecompletionofmilestonesfor correctiveworkandplanning. PennStateExtension:HighSchoolStudentsToExplorePennStateWaterScience TheCameronCountyConservationDistrictcollaboratedwithPennStateExtensionWaterResources Educator,JimClark,tosecureaseventyninehundreddollargrantfromtheHeadwatersResearch, Conservation,andDevelopmentCouncil. Thegrantfunds,whichmustbeexecutedintheSinnemahoningWatershed,willpayforawater scienceyouthprogram.SeveralhighschoolstudentsfromtheCameronCountyHighSchoolwillbe giventheopportunitytoworkwithPennStateWaterScientiststocollectwatersamplesfromthe Emporium,PA,area.Thesampleswillbeanalyzedforemergingcontaminantsandseveralother parameters. ThestudentswillthenhavetheopportunitytotraveltoPennState,visitthePennStateWater

Labandtheactualemergingcontaminantsresearchlabwheretheirwatersampleswillbeanalyzed. TheselectedstudentswillbeaskedtodevelopaPowerPointpresentationontheissueof emergingcontaminantsinwaterandwhattheyhavelearnedduringtheproject.ThePowerPointwillbe sharedwithotherhighschoolstudentsandtheCameronCountycommunity. (WrittenBy:JamesA.Clark,ExtensionWaterResourcesEducator,RenewableNatural ResourcesExtensionTeam,PennStateExtension,McKeanCounty,andreprintedfromPenn StateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) NewsClip:YorkStudentsMoveOnToInternationalScienceFair PEMAToTrackCrudeOil,HazardousMaterialsRailShipmentsWithCSX ThePennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementAgencyMondayannouncedithasenteredintoa memorandumofunderstandingwithCSXTransportation,acompanythatwillallowPEMAtoshare operationalinformationregardingthemovementofhazardousmaterialsinPennsylvania. CSXTransportation,basedinJacksonville,Fla,isoneofthenationsleadingtransportation suppliers.Thecompanyprovidesrailbasedtransportationservices. Aspartofthethreeyearagreement,PEMAstaffwillbegrantedaccesstotheCSX Transportationcomputernetworkthattracksrailmovement.AuthorizedPEMAstaffwillbetrainedby CSXTransportationpersonnelonhowtooperatethesystem. Thisagreementwillfurtherenhanceourcommitmenttoprotectingpublicsafety,saidPEMA DirectorGlennCannon.Withdirectaccesstothecompanysinformation,itgreatlyincreasestheability ofPennsylvaniaEmergencyManagementtoprepareforandrespondtorailincidents. Thisagreement,alongwithothereffortssuchastheHazardousMaterialEmergency PreparednessGrantProgramandgrantfundingforspecializedfirefightingtraining,helpslocal communitiesincreasetheirlevelofemergencypreparedness. Acopyoftheagreementisavailableonline. NewsClip:CSXMakesDealWithStateOnShipmentsOfHazardousMaterials DEPAdvocatesForMorePublicInputOnApplicationForGasWellSpacingUnits TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhassubmittedaproposalforanadditionalhearingto providemoreopportunityforpublicinputonanApplicationforGasWellSpacingUnits,orspacing order,receivedfromHilcorpEnergyCompanyforgaswellspacingunitsinLawrenceandMercer counties. DEPisadvocatingforapublicinputprocessthatisasopen,accessibleandtransparentas possible,DEPDeputySecretaryScottPerrysaid.Thisisthefirsteverspacingorderapplicationfor anunconventionalshalegaswell,anditisveryimportanttoDEPthatPennsylvanianshavethe opportunitytohavetheirvoicesheardandcommentsconsidered. DEPsproposalwassubmittedtotheassignedhearingofficerwithinDEP,whoisresponsible fordeterminingtheprocessforthehearingandprocedurebywhichpubliccommentwillbereceived. Thehearingofficerwillpresideoverthehearingandultimatelysubmitarecommendeddecisiononthe applicationtoDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzoforconsideration. Ifadoptedasproposed,thepublichearingwouldbeinadditiontotheadministrativehearing alreadyscheduledandadvertisedforMarch25and26attheLawrenceCountyGovernmentCenterin

NewCastle,beginningat10a.m.and8a.m.,respectively. Operatingmuchlikeatrial,DEPproposedthatthescheduledadministrativehearingaccept testimonyfromDEP,Hilcorpandtheirrespectivewitnesses,aswellasroyaltyownersandother operatorswithintheareasubjecttotheprospectivespacingorder. DEPhasalsorequestedthattheadministrativehearingbeheldinalargerspacethatcan accommodateupto500people. Whilethescheduledadministrativehearingwillbeopenforthegeneralpublictoattend,dueto thesignificantpublicinterestinthisspacingorder,DEPproposedthatanadditionalpublichearingbe scheduledtoacceptwrittenandverbaltestimonyfromallinterestedpersons. Ifadoptedasproposed,testimonyreceivedduringtheadditionalpublichearingwillbe consideredbythehearingofficerpriortomakingarecommendeddecisiononHilcorpsapplication. HilcorpEnergyCompanyisapplyingforawellspacingapplicationthatestablishesfourgaswell drillingunitson3,267acrestodrillintotheUticaShaleFormationinPulaskiTownship,Lawrence CountyandShenangoTownship,MercerCounty. UndertheOilandGasConservationActof1961,whenaspacingorderapplicationis submitted,anadministrativehearingmustbeheldpriortoenteringanorderestablishingwellspacingand drillingunits.ThehearingofficerpresidingoverthismatterwasselectedandassignedbytheOfficeof GeneralCounselandappointedbySecretaryAbruzzo. DEPfulfilleditsstatutoryrequirementbyissuingapublicnoticeabouttheadministrativehearing twoweekspriortothehearinginlocalnewspapers.Althoughnotrequiredbystatute,DEPalsosent letterstomorethan200propertyownersintheareacoveredbyHilcorpsapplication. BackgroundinformationontheHilcorpapplicationandDEPsproposedorderwillbeposted onDEPsOilandGasConservationActwebpageorcall7177722199. NewsClips: Letter:OpEdMisrepresentedCorbettDrillingPlan WhatsStillAtStakeInAct13DrillingLawCourtBattle ElkCountyTwp.PreparesForBattleAgainstDeepInjectionWell TriStatePolicyGroupsPushForMarcellusSeveranceTax NaturalGasTaxCouldFactorIntoGubernatorialRace PALosesMillionsInShaleGasDollars Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? Editorial:EndExcuses,FairlyTaxNaturalGas Editorial:PA,OH,WVSeveranceTaxPlan HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? AdvocatesFromPA,Ohio,WestVirginiaUrgeCommonApproachToShaleTaxation Ohio,Pennsylvania,andWestVirginiashouldtakeacommonapproachtotaxinggasandoildrillingin theMarcellusandUticaShale,leadersofresearchandpolicyorganizationsfromeachstatesaid Monday. LeadersofPolicyMattersOhio,thePennsylvaniaBudgetandPolicyCenter,andtheWest

VirginiaCenteronBudget&Policysentalettertothegovernorsoftheirthreestates,urgingthemto enactaseverancetaxwitharatenolowerthanthatofWestVirginia.Suchanapproachwouldprovide importantlongtermpredictabilityfortheindustry,andtaketaxesoutofthecompetitiveequation, theywrote. Acomparabletaxratewillallowourstatestoinvestinastrongereconomicfuture,said SharonWard,DirectorofthePennsylvaniaBudgetandPolicyCenter.Itwillcreateconsistencyforthe industry,ensurethatourcommunitiesarebenefiting,andallowourstatestoaddresstheimpactsof drilling. ThethreeorganizationsrecommendthatWestVirginiasseverancetaxratebeconsidereda floor,notaceiling,forthethreestates.Doingsowillbringtheregionmoreinlinewithgasproducing statesintheWestandtheSouth,whichmostlyhavehigherseverancetaxratesthanWestVirginia. WestVirginiasseverancetaxrateisinthemiddlerangeofgasproducingstatesandhasnot deterredshaledrillers,butOhioandPennsylvaniahavelaggedfarbehind.Ohiohasaverylow productionbasedseverancetax,whilePennsylvaniahadnoextractiontaxuntil2012whenitadopteda smallstatewidedrillingimpactfee.LegislationhasbeenintroducedinbothOhioandPennsylvaniatoput moreadequateseverancetaxesinplace. "Aseverancetaxwouldhelpustorepairthedamagefromyearsofbudgetcutsandhelpus bettermeettheneedsofpeoplewithdisabilities,publicschools,andourenvironment,"saidRep.Gene DiGirolamo(RBucks),whospokeonapresscallhostedbythepolicygroupstoday. Allthreestateshaveexperiencedarapidincreaseinshaledrillingoverthepastfiveyears bringingsomenewjobsandeconomicopportunitiesbutalsogrowingcoststoaddressenvironmental risks,increaseddemandforemergencyservicesandpublicsafety,arapidjumpinhousingcosts,and greaterroadmaintenanceneeds. Leadersfromthethreestatessaidthereisanopportunitynowtotakeamorecoherent approachtotaxpolicythatwillbenefittheentireregionanditsresidents. Communitieshavebeenhithardwithcostsrelatedtooilandgasdrillingandwastedisposal. Thesecostsmustbecoveredbytheindustry,saidWendyPatton,SeniorProjectDirectoratPolicy MattersOhio.Interstatecompetitionforthelowesttaxrateisaracetothebottom.Whenourstates worktogether,wecanmaximizebenefitswhileprotectingresidentsandcommunitiesthroughoutthe region. Althoughourstatecapitalsareseparatedbyhundredsofmiles,thegasfieldsinourstatesare insomecasesseparatedbyonlyafewmiles,saidTedBoettner,ExecutiveDirectoroftheWest VirginiaCenteronBudget&Policy.Fromthatvantagepoint,acommontaxrateacrossthestates seemsnotonlysimplebutlogical. ThethreeorganizationssentthelettertoOhioGov.JohnKasich,PennsylvaniaGov.Tom Corbett,andWestVirginiaGov.EarlRayTomblin. Acopyoftheletterisavailableonline. NewsClips: TriStatePolicyGroupsPushForMarcellusSeveranceTax NaturalGasTaxCouldFactorIntoGubernatorialRace PALosesMillionsInShaleGasDollars Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? Editorial:EndExcuses,FairlyTaxNaturalGas Editorial:PA,OH,WVSeveranceTaxPlan Letter:OpEdMisrepresentedCorbettDrillingPlan

WhatsStillAtStakeInAct13DrillingLawCourtBattle HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? DEPHostsBrownfieldsRedevelopmentSeminarInWilliamsportApril10 TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesmunicipal,townshipandboroughleaders,county andcityplanners,redevelopmentauthorities,communityleaders,andeconomicandindustrial developmentagenciestoaseminar,WhatAllLocalGovernmentsNeedtoKnowaboutBrownfields, onApril10inWilliamsport,LycomingCounty. Theseminarisofferedfreeofchargeandwillbefrom9:30a.m.1:30p.m.attheDEP NorthcentralRegionalOffice,208West3rdSt.,Suite101.Lunchwillbeprovided. Thehalfdayseminarwillfocusonhowtobreathelifeintoabandonedandvacantproperties. Participantswilllearnaboutsuccessfulbrownfieldredevelopmentprojectsintheirarea,learnthebasics ofbrownfields,findoutwherepublicfundingisavailableandhowtoapplyforit,andnetworkwith othermunicipalorganizations. Brownfieldsarepropertiesthatareinneedofexpansion,redevelopmentorreuse,butbecause ofactualoranticipatedhazardoussubstances,pollutantsorcontaminants,thatworkismademore challenging.Pennsylvaniasapproachtobrownfieldsredevelopmenthasproventobeanationalmodel fortransformingabandoned,idlepropertiesintoplacesofenvironmentalprotectionandeconomic opportunity. ThisworkshopisproducedinpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofCommunityandEconomic Development.ItisfundedbyabrownfieldgrantfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency. Spaceislimited,soregistrationswillbeacceptedonafirstcome,firstservebasis.Please registerinadvance.Onlineregistrationisavailable. Formoreinformation,contactKimHooverat7177831566orsendemailto: khoover@pa.gov. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulAnnouncesBlairCountyAffiliateMerger KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulFridayannouncedtheirlongtimeaffiliatePACleanWaysofBlairCounty hasaffiliatedwithKeepAmericaBeautifultobecomeKeepBlairCountyBeautiful. TheofficeisnowhousedwiththeIntermunicipalRelationsCommittee,acouncilofgovernments consistingoftheCityofAltoona,LoganTownship,TyroneBoroughandHollidaysburgBorough. Wearelookingforwardtoouraffiliationwiththenationalorganizationandbelieveitwillopen newdoorsofopportunitybothprogrammaticallyandfromanetworkingperspective.Wereespecially eagertoworkwiththenewleadershipatKeepAmericaBeautiful,whilecontinuingourcooperative ventureswithKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulandtheexceptionalgroupoflocalvolunteers,Frederick said.WeareespeciallygratefulandwanttoacknowledgethehardworkdonebyPACleanWaysof BlairCountylongtimepresidentMikeUnion. ThetransitionofthelocalaffiliatetonowbeingaprogramoftheIntermunicipalRelations CommitteewillbekeytothesustainabilityofoursharedmissioninBlairCounty.WithIRCs

leadership,andtheirdecisiontodirectlyaffiliatewithKeepAmericaBeautiful,KeepBlairCounty Beautifulwillnowbeabletoleverageallthetools,resourcesandprogramopportunitiesKABhasto offerforthebenefitofBlairCounty,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful. Theoriginalcoordinatorsandvolunteerswillremaininvolvedattheprogramlevel.Wearegratefulfor thecooperationbetweenallpartiesinvolved. JohnFrederick,IRCExecutiveDirectorwillbetheAffiliateCoordinator.Hecanbereachedat 8149427472orsendemailto:jfrederick@ircenvironment.org.TheIRCislocatedatAltoonaCity Hall,130112thStreetinAltoona. DEPFinesVogelHoldingInc.SubsidiariesMoreThan$1.2Million TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionFridayannouncedithasleviedmorethan$1.2millionin finesagainstSenecaLandfillInc.andVogelDisposalServicesInc.,bothsubsidiariesofVogelHolding Inc. ThefinesagainstSenecaLandfillInc.total$634,375andwereleviedforavarietyof operationalviolationsstemmingasfarbackas2011.Theviolationsincludeexceedingdailymaximum capacity,failuretoimplementodorcontrolplans,mismanagementofleachateandfailuretomaintain equipment. SenecaLandfillInc.alsoincurredviolationsforimproperstorageofunapprovedwaste.The companyoperatesapermittedwastelandfillinLancasterandJacksontownships,ButlerCounty. VogelDisposalInc.,awastetransportationcompany,wasfined$645,644fortransporting morethan500containersofunapprovedoilandgasresidualwastetoSenecaslandfill,aswellas numerouswastetransportationviolationsdiscoveredduringwastehaulerinspectionsbetween2011and 2013. Theseviolationsincludedhaulingwasteinvehiclesthatwerewithoutsafetyequipment, contingencyplansorpropersignagenotleakprooformaintainedtoensurenoleakageoccurredand werenotproperlycovered.Inaddition,VogelDisposalInc.conductedanunpermittedwastetransfer operationatitsbusinessinAdamsTownship,ButlerCounty. InSeptember2013,DEPdeniedalandfillpermittoTriCountyLandfillInc.,alsoaVogel HoldingsInc.subsidiary,basedinpartonthehistoryofviolationbySenecaLandfillInc.andVogel DisposalInc. PATreasuryInvestsInDrexelCampusEnergyEfficiencyProjects ThePennsylvaniaTreasury,inpartnershipwithBlueHillPartners,Tuesdayannouncedthelaunchofa $6.6millionenergyefficiencyprojecttoupgradefivebuildingsatDrexelUniversityinPhiladelphia. BlueHillPartnerscodevelopedtheprojectwithSCIenergy.BlueHillmanagestheCampus EnergyEfficiencyFund(CEEF)thatledinvestmentintheproject. ThePennsylvaniaTreasurycreatedCEEFtohelpPennsylvaniacollegesanduniversitieslower theiroperatingexpensesthroughinnovativeenergyefficiencyandsustainabilityprojects.Otherinvestors intheprojectareSCIenergy,MitsuiUSA,TheReinvestmentFundandPhiladelphiaIndustrial DevelopmentCorp. "AstheTreasurerofPennsylvania,IamenormouslyproudoftheCampusEnergyEfficiency Fund.Itisaninnovative,profitablepublicprivatepartnershipthathelpscollegesanduniversitiesinour statetoupgradetheirbuildingswhilereducingtheirenvironmentalfootprintandenergycosts.TheFund

alsoprovidesanewmodelforotheruniversitiesinPennsylvaniaandaroundtheU.S.toimprove operationsandspendlessonoverheadandmoreonhandsoneducation,"saidStateTreasurerRob McCord. ThisprojectwillenableDrexeltoreduceenergyconsumptionandemissions,upgradefivekey buildings,increasecomfortandsafetyinlabsandclassrooms,andloweroveralloperatingcosts.Weare particularlyexcitedthatDrexel,whichisalreadyanationalleaderincampussustainability,foundthat CEEFprovidedasmartandattractivevehicleformakingevenmoresmart,profitableimprovements," McCordadded. Thisisthelargesttransactiontodateusingtheenergyefficiencyasaservicebusinessmodel, saidBradCopithorne,DirectorofFinancialInnovationattheEnvironmentalDefenseFund. CongratulationstoDrexelUniversity,BlueHillPartners,SCIenergy,andthePennsylvaniaTreasuryfor puttingtogetherthisinnovativefinancingthatcanserveasatemplateforadditionaltransactions. Uponcompletionoftheproject,Drexelsenergyconsumptionwilldecreasebymorethan25 percentinthreescienceandtwomixedusecampusbuildingstheLebowEngineeringCenter,the CenterforAutomationTechnology,theBossoneResearchCenter,NesbittHall,andthePaulPeck ProblemSolvingandResearchCenterwhichcumulativelyaccountformorethan430,000squarefeet ofbuildingspace. Theupgradeswillcutenergyconsumptionbyapproximately19.4billionBTUsayear, approximatelytheamountofenergyconsumedannuallyby142U.S.families,andrecoverthecosts throughsavingsonDrexelsenergybills. Someofthehighlightsoftheprojectinclude: DemandBasedControlsofThreeScienceBuildingsTheprojectincludesstateoftheart, centralizeddemandbasedcontrolsforthreebuildingswithmorethan62labspacesattheLeBow EngineeringCenter,theCenterforAutomationTechnology,andtheBossoneResearchCenter.The controlswillreducetheenergyusedtooperatethelabspacesbymorethan46percent. CompleteMechanicalUpgradeofResearchCenterTheprojectincludesacomplete mechanicalupgradeofthe100,000squarefootPaulPeckResearchCenter,installinganew300ton chiller,replacing11airhandlingunits,andaddingnewductwork.TheHeating,Ventilation,andAir Conditioning(HVAC)energyloadwilldecreaseby35percent.ThemechanicalupgradeatthePaul PeckResearchCenterwillalsoallowDrexeltoreplacetheuseofinefficientandexpensiveinterim coolingequipment,savingtheuniversitymorethan$200,000eachyearonenergyutilitybills. SupplementalEnergyEfficiencyInvestmentforaBuildingRenovationTheprojectalso includesaninvestmentinenergyefficiencyimprovementssuchasvariablevolumeairhandlingunits, supplyairdistributionsystems,newlighting,andnewcontrols.Theseupgradesarepartofamajor renovationprojectatthe78,000squarefootNesbittHall. ThisinnovativeprojectreflectsDrexelsongoingcommitmenttoenvironmentalstewardship, saidJamesR.Tucker,DrexelsseniorvicepresidentforStudentLifeandAdministrativeServices.We aregratefultoaforwardthinkingPennsylvaniaTreasuryDepartmentthatvaluesbothenergyefficiency andinvestmentinhighereducationforcreatinganinvestmentprogramthathelpseliminatethebarriers thatcanimpedeprojectslikethis. TheDrexelprojectisoneinaseriesofprojectsspearheadedbyBlueHillPartnersasmanager ofCEEF.BlueHillexpectstoleadmorethan$45millionininvestmentsinCEEFprojectsatmultiple collegesanduniversitiesintheCommonwealth. Whenfullyinvested,thefundwillsavePennsylvaniaschoolsmorethan$150millioninenergy costsover20years.

TheretrofitofDrexelssciencebuildingsisaveryimportantpartofthisproject.Science buildingsareoftenoverlookedwhensearchingforenergyefficiencyprojects,butinnovativefacilities managers,likethoseatDrexel,recognizethehugepotentialsavingsopportunitythatthesebuildings represent.Duetotheirventilationrequirements,sciencebuildingsarethelargestenergyuseron campusesandconsumedramaticallymoreenergythanotherbuildingsonapersquarefootbasis,said JoyceFerris,ManagingPartneratBlueHillPartners.Theupgrades,whichreduceenergyconsumption whileimprovinglabsafety,areanexcellentexampleofthetypesofimpactful,provensolutionsthat CEEFinvestsin. DallasbasedSCIenergycodevelopedtheprojectandusedtheiruniquecontractualstructure, theManagedEnergyServiceAgreement. Alltoooftenuniversitiesfacetradeoffsbetweentheneedtoupgradeaginginfrastructureand theimperativetodevoteresourcestogrowthandacademicexcellence,saidSteveGossettJr.,CEOof SCIenergy.Performancecontractsandotherkindsofconventionaldebtdonotsolvethisproblem.A structurelikeMESAcanleverageoperationssavingstofundmajorimprovementswithoutsacrificing resourcesschoolsneedforthecoremissioneducation. PPGSuppliesGlassForNew,GreenPNCPlazaTowerBuildingInPittsburgh PPGIndustriesPittsburgh,andglassfabricatorJ.E.Berkowitz,LP,Pedricktown,N.J.,announcedthat theyhaveshippedabout50percentofanordertheyreceivedin2013tosupplymorethan400,000 squarefeetoffabricatedvisionglasspanelsfortheToweratPNCPlazainPittsburgh. Thenew33storybuilding,designedtobetheworldsgreenestofficetower,isbeingerected withaninnovativedoubleskinfaadefeaturingSTARPHIREultraclearandSUNGATE400passive lowemissivity(lowe)glassesbyPPG.PermasteelisaNorthAmericaCorp.,Windsor,Conn.,isthe glazingcontractor. Thefaade,whichisexpectedtohelpthestructureachievenetzeroenergystatusformorethan 40percentoftheyear,featureslaminatedglassanddualinsulatingglassunitsfabricatedbyJ.E. Berkowitz,amemberofthePPGCFPCertifiedFabricatorProgramusingPPGSkylineQuality Standards. ArthurBerkowitz,president,saidthatduetothedoublewalldesign,totalglassshipments, whichwillbecompletedlaterthisyear,couldtotalmorethan1millionsquarefeet. DesignedbyGenslerandsustainabilityconsultantsPaladino&Co.,Seattle,theToweratPNC Plazawillbewrappedinatwolayerfaadewithamotorizedouterlayerandamanuallyoperableinner layeroflouversthatwilldrawfreshairacrossthebuildingfloors,whereitwillbeheatedandthendrawn throughthechimneyshafttobeexhaustedthroughtheroof. NarrowfloorplatesandhighlytransparentStarphireandSungate400glasseswillenablelightto penetrateworkspacesthroughoutthebuilding,reducingtheneedforartificiallighting. Starphireglassismadewithaproprietarylowironformulationthatproducestheindustrys clearest,mosttransparentfloatglass. Sungate400glass,introducedin2010,isanexceptionallyclear,passiveloweglasswitha magnetronsputteredvacuumdepositionsoftcoatthathelpscommercialbuildingsin heatingdominatedclimatesreducewinterheatingcostsbyretainingheatfromthesun. Whencoatedonconventionalclearglassinastandard1inchIGU,Sungate400glasshas visiblelighttransmittanceof76percent.OnStarphireultraclearglass,VLTis80percent. TheToweratPNCPlaza,whichisbeingdesignedtosurpassstandardsforLEED(R)certificationatthe

Platinumlevel,isexpectedtoopenin2015. FormoreinformationaboutStarphireultraclearglass,Sungate400glassoranyotherPPG architecturalglasscertifiedthroughtheCRADLETOCRADLECERTIFIEDprogram,visitthePPG Glasswebsiteorcall1888PPGIDEA(7744332). EnergyPerformanceImprovementsYouCanTakeToTheBankSeminarApril15InYork EMSConsultingishostingaEnergyPerformanceImprovementsYouCanTakeToTheBankSeminar attheMANTECTrainingRoom,600N.HartleySt.,Suite100inYorkfrom8:00a.m.to4:30p.m.on April15. Learnhowtoproactivelyidentifyenergyperformanceimprovementopportunities,evaluatethem forfeasibility,viability,energysavingsandpayback,andimplementtheprojectsthatpassyourhurdle rate. You'lllearnaboutenergyefficiency,energyconservation,energyintensity,energymeasurement instrumentation,energyconservationmeasures,energybenchmarking,energybaselineestablishment, energyperformanceindicators(EnPIs),energymanagementsystems,energyprograms,energydata, documentationandanalysis(includingcarbonfootprintanalysis),energycalculators,alternative/ renewableenergysourcesandwhentheymakesense,howtoselectenergyauditorsandhowtosell yourenergysustainabilityimprovementstoyourcustomers. TheSeminarhasthreeparts,stayforoneorall.Thefirstpartfrom8:0010:00isanexecutive overview,from8:0012:00theoverviewplusevaluatingenergyconservationopportunitiesandfrom 8:00to4:30forthewholeprogram. ClickHereforadetailedagenda.ClickHeretoregister.VisittheEMSCourseswebpagefor moreinformationonothercoursesoffered. DirectEnergyMakesChangesToVariableRateElectricContracts Theimpactsoftherecent,unprecedentedPolarVortexhavehighlightedthepotentialforimprovements sothatcustomersarebetterprotectedfromextraordinarilyhighenergybillsduringshorttermmarket events. DirectEnergyThursdayannouncedeffectiveApril1,theCompanywilladdapriceprotection featuretoitscurrentresidentialelectricvariableratesineachPennsylvaniautilityserviceareainwhich theCompanyserves.ThiswillprovideDirectEnergyvariablecustomerswiththeflexibilityofa monthtomonthplanwithprotectionagainstextraordinarypricespikes. Otherdetailsinclude Theresidentialelectricvariableratepriceprotectiondoesnotincludeincrementalservicesprocured includingbutnotlimitedto:greenproducts,rewards,homeservices,orothernonenergyrelateditems. Theresidentialelectricvariablepriceprotectionlevelsaretheabsolutehighestratespendingany futureregulatoryorlegislativechangesthatimposegreatercostsonretailers. WhilethesepriceprotectionlevelsareaboveDirectEnergy'scurrentresidentialelectricrates, thesepriceprotectionlevelsrepresentthemaximumvariableresidentialelectricratesDirectEnergy wouldchargeinPennsylvaniaintheeventofanotherroundofunforeseenandunexpectedextreme marketvolatility. Aftertheinitialsixmonthvariablepriceprotectionperiodends,totheextentthatDirectEnergy determinesitneedstoadjustthesepriceprotectionlevels,DirectEnergywillprovideitsresidential

customerswithaminimumof30daysadvancenoticeofanyproposedchangetoenablethose customerstodeterminewhichplanisrightforthem. ClickHereformoredetailsfromthecompany. NewsClips: ManyPAElectricCustomersFeelingShockOfWinterCold LawmakersPromiseFixesForElectricityShoppingWoes BusinessesHitHardTooWithElectricityRateSpikes ElectricRateFiascoShouldCompelReviewOfDeregulation Editorial:ConsumersGetSockedByElectricBills UtilityAuctionProposalDead,ButYouStillHaveToChoose DominionToSellRetainEnergyBusiness ComcastTestsElectricityOfferInPittsburgh PPL:NuclearPlantConcernsHaveBeenAddressed AfterFukushima,UtilitiesPrepareForWorst PPLNuclearPlantUnderScrutiny PAGas&ElectricToHelpConsumersDealWithHigherElectricityCostsThisWinter PennsylvaniaGas&Electric,aU.S.Gas&Electriccompanyandsupplierofnaturalgasandelectricity tocommercialandresidentialconsumersintheStateofPennsylvania,announcedMondaythe organizationisprovidingitscustomerswithanarrayofoptionstoaddressincreasesintheirelectricity ratesasaresultoftherecentdramaticspikeinwholesaleenergyprices,includingtheopportunityto switchtoplansthatwillprovidemorepricestabilityandrebatesonacasebycasebasisforcustomers facingparticularfinancialhardship. ThePublicUtilityCommissionrecentlyconfirmedthatduetothiswinterssustainedcold weather...newrecordsweresetforelectricityuseinPennsylvania,whichinturnproduced recordhighpricesinwholesaleenergymarkets. DouglasMarcille,Director,CEOandPresidentofU.S.Gas&Electric,hasannouncedthat: Werecognizetheimportanceofourroleasaproviderofanessentialcommodityandaredoingwhat wecantohelpourcustomers.Thewholesalepriceincreasesarenotwithinourcontrolandhave adverselyaffectedus,aswellasourcustomers.Nooneinourindustry,oranyoneelse,anticipatedthe chainofeventsthatledtothem.Nevertheless,wearedoingeverythingthatwecantohelpenergy consumersduringthisunprecedentedchainofevents. PAG&Eisworkingwithcustomerstoidentifyspecificstepsthatcanbetakenandisfocusedon helpingthosecustomerswhoaremostaffected,movingthemtothetopofthelisttomakesurethatthey receivetheimmediateassistancethattheyneed. Thusfar,PAG&Ehasprovidedcustomerswithapproximately$2.4millioninrebatesto alleviatethefinancialimpactoftheincreasedpriceofenergythiswinter.Thecompanyisalsohelping customerswhoareinterestedinmovingtoafixedrateplan. Thecompanyhasquadrupleditscustomerservicestaff,goingfrom10to40representativesto managecallsandemailswithcustomers.Also,PAG&Eiscommittedtocontinuingitssupportofthe PUCseffortstoeducateconsumersregardingvariableelectricratesandtofindwaystoshortenthe timeitcurrentlytakesforconsumerstoswitchservicebetweenproviders. Weregoingtocontinueworkingwithregulatorsandlawmakerstomakesurethatwetake everysteppossibletominimizetheimpactofanyperfectstormthatmightoccurinthefuture,Marcille

said. PAG&Eisurgingcustomerswithquestionstovisitthecompanyswebsite.Customerswith concernsareurgedtosendthecompanyanemailtocustomerservice@pagande.comforthemost promptresponse. Finally,thecompanyisafoundingmemberofACCES,aconsumereducationnotforprofit entity,andencouragesconsumerstovisittheirwebsiteformoreinformationonCompetitiveEnergy Suppliers. NewsClips: ManyPAElectricCustomersFeelingShockOfWinterCold LawmakersPromiseFixesForElectricityShoppingWoes BusinessesHitHardTooWithElectricityRateSpikes ElectricRateFiascoShouldCompelReviewOfDeregulation Editorial:ConsumersGetSockedByElectricBills UtilityAuctionProposalDead,ButYouStillHaveToChoose DominionToSellRetainEnergyBusiness ComcastTestsElectricityOfferInPittsburgh PPL:NuclearPlantConcernsHaveBeenAddressed AfterFukushima,UtilitiesPrepareForWorst PPLNuclearPlantUnderScrutiny Opinion:WinterElectricRateShocksMustNotBeRepeated By:Rep.PeteDaley,MinorityChairHouseConsumerAffairsCommittee Mostofusareeagertoputthiswinterssnowsandseveretemperaturesbehindus.However,what shouldnotbeforgottenarethedamagingrateincreasesinflictedonthethousandsofPennsylvanians coveredbyvariablerateelectricgenerationplans. ThestateHouseofRepresentativesConsumerAffairsCommittee,whichIcochair,willdelve intothespikingratesatapublichearingscheduledfor9:15a.m.Thursday,March20thedayspring arrivesinRoom140ofthestateCapitol. UtilityofficialsandrepresentativesfromthestatePublicUtilitiesCommissionandthestate OfficeofConsumerAdvocatewilltestify,andsimilaracrossthecommonwealthareenvisioned. Idontwanttoassumegreedspawnedgouging,butitsgoingtotakesomepowerfulpersuasion toconvincemeotherwise.Fourfoldincreasesinvariablerateshardlyqualifyfortheaffordableand reliableservicethatwasthesellingpointofelectricderegulationin1996. Fastforwardto2014,andregulatorsconfronthorrorstoriesofskyrocketingmonthlybills, consumersslammedintovariablerateplans,questionablemarketingpracticesandinscrutablecontracts. FurtherinsultwasaddedbythefactthatPennsylvaniadidn'tget10daysinto2014beforePJM Interconnectionstheregionalelectricgridoperatoraskedconsumerstocurbpoweruseinportions ofPennsylvaniabecauseofsoaringdemand. Monthsearlier,utilityofficialsassuredPennsylvaniathatadequatesupplyexistedtopermitthe mothballingoftworeliable,coalfiredpowerplantsinsouthwesternPennsylvania.Theplantscouldhave beensavedaswellashundredsofgoodpayingjobstoprovidelowcostpowerwhendemand peaks. Warningshadbeensounded.ThePUCfiledafederalcomplaintin2008allegingthatPJM producedunjustandunreasonablecapacitychargesfromelectricgeneratorsforguaranteeingpower

duringpeakdemand. Thatsameyear,aformerPUCcommissionertestifiedthatthatthePUChasbeenreducedto rubberstamping,usuallyin24hours,theauctionresultsfromtheuncompetitiveandunregulated electricmarket. Thiswinter,evenasdefaultratesthoseratesprovidedtothe60percentofstateratepayers optingnottoshopremainedrelativelylowandstable,legislationthatwouldforcePennsylvaniansto shopforpowerremainedinplay. Storiesaboundofshoppingratepayerssuckeredinwithlowteaserratesonvariablerateplans onlytoseetheratesdoubleandthentriplewithinweeks.ThestateAttorneyGeneralsOfficeandthe PUCareinvestigatingwhetherelectriccompanytelemarketersareviolatingthestatesDoNotCall listbycontactingconsumerstoswitchsuppliers. ThestateConsumerAdvocatecitesconcernsaboutcustomersbeingtoldtheirvariableratewill alwaysbecompetitive.Someratepayers,shesaid,arebeingdeniednoticeofwhattheirrateactuallyis inanygivenmonth,havingtowaittogettheirbilltoseewhattheywerecharged. Thespikeinvariableratesbymorethan120percentinsomecaseshasshedlightonthe lackofconsumerprotectionsavailabletocustomersoftheseunregulatedgenerationsuppliers. PerhapsPennsylvaniashouldapproachthecominghearingsheedingthewarningissuedbyaRepublican governor ThetollunfairlytakenfromthepeopleofthisCommonwealthbyreasonoftheunrestrained powerofpublicutilitiestosettheirownratestakesfromthehelplessratepayersandfarepayersmany tens,ifnothundreds,ofmillionsofdollarseveryyear. ThegovernorwasGiffordPinchot,andtheyearwas1931. Rep.PeteDaley(DWashington)istheMinorityChairoftheHouseConsumerAffairsCommittee. NewsClips: ManyPAElectricCustomersFeelingShockOfWinterCold BusinessesHitHardTooWithElectricityRateSpikes LawmakersPromiseFixesForElectricityShoppingWoes ElectricRateFiascoShouldCompelReviewOfDeregulation Editorial:ConsumersGetSockedByElectricBills UtilityAuctionProposalDead,ButYouStillHaveToChoose DominionToSellRetainEnergyBusiness ComcastTestsElectricityOfferInPittsburgh PPL:NuclearPlantConcernsHaveBeenAddressed AfterFukushima,UtilitiesPrepareForWorst PPLNuclearPlantUnderScrutiny WidenerLawAnnouncesEnvironmentalLawDistinguishedSpeakerSeries WidenerUniversityLawanditsEnvironmentalLawCenterwillhostaDistinguishedSpeakerSeries withpubliceventsonbothofitscampuses.Thescheduleofeventsis March18,4p.m.E.ChristopherAbruzzo92,secretaryofthePennsylvaniaDepartmentof EnvironmentalProtectiononEnvironmentalPrioritiesandAccomplishmentsoftheCorbett Administration,roomA180oftheadministrationbuildingontheHarrisburgCampus,3737Vartan Way.ThiswillbeteleconferencedtotheAlfredAvinsSpecialCollectionLibraryRoomonthe

Delawarecampus. March27,noon.ProfessorHopeM.BabcockofGeorgetownLawonADystopianDancethe DysfunctionalCouplingoftheSupremeCourtandtheNinthCircuitinEnvironmentalCases,inthe AlfredAvinsSpecialCollectionLibraryRoomintheMainLawBuildingontheDelawareCampusat 4601ConcordPike,Wilmington.Thiswillbeteleconferencedtoroom205intheclassroombuildingon theHarrisburgcampus. April8,4p.m.ProfessorZygmuntJ.B.PlaterofBostonCollegeLawSchoolonTVAv.Hill:A LittleFishinaPorkBarrel,roomA180oftheadministrationbuildingontheHarrisburgCampus,3737 VartanWay.ThiswillbeteleconferencedtotheAlfredAvinsSpecialCollectionLibraryRoomonthe Delawarecampus. AttorneysfromDelawareandPennsylvaniawhoattendtheinpersonlectureswithSecretary AbruzzoandProfessorPlaterontheHarrisburgcampuswillbeeligibleforonecontinuinglegal educationcredit.Alloftheeventsarefreeandopentothepublic. ToregisterforaninpersoneventontheHarrisburgcampuscontactSandraGraeffbysending emailto:slgraeff@widener.eduor7175413965.ToregisterfortheinpersoneventontheDelaware campuscontactCarolPerrupatobysendingemailto:caperrupato@widener.eduorcall 3024772178. DCNRAcceptingApplicationsForVolunteerFirefighterGrants Withtheapproachofspringandincreasedriskofforestandbrushfiresacrossthestate,federalgrants arenowavailabletohelpPennsylvania'sruralcommunitiesbetterguardagainstthethreatoffiresin forested,undevelopedandunprotectedareas.ApplicationsaredueMay22. "Warmingtemperatures,sunnydaysandstrongwindssoonwillusherinwildfiredangersthat emphasizethevalueofhavingwelltrainedandwellequippedlocalfirefightingforcesinruralareas," DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettisaid."Thesemenand womendeservetheverybesttrainingandequipment." In2013,almost$506,000wasawardedto130volunteerfirecompaniesservingruralareas andcommunitieswhereforestandbrushfiresarecommon.Thegrantprogram,offeredthroughDCNR andpaidthroughfederalgrantsfromtheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureForestService,hasawarded morethan$10.5millionsinceitbeganin1982. Localfirefightingforcesinruralareasorcommunitieswithfewerthan10,000residentsqualify fortheaid,whichisusedfortrainingandequipmentpurchasesdirectlyrelatedtofightingbrushand forestfires. GrantapplicationsmustbeelectronicallysubmittedthroughDCNR'seGrantwebpage.To expediteapplicationanddecisionmakingprocesses,DCNRisacceptingonlyonlineapplications. Inreviewingapplications,DCNRwillplacepriorityonthoserequestsseekingfundsforprojects thatincludethepurchaseofwildfiresuppressionequipmentandprotectiveclothing. Grantsalsomaybeusedforpurchasingmobileorportableradios,installingdryhydrants, wildfirepreventionandmitigationwork,trainingwildfirefighters,orconvertingandmaintainingfederal excessvehicles.Thesevehiclesarepresentedtothelocaldepartmentsexhibitingthegreatestneedsand thosethatcommittooutfittingthemforfiresuppression. Aidisgrantedonacostsharebasis.Grantsforanyprojectduringafiscalyearcannotexceed 50percentoftheactualexpendituresoflocal,publicandprivatenonprofitorganizationsinthe agreement.Themaximumgrantthatwillbeconsideredfromanyfirecompanyin2014is$7,500.

Formoreinformation,contactthebureau'sDivisionofForestFireProtectionat7177872925 sendemailto:raffp@state.pa.usorvisitDCNRseGrantsOpportunitieswebpage. NaturalLandsTrustLaudsEastBradfordTownshipForOpenSpaceInitiatives NaturalLandsTrust,inpartnershipwiththeChesterCountyAssociationofTownshipOfficials,honored EastBradfordTownship,ChesterCounty,MondaywiththefirstannualGrowingGreenerCommunities Award. EastBradfordTownshipSupervisorJohnSnookacceptedtheawardonbehalfoftheTownship attheCCATOconference,heldinMalvern. TheawardrecognizesaChesterCountytownshipthathasengagedinadynamicinitiative designedtosaveland,stewardnaturalresources,andconnectpeopletonature. ChesterCountyscommunitieshavebeentrueleadersinopenspacepreservation,smart growth,andsustainableenvironmentalpolicy,saidMollyMorrison,presidentofNaturalLandsTrust. Wewantedtorecognizetheexcellentworkhappeningatatownshiplevelandcelebratethededicated officials,staff,andvolunteerswhomakeitpossible. WearepleasedtopartnerwithNaturalLandsTrustonthisawardprogram,andhopethatit servestoencourageandpromotecontinuedforwardthinkingprojectsandplanningwithintheCounty, saidErnieHolling,presidentofCCATO. Municipalitiesandconservationmindedorganizationssubmittedsixnominationsonbehalfof fivetownships.Thenominationshighlightedinitiativesundertakenin2013,thoughseveralnominations notedthatthepastyearsworkwaspartoflargeropenspaceplanning. ThereviewcommitteewhichconsistedofrepresentativesfromNaturalLandsTrust, CCATO,ChesterCountyPlanningCommission,andBrandywineConservancywasunanimousinits decisiontoselectEastBradfordTownshipasthisyearsawardwinner. EastBradfordsOpenSpaceInitiativewhichTownshipresidentsfirstapproved30years agoisdesignedtoprotectnaturalareasandconnectthemthroughatrailnetwork.TheTownshiphas fundedtheirconservationworkthroughgrants,fundraisingefforts,andadedicatedtaxforopenspace. Thankstotheseefforts,Townshipresidentsenjoy6,000acresofpermanentlyprotectedland, 16parks,and26milesoftrails. Tofurtheritsconservationinitiatives,EastBradfordTownshiphasutilizedregulatory toolssuchastheadoptionofGrowingGreener:ConservationbyDesignzoningordinances,which helptopreservelandduringthedevelopmentprocess. Inrecentyears,theTownshipresolvedtoplaceitslandunderconservationeasement,a legallybindingagreementthatensuresthelandwillbeprotectedforever.TheTownshipalsodecidedto createandfollowastewardshipplanforeachofitspropertiesinordertomaximizecommunity enjoymentofTownshipparkland. EastBradfordTownshipsopenspaceinitiativeissimplymasterful.Itstheposterchildfor thoughtful,proactiveconservationandlanduseplanning,saidDavidWardoftheChesterCounty PlanningCommission. In2013,EastBradfordsecuredCountyfundingfortheconservationeasementofmorethan80 acresofTownshipland,galvanizedavolunteerefforttoplant750trees,commissionedstewardship plansforthreeoftheTownships16parks,constructedmorethantwomilesoftrails,andharvested about35deeraspartoftheTownshipswildlifemanagementplan. TraildevelopmentcontinuestobeafocusfortheTownship.InJune2013,theTownship

organizeditssecondannualTrailBlazerRacewiththesupportofthreelocalbusinesses.TheTownship willuseproceedsfromtheeventtofundtrailconstructionandmaintenance. Formoreinformation,visittheNaturalLandsTrustwebsite. NewsClip:EastBradfordTwp.LaudedForEnvironmentalAdvocacy SouthMountainSpeakerSeriesToFeatureFourLecturesIn2014 ThefifthseasonofaninnovativelectureserieswillbeginMarch27atPennStateMontAltowithatalk onthehistory,diversityandcurrentmanagementoftheforestresourceintheSouthMountainregion. Additionaltopicsin2014willincludeSouthMountainhistoricAfricanAmericanburialgrounds, recreatingtheciderindustryintheregionandtheimpactsofweatherandclimatepatterns. ForthefifthseasonoftheSouthMountainSpeakersSerieswellcontinuewithfoureventson arangeofissuesmeanttoengagecitizensinconservingtheSouthMountainlandscapebylearningfrom ourpast,saidJonPeterson,aplannerwiththeAppalachianTrailConservancywhoiscoordinatingthe committeeonthespeakerseries. Thefirstevent,"TheRothrockLegacy:AForumonthePastandCurrentConditionsofPenns Woods,willbeheldat7p.m.attheForestryAuditoriumatthePennStateMontAltocampus, FranklinCounty.Itisfreeandopentothepublic. Duringthelast130yearstheregionscutandburnedoverforestlandscapehasbeen transformedintoapatchworkmosaicoffertileagriculturalvalleysandshadywoodedridges,Peterson said.Thelecturewillexplorethepast,presentandfutureofforestyintheSouthMountainregion. TheforumwillincluderetiredUSDAForestServiceforesterJoeBarnard,whowillprovidea summaryofhowJosephRothrockspassionledtotheprotectionofthousandsofacresof Pennsylvaniasnowproductivehardwoodforest,aswellastheestablishmentofPennsylvanias ForestrySchoolatMontAlto. DCNRAssistantStateForesterMattKeeferwilldetailtodayscurrentconditionofsouth centralPennsylvaniasforestsandoutlinetheopportunitiesandthreatstothecurrentdaytoday managementoftheregionsprivateandpublicforests. NancyBaker,aprivateforestlandowner,willprovideacasehistoryof163acrewoodlandshe ownsandmanages.Thefirsttimberharvestonthisforestlandwasconductedbyhergreatgrandfather inthe1860s. Bakersforestisusedtodaytodemonstrateaprofessionallydevelopedandimplemented PennsylvaniaForestStewardshipPlananditwasthefirstPennsylvaniapropertyacceptedintothe ChesapeakeBayWatershedsForestryfortheBayProgram. Aquestionandanswersessionwillfollowthethreepresentations. ThislectureissupportedbythePennsylvaniaForestryAssociation,thePennStateMontAlto ForestryClubandtheSouthMountainPartnership. TheannualSouthMountainSpeakersSeriesisenvisionedasarevivalofthetalksgivenby JosephRothrockinthelate19thcenturyaspartofhisworktopreserveandrestorePennsylvanias forestsandnaturallandscape.ThefifthseasonoftheSpeakersSeriesissponsoredbytheCumberland ValleyVisitorsBureau. Thethreeadditionallecturesthisyearwillinclude: HallowedGrounds,EndangeredHistory:PreservingtheHistoricAfricanAmericanBurialGrounds oftheSouthMountainRegion,April17atShippensburgUniversity TheChangingFaceofAgricultureintheSouthMountainRegion:RecreatingtheCiderIndustry,

Oct.45and1112attheNationalAppleHarvestFestival,Arendtsvilleand ChangingClimateandtheSouthMountainRegion,Nov.13atDickinsonCollege. TheSouthMountainPartnershipwassparkedbyDCNRsefforttoengagecommunities,local partnersandstateagenciesandidentifyfundingopportunitiestoconservehighqualitynaturaland culturalresourceswhileenhancingtheregionseconomicviability. ItisapublicprivatepartnershipbetweenDCNRandtheAppalachianTrailConservancy,and hasgrownintoacoalitionofcitizens,businesses,nonprofitorganizationsandgovernment representativesinAdams,Cumberland,FranklinandYorkcounties,workingtogethertoprotectand enhancetheSouthMountainlandscape. SouthMountainisatthenorthernendoftheBlueRidgeMountains.Communitiesinthe 400,000acreregionhavethrivedofffertilelimestoneagriculturallands,thetimberthatfediron furnaces,plentifulgameandwildlife,andabundantpurespringwaterthatiscapturedbythemountains permeablesoilsandreleasedintothevalleys. Formoreinformationaboutthespeakerseries,visittheSouthMountainPartnershipwebsiteor calltheAppalachianTrailConservancyat7172585771. SomeoftheearlierlecturesinthespeakerseriescanbefoundonYouTube. CorbettDeclaresMarch1622WildfirePreventionWeek Gov.TomCorbetthasproclaimedMarch1622asWildfirePreventionWeekinPennsylvania,noting dryingMarchwindsandwarmingtemperaturesquicklycancombinetoincreasefiredangersacross Pennsylvaniasforestsandbrushlands. Muchofourstatewoodlandsstillmayhavesnowcoverbutoneonlyhastolookbacktolast springtoseehowquicklybrushandforestfirescanspringupwhensunandwindprevail,Corbettsaid. Mostofthemorethan630reportedfireslastyeararelinkedtopeoplepeoplecause98percentof wildfires.Ameresparkbyacarelesspersoncantouchoffadevastatingforestblazeduringdryperiods whenconditionsenablewildfirestospreadquickly. Commonsensecanlimitthethreatofwildfiresandcanaidthebravemenandwomenwho serveasvolunteerforestfirefightersofourcommunityvolunteerfirecompaniesandtheDepartmentof ConservationandNaturalResources,thegovernorsaid.IaskallPennsylvanianstojoinusthatwe cancontinueenjoyingPennsylvaniasmillionsofacresofwoodlandsandbrushlands,nowandintothe future. DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesstatisticsshownearly85percentof PennsylvaniaswildfiresoccurinMarch,AprilandMay,beforethegreeningofstatewoodlandsand brushyareas.Namedforrapidspreadthroughdormant,dryvegetation,underwindyconditions, wildfiresannuallyscorchnearly7,000acresofstateandprivatewoodlands. Anglers,campersandotherstateforestvisitorsareremindedopenfiresareprohibitedonstate forestlandfromMarch1toMay25,andwhenthefiredangerislistedashigh,veryhigh,orextreme, unlessauthorizedbydistrictforesters. Communitiesinheavilywoodedareasareurgedtofollowwildfirepreventionandsuppression methodsofthePennsylvaniaFirewiseCommunityProgramtosafeguardlifeandproperty. DCNRsBureauofForestryisresponsibleforpreventionandsuppressionofwildfiresonthe 17millionacresofstateandprivatewoodlandsandbrushlands.Thebureaumaintainsafiredetection system,andworkswithfirewardensandvolunteerfiredepartmentstoensuretheyaretrainedinthe latestadvancesinfirepreventionandsuppression.

Formoreinformation,DCNRsWildfireFirewebpageorcalltheBureauofForestryat 7177872925. MentoredYouthFishingDaysFastApproaching Afterahighlysuccessfulfirstrunlastyear,theFishandBoatCommissionspopularMentoredYouth FishingDaysprogramreturnsthisspringtokickoffthe2014fishingseason. Thefirstdaywillbeheldon12watersonMarch22from8a.m.to7:30p.m.Thisisthe SaturdaybeforetheMarch29regionalopeningdayoftroutseason. Thepilotprogramlastyearwassuchahugehitwithanglersandtheirfriendsandfamilythatwe decidedtoexpandtheprogramstatewidein2014,saidPFBCExecutiveDirectorJohnArway. Commissionstaffandahostofvolunteerorganizationswillbeatthewaters,answeringquestionsand helpingindividualssotheycanhavethebestexperiencepossible. Wesurveyedparticipantsinthepilotprogramandfoundthat89percentoftheregistered youthfishedthatday,headded.Thesurveyalsoshowedthatamajorityofmentorswerefamily members,andmorethan80percentofthementorssaidtheyweresatisfiedwiththeexperience. ThesecondMentoredYouthFishingDaywillbeheldon29watersonApril5from8a.m.to 7:30p.m.ThisistheSaturdaybeforetheApril12traditionalopeningdayoftroutseason. Toparticipateintheprogram,adultanglers(16yearsorolder)musthaveavalidfishinglicense andtrout/salmonpermitandbeaccompaniedbyayouth.Youthanglersmustobtainafree PFBCissuedpermitoravoluntaryyouthfishinglicense.BothareavailableattheGoneFishingPA websiteoratanyofthemorethan900licensingagentsacrossthestate. Also,thePFBCisremindinganglersthattheprocesstoparticipatethisyearhaschanged.Last year,participantsregisteredonlinetoreceiveapermit.Becausetheprogramisexpandingstatewidethis year,andwithaneyetothefuture,thePFBCisnowusingthePennsylvaniaAutomatedLicenseService (PALS)toissueyouthpermitsandvoluntarylicenses. IssuingpermitsandlicensesthroughPALSallowsustocollectandmanageinformation regardingyouthanglers,saidCarlRichardson,PFBCeducationsectionmanager.Specifically,this processprovidesuswithmorecustomerdataforbetterassessmentoflifelongfishinglicensebuying habitsandtodevelopprogramsdesignedtoretainanglers. Asaresult,anglersmustcreateaseparatecustomeraccountforeachchildinthePALSsystem. Inordertoobtainthepermitorvoluntarylicense,theyouthsaddress,socialsecuritynumber,dateof birth,heightandeyecolormustbeprovidedatthetimeofthetransaction.Phonenumberandemail addressareoptional. ThesemaybeaddedtothecustomersprofileatalatertimebyfollowingtheinstructionsinThe OutdoorShoponline.ClickHerefordetailedinstructions. Foreveryvoluntaryyouthlicensesold,thePFBCwillreceiveapproximately$5infederal revenuefromtheU.S.FishandWildlifeServicesSportFishRestorationActprogram,whichprovides fundstostatesbasedonaformulathatincludesthenumberoflicensesastatesells.Allrevenuesearned fromavoluntaryyouthfishinglicensewillbededicatedtoyouthprograms. Also,vouchersforthevoluntarylicensewillbeavailableatthe900licenseissuingagentsand online.Avoucheractsasagiftcardanddoesnotrequireanypersonalinformationatthetimeofsale. Clubs,organizations,businesses,andindividualswhoareinterestedinpromotingyouthangling canpurchasequantitiesofvoluntaryyouthlicensevoucherstodistributetochildren.Personal informationisrequiredatthetimethevoucherisredeemedandacustomeridentificationnumberis

issued. ThroughMarch10,thePFBChassold304voluntaryyouthfishinglicenses.Another570 individualshaveobtainedafreeyouthpermit. GameCommissionReportsDeerHarvestIncreased3PercentLastYear TheGameCommissionTuesdayreportedhuntersreportedharvesting3percentmoredeerinthe states201314deerhuntingseasonsanestimated352,920deercomparedtothepreviousseasons harvestof343,110. Hunterstook134,280antlereddeerinthe201314seasonsaharvestsimilartotheprevious licenseyearwhenanestimated133,860bucksweretaken.Also,huntersharvested218,640antlerless deerin201314,whichrepresentsanabout4percentincreasecomparedtothe209,250antlerless deertakenin201213. Harvestestimatesarebasedonmorethan25,000deercheckedbyGameCommission personnelandmorethan110,000harvestreportssubmittedbysuccessfulhunters.Becauseonlyabout onethirdofhuntersreporttheirdeerharvests,theGameCommissionusesdatafromdeercheckedin thefieldandhunterreportstoestimatethetotalharvest. Theagestructureofthe201314antlereddeerharvestwas47percent1yearoldbucks, withtheremaining53percentofharvestedbucksbeing2yearsoldorolder. Theantlerlessharvestincludednearly62percentadultfemales,about21percentbuttonbucks andalmost18percentdoefawns.Theratesaresimilartolongtermaverages. Theantlerlesssuccessrateremainedabout25percentforthelicensesissued. ClickHereformoredetails. NewsClips: HuntersHarvest352,920Deer VolunteersNeededToAdoptABeachAtPresqueisle ContractArrangedGameCommissionDirectorsEarlyExit $220KPayoutProposedToAvoidLawsuitAgainstGameCommission AttorneyGeneralExaminesDealWithGameCommissionDirector CorbettsOfficeTakesAimAtAnotherGameCommissionOfficial GameCommissionOfficialMoonlightingAsGasLeasingAdvisor CorbettMovesAgainstGameCommissionEmployee VisitsFromDoeProvidesCloseViewOfNaturesFragility GameCommissionEnrolls30thWCOCadets NedSmithCenterReschedulesSusquehannaWaterfowlWatch HBGPeregrineFalconsEggsExpected HummingbirdMigrationHitsFloridaWithPAInItsSights SnowGeeseArriveEnMasseAtMiddleCreek ManadaConservancyProgram:MonarchButterflyDecline,AnAtRiskSpeciesMarch26 TheManadaConservancywillpresentaspecialprogramMarch26onMonarchButterflyDecline: ConservationMethodsforSpeciesAtRiskattheHersheyPublicLibrary,701CocoaAve.,Hershey startingat7:00p.m. JoinSuAnnShuppfromtheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesasshe

providesaglimpseintothedynamicmanagementpracticesthatsustainandconserveoneoftheworld's mostpreciousforestsystemsandprofilescurrentpopulationdynamicsoftheMonarchbutterfly. OtherupcomingConservancyprogramsinclude April22:HabitatforAll,howtoimprovehomelandscapesasplacesofrefugeforpeopleand wildlife April26:StreamsideBufferDemonstrationand May9:14thAnnualSpringNativePlantSale. Fordetails,visittheManadaConservancyCalendarofEventswebpage. PAOutdoorWritersAssn.SpringConferenceMay1518InShippensburg ThePAOutdoorWritersAssociationwillholdtheirspringconferenceMay1518inShippensburgat severalvenuesincludingShippensburgUniversity.ClickHeretoreadanarticleontheconferenceinthe POWAnewsletter.ClickHereforaregistrationform. DavittWoodwellNamedPresident&CEOOfPAEnvironmentalCouncil ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,theleadingstatewideenvironmental organization,FridaynamedDavittB.Woodwelltothepositionofpresidentand chiefexecutiveofficer,succeedingPaulM.King,whoisretiring. WoodwellalsobecomesamemberofPECsboardofdirectors.Thetransition iseffectiveJuly1. Woodwellassumeshisstatewidedutiesaftertwelveyearsasthevicepresident ofitsWesternPennsylvaniaofficeinPittsburgh.Hebeganhiscareerasastaff attorneyatPECin1993andservedinseveralpositionsduringhistenureat PEC. HetookaleaveofabsencefromPECduring2000and2001toserveasthefirst executivedirectoroftheRiverlifeTaskForcewhichdevelopedamasterplanforPittsburgh's waterfrontsandproposedthecreationofthenew"ThreeRiversPark." PriortojoiningPEC,hewasdeanofstudentsatKildonanSchoolinAmenia,NewYork. AgraduateofboththeUniversityofPittsburghanditsSchoolofLaw,Mr.Woodwellisa memberoftheDCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommittee,theDCNREcosystemManagement AdvisoryCommitteeandtheCenterforSustainableShaleDevelopmentStandardsandEvaluation Committee.HealsoservesontheboardofdirectorsofAspinwallRiverfrontParkandtheSteelCity RowingClub. HeispastchairmanoftheCitizenAdvisoryPaneltotheSouthwesternPennsylvaniaRegional PlanningCommissionandwasamemberoftheboardsofdirectorsoftheAlleghenyLandTrust,the MetEd/PenelecSustainableEnergyFund,theAudubonSocietyofWesternPennsylvania,thePittsburgh ParksConservancy,theRegionalTrailsCorporation,theSteelIndustryHeritageCorporation,and FriendsoftheRiverfront. WoodwellalsoservedasamemberoftheUniversityofPittsburghInstituteofPoliticsShale GasRoundtableandtheAlleghenyCountyAirPollutionControlAdvisoryCommittee.Healso participatedintheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection'sregulatorynegotiationonthespecial protectionwatersprogram. Additionally,heservedonthePittsburghOzoneStakeholderWorkingGroupandits

subsequentnegotiationsonregulatingairpollutionandwasappointedbyGov.TomRidgetoserveon theGovernor'sCommissiononGreenways. HehasbeenanadjunctprofessorofenvironmentallawattheUniversityofPittsburghSchoolof Lawandisafrequentspeakeratenvironmentalforumsandconferences. DavittWoodwellisoneofthemostprogressiveenvironmentaladvocatesinPennsylvania, saidPECboardchairmanTonyBartolomeo.Histrackrecordasachampionoftheenvironment,a convenerofdiversepositionsonawiderangeofissues,andproblemsolveronsomeofthemost difficultenvironmentalchallengesfacingPennsylvaniamakehimtherightpersontoleadourorganization. ThefutureofPECisbeingdefinedbynewtechnologies,aconstantlychangingpoliticaland regulatorylandscapeandunprecedentedfinancialchallengesthatrequireauniquebrandofleadership. WereconfidentthatDavittembodiesthequalitiesandskillsthatwillensurethatPECremainsthe leadingforceinenvironmentaladvocacyinPennsylvaniaformanyyearstocome. WoodwellresideswithhiswifeandtwochildreninIndianaTownship,Pennsylvania. StevenTambiniNamedNewExecutiveDirectorDelawareRiverBasinCommission TheDelawareRiverBasinCommissionMondayannouncedthatStevenJ.Tambinihasacceptedthe positionofExecutiveDirector,effectiveAugust1,2014. WearepleasedtowelcomeSteveTambiniastheDRBCExecutiveDirector,said CommissionChairProTemMicheleSiekerka,whorepresentsNewJerseyGov.ChrisChristie. Stevesbackgroundandexperiencesaresuretobeofgreatbenefittotheongoingworkofthe commission. AformalresolutionofficiallyappointingMr.Tambiniwillreceiveactionbythecommissionersat theirnextbusinessmeetingonMarch12.HesucceedsCarolR.Collier,whoisretiringonthatdate after15yearsofservice. CarolCollierhasbeenadedicatedadvocatefortheprotectionofthenaturalresourcesand potablewatersupplyintheDelawareRiverBasin,Ms.Siekerkasaid.Herdedicationandleadership atDRBCwillbegreatlymissed. ChiefAdministrativeOfficerRichardC.GorewillserveasActingExecutiveDirectoruntilMr. TambiniassumeshisnewdutiesonAugust1. Mr.Tambini,54,isanativeofNewYorkandalongtimeresidentofBurlingtonCounty,N.J. Hebringsover30yearsofexperienceinwatersupplyengineeringandwaterresourceplanning, managementandoperationstotheDRBC. PriortohiscurrentpositionasVicePresidentofOperationsatPennsylvaniaAmericanWater, Mr.TambiniheldimportantleadershippostsatNewJerseyAmericanWater.Heplayedakeyrolein theplanning,implementationandregulatoryapprovalforthedevelopmentofNewJerseyAmericans DelawareRiverRegionalWaterTreatmentplantandTriCountyWaterSupply,whichsuccessfully addressedregionalgroundwaterdeclineinSouthJerseyandcontinuestoprovidewatersupplyto numerousN.J.communitiesinBurlington,Camden,andGloucestercounties. Duringhiscareer,Mr.TambinihasalsoprovidedengineeringleadershiptoAmericanWater subsidiariesserving12otherstatesthatencompassedawiderangeofwaterresourceandwatersupply challengesandprojects. Mr.TambinisworkonboththePennsylvaniaandNewJerseysidesoftheDelawareRiverhas allowedhimtodevelopandbuildrelationshipswithregulatorsandstakeholdersthroughoutthebasin. HecurrentlyservesontheboardofdirectorsfortheWaterResourcesAssociationoftheDelaware

RiverBasin,theNationalAssociationofWaterCompaniesPennsylvaniaSection,andtheRancocas Conservancy. Mr.TambinipreviouslyservedontheboardoftrusteesfortheAmericanWaterWorks AssociationNewJerseySection(AWWANJ)andhechairedtheAWWANJWaterUtilityCouncil, whichwasresponsibleforlegislativeandpolicyissuesrelatedtowater. HewasamemberoftheNewJerseyGovernorsWaterSupplyAdvisoryCouncilforanumber ofyears,whereherepresentedhisindustryandworkedwiththestatesDepartmentofEnvironmental Protectiononnumerouswatersupplyandwaterresourceinitiatives,includingthedevelopmentofthe WaterSupplyMasterPlan. SteveTambiniholdsaB.S.degreeinCivilandEnvironmentalEngineeringandaM.S.degreein EnvironmentalEngineering,bothfromClarksonUniversityinPotsdam,N.Y.Heisaregistered professionalengineerinNewJerseyandNewYork. Mr.TambiniwillbeonlythefourthexecutivedirectorintheDRBCs53yearhistory.The incumbent,CarolCollier,wasappointedin1998.PrecedingthemwereGeraldM.Hansler(appointed in1977)andJamesF.Wright(appointedin1962).Mr.Tambinisselectionconcludesanationalsearch processundertakenbythecommissionersthatbegansoonafterMs.Collierannouncedherretirement plansinSeptember. NewsClip:WaterUtilityExecTappedToLeadDelawareRiverBasinCommission HelpWanted:BerksCountyConservationDistrictSeeksOutreachInterns TheBerksCountyConservationDistrictisseekingcandidatesfortwoeducationoutreachstudentintern positions. Thepurposeofthepositionsistomeetwithfarmersandvisitagriculturaloperationstoinform themoftheirresponsibilitytomaintaincomplianceunderChapter102foragriculturalerosionand sedimentationcontrolandChapter93.36formanuremanagementplanning. Duringthevisits,thestudentwilltakethetimetohaveconversationwiththefarmer,educatethe farmeronregulationsandinformthemonassistanceofferedbyBerksCountyConservationDistrict. Tobeeligiblefortheposition,studentsshouldbeeitherjuniorsorseniorsinanaturalresources programatanaccrediteduniversity,haveprofessionalskillsandgreatcommunicationskillsandneedsto beabletoperformaspartofateamandindependently. Thestudentisrequiredtointern25hoursperweekfor12weeks,totaling300hours. Formoreinformation,contactKateKeppenattheBerksCountyConservationDistrictat 6103724657ext.211orsendemailto:Kathryn.keppen@berkscd.com.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased March18AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. DEPrecommendationonPerkiomenCreekWatershed <>ClickHereforavailablehandout.

March18TimeChange.AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. DiscussionofFY201415BudgetRequest ReportbyDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo DiscussionofCAC,DEP2014Priorities DEPsMarchwrittenreporttotheCAC <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts March19CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30.(formalnotice) March19AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14th FloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. LandRecyclingProgramupdate DiscussionofproposedVaporIntrusionGuidancelanguage <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. March19AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting. 11thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. CertificationofnewSEOs SEOCertificationandTrainingGuidance <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. March26NEW.AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. DCNRsFY201415BudgetProposal UrbanandCommunityForestry UpdateonPAOutdoorRecreationPlan DCNRSecretarysReport <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April3NEW.DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson BuildingHarrisburg.9:15. April8NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. April9NEW.DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

April9NEW.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting. FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown,PA.10:00. April10DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) April15NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. April15NEW.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April16NEW.DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. April16NEW.DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.LTBA.StateCollege. April23NEW.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April24NEW.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. April24NEW.DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. March21WRENWaterResourceEducation,SourceWaterCollaborativeGrants March28NEW.WestBranchSusquehannaSymposiumStudentPosterContest March28PAEPKarlMason,WalterLyonAwards March28DelawareHighlandsConservancyCollegeScholarships March28PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsArtContest March28DelawareValleyAir&WasteManagementCollegeScholarships

March31PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram April4MidAtlanticAquaticInvasiveSpeciesPanelGrants April7PAWildsChampionofthePAWildsAward April11NEW.CBFSaveTheBayPhotoContest April15DCNRStudentCareersECOCamp April16DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants April30NortheastPAAudubonSocietyCollegeScholarship May7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram May7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing May22NEW.DCNRVolunteerFirefighterGrants May23KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest May30DEPAlternativeEnergyVehicleConversionGrants June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram July7CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram July7CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram September19CFAAlternativeAndCleanEnergyProgram September19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest October31PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Budget/QuickNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Obituary,FormerDERSecretaryArthurDavis Editorial:DeceptiveBillWontProtectEndangeredSpecies Budget TriStatePolicyGroupsPushForMarcellusSeveranceTax NaturalGasTaxCouldFactorIntoGubernatorialRace PALosesMillionsInShaleGasDollars Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? Editorial:EndExcuses,FairlyTaxNaturalGas Editorial:PA,OH,WVSeveranceTaxPlan StateAct89FundsRescue2TransitServices Other YorkStudentsMoveOnToInternationalScienceFair ErieRecyclingConvenienceCenterOpensSaturday ReadingOKsNewPlanToCollegeTrash,Recycling ManyPAElectricCustomersFeelingShockOfWinterCold

BusinessesHitHardTooWithElectricityRateSpikes LawmakersPromiseFixesForElectricityShoppingWoes ElectricRateFiascoShouldCompelReviewOfDeregulation Editorial:ConsumersGetSockedByElectricBills UtilityAuctionProposalDead,ButYouStillHaveToChoose DominionToSellRetainEnergyBusiness ComcastTestsElectricityOfferInPittsburgh PPL:NuclearPlantConcernsHaveBeenAddressed AfterFukushima,UtilitiesPrepareForWorst PPLNuclearPlantUnderScrutiny AlleghenyCountyInComplianceWithPM2.5For1stTime StateMoneyForKinzuaVisitorsCenter,PymatuningProjects HarshWinterSetsBackWesternPAMapleHarvest SupremeCourtRulingAffectsFewBicycleTrailsInPA EastBradfordTwp.LaudedForEnvironmentalAdvocacy AppalachianTrailMuseumToOpenForSeason PresqueIsleGroupDiscussesPriorities,Landfill VolunteersNeededToAdoptABeachAtPresqueisle ContractArrangedGameCommissionDirectorsEarlyExit $220KPayoutProposedToAvoidLawsuitAgainstGameCommission AttorneyGeneralExaminesDealWithGameCommissionDirector CorbettsOfficeTakesAimAtAnotherGameCommissionOfficial GameCommissionOfficialMoonlightingAsGasLeasingAdvisor CorbettMovesAgainstGameCommissionEmployee HuntersHarvest352,920Deer VisitsFromDoeProvidesCloseViewOfNaturesFragility GameCommissionEnrolls30thWCOCadets HBGPeregrineFalconsEggsExpected HummingbirdMigrationHitsFloridaWithPAInItsSights NedSmithCenterReschedulesSusquehannaWaterfowlWatch SnowGeeseArriveEnMasseAtMiddleCreek DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling WhatsStillAtStakeInAct13DrillingLawCourtBattle HouseCommitteeWeighsGasRoyaltyLegislation AttorneyGeneralreviewingComplaintsAboutGasWellRoyalties AnotherSkeletonInChesapeakeEnergyCloset,Royalties ChesapeakeEnergys$5BillionShuffle

Bumsted:NaturalGasSeveranceTaxAhead? Letter:OpEdMisrepresentedCorbettDrillingPlan CourtBarsAntiFrackingActivistFrom300SquareMilesOfPA EHBToHearChallengeToLandownerRightToBlockDrilling CSXMakesDealWithStateOnShipmentsOfHazardousMaterials Rep.WhiteBlastsDriller,SolobayOnFacebook DEPCorrectedGasProductionData94TimesSince2010 DEPRoutinelyChangesDataOnGasWells EmergencyPlanForAlleghenyAirportDrillingFailsToQuellFears ConsolOffersAssurancesAboutAirportDrillingSafety ConflictOfInterestQuestionsOnMarsDrillingVote SchoolOfficials,ResidentsConcernedOverDrillingWastewaterPlant MarsSchoolBoardRejectsDrillingProposal DEPConditionsGroupProposingDrillingWastewaterFacility ElkCountyTwp.PreparesForBattleAgainstDeepInjectionWell BerksCountyNaturalGasToLiquidsPlantGetsTentativeOK OutdoorsNotebook:FrackingsImpactOnHabitatIsDiscussed WhenDrillersArrived,HogFathersBBQWasReady MinoritiesCrucialToFillShaleGasDrillingJobs NobleEnergySinksRootsIntoPittsburgh KeystoneXLPipelineProtestersArrestedInPhilly Financial/OtherStates ShellToRestructureShaleAssetsInU.S. NaturalGasIndustryStrugglesToKeepPromises CorrodedPipe,LackOfInspectionsLedToWVPipelineExplosion FedsChangesHowItCalculatesFutureOil,GasProduction MarcellusWouldHaveBigRoleInExportOfNaturalGas MarcellusTopsMajorU.S.ShalePlaysInDrillRigProductivity OhioLooksIntoWhetherFrackingLedToEarthquakes

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate CBFUrgesResidentsToReverseLancasterDecisionOnBayChallenge OpEd:FarmBureauHadItWrongOnChesapeakeBayCleanup Letter:PatriotHadItRightFirstTimeOnChesapeakeBay WaterUtilityExecTappedToLeadDelawareRiverBasinCommission FinalPhaseDeerCreekMineDrainageProjectToStart DEP:RunOffTrenchFailedInLakeArielOilSpill FuelSpillDiscoveredOnLoyalhannaCreek Editorial:FixingFordCitysWaterLeaks DEPSlowToActOnAlphaCoalMiningOffenses

Editorial:WillStiffFineChangeAlphaCoal? April8MeetingInConnellsvilleOnDEPWastewaterRules US.SenatePassesFloodInsuranceReformBill CauseOfNewvilleAreaFishKillDifficultToDetermine DamOwnerComplyingWithDEPAgreement Editorial:GoodNewsForWesternPALocks,Dams DunbarMovesForwardWithCreekChannelingProject

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofproposed2014ozoneseasonnitrogen oxideemissionlimitsfornonelectricgeneratingunitsforpubliccomment. TheGameCommissionpublishedfinalregulationsdelistingthebaldeagleasathreatenedspeciesinthe Commonwealth,noticeoffinalchangesinregulationsrelatedtotheDeerManagementAssistance PermitProgramandnoticeofproposedregulationssettingseasonandbaglimits. PennsylvaniaBulletinMarch15,2014 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeoffinaltechnicalguidanceonSurface MineAccidentInvestigationsandnoticeofchangestothelistofcompaniescertifiedtoperform radonrelatedservices(PABulletinpage1509). Final:DEPID:5625900001.Title:SurfaceMineAccidentInvestigations.Description:Thepurpose ofthisguidanceistooutlineastandardoperatingprocedurefortheDepartment'sroleininvestigating accidentswhichcauseseriousinjuryordeathandininvestigatingnonreportableaccidentsthathadthe potentialtocausebodilyinjuryonsurfaceminesites.Theguidancewasrevisedtoupdatethe investigationproceduresandtoincludethereportingandinvestigationofnonreportableaccidentson surfaceminesites.Noticeofavailabilityoftheproposedguidancewaspublishedat42Pa.B.7343 (December1,2012),withprovisionfora30daypubliccommentperiodthatendedonDecember31, 2012.TheDepartmentreceivedcommentsonthedrafttechnicalguidancedocument,whichresultedin modificationstothefinaltechnicalguidance.Acommentandresponsedocumentwasdevelopedthat includesasummaryofthecommentsreceivedandthemodificationsthatweremadetothedocument. Thecommentandresponsedocumentisavailable,inadditiontothefinalguidance,ontheDepartment's website,atthesiteprovidedpreviously.Contact:Questionsregardingthisactionshouldbedirected towardstoChrisYeakle,8147971191,cyeakle@pa.gov.

TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. March17NEW.SenateAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderSenateBill1037 (VogelRBeaver)eliminatingthesummerlowRVPgasolinerequirementinWesternPA.RulesRoom. OfftheFloor. March17NEW.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouse Bill1684(EverettRLycoming)relatingtominimumoilandgaswellroyaltiessponsorsummary. RoomB31MainCapitol.11:00. March18NEW.SenateConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteeconsidersthe nominationofRobertF.PowelsonasChairmanofthePublicUtilityCommission.Room461Main Capitol.12:30. March18AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:00. March18TimeChange.AgendaReleased.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March19HouseGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingondeermanagement.RoomB31 MainCapitol.9:00. March19NEW.LegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteemeetstoconsiderreleaseofreports, amongthem:UpdateonthefeasibilityofcombiningtheGameandFishandBoatCommissions. HearingRoom3,NorthOfficeBuilding.10:00. March19CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30.(formalnotice)

March19AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.14th FloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. March19AgendaReleased.StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting. 11thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March20HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonvariablerateelectricityprice contracts.Room140MainCapitol.9:30. March20SenateConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureholdsahearingonelectric reliability.WarminsterTwp.Building,401GibsonAve.,Warminster.3:00. March24NEW.HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill703 (ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtoprivatelateralsewagelinemaintenancesponsorsummaryand HouseBill704(ReadshawDAllegheny)relatingtocreatingaSewageDisposalSystemFundfor privatelateralsewerlineimprovement/repairsponsorsummary.PittsburghWaterandSewer Authority,2ndFloorboardRoom,1200PennAve.,Pittsburgh.2:00. March26NEW.AgendaReleased.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncil meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. March27CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisJune26.(formalnotice) March31SusquehannaLandAndWaterConservationSummit.PennStateUniversitycampusin Harrisburg. April2DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30. (formalnotice) April3NEW.DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson BuildingHarrisburg.9:15. April7NEW.EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeConservationCommittee,featuresa presentationbyGregoryBrouse,EasternIndustries,discussingthebenefitsofusingrecycledgroundtire rubberinroadpavingmaterials.Room8EBEastWing.12:00. April8NEW.DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. April9NEW.DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April9NEW.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredMiningEquipmentmeeting.

FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown,PA.10:00. April10NEW.HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteeholdsahearingonvariablerateelectricrate contracts.AlleghenyCourtHouse,GoldRoom,436GrantSt.,Pittsburgh.10:00. April10DEPhearingonredesignationrequestandmaintenanceplanforLancasterairquality nonattainmentarea.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) April1011WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationSymposium.ToftreesGolfResortand ConferenceCenter,StateCollege. April15NEW.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. April15NEW.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April16NEW.DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909 ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00. April16NEW.DCNRNaturalGasAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.LTBA. April23NEW.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloor ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. April24SenateJudiciaryCommitteeholdsahearingonSenateBill1095(FarneseDPhiladelphia) amendingtheantiSLAPPlawsuitprovisionssponsorsummary.PhiladelphiaBarAssociationOffice. 9:30. April24NEW.DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.10:00. April24NEW.DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConference Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. May12PALandConservationConference.CrownePlaza,Reading,BerksCounty. May68PASectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociationConference.SandsCasinoResort, Bethlehem. May7HouseProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingonHouseBill997(PetriRBucks) establishingalicensingprogramforsoilscientistssponsorsummary.Room60EastWing.9:30. May72014PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium.RamadaInnConferenceCenterinState College. May1518NEW.PAOutdoorWritersAssociationSpringConference.Inandaround

ShippensburgUniversity.ClickHeretoreadanarticleontheconferenceinthePOWAnewsletter. ClickHereforaregistrationform. June2627PennsylvaniaAbandonedMineReclamationConference.RamadaInnandConference Center,StateCollege. July2325PROPRecyclingandOrganicsConference.DoubleTreePittsburghMeadowLands, Washington,PA. September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg. VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle StoriesInvited
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AlsosignupfortheseotherservicesfromCrisciAssociates AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.

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