Pa Environment Digest Oct. 20, 2014

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa October 20, 2014

Following Senate Approval, House Sends Anti-Stream Buffer Bill To Governor

By a vote of 118 to 79, the House Wednesday gave final approval

to House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) that environmental

groups say weakens DEP requirements for stream buffers in

Special Protection Watersheds. In September, the House passedan earlier version of the bill by the vote of 119 to 79. The bill now

goes to the Governor for his action.

Click Hereto see how your House member voted.

House action Wednesday followed a vote by the Senate

Tuesday which approved the bill by a vote of 27 to 22. Click

Hereto see how your Senate member voted.

Prior to its final Senate action, Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, amended the bill to change the provisions of the bill to

give applicants the option to install practices other than a stream buffer, but only if they can prove other

practices are substantively equivalent to a stream buffer.

The amendment also changed the provision allowing the installation of a buffer in other areas,but as close as feasible to the area of disturbance to limit the replacement buffer to areas within the

same watershed.

Click Hereif you want to contact Gov. Corbett and urge him to veto House Bill 1565.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PAwrote to members of both the Senate and House

opposed to House Bill 1565 saying in part--

Given the innumerable societal and ecological benefits provided by forested riparian and

riparian buffers, CBF maintains that House Bill 1565 (P.N. 4258) is fundamentally flawed and could

result in undesired consequences for Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay Blueprint plan, which consists of the Total Maximum Daily

Load and the States Watershed Implementation Plan, relies heavily on protecting and restoring forested

buffers. According to a recent assessment of Pennsylvanias two-year milestones goals, it is estimatedthat the current rate of implementation of 6.44 acres of riparian buffers per day will need to be increased

to 50.13 acres per day in order to meet the Commonwealths 2017 target for forested riparian buffers.

This bill will make the 2017 goal of 109,735 acres of forested riparian buffers more challenging

since we will most likely begin losing existing forested buffers and forgoing opportunities to create new

forested buffers that are absent of federal and state subsidies. Failure to meet established Chesapeake

Bay milestone goals could result in the use of backstops by the Federal Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA).
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DS%26rc_nbr%3D773&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOUyHJDE0eCZ_AAA_LPwDXEL86WAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DH%26rc_nbr%3D1783&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHH0_u78O7LP8LEsMrddrpke8E6Lwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fhow-we-save-the-bay%2Fchesapeake-clean-water-blueprint%2Fwhat-is-the-chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFT1auH3sH7n9Hvw70pOVivIupTLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D514%26objID%3D1072219%26parentname%3DObjMgr%26parentid%3D11%26mode%3D2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsvSz9-jjVNpZxbgogwW8ikDhdGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DS%26rc_nbr%3D773&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOUyHJDE0eCZ_AAA_LPwDXEL86WAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DS%26rc_nbr%3D773&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHOUyHJDE0eCZ_AAA_LPwDXEL86WAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DH%26rc_nbr%3D1783&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHH0_u78O7LP8LEsMrddrpke8E6Lwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


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Passage of this legislation could set the Commonwealth back with regards to the federal

requirements for riparian buffers in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, as well as anti-degradation

requirements in special protection waters.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires the restoration and maintenance of the chemical,

physical and biological integrity of the Nations waters. (CWA, 33 U.S.C. 1251(a)). The CWA

and regulations promulgated pursuant to the CWA require states to adopt water quality standardsconsistent with the requirements of the CWA. (CWA, 33. U.S.C. 1313 and 40 CFR 131.1, et

seq.).

Once a state identifies the water quality standards of a particular water body, it may not change

laws that maintain and protect those standards without a substantial and convincing justification and

EPA review and approval. 33 USC 1313(b)(4)(B) 40 CFR 131.12. This law is called the CWA

anti-degradation policy and specifically applies to high-quality waters and applies to any activity that

may cause degradation of a water body.

Since the EPA has approved the Commonwealths antidegradation policy found at 25 Pa.

Code 93.4a, et seq., and PA has designated water bodies as exceptional value and high-quality, House

Bill 1565 (P.N. 4258) could be considered a revision of Pennsylvanias water quality standards in

violation of Pennsylvanias EPA approved antidegradation regulations and policy.While CBF recognizes the attempts that have been made to improve House Bill 1565 (P.N.

4258), the language is ambiguous while the science is clearthere is simply no scientifically equivalent

practice equal to forested riparian buffers.

Forested riparian buffers have been shown in large and growing number of scientific studies to

be the best means of protecting and enhancing the quality of the biological, chemical, and physical

habitat in rivers and streams, including in Pennsylvania.

And, any attempt to remove this requirement will impact water quality in our special protection

waters.

In fact, forested riparian buffers are so desirable that bills such as this should be set aside while

we focus our efforts on legislation that supports clean water, such as Senator Raffertys bill, Senate Bill

1465, (P.N. 2256).

We strongly urge you to support clean water and vote NO on House Bill 1565 (P.N.4258).

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Lackawanna), who supported the bill in the Senate, said, 'm not interested

in paving the way for huge developments nor trying to punch holes in clean water. My interest is in givin

relief to landowners who find they can not do improvements to their property costing jobs and

opportunities that rural areas can ill afford to lose.

"This bill will allow science to be the key consideration in decision making rather than the map

so one size doesn't fit all in the Commonwealth. We will be able to use best practices," Sen. Baker said,

noting that the bill will not take DEP oversight away from on-lot septic, wetlands, or National Pollutant

Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.

She called the bill a "reasonable and responsible remedy" that "is fair and balanced."House Bill 1565 has been opposed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, PA Environmental

Council, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the PA Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the Fish

and Boat Commission, PA Chapter National Association of Water Companies, Clean Water Action,

PA Council of Trout Unlimited, PA Federation of Sportsmens Clubs, PA League of Women Voters,

PA Land Trust Association, PA Landscape and Nursery Associationand former DEP Secretary David

E. Hess.

NewsClips:
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fformer-dep-secretary-urges-senators-to.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5pm-FhVBWfhDoVhOf-lUpdDWjnwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fformer-dep-secretary-urges-senators-to.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG5pm-FhVBWfhDoVhOf-lUpdDWjnwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plna.com%2Fnews%2F195970%2FPLNA-Opposes-Bill-to-Weaken-Clean-Streams-Law.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMjF2EzwiIMzng8HLyNt6wqOqvaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F10%2Fpa-land-trust-association-urges-no-vote.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDCcuw474jBkmqOH5BKQk51mNXjAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fpa-league-of-women-voters-urges-house.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUrMlciXZuvz22ozcxUOIUde4eBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F10%2Fpa-federation-of-sportsmens-clubs-urge.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGcjJw9Vcc6Vo6J7g1JCsqOjt9mTQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patrout.org%2Fdocs%2Fdefault-source%2Fdocuments%2Ftu-letter_hb1565-(a-4116)-9-22-14.pdf%3Fsfvrsn%3D0&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHznOyt4iKR_JVk9cJq7vS18-n4Qhttp://goo.gl/lJZagshttp://goo.gl/TtoJM9http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Ffish-boat-commission-support-water.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGiNRu9wXqJrrxNqjmc8rxF7jV1kwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Ffish-boat-commission-support-water.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGiNRu9wXqJrrxNqjmc8rxF7jV1kwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D29936&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPlZkUYWoRAdfkGFz_2oakZAa_sQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D29936&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPlZkUYWoRAdfkGFz_2oakZAa_sQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fpec-urges-senators-to-oppose-bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGX_YdHA8G0zMZaf5WBo-IibWUYjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fpec-urges-senators-to-oppose-bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGX_YdHA8G0zMZaf5WBo-IibWUYjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F10%2Fchesapeake-bay-foundation-pa-urges.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXg2a3W2a8TG0Lau1M3x5h9_R8Zwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1465&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIpMlUNaVezUq9wUUXyvSdtGrgowhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1465&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHIpMlUNaVezUq9wUUXyvSdtGrgow


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Stream Buffer Bill Wins Final OK

Senate Removes Stream Buffers For New Developments

Senate OKs Bill Overhauling Stream Pollution Rules

Bill Altering Buffer Zones Could Threaten Clean Streams

Bill Would Eliminate Buffer Requirement For PAs Cleanest Streams

Op-Ed: Legislature Shouldnt Gut States Streamside Protections

Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Calls On Gov. Corbett To Veto Anti-Stream Buffer Bill

Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation,

issued the following statement in response to the General Assemblys

passage of House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) Wednesday.

CBF is calling on Gov. Corbett to veto House Bill 1565, which now goes to

his desk after passing both the House and Senate. We are disappointed in

the passage of this bill, which removes protections for Pennsylvanias most

pristine streams and allows developers to cut down streamside trees. The bill

is a huge step backward for the Commonwealths clean water efforts.Pennsylvania has a commitment to clean water, and streamside forested

buffers are one of the most cost-effective, common-sense solutions to

reducing pollution, managing floods, and maintaining iconic and economically

important fish, like the brook trout. It simply does not make sense to allow developers to cut down

existing trees, or to not require they be planted, on land development larger than one acre.

The science is clearplanting and preserving trees along streams has innumerable benefits and

has been widely adopted as a standard pollution prevention practice. Thousands of farmers and

hundreds of developers, local governments, and businesses throughout the state have already planted

and preserved buffers. These investments have all been made with the goal of managing polluted runoff,

reducing flooding, and enhancing property values in the Keystone State.

Friday, Harry Campbell sent a formal letter to Gov. Corbett asking him to veto the bill. The

text of the letter follows--

Dear Governor Corbett:

On behalf of the over 200,000 members of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, we urge you to

veto House Bill 1565, a bill that will significantly weaken water quality protection in state designated

Special Protection Waters in Pennsylvania.

We ask you to veto this bill for several reasons:

We believe this legislation reduces the ability of Pennsylvania to meet its commitments under the

Chesapeake Bay Agreement, which you signed in August. The Bay Agreement and Pennsylvanias

obligations under the Clean Water Blueprint rely heavily on protecting and restoring forested stream

buffers. We should be taking steps to encourage more stream buffers in more areas, not significantlyweakening the requirement we have which covers just 4 percent of our watersheds as this bill does.

Pennsylvania is obligated by the federal Clean Water Act to maintain and not degrade the water

quality in designated Special Protection Watersheds. We believe this legislation reduces the ability of

the Commonwealth to meet this anti-degradation requirement and leaves us vulnerable to action by the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and federal courts determining that our water quality protection

program does not meet minimum federal requirements. We have made this point very clear in letters to

both the Senate and House and in more detail.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Flegislature_to_gut_streamside.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYymlGGTgjGqfH1_oL080ric3naQhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/Bill%20Would%20Eliminate%20Buffer%20Requirement%20For%20PA%E2%80%99s%20Cleanest%20Streams%20http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/10/13/bill-would-eliminate-buffer-requirement-for-pennsylvanias-cleanest-streams/http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20141014_Bill_altering_buffer_zones_could_threaten_clean_streams.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGov5bN1OsUMMReS_fzjb1dfZ4-zghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Fsenate-oks-bill-overhauling-steam-pollution-rules%2Farticle_7c06718f-a92f-5419-88ac-38dc1c25423a.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4qwBa8MP_cJhdmOZgt0P-IMTFDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Fbuffer_zones.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxls-lJOvnnCiRvu-zfQfQZte5gAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fsream-buffer-bill-wins-final-ok-1.1772040&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpUAVJ-fqfkQIDWq3TDzh2V20eHg


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The options for meeting any buffer requirements listed in the bill are either not real options, extremely

ambiguous, or effectively remove the buffer requirement and its benefits. A large and growing body of

scientific research concludes there are no practices or combination of practicesscientifically

speakingwhich are substantially equivalent to a forested riparian stream buffer. The other option of

allowing buffers to be placed, not at the point of the earth disturbance, but at some other location not

only defeats the purpose of the forested buffer, but potentially puts its benefits nowhere near the impact.We understand there are some legitimate issues with the way the existing buffer requirement is

administered and we have, through the legislative process, suggested changes like setting a deadline for

review of these applications by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and devoting more

DEP staff time to their review. These suggestions have not given serious consideration, in our opinion,

because the only solution proponents were willing to accept was eliminating the forested buffer

requirement.

The science is clearplanting and preserving trees along streams has innumerable benefits and

has been widely adopted as a standard pollution prevention practice. No other practice has been shown

to be as effective at protecting and restoring streams.

Thousands of farmers and hundreds of developers, local groups and governments, and

businesses throughout the state have already planted and preserved buffers. Simply stated, forestedbuffers are also the most cost-efficient form of water quality protection one can install and protect.

If this bill becomes law, Pennsylvania will take a big step away from its commitments under the

Chesapeake Bay Agreement and leave itself vulnerable to actions under the federal Clean Water Act.

But even more importantly, the water quality in some of Pennsylvanias best watersheds could be

degraded forever.

We have appreciated the opportunities the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has had to discuss

critical water quality issues with you, the staff in your office, and in the DEP and we thank you for

considering our comments regarding this legislation.

Sincerely,

Harry Campbell

Pennsylvania Executive Director

Chesapeake Bay Foundation


PA Environmental Council Urges Governor To Veto Anti-Stream Buffer Bill

The PA Environmental Councilsent this letter to Gov. Corbett Thursday urging him to veto House Bill

1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) that many environmental groups say weakens DEP requirements for

stream buffers in Special Protection Watersheds. The text of the letter follows

Dear Governor Corbett:

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), I am writing to ask you to vetoHouse Bill 1565, which passed the General Assembly yesterday. This legislation, if enacted into law,

would eliminate the existing requirement of a forested riparian buffer for new development requiring a

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in a High Quality or Exceptional

Value watershed.

Given the innumerable societal and ecological benefits provided by riparian buffers, House Bill

1565, should it become law, could result in undesired consequences detrimental to the citizens and

environment of Pennsylvania.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fpec-urges-senators-to-oppose-bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGX_YdHA8G0zMZaf5WBo-IibWUYjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D514%26objID%3D1072219%26parentname%3DObjMgr%26parentid%3D11%26mode%3D2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsvSz9-jjVNpZxbgogwW8ikDhdGg


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It is important to note that the existing buffer requirement is only triggered by the need for an

NPDES permit in those limited watersheds, and therefore does not apply to existing landowners and

their current land use. Further, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations

already provide a long list of exceptions to the buffer requirement. This requirement can also be

exempted through a waiver from the Department.

In her January 29, 2014 testimony before the House Environmental Resources & EnergyCommittee, Deputy Secretary for Water Management Kelly Heffner could not recall a single instance

where such a waiver was denied. Follow up from the Department to the House Committee confirmed

this as fact.

In other words, existing law already provides ample flexibility.

Enactment of this legislation could set the Commonwealth back with regards to anti-degradation

requirements in special protection waters as well as to the federal requirements for riparian buffers in the

Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires the restoration and maintenance of the

chemical, physical and biological integrity of the Nations waters. The CWA and regulations

promulgated pursuant to the CWA require states to adopt water quality standards consistent with the

requirements of the CWA.Once a state identifies the water quality standards of a particular water body, it may not change

laws that maintain and protect those standards without a substantial and convincing justification and

EPA review and approval.

This anti-degradation policy especially applies to high-quality waters and to any activity that may

cause degradation of a water body. Since the EPA has approved the Commonwealths

anti-degradation policy, and Pennsylvania has designated water bodies as exceptional value and

high-quality, House Bill 1565 could possibly be considered a revision of Pennsylvanias water quality

standards in violation of Pennsylvanias EPA approved anti-degradation regulations and policy.

Furthermore, riparian buffers prevent property damage and the expense of flooding, a constant

issue for the Commonwealth over the past several years. Buffers also dramatically reduce stormwater

management costs help keep streams free of sediment reduce the cost of treating water for potable

uses and in general, promote and sustain healthier communities. House Bill 1565 will serve to

exacerbate those problems.

We urge you to veto this legislation.

Sincerely,

Davitt Woodwell

President and CEO


Senate Sends Bill Authorizing 1-House Veto Of PA Climate Plan To Governor

The Senate Wednesday voted 31 to 17 to send House Bill 2354

(Snyder-D-Fayette), which authorizes a one-House of the General

Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required

by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to the Governor for his

action.

Click Hereto see how your Senate member voted.

Tuesday night the Senate voted 29 to 20 to revert to the
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original House-passed language containing the 1-House veto provisions. Click Hereto see how your

Senate member voted.

The vote removed an amendment added by Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) in Senate

Appropriations Committeelast week which eliminated the one-House veto provision and instead

provides for an enhanced review of any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan proposed by DEP

and provide any comments on the plan to DEP.The vote also removed a specific provision added by Sen. Rafferty authorizing DEP to submit a

greenhouse gas emission reduction plan to EPA in compliance with federal requirements,

notwithstanding any other provision of the bill.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Councilwrote to members of the Senate and the House

expressing its opposition to House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette) saying the legislation was premature

and not in the interests of the Commonwealth and may result in the federal government imposing its own

plan on Pennsylvania.

To members of the General Assembly, PEC said--

By authorizing a one-House veto of any plan the Department develops, House Bill 2354 goes

far beyond the oversight role the General Assembly should have over the implementation of

environmental regulations in the Commonwealth. It replaces any balanced discussion of the actions weshould take and turns this into an unguided political football.

In contrast to the oversight role the General Assembly has already carved out for itself under

the Regulatory Review Act, it does not require passage of a concurrent House-Senate resolution with

an opportunity to sign or veto that resolution by the Governor. It allows one chamber to veto those

plans and force the Department to start over. This creates a serious chilling effect on any effort to pass

necessary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our Commonwealth.

In 2008 the General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation -- the Pennsylvania Climate

Change Act -- laying out a thoughtful process for detailing the contributions the Commonwealth makes

to climate change, and offers members of the General Assembly a direct role in helping to formulate a

Climate Change Action Plan through the Climate Change Advisory Committee.

Further, the Air Pollution Control Act requires any changes to the State Implementation Plan, which

ultimately any climate change plan would be, to have extensive public review before it is forwarded to

EPA.

The Regulatory Review Act requires any regulations proposed to implement the State

Implementation Plan to be reviewed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the

General Assembly under an extensive process, allowing for concurrent resolution and the Governors

review.

Now House Bill 2354 would add a fourth bite at the apple for interests who oppose action on

this critical and complex issue by authorizing a one-House veto. It makes a decision that should be

decided on facts and substantive analysis into a political debate without any criteria to guide the General

Assemblys review.The timing of this legislation is also off. EPAs proposed 111(d) rulemaking is still undergoing

public review it is likely that numerous and substantial comments will be raised and considered by

EPA. Accordingly, the content of EPAs final rule is uncertain. Therefore, any legislative action relating

to or in anticipation of EPAs rule would be untimely given the likely timeframes for promulgation of a

final rule and subsequent State Plan development.

We fully recognize that EPAs proposal, if finalized, will require an unprecedented undertaking

for the people and environment of our Commonwealth. Nonetheless, Pennsylvania must take action.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2354&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvciqRXafDVvQtSwTELqOdjhxqvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECSvVRvFebqz1uGOkG9_LYYlNATwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FCFDOCS%2FLegis%2FRC%2FPublic%2Frc_view_action2.cfm%3Fsess_yr%3D2013%26sess_ind%3D0%26rc_body%3DS%26rc_nbr%3D783&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEdU0HklfXzYw4__gsZpitkWCxJFg


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PEC unequivocally supports prompt reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources and sectors

across the Commonwealth. Decision making toward that goal must be based on substantive analysis.

House Bill 2354 would unbalance that equation and impair Pennsylvanias ability to advance a

strong and sound emissions reduction strategy, potentially forcing EPA to impose its rules directly on

Pennsylvania. We suspect this is not the desired outcome by the General Assembly.

Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette), prime sponsor of the bill said, The state legislature will be thefinal arbiter of how the Commonwealth approaches greenhouse gas regulation. It is what we were

elected to do, and leaving Pennsylvanias energy destiny in the hands of unelected, unaccountable

federal regulators would be irresponsible.

"Were under a federal mandate to cut coal plants carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by

2030. However, we can meet that mandate while still protecting jobs, pocketbooks and power supplies

by insisting on a process that includes all stakeholders and viewpoints."


NewsClips:

Senate OKs Larger Role For General Assembly Climate Plan

Lawmakers OK Bill To Approve Greenhouse Gas Plans

Is Climate Plan Bill A Victory For Coal Or Much Ado About Nothing? Climate Activists Protest In Pittsburgh

Marchers Head To Pittsburgh To Warn Of Climate Change

Letter: PA Has Gone Further To Reduce Drilling Methane Emissions

Letter: PA Climate Plan Should Get Legislative Review

Op-Ed: PA Backs Fossil Fuels Not Clean Energy, Pat Lupo OSB

Editorial: Pre-Emptive Strike On Cleaner Air By House

Editorial: Politics Wont Clean The Air

Editorial: Climate Wars, Pentagon Doesnt Need More Hotspots

Editorial: Make Natural Gas Bridge Fulfill Role

PEC Urges Governor To Veto Bill Allowing General Assembly To Block PA Climate Plans

The PA Environmental Councilsent this letter to Gov. Corbett Thursday urging him to veto House Bill

2354(Snyder-D-Fayette), which authorizes a one-House of the General Assembly to veto any

greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The

text of the letter follows

Dear Gov. Corbett:

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC), I am writing to urge your veto of

House Bill 2354, which passed the General Assembly yesterday. House Bill 2354 authorizes a

one-House veto of any plan the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Department)

develops to comply with a proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation under Section111(d) of the federal Clean Air Act.

PEC believes this legislation is an inappropriate and premature response to the serious issue of

climate change.

By authorizing a one-House veto of any plan the Department develops, House Bill 2354 goes

far beyond the oversight role the General Assembly should have over the implementation of

environmental regulations in the Commonwealth. It replaces any balanced discussion of the actions we

should take and turns the issue into an unguided political football.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2354&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvciqRXafDVvQtSwTELqOdjhxqvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2354&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvciqRXafDVvQtSwTELqOdjhxqvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F09%2Fpec-urges-senators-to-oppose-bill.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGX_YdHA8G0zMZaf5WBo-IibWUYjwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fmake-bridge-fulfill-role-1.1769421&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHE0U7odG0DkF6i_cZqy0ACGZOT2whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F2014%2F10%2F17%2FClimate-wars-The-Pentagon-doesn-t-need-more-global-hotspots%2Fstories%2F201410310018&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvFTXQmAR8ynPx3m5BGELCy4_bgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20141012_Politics_won_t_clean_the_air.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1Wtxc-6TU_MOEcNC6rR0QnPneiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fpre-emptive-strike-on-cleaner-air-1.1770015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvubWm7zazRHFwonmTau5-z86KSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20141016%2FOPINION08%2F310169985%2FPa-backs-fossil-fuels-instead-of-clean-energy%253A-Pat-Lupo-OSB%23&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNErqd_sW0UcR9stT0YhNhGXVHqljwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Fepa_power_plan_rule_coal_allia.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZunZOBcNR1w3PYQoORag3Qo36IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Fpa-has-gone-further-to-reduce-emissions%2Farticle_5677948c-4f36-11e4-84eb-0017a43b2370.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGIR5SE-DQeonVZkVC82jmpfq0ooQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Flocal%2Fcity%2F2014%2F10%2F13%2FMarchers-headed-to-Pittsburgh-to-warn-of-climate-change%2Fstories%2F201410130010&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEMF2RgrjWnHh6Q3YZlGRr4v5glEQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Flocal%2Fcity%2F2014%2F10%2F14%2FClimate-change-activists-bring-Great-March-for-Climate-Action-to-Pittsburgh%2Fstories%2F201410140163&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkt2GcjNeVg68MkMjfa0zHs7GuYghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fswitchboard.nrdc.org%2Fblogs%2Fjmorris%2Funpacking_the_pennsylvania_gre.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMUWWwI86T6fUEja8Ggwi_9wkzQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Flawmakers_will_vote_on_emissio.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2IbswF67kogz7i8lF33-d4ycUOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F26798268%2Fsenate-oks-larger-state-role-in-pollution-control&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmv3eN17mcnZ_YIfE7dISmbOjQyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D514%26objID%3D1072219%26parentname%3DObjMgr%26parentid%3D11%26mode%3D2&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHsvSz9-jjVNpZxbgogwW8ikDhdGg


8/49

In contrast to the oversight role the General Assembly has already carved out for itself under the

Regulatory Review Act, it does not require passage of a concurrent House-Senate resolution with an

opportunity to sign or veto that resolution by the Governor. It allows one chamber to veto those plans

and force the Department to start over. This creates a serious chilling effect on any effort to pass

necessary measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our Commonwealth.

In 2008 the General Assembly passed bipartisan legislation -- the Pennsylvania Climate ChangeAct -- laying out a thoughtful process for detailing the contributions the Commonwealth makes to

climate change, and offers members of the General Assembly a direct role in helping to formulate a

Climate Change Action Plan through the Climate Change Advisory Committee.

Further, the Air Pollution Control Act requires any changes to the State Implementation Plan,

which ultimately any climate change plan would be, to have extensive public review before it is

forwarded to EPA.

The Regulatory Review Act requires any regulations proposed to implement the State

Implementation Plan to be reviewed by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the

General Assembly under an extensive process, allowing for concurrent resolution and the Governors

review.

Now House Bill 2354 would add a fourth bite at the apple for interests who oppose action onthis critical and complex issue by authorizing a one-House veto. It makes a decision that should be

decided on facts and substantive analysis into a political debate without any criteria to guide the General

Assemblys review.

The timing of this legislation is also off. EPAs proposed 111(d) rulemaking is still undergoing

public review it is likely that numerous and substantial comments will be raised and considered by

EPA. Accordingly, the content of EPAs final rule is uncertain. Therefore, any legislative action relating

to or in anticipation of EPAs rule would be untimely given the likely timeframes for promulgation of a

final rule and subsequent State Plan development.

We fully recognize that EPAs proposal, if finalized, will require an unprecedented undertaking

for the people and environment of our Commonwealth. Nonetheless, Pennsylvania must take action.

PEC unequivocally supports prompt reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources and sectors

across the Commonwealth. Decision making toward that goal must be based on substantive analysis.

House Bill 2354 would unbalance that equation and impair Pennsylvanias ability to advance a

strong and sound emissions reduction strategy, potentially forcing EPA to impose its rules directly on

Pennsylvania. We suspect this is not the desired outcome by you or the General Assembly.

We ask that you veto this legislation.

Sincerely,

Davitt Woodwell

President and CEO


The Environment Lost In Last 2 Days Of Session, Now Its Up To Gov. Corbett

The House has one more voting day left this year on Monday, but, for all intents and purposes, action

on environmental legislation is finished for this year. And there will be no lame duck session after

election day November 4, as of now.

The Senate and House sent two bad environmental bills to the Governors desk this week--

House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the current requirement for stream buffers in High
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9/49

Quality and Exceptional Value streams and House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette), which authorizes a

one-House of the General Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Click Hereif you want to contact Gov. Corbett and urge him to veto House Bill 1565 and

House Bill 2354.

Also making it to the Governors desk were---- Energy Efficiency Technology:House Bill 1672(Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energy

efficiency technologies. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

-- Oil & Gas Royalties:House Bill 402(Pickett-R-Bradford) further providing for the recording of oil

and gas leases. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

-- Oil & Gas Well Production Reporting:House Bill 2278 (Pickett-R-Bradford) requiring monthly

reporting of oil and gas production from unconventional oil and gas wells. A summary and House Fiscal

Noteare available.

-- Nuclear Reactor Fees:Senate Bill 1355(Yaw-R-Lycoming) increasing nuclear reactor and nuclear

fuel transportation fees. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

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

Coordinating Board. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.-- Public Disaster Grants:Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing the Public Disaster

Assistance Grant Program. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Now its up to Gov. Corbett to sign or veto the bills.

Pending In The House

The House could still take action Monday on this resolution (sneak something else through)--

-- North American Oil Reserves: House Resolution 249(Swanger-R-Lebanon) supporting

increased development and delivery of oil from North American oil reserves- sponsor summary-- is on

the House Calendar for action.

Missed Opportunities

The General Assembly missed the opportunity to send these good bills to the Governors

desk--

-- Drinking Water Well Standards: House Bill 343(Miller-R-York) setting standards for drinking

water wells is still in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

-- Green State Buildings:House Bill 34(Harper-R-Montgomery) setting green building standards for

state owned or leased buildings. A similar bill-- Senate Bill 1061(Rafferty-R-Montgomery)-- was

amended to include the provisions of House Bill 34 and then referred to the Senate Appropriations

Committee where it remained.

-- Sewer/Water P2 Partnerships:House Bill 2239(Evankovich-R-Armstrong) authorizing

public-private partnerships for sewer, water, school district projects remains Tabled in the House.

-- Backup Generators: House Bill 1699(Ross-R-Chester) setting air quality standards for backup

generators is in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.Other Bills Left Behind

These other environmental bills, good and bad, did not make it to the Governors desk, but are

likely to be reintroduced next year--

-- Eliminating Protections For Endangered Species:Senate Bill 1047(Scarnati-R- Jefferson)

would eliminate some protections for endangered species and set additional requirements for adopting

Wild Trout Streams. It remains in the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. Click Herefor

background on the bill.
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10/49

A House version was also introduced: House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong) remains on the

House Calendar. Click Herefor background on the bill.

-- Nutrient Reduction Watershed Scheme:Senate Bill 994 (Vogel-R-Beaver) would construct an

unaffordable scheme to fund one technology that claims to reduce nutrients from manure. The bill

remains Tabled in the Senate. The backers of this legislation already said it will be reintroduced in some

form. Click Herefor background on the bill.-- Leasing DCNR Land For Alternative Energy Development:Senate Bill 684(Wozniak-D-

Cambria) further providing for the leasing of DCNR lands for wind, solar and other energy projects is in

the Senate Appropriations Committee.

-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council:Senate Bill 1310(Hutchinson-R- Venango)

creating the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council within DEP is in the House State

Government Committee.

-- Leasing State Lands For Mineral Development:Senate Bill 1443(White-R-Indiana) amending

the Indigenous Mineral Resources Development Act to authorized state agencies (other than DCNR) to

release mineral rights whether they owned the surface rights or not is in the House Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee.

-- Natural Gas Royalties: House Bill 1684(Everett-R-Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimumroyalty payment in state law has been on the House Calendar for action.

-- Natural Gas Royalties:Senate Bill 1236would expand upon the Oil and Gas Lease Act by

allowing royalty interest owners the opportunity to inspect records of natural gas companies to verify

proper payments. In addition, the bill requires all royalty payments be made within 60 days of

production unless otherwise stated in the contract. Any delinquent payments are to be paid with

interest. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

-- Natural Gas Royalties:Senate Bill 1237would prohibit a gas company from retaliating against any

royalty interest owner by terminating their lease agreement or ceasing development on leased property

because a royalty interest owner questions the accuracy of current royalty payments. Companies found

to have violated the provisions of this act face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per day. The bill is in the

House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

-- Natural Gas Royalties:Senate Bill 1238would require a gas company to record a surrender

document in the county Recorder of Deeds office where the oil and gas well is located within 30 days

upon expiration, termination, or forfeiture of an oil and gas lease. The surrender document will release

the gas companys interests in the oil and gas. This is similar to what a mortgage company would be

required to do after a mortgage was paid in full. The bill is in the House Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee.

-- Variable Electric Rate Contracts: House Bill 2104(Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing

for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier contracts is on the House Calendar for action.

Heres How To Contact Gov. Corbett To Urge Him To Veto Anti-Buffer, Climate Plan Bill

Click Hereif you want to contact Gov. Corbett and urge him to veto House Bill 1565

(Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the current requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and

Exceptional Value streams and House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette), which authorizes a one-House of

the General Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency.
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11/49

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

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

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

Hess, and let us join your Circle.

Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

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

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

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announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive asthey are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email

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

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule (Updated)/Bills Introduced

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

list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (October 20): House Bill 202(Harper-R-Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service

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

royalty payment in state law House Bill 1576(Pyle-R-Armstrong) would eliminate some protections forendangered species and set additional requirements for adopting Wild Trout Streams House Bill 2104

(Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier

contracts House Bill 2393(Kampf-R-Chester) providing a program to extend natural gas delivery to

unserved or underserved areas- sponsor summary House Bill 2419(Turzai-R-Allegheny), reducing the

spending cap for Capital Budget Projects by $4 billion House Resolution 249(Swanger-R- Lebanon)

supporting increased development and delivery of oil from North American oil reserves- sponsor

summary. Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.
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12/49

Senate (Adjourned):All bills left on the Senate Calendar were Tabled when the Senate adjourned as

is the custom in the Senate. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Note:House Committee meetings can happen at any time during its last day of session.

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

HouseAppropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

Judiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

TransportationLinks for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Pipeline Impact Fee: Senate Bill 1499(Rafferty-R-Montgomery) would establish an impact fee for
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1499&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEgMkCGuOIxKbjtaa59KFf3V82mbwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0IvrazqU61quAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D8%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxUAkR70KgxtgUTF3f8bVMWtCySghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D12%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHChd4URUtlhk9tHinZDzI9l2PFSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQ


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natural gas and oil pipelines collected by the Public Utility Commission and distributed to counties and

municipalities through which pipelines are located.

Session Schedule (Updated)

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

House (Updated)

October 20

November 12 (non-voting, reorganization session)

Senate

November 12 (non-voting, reorganization session)

Bills On Governor's Desk

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

desk for action--

Anti-Stream Buffers:House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) that environmental groups say

weakens DEP requirements for stream buffers in Special Protection Watersheds. A summary of the

House Fiscal Noteare available.

NewsClips:



Senate OKs Bill Overhauling Stream Pollution RulesBill Altering Buffer Zones Could Threaten Clean Streams



Veto Of Climate Plan: House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette) which authorizes a one-House of the

General Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

NewsClips:



Is Climate Plan Bill A Victory For Coal Or Much Ado About Nothing? Letter: PA Climate Plan Should Get Legislative Review



Energy Efficiency Technology:House Bill 1672(Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energy

efficiency technologies. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1672P4255.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEyMG3jqqJSFqwrvZ4D00pv-2hYcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1672&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEMcAb5th5NMg20Ohp_a2bAhTyaAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20141012_Politics_won_t_clean_the_air.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1Wtxc-6TU_MOEcNC6rR0QnPneiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fpre-emptive-strike-on-cleaner-air-1.1770015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvubWm7zazRHFwonmTau5-z86KSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Fepa_power_plan_rule_coal_allia.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZunZOBcNR1w3PYQoORag3Qo36IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fswitchboard.nrdc.org%2Fblogs%2Fjmorris%2Funpacking_the_pennsylvania_gre.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMUWWwI86T6fUEja8Ggwi_9wkzQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Flawmakers_will_vote_on_emissio.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2IbswF67kogz7i8lF33-d4ycUOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F26798268%2Fsenate-oks-larger-state-role-in-pollution-control&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmv3eN17mcnZ_YIfE7dISmbOjQyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2354P3898.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH0o1mVazNKDeIy7seSpkRzG95aUQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2354&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvciqRXafDVvQtSwTELqOdjhxqvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Flegislature_to_gut_streamside.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYymlGGTgjGqfH1_oL080ric3naQhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/Bill%20Would%20Eliminate%20Buffer%20Requirement%20For%20PA%E2%80%99s%20Cleanest%20Streams%20http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/10/13/bill-would-eliminate-buffer-requirement-for-pennsylvanias-cleanest-streams/http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20141014_Bill_altering_buffer_zones_could_threaten_clean_streams.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGov5bN1OsUMMReS_fzjb1dfZ4-zghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Fsenate-oks-bill-overhauling-steam-pollution-rules%2Farticle_7c06718f-a92f-5419-88ac-38dc1c25423a.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4qwBa8MP_cJhdmOZgt0P-IMTFDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Fbuffer_zones.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxls-lJOvnnCiRvu-zfQfQZte5gAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fsream-buffer-bill-wins-final-ok-1.1772040&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpUAVJ-fqfkQIDWq3TDzh2V20eHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1565P4258.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpKQVwtrn3925xL3vGd4jrbY5ErAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQ


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Oil & Gas Royalties:House Bill 402(Pickett-R-Bradford) further providing for the recording of oil

and gas leases. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Oil & Gas Well Production Reporting:House Bill 2278 (Pickett-R-Bradford) requiring monthly

reporting of oil and gas production from unconventional oil and gas wells. A summary and House Fiscal

Noteare available.

Nuclear Reactor Fees:Senate Bill 1355(Yaw-R-Lycoming) increasing nuclear reactor and nuclear

fuel transportation fees. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

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

Coordinating Board. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Public Disaster Grants:Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing the Public Disaster

Assistance Grant Program. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

House

Nuclear Reactor Fees:Senate Bill 1355(Yaw-R-Lycoming) increasing nuclear reactor and nuclear

fuel transportation fees was passed by the House and concurred in by the Senate. A summary and

House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

Public Disaster Grants:Senate Bill 720(Baker-R-Luzerne) establishing the Public DisasterAssistance Grant Program was reported from the House Appropriations Committee, was passed by the

House and concurred in by the Senate. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available. The bill now

goes to the Governor for his action.

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

Coordinating Board was passed by the House without amendment and now goes to the Governor for

his action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Senate

Anti-Stream Buffers:House Bill 1565(Hahn-R-Northampton) that environmental groups sayweakens DEP requirements for stream buffers in Special Protection Watersheds was passed by the

Senate 27 to 22 and returned to the House which voted 118 to 79 to concur in the amendments made

by the Senate. A summary of the House Fiscal Noteare available. The bill now goes to the Governor

for his action.

NewsClips:


http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Fbuffer_zones.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFxls-lJOvnnCiRvu-zfQfQZte5gAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fsream-buffer-bill-wins-final-ok-1.1772040&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFpUAVJ-fqfkQIDWq3TDzh2V20eHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB1565P4258.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHpKQVwtrn3925xL3vGd4jrbY5ErAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1565&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHJhTCfEB6X10Xv94PswmVOFQyIcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB0771P1797.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFD6oa18wfgjxVu0dVaYsEO48B0fghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB0720P2358.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-Zc_MXHH_MHyf6BcJHZ_QwDYugghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0720&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGF__VDkYZMBUimx6P4Ar7mE94dSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB1355P2319.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBOQnRPlIK84JLBNuq-3_ixCayqghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1355&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUZb0B80JayuTHKUBVnmG-gMsdBQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB0720P2358.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG-Zc_MXHH_MHyf6BcJHZ_QwDYugghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0720&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGF__VDkYZMBUimx6P4Ar7mE94dSwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB0771P1797.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFD6oa18wfgjxVu0dVaYsEO48B0fghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FSB1355P2319.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBOQnRPlIK84JLBNuq-3_ixCayqghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1355&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGUZb0B80JayuTHKUBVnmG-gMsdBQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2278P3838.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYrm0XtW747pPE2CqTVzTPA4iLCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2278P3838.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYrm0XtW747pPE2CqTVzTPA4iLCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2278&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPLtbTivUADzR6NigSkxbBv1MHBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB0402P3881.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSBqB77pj6byBXrCnkTfC9dpgQ4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D402&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsvdnmAB2cj-HNA9jGtRhYU3DJ7A


15/49

Senate OKs Bill Overhauling Stream Pollution Rules

Bill Altering Buffer Zones Could Threaten Clean Streams



Veto Of Climate Plan: House Bill 2354(Snyder-D-Fayette) which authorizes a one-House of theGeneral Assembly to veto any greenhouse gas emission reduction plan required by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency. The Senate reverted to the House-passed language by a vote of 29

to 20 and it was then passed by the Senate 31 to 17. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.

NewsClips:



Is Climate Plan Bill A Victory For Coal Or Much Ado About Nothing?

Letter: PA Climate Plan Should Get Legislative Review



Oil & Gas Royalties:House Bill 402(Pickett-R-Bradford) further providing for the recording of oil

and gas leases was passed by the Senate without amendment and now goes to the Governor for his

action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

Oil & Gas Well Production Reporting:House Bill 2278(Pickett-R-Bradford) requiring semi-annual

reporting of oil and gas production was passed by the Senate without changes and now goes to the

Governor for his action. A summary and House Fiscal Noteare available.

News From The Capitol

Bill Sent To Governor To Improve PA Geospatial Information System Data

The House gave final approval Wednesday to Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) designed to

improve coordination of geospatial information systems (GIS) sending it to Gov. Corbett for his action.

Senate Bill 771 creates a joint state advisory board to bring together state, local, private and

academic interests currently working with GIS.

Currently, GIS is used at and depends upon data from all levels of government, but is

uncoordinated, said Sen. John Gordner. The ability to coordinate GIS will avoid duplication, result in

more accurate and reliable data, and will ultimately reduce costs by reducing redundancies through

improved efficiency.Senate Bill 771 creates a state advisory board to advise and recommend policies to encourage

data sharing and collaboration. As an example, Senator Gordner said better coordination between state,

county and federal GIS would be a valuable tool to assist the Commonwealth in working with the

federal government on floodplain management issues.

In our area, weve seen the fallout from federal efforts to revamp the National Flood Insurance

Program, which has negatively affected a large number of property owners along the Susquehanna

River, said Sen. Gordner. There have been instances of technical errors in the floodplain maps,
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2278P3838.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYrm0XtW747pPE2CqTVzTPA4iLCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2278&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFPLtbTivUADzR6NigSkxbBv1MHBwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB0402P3881.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSBqB77pj6byBXrCnkTfC9dpgQ4Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D402&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEsvdnmAB2cj-HNA9jGtRhYU3DJ7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20141012_Politics_won_t_clean_the_air.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1Wtxc-6TU_MOEcNC6rR0QnPneiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fpre-emptive-strike-on-cleaner-air-1.1770015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEvubWm7zazRHFwonmTau5-z86KSAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Fepa_power_plan_rule_coal_allia.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZunZOBcNR1w3PYQoORag3Qo36IAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fswitchboard.nrdc.org%2Fblogs%2Fjmorris%2Funpacking_the_pennsylvania_gre.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMUWWwI86T6fUEja8Ggwi_9wkzQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F10%2Flawmakers_will_vote_on_emissio.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH2IbswF67kogz7i8lF33-d4ycUOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc27.com%2Fstory%2F26798268%2Fsenate-oks-larger-state-role-in-pollution-control&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHmv3eN17mcnZ_YIfE7dISmbOjQyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FBI%2FFN%2F2013%2F0%2FHB2354P3898.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH0o1mVazNKDeIy7seSpkRzG95aUQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2354&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvciqRXafDVvQtSwTELqOdjhxqvwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F10%2Flegislature_to_gut_streamside.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYymlGGTgjGqfH1_oL080ric3naQhttps://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/Bill%20Would%20Eliminate%20Buffer%20Requirement%20For%20PA%E2%80%99s%20Cleanest%20Streams%20http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/10/13/bill-would-eliminate-buffer-requirement-for-pennsylvanias-cleanest-streams/http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2F20141014_Bill_altering_buffer_zones_could_threaten_clean_streams.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGov5bN1OsUMMReS_fzjb1dfZ4-zghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Fpennsylvania%2Fsenate-oks-bill-overhauling-steam-pollution-rules%2Farticle_7c06718f-a92f-5419-88ac-38dc1c25423a.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE4qwBa8MP_cJhdmOZgt0P-IMTFDg


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resulting in developed land unnecessarily designated in higher risk categories.

The legislation received unanimous approval in both the Senate and the House. A summary and

House Fiscal Noteare available.

News From Around The State

Documents

Pa Environment Digest Oct. 20, 2014