March 30, 2012

April 2 PA Environment Digest Now Available

April 2 PA Environment Digest now available.  Click Here to print this entire Digest.

Counties With 64 Percent Of Marcellus Wells File To Adopt Drilling Fee
So far, 18 counties with a total of 3,174 natural gas wells (63.7 percent) have formally filed their intent with the Public Utility Commission to adopt a drilling impact fee under the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Law.
            This means 64 percent of the $211.1 million the Act is suppose to raise in revenue in 2012 or about $126.6 million will be available so far.
            The counties include: New- Allegheny (9 wells), Bedford (1 well), Butler (109 wells), New- Carbon (0 wells), New- Columbia (3 wells), Elk (58 wells), Forest (6 wells), New- Greene (415 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), New- McKean (53 wells), Perry (0 wells), New- Sullivan (41 wells), New- Susquehanna (462 wells), Tioga- (693 wells), Washington (560 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells), New- Wyoming (98 wells) counties.
            4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109.
            For 2012, counties have until April 16 to adopt a drilling fee ordinance.            For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages.

Let The Budget Games Begin, Senate Sets Action On Budget Bills Monday

The Senate is scheduled to unveil and consider its FY 2012-13 budget proposal Monday in the Appropriations Committee which is set to take action on 16 budget bills, including the General Fund-- Senate Bill 1466-- appropriations bills for state-related colleges and universities as well as a Capital Budget bill. Links to all the bills are available on the Senate Committee Schedule webpage.

Harrisburg Receiver Resigns After Calling For Federal Probes

Harrisburg receiver David Unkovic who was overseeing the city's financial recovery plan submitted his letter of resignation to Commonwealth Court today just two days after calling for state and federal probes into the bonds financing an incinerator overhaul.  A spokesperson for Gov. Corbett said the action was unexpected, but that he will be naming a replacement as soon as possible.
NewsClips:
PA Capital's Financial Overseer Resigns
Harrisburg Receiver Resigns After Calling For Federal Probes
Unkovic Has Resigned Harrisburg Receiver Post
Harrisburg Receiver Resigns

Friday NewsClips

Candidates For AG Agree To Serve Full Term 
Should Next AG Be Barred From Seeking Higher Office?
Kane On The Air In Attorney General Race
Editorial: Democrat Murphy For Attorney General
PA Republicans Running Against Healthcare Reform
PA Is Just Religious Enough Poll Finds
Preston's Petitions Contain Forged Names
Governor's Counsel Meets With Capitol Access Advocates
Millersville Raises Room, Board Rates
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 29, 2012

Horse Is First Veterinary Positive For West Nile Virus in 2012

The West Nile Virus Program is reporting the euthanization of a horse due to an active case of West Nile in Northampton County. 
            This case heralds the arrival of West Nile Virus in 2012 and is the earliest report of a horse illness since the disease reached Pennsylvania in 2000. This case also serves as a reminder to vaccinate horses against West Nile Virus.
            Program staff will conduct surveillance and necessary control measures to reduce the risk of further WNV transmission.
            The WNV program will begin the full-time monitoring, controlling and testing of mosquitoes in April. Collection and testing of dead birds begins May 1 and can be reported online or by calling 717-346-8238.

Thursday NewsClips

Senate OKs Wine Shipments To Homes
Senate Supports Home Wine Shipping Bill
House OKs Bill To Spend Millions To Fix Flood-Damaged Bridges
Editorial: Orie's Case Necessitates Sweeping Reform
Sen. Vance To End State Retirees' Triple-Dipping Practices
People Who Will Be Affected By Corbett's Cuts
Op-Ed: Corbett's Cuts Jeopardize Mental Illness Progress
Senate OKs New Limits On Animal Euthanasia
WCCC To Offer Customer Service Program
LCCC Grads Get Fast Track to Temple University
Editorial: Health Care Costs: Perverted Insurance
Poll: PA Voters Favor Obama For Election
Swing-State Polls Show Bright Side For Obama
Franklin & Marshall Presidential Primary Poll
If Santorum Hangs In, PA Could Spell Doom
Editorial: Democrats Should Renominate Doyle For Congress
Harrisburg Receiver Calls For Investigation Into Incinerator Project
Harrisburg School Districts Looking To Fill $15.7 Million Deficit
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 23, 2012

March 26 PA Environment Digest Now Available

March 26 PA Environment Digest now available.  Click Here to print this entire Digest.


Update: Counties With 2,093 Marcellus Wells File With PUC To Adopt Drilling Fee

So far, ten counties with a total of 2,093 natural gas wells have formally filed their intent with the Public Utility Commission to adopt a drilling impact fee under the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Law.  
            The counties include: New- Bedford (1 well), Butler (109 wells), New- Elk (58 wells), Forest (6 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), Perry (0 wells), NewTioga- (693 wells), Washington (560 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells) counties.
            4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109.
            For 2012, counties have until April 16 to adopt a drilling fee ordinance.            For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages.

Friday NewsClips

Jury Begins Deliberations In Orie Corruption Case
Orie Case Goes To Jury
Attorney For Orie Closes: It's Petty
Orie's Lawyers Blames Staff For Any Illegal Work
Perzel Sympathetic, Generous Letters Say
Editorial: State Of Corruption, March Of The Rats
Editorial: State's C-Minus On Corruption Must Improve
Attorney General Investigation Cleans House
Murphy On The Air In AG's Race
Corbett Opens Innovations Office To Reduce Spending
Edinboro Faculty, Students Rally Against Corbett's Cuts
Protests In Millersville Against Corbett's Cuts
Op-Ed: Proposed Transportation Tax Comes Up Empty
Rep. Payton Withdraws From Ballot
Lawyer Seeks Dismissal Of Charges Against Sandusky
PA Has Biggest Drop In Unemployment Applications
PA Payrolls Grew At Fastest Rate In 2 Years
Export Business On The Rise For PA Companies
Harrisburg Receiver Won't Seek Charges In Debt Scams
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 21, 2012

Former Speaker Perzel Sentenced To Prison, $1 Million Restitution

Former Speaker John Perzel was sentenced today to 2.5 to 5 years in prison, to pay $30,000 in fines and to make restitution of $1 million for he role in the House Republican computergate scandal.
Brian Preski, his former chief of staff was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in prison.
NewsClips
Former Speaker Perzel Sentenced To Prison, $1 Million Restitution
Former Speaker Perzel Gets 2.5 Years In Corruption Case
Former Speaker Sentenced To Prison

Wednesday NewsClips

New District Maps Could Be Due By April 12
Primary Election Will Be ID Law's Dry Run
Judge Sentences 3 Former Perzel Aides To Probation
Former Speaker Perzel To Face Sentencing Wednesday
Orie's Testimony Gets Tense
Orie Withstands Cross-Examination
Orie Denies Forgeries, Other Aspects Of Cover Up
Judge Recuses Himself From Mellow Corruption Case
Mellow Resigns From Local Bank Board
Editorial: Legislators Have No Place On Boards
Editorial: Ed The Terrorist?
Santorum Revs Up Campaign For Big Push In PA
Op-Ed: The Coming Battle Of Pennsylvania
Senator Counters Anti-Abortion Bill With Erectile Dysfunction Bill
Editorial: Proposed Anti-Abortion Law Is Disrespectful Of Women
Sen. Ward Works To Amend Liens Law
Editorial: PA's Texting And Driving Law Is Weak
WCCC Adds Properties To Construct New $6 Million Facility
HBG Receiver Reveals Names Of Groups He'll Negotiate With
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 16, 2012

March 19 PA Environment Digest Now Available

March 19 PA Environment Digest now available.  Click Here to print this entire Digest.

Counties With 1,341 Marcellus Wells File With PUC To Adopt Drilling Fee
So far, seven counties with a total of 1,341 natural gas wells have formally filed their intent with the Public Utility Commission to adopt a drilling impact fee under the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Law.  
            The counties include: Butler (109 wells), Forest (6 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), Perry (0 wells), Washington (560 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells) counties.
            4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109.
            For 2012, counties have until April 16 to adopt a drilling fee ordinance.            For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages.

Friday NewsClips

Poll: Corbett's Approval Rating Slumps A Bit
Higher Ed Cuts Send Corbett's Approval Rating Tumbling
Corbett's Approval Rating Drops To 41 Percent
Poll Shows Corbett's Approval Down
Court: State Must Repay U.S. $5.6 Million In Welfare Payments
State Test To Limit Food Stamp Access
Op-Ed: Food Stampt Asset Test Will Do More Harm Than Good
Groups Call For Repeal Of Policy Limiting Disabled Access To Capitol
Penn State Says It Won't Become Private University
PA Gaming Board Accepting Apps For Law Enforcement Grants
Feds Charge Former Sen. Mellow With Corruption
Mellow Agrees To Plead Guilty To Conspiracy
Just A Bump In Road For Mellow?
Mellow Pension Guided By State Law
Orie Should Testify In Own Defense, Expert Says
Editorial: New Voter ID Bill Meant To Discourage Democrats
Campaign: House, Senate Races Heat Up In Western PA
NE Unemployment Remains Same, Still Highest In PA
Editorial: Springtime In Paris, Corbett's Trade Mission Makes Sense
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 15, 2012

Poll: Voters Disapprove Of Governor's Handling Of State Budget, Higher Ed Funding In Particular

A new Quinnipiac University poll finds Pennsylvania voters disapprove 49 - 36 percent of the way Gov. Corbett is handling the state budget and disapprove 53 - 27 percent of the way he is handling funding for the state's public universities, the only funding issue polled.
          Overall Pennsylvania voters give Gov. Tom Corbett a 41 - 41 percent job approval rating, down from a 47 - 34 percent approval rating December 8.
          The same poll found 54 percent of those polled disapprove of the say the General Assembly is doing its job while 29 percent approve.

Thursday NewsClips

Corbett Signs Controversial Voter Photo ID Bill
Corbett Predicts Photo ID Bill Will Increase Turnout
Voters Must Now Show Photo ID When Casting Ballots
Voter ID Law Has Mixed Reaction
For Penn State, Going Private An Option
Penn State's Informal Discussion On Going Private
Disability Advocates Sue Corbett Over Budget Proposal
Editorial: State Must Address Transportation Funding Issues
Gambling Bet $45 Million On Erie Slot Machines
Sen. Mellow To Be Charged, Plea Deal Expected
Prosecution Winding Down Its Case Against Orie
Prosecutor Near End Of Case Against Orie
Murphy Rakes In Attorney General Run Money
Midstate Candidates Tackle Jobs, Education
Tom Ridge Endorses Mitt Romney
Column: Why Single Out Rendell On MEK?
Editorial: Foreign Policy Is Not Rendell's Forte
Click Here for today's Environmental News

March 14, 2012

House Sends Voter ID Bill To Governor Who Signs It Into Law Before Leaving For Europe

The House voted 104 to 88 (with three Republicans opposed) to send House Bill 934 (Metcalfe-R-Butler) which requires voters to have a photo ID to the Governor for his action.  Gov. Corbett immediately signed the bill into law before leaving for his trade mission to Europe.
            "I am signing this bill because it protects a sacred principle, one shared by every citizen of this nation. That principle is: one person, one vote," Corbett said. "It sets a simple and clear standard to protect the integrity of our elections."
            “Make no mistake; election fraud occurs in Pennsylvania," said House Speaker Sam Smith (R-Jefferson.  "While we may disagree over the magnitude of this fraud, there is no question that it exists. In just the past five years, cases of election fraud have taken place in the Commonwealth resulting in arrests, guilty pleas and convictions. 
            “Many will remember the group called ACORN that recruited and registered voters during our last presidential election. In May 2009, a six-month FBI investigation led to forgery and election fraud charges against seven Pittsburgh-area ACORN employees. All received two years probation except one, which had his fraud charges dropped as part of a plea deal on other charges. 
            “The core of this legislation is the commitment to protect each vote and ensure that it counts - only once. While the local judge of elections may know me and many of my neighbors when we come into the poll, the same is not true in every community in Pennsylvania. This bill’s intent is to protect the integrity of the individual vote. 
            “Some have argued that it is inconvenient and cost-prohibitive for some people to show and secure personal identification. Keep in mind that photo IDs are currently required in many situations including driving a car, boarding an airplane, obtaining a hunting license, buying a gun and cashing a check. Adding your polling place to this list does not seem overly burdensome given the other activities that currently require personal identification. In terms of cost, the state will provide a free non-driver ID to those who do not possess other acceptable forms of identification. 
            “This measure aims to keep our election process honest and forthright. Voting is a right many have fought to preserve and it must be kept sacred. I look forward to the governor’s signature on this bill.” 
            Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), Chair of the House Democratic Policy Committee, said, “For three days Democrats poked very legitimate holes in the Voter ID legislation that passed the state House today and that is now on its way to the governor for his signature.
            "Aside from the obvious obstacles erected for seniors, working Pennsylvanians, the disabled and college students to overcome in order to vote and the irresponsible costs associated with the measure, it is most troubling that the flaws with the plan were brought to light in advance of its Republican approval.
            “There are several issues stemming from objections to photography by some of the Commonwealth’s religious communities, to the relative ease to produce fraudulent identification cards, as well as the lack of guidance or funding for some organizations, like care facilities, which could now be tasked with offering identification cards. The whole debate was a solution in search of a problem. There is virtually no evidence of voter ID fraud in Pennsylvania.
            “The bill’s supporters, as well as its prime sponsor, were unable to answer rudimentary questions about how to determine if an ID card is authentic or even issued by an authorized provider, yet our state’s poll workers are expected to recognize a legitimate ID or risk legal action.
            “It is almost guaranteed that this measure, once signed, will end up in the courts costing more taxpayer funds in a year where we can little afford such an expense. Just this week Texas’ voter identification law was rejected by the U.S. Department of Justice and Wisconsin’s law was ruled unconstitutional. Pennsylvania could have avoided the likely court review by simply voting to nonconcur with the Senate’s changes to the bill and working to solve the errors before it was passed.”
NewsClips: