On November 15, Governor Tom Wolf signed into law House Bill 374, which creates the Pennsylvania Keystone Tree Fund and allows citizens to make a voluntary $3 contribution by checking a box on the PennDOT driver’s license application and renewal form. The contributions will be used to fund programs within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that use trees to read more
15
November
18
March
Gov. Wolf Announces Winners of Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
On March 15, one individual and 17 organizations, businesses, and local governments in Pennsylvania have been selected by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to receive the prestigious 2019 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence. “Prioritizing and protecting our environment is fundamental to maintaining Pennsylvania’s natural resources and preserving our read more
2
July
Pennsylvania General Assembly Protects Conservation Easements from Irresponsible Exercise of Eminent Domain
Following votes in the Pennsylvania House (177-15) and Senate (37-12), Governor Tom Wolf signed HB 2468 into law as Act 45 of 2018 on June 24. The bill, which was introduced in early June by Representatives Warren Kampf, Kate Harper, and Marcy Toepel, establishes for conservation easements a crucial new safeguard: school districts, county and local municipal governments, and read more
24
April
Land Trusts and Others Receive Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award
Repurposing tons of scrap auto carpet. Making streams healthier by planting native trees on the family farm. Greatly reducing city lighting expenses with energy efficiency changes. Training a volunteer stormwater pollution reduction workforce. These are just some of the 23 innovative and impassioned initiatives in Pennsylvania chosen by the Department of Environmental read more
22
September
Governor Wolf Nominates Patrick McDonnell as DEP Secretary
On September 21, Governor Tom Wolf nominated Acting Secretary of Environmental Protection Patrick McDonnell to serve permanently in that role, pending approval by the Pennsylvania Senate. "In his acting capacity and throughout his career, Patrick has been a dedicated steward of the environment and a leader in advancing Pennsylvania's energy development in a responsible way," read more
