Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now To Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza As spring wild bird migration nears, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, and their neighbors’ flocks, along with the commonwealth’s economy, against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by remaining vigilant and reviewing and implementing strong biosecurity plans and practices.Read More
Shapiro Administration Awards $200,000 To Grow Hemp Industry; Invites Proposals For $392,000 In Grants Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales and awareness in Pennsylvania. Redding also called for proposals from marketing and promotion non-profits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March 2023.Read More
Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order, Creating New Office of Transformation and Opportunity to Spur Economic Growth, Create Jobs, and Foster Innovation in Pennsylvania On January 24, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will have a seat at the table representing Pennsylvania agriculture as part of the Economic Development Strategy Group.See More
Department Of Human Services Alerts Pennsylvanians About The End Of Emergency Allotment And Other SNAP Changes, Urges Support Of Charitable Food Network Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Val Arkoosh advised Pennsylvanians of upcoming changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Due to passage of the recent federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, starting in March, SNAP recipient households will no longer receive the Emergency Allotment (EA) additional payment created during the COVID-19 public health emergency and will resume receiving one SNAP payment per month. This change will happen for all SNAP recipients, with households receiving letters via mail about the change in SNAP payments. Read More
While in Lancaster County, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attended Univest’s Agriculture Summit. During the event, he had the chance to recap the past year and the challenges that were brought on with a focus on the future.See More
The Census of Agriculture is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. For America’s farmers and ranchers, the Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity. Response Deadline: February 2023Learn More
PA Preferred Organic and ESI need your input! Join PA Preferred Organic and Econsult Solutions (ESI) for one of two virtual roundtable discussions on Organic Farming in Pennsylvania. These interactive roundtables will focus on the launch of PA Preferred and ESI’s new analysis on the Economic Impact and Future of Organic Agriculture in Pennsylvania. We need to hear from you about the future of Organic Agriculture in PA, what role the Commonwealth should play, and the opportunities and challenges for agriculture producers. Sign up for one of the roundtables at the links below:
Dairy Processing Research & Development Innovation Grant – Now Open This grant focuses on the implementation of community- and climate-forward dairy production. Grants will range from $15,000 to $75,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Licensed dairy processors and producer associations from the Northeast are invited to apply. Educational or research institutions may apply but are required to partner with a minimum of two Northeast-based dairy processors. Deadline: March 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. ET.Apply
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production USDA is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.Learn More
SBDC Workshops Available The PA SBDC Agriculture Center of Excellence will be hosting three workshops that focus on product liability, grants and agricultural finance.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/18/2023 to REPSOL OIL & GAS USA LLC in Hamilton Twp, Tioga county. 78a57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect brine and other fluids produced during operation of the well in a tank, series of tanks, or other device approved by the Department for subsequent disposal or reuse.
Sally DeLong email at Really Rural Real Estate was hacked this afternoon. Many people are getting emails asking for gift cards. Please do not respond or give gift cards
Brenda K. Nellis, 60, a longtime resident of Eldred, passed away with her loving family by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a long illness.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Brenda, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Thank you to Galeton Area School District Superintendent Clyde Pierce for inviting me to the school last week for a tour and discussion of policy issues to support rural schools.
Outreach Hours Set for Feb. 2
To help ensure access to state government information and services, I will host monthly outreach office hours at the following locations on Thursday, Feb. 2:
• Emporium Borough Office – 9-10 a.m. • Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon. Services available include assistance with any state-related issues or concerns, driver license and vehicle registration applications, and applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance programs.
Veterans Services Available
Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need.
Due to changes initiated by the American Legion, appointments in the Bradford and Kane offices will be conducted virtually via a tablet.
Appointments are required for meetings with the Legion representative, whether they are in person, by phone or by tablet. The schedule for January is as follows:
• Coudersport office: Thursday, Feb. 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Coudersport office is located at 107 S. Main St. Please call 814-274-9769 to schedule an appointment. • Bradford office: Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bradford office is located at 78 Main St., first floor. Please call 814-362-4400 to schedule an appointment. • Kane office: Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Kane office is located at 54 Fraley St., Suite 2. Please call 814-837-0880 to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available with issues such as compensation, education, pension, health care and death benefits. Veterans need not be a member of the American Legion to participate.
New Speaker Blocks Action in House
With newly elected Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) refusing to call the House into session, I joined most of my fellow House Republicans this week in signing on to a letter demanding we be called back to the state Capitol to do the people’s business.
Unfortunately, we are one signature shy of what we need to force the speaker to bring us back into session. That means we are unable either to introduce or vote on legislation. Nearly a month into the new year, this is unacceptable.
Please know that it is business as usual here in the district, where I and my office staff stand ready to assist you with any state-related questions or concerns. I also will continue doing all I can to force the speaker to bring us back into session so we may work on the important health, education, economic and other challenges facing the Commonwealth.
House members got an early jump on the upcoming budget as they took part in a roundtable discussion about the state’s finances this week with Matthew Knittel, executive director of the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In the coming months, the House Appropriations Committee will be tasked with creating a fair annual state budget that respects taxpayers.
Knittel discussed how changing demographics in the Commonwealth – by 2030, Pennsylvanians age 80 and over will increase by 22% — are putting a strain on state services and the budget that funds them.
He also noted the surplus the state experienced in the current budget year was the result of short-term federal funding. By 2027-28, the state’s deficit is projected to climb to $3.1 billion. To learn more about the state’s economic outlook, click here.
Newly elected Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his budget proposal to a joint session of the General Assembly in early March.
Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications
The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its summer 2023 semester.
The 13-week program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol Building in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work in House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.
Qualified applicants must be undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Blair Dickinson is the Student of the Week. She is in the Early Childhood Education program at the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center. Blair is a Junior enrolled at Smethport High School. Upon graduation, Blair would like to work with children in a school setting.
Blair is a hard worker and finishes her work ahead of the timetable established for the course. She wrote many of her lesson plans ahead and completed her workbook in literally 2 months. With the time she freed up, she worked diligently towards the SkillsUSA District 10 competition. She represented the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center for Early Childhood Education on January 13th in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Blair holds two jobs currently. She works at Fox’s Pizza Den in Smethport and works after school for the YMCA program at Smethport Elementary. Blair is currently volunteering at Port Allegany Elementary and helps in Ms. Burr’s room.
She enjoys reading in free time, as well as spending time with her younger brothers. Last year, Blair won the Hamlin Bank Work Ethic Award on the Career and Technical Center’s Award Day for her math skills. We look forward to her efforts paying off as she strives to attain her Child Development Associate credential in the near future.
New partnership with states will help communities access funds from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for lead service line removal and replacement
Penn College has scheduled three clock-hour Practical Nursing Programs for 2023 – two full-time programs in Wellsboro and Coudersport, and a part-time program in Wellsboro only. The first full-time program will start March 14, 2023, and the second full-time program begins September 11, 2023. Students will graduate approximately one year from the start of the program. The part-time program begins June 8, 2023, and students will graduate twenty-two months later.
Qualified nursing instructors provide classroom instruction in theory and nursing skills. Affiliation with UPMC allows for clinical experiences at UPMC Wellsboro and UPMC Cole. Other local healthcare affiliates are also utilized. Graduates earn a certificate in Practical Nursing and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure (LPN). Graduates find jobs in hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, private homes, physician offices, and other health-related offices.
Information Sessions to acquaint prospective students with the program are scheduled on Thursday, February 2; and Wednesday, February 15. Sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Penn College/Wellsboro, 22 Walnut Street, and will be available live via Zoom at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street. Learn how this Practical Nursing Program can help give you a great career boost! Registration is required. For more information, or to register for the Information Sessions, call Marie Van Ess at (570) 724-7703.
PA Forest Carbon Programs: The North Central Forest Landowners Association is sponsoring a free online workshop about Forest Carbon programs in Pennsylvania. This webinar will be provided by Penn State Extension Natural Resources staff Melissa Kreye and Calvin Norman and will be held live Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm.
This meeting will give an introduction to carbon sequestration in forests and markets. It is for forest owners and land managers, offering an introduction to how forests store carbon, carbon markets, and opportunities in Pennsylvania. Following the presentation, there will be a question and answer session where invited speakers answer participant’s questions.
Melissa Kreye is an Assistant Professor of Forest Resource Management and she heads the Forest Benefits and Values Lab.
Calvin Norman is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Forestry.
To participate on Zoom, use the website below at 7 pm on Feb. 23rd. (Mark your calendar and save the link!) Or you can email ncfla2@gmail.com to receive an email with the link.
Can I ask again? Where are you? I’m asking more for myself than others as I had it come up in my reading today. Sitting here at my desk I’m wondering how to answer that. Where am I in life? Where am I in this journey? Is it where I want to be? What direction am I heading? So many ways to answer the question of where one is.
Recently I submitted two resignation letters. Ironically, they weren’t my first, but maybe my last. I’m retiring for the umptieth time. Someone asked if I’d get it right this time. I didn’t know I’d messed it up the first time. I just keep finding things to do, things I like doing. Afterall, it’s my life’s calling, not to retire but to help others. Essentially, it’s a life of service, and as long as I’m breathing, I suppose I’ll continue to do it. But to the question, “Where are you”, I’m not sure how to answer that. I guess I’m between assignments. I just don’t know what the next assignment is or even what it’s supposed to look like. Maybe I’ll write a book. Afterall, it’s something I’ve contemplated for the past 30 years, so maybe it’s time. But will that be enough to satisfy my soul?
It’s good to take stock of where we are in life. To ask some hard questions and to look within for answers. Sometimes we will find that we’re in a place that we don’t want to be. How we got there may not be our fault, but it will be if we don’t find a path out of that place. Sometimes people find a way to blame their situation on others and things. They don’t take responsibility for the events or the changes that need to happen. Sad when you think that some will choose to be a victim their entire life. Their blight in life becomes the fault of others. But is it? To ask introspective questions about life and our position in life is how we move forward into change. Taking responsibility to where you are is the first step in being where you’d like to be. Many don’t take it.
The challenge for each of us to is to ask the question, “Where do I want to be this time next year”. Then simply plot a course to reach that destination. Remember, a goal without a plan is only a wish. Think about it.
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Allegany Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Austin Borough
Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote not more than Four Councilman – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Bingham Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Clara Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Coudersport Borough, First Ward Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for Two
Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Coudersport Borough, Second Ward Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Eulalia Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Galeton Borough First Ward Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One (combined with Second Ward) Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Galeton Borough Second Ward Mayor – 2 yr term – Vote for One (combined with First Ward) Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for Two Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Genesee Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term -Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Harrison Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Hebron Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Hector Township
Supervisor –6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Homer Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Keating Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Oswayo Borough Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Three Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Tax Collector – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Oswayo Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Pike Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Pleasant Valley Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Portage Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Roulette Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sharon Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Supervisor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Shinglehouse Borough Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Four Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Stewardson Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Tax Collector – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Summit Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sweden Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Sylvania Township Supervisor –6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Ulysses Borough Councilman – 4 yr term – Vote for not more than Four Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Ulysses Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 4 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
West Branch Township Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
Wharton Township
Supervisor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 6 yr term – Vote for One Auditor – 2 yr term – Vote for One Constable – 6 yr term- Vote for One
County offices and terms on the ballot for May 16, 2023
COUNTY WIDE Commissioners- 4-year term- Vote for not more than Two Register and Recorder- 4-year term- Vote for One Prothonotary- 4-year term- Vote for One Treasurer- 4-year term- Vote for One Sheriff- 4-year term- Vote for One County Auditors- 4-year term- Vote for not more than Two DISTRICT Magisterial District Judges- 6-year term- Vote for One 55-4-03: Galeton B, Bingham, Harrison, Ulysses B, Ulysses T, Hector, Pike, West Branch, Abbott, Stewardson 55-3-01: Coudersport B, Eulalia, Sweden, Keating, Homer, Summit, Wharton, Portage, Sylvania, Austin B 55-4-01: Shinglehouse B, Sharon, Oswayo B, Oswayo T, Genesee, Pleasant Valley, Clara, Allegany, Roulette, Hebron
School Directors offices and terms on the ballot for May 16, 2023 AUSTIN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Austin Borough only) Region I – 2 yr term – Vote for One (Austin Borough only) Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Keating & Sylvania Twps) Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Portage & Wharton Twps) COUDERSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (First Ward & Eulalia) Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Second Ward only) Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Allegany, Hebron, Homer, Summit & Sweden Twps)
GALETON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Second Ward only) Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (First Ward, Gaines, & Elk Twps – Tioga Co) Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Abbott, Hector, Pike & West Branch Twps) NORTHERN POTTER SCHOOL DISTRICT Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (Allegany, Ulysses Boro & Ulysses Twp) Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Bingham & Genesee Twps) Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Harrison & Hector Twps)
OSWAYO VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT Region I – 4 yr term – Vote for One (North Sharon & Ceres Twp – McKean Co) Region II – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Shinglehouse Boro only) Region III – 4 yr term – Vote for Two (Oswayo Boro, Oswayo Twp, South Sharon & Clara Twp)
PORT ALLEGANY SCHOOL DISTRICT At Large: 4 yr term – Vote for Four (Roulette & Pleasant Valley Twp/Annin, Liberty & Port Allegany Boro – McKean Co
January 28–Winter in the Lumber Camp and Pennsylvania Elk Presentation: Outdoor fun in the snow with sledding, snow men, and snow art activities. Try your hand at cross-country skis, snowshoes, and ice skates (conditions permitting) with the help of equipment provided by PA DCNR and volunteer instructors. At 1pm go inside to join Jeremy Banfield, elk biologist for the PA Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section, for an engaging overview of the Commonwealth’s elk management program.
The Potter County Artisan Co-op in Coudersport is planning several classes over the next few weeks. Water colorist Laurie Angood will teach a “Teens Artisan Class” from 3:00-5:00 pm February 9. The class is for students in 7-12 grades. Cost is $15 and includes all materials. Angood is also offering two “Young Artisans” classes February 14 and 16 from 3:00 t0 4:30 pm. The classes are for students in grades 2-6. Cost is $15.
Fiber Artist Lee Trayer will teach “Knit a Boomerang Shawl” from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm February 18. The $45 registration includes all materials.
To register call the co-op at 814-274-8165 or email: pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com The co-op cannot guarantee registration via Facebook or Messenger. The co-op is located at 227 N. Main Street and is open noon to 4:pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Details are being finalized for: “Creative Writing/Journaling”; “Beginner/Intermediate Photography”; “Small Basket Making” and “Foraging” to be offered in March. More information will be forthcoming.
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has been named Republican chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) Committee for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.
“Now more than ever, Pennsylvania’s role as an energy producer is vital to the future of our Commonwealth and our nation,” Causer said. “I look forward to advancing policies that will grow our energy industry and opposing those that seek to crush it.”
The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development. This includes regulations and conservation efforts; initiatives related to public lands and their renewable resources; policies affecting surface mining, coal, oil and gas, forestry, and mineral leasing; and oversight of air and water resources.
The committee also has legislative oversight of the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources.
In addition to his work as Republican ERE chairman, Causer was also reappointed to the Pennsylvania Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, on which he has served since its creation under Act 52 of 2016. The council was created to advise and assist the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prevent overregulation of the conventional oil and gas industry, and to develop a plan to increase production of Pennsylvania grade crude.
Causer was also appointed to serve on the Environmental Quality Board, a 20-member board which is responsible for reviewing and giving final approval to Department of Environmental Protection regulations.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/25/2023 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Lewis Twp, Lycoming county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/25/2023 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Lewis Twp, Lycoming county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/25/2023 to RANGE RESOURCES APPALACHIA LLC in Lewis Twp, Lycoming county. 78a66(b)1ii – REPORTING AND REMEDIATING SPILLS AND RELEASES – Reporting releases – Operator or other responsible party failed to report a spill or release of 5 gallons or more of a regulated substance over a 24-hour period that was not completely contained by secondary containment.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/25/2023 to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming county. 78a56(a) – TEMPORARY STORAGE – Operator failed to contain regulated substances and wastes used at or generated at a well site in a tank, series of tanks or other storage structures approved by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/25/2023 to BEECH RESOURCES LLC in Lycoming Twp, Lycoming county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Wilmot Twp, Bradford county. SWMA 301 – MANAGEMENT OF RESIDUAL WASTE – Person operated a residual waste processing or disposal facility without obtaining a permit for such facility from DEP. Person stored, transported, processed, or disposed of residual waste inconsistent with or unauthorized by the rules and regulations of DEP.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Tuscarora Twp, Bradford county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Wilmot Twp, Bradford county. CSL 402(b) – POTENTIAL POLLUTION – Conducting an activity regulated by a permit issued pursuant to Section 402 of The Clean Streams Law to prevent the potential of pollution to waters of the Commonwealth without a permit or contrary to a permit issued under that authority by the Department.
Description: Environmental Health & Safety violation issued on 1/24/2023 to CHESAPEAKE APPALACHIA LLC in Wilmot Twp, Bradford county. 78a57(a) – CONTROL, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF PRODUCTION FLUIDS – Operator failed to collect brine and other fluids produced during operation of the well in a tank, series of tanks, or other device approved by the Department for subsequent disposal or reuse.
HARRISBURG – Continuing to lead efforts to get the House back to work and refusing to sit idly by on taxpayer time, the House Republican leadership team announced its committee chairs for the 2023-24 session.
“This process should have been completed on day one; however, Speaker Rozzi and his Democrat enablers refuse to complete even the most basic tasks expected of us by the taxpayers who elected us,” Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said. “This group of experienced policymakers represent varied regions of our Commonwealth and bring with them an unmatched wealth of experiences to help drive our committees forward, and positively impact Pennsylvania’s future.”
Committee chair positions are based on caucus seniority and members’ individual areas of expertise, interests or background. The following members will serve as Republican committee chairs for the 2023-24 session.
Friday – January 27, 2023 — McKean County has been awarded grants in direct federal funding for an amount of $19,477 under Phase 40 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).
The National Board is comprised of representatives from health and human service agencies across the country. The United States Congress appropriates funds annually to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas nationally.
The local board, made up of representatives from McKean County, will determine how the funds will be distributed. Local agency representation includes The Salvation Army, McKean/Potter Counties Chapter of the American Red Cross, United Way of the Bradford Area, Catholic Charities, Ministerial Association, local government, the McKean County Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the YWCA of Bradford. These representative will determine how the funds awarded to McKean County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.
Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1). Be private voluntary non-profits or units of government, 2). Be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3). Have an accounting system, 4). Practice nondiscrimination, 5). Have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs and 6). If they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.
Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Local Board Chair Sarah Lonzi c/o United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. PO Box 504, Bradford, PA 16701 or email sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org or call at (814) 368-6181. Funds will be allocated to one local recipient organization per program/service; organizations which are able to meet spending and document submission requirements; and those which have electronic communication capabilities. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 27th at 2pm.
Pennsylvania Poultry Owners Should Take Steps Now To Protect Flocks Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza As spring wild bird migration nears, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Randy Padfield remind poultry owners to protect their flocks, and their neighbors’ flocks, along with the commonwealth’s economy, against highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) by remaining vigilant and reviewing and implementing strong biosecurity plans and practices.Read More
Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order, Creating New Office of Transformation and Opportunity to Spur Economic Growth, Create Jobs, and Foster Innovation in Pennsylvania On January 24, 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor’s Office and the Economic Development Strategy Group. Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will have a seat at the table representing Pennsylvania agriculture as part of the Economic Development Strategy Group.See More
While in Lancaster County, Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding attended Univest’s Agriculture Summit. During the event, he had the chance to recap the past year and the challenges that were brought on with a focus on the future.See More
Area veterans are invited to contact my office to schedule appointments to talk with a representative from the American Legion to ensure they are getting the services and support they need.
With newly elected Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) refusing to call the House into session, I joined most of my fellow House Republicans this week in signing on to a letter demanding we be called back to the state Capitol to do the people’s business.
House members got an early jump on the upcoming budget as they took part in a roundtable discussion about the state’s finances this week with Matthew Knittel, executive director of the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In the coming months, the House Appropriations Committee will be tasked with creating a fair annual state budget that respects taxpayers.
