Increased Well Setbacks Would Shut Down PA Energy Supply, Causer Says
HARRISBURG – Following a public hearing Monday on legislation that would drastically increase setback requirements for drilling natural gas wells, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Republican chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, called the bill a threat to the state’s energy production, jobs and consumers.
“Every single day, we all rely on various sources of energy produced right here in the Commonwealth, including abundant amounts of natural gas,” Causer said. “It is disturbing that some legislators would even propose a bill that would effectively place a moratorium on one of our largest sources of energy and a major economic engine in the Commonwealth.
Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Dogs, Consumers, Communities Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746, updating Pennsylvania’s Dog Law to improve public safety in communities statewide; improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters; protect those who buy or adopt dogs in Pennsylvania; and help prevent the spread of infectious disease among dogs. The bill, sponsored by Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Senator Elder Vogel, had broad bipartisan support and was widely supported by animal welfare advocates, kennel owners, local law enforcement agencies, county treasurers, and others. Changes to the law take effect after 90 days. Dog license sales fund Pennsylvania dog wardens’ work upholding high standards of care in kennels; shutting down illegal kennels; and keeping communities safer by holding dangerous dog owners responsible. Kennel fees had not increased in nearly 60 years and the price of a license had not increased in nearly 30 years, severely straining funds to support enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law.
A panel discussion on the Lancaster County Community Hunger Mapping Report was held which included Caryn Long Earl, Director, Bureau of Food Assistance, Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central PA Food Bank; Vanessa Philibert, CEO of the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County; Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary, DHS; and Daren Russ, Vice President of Omnichannel Operations, The GIANT Company. This report identifies localized food access gaps and helps increase understanding of intersecting issues for the charitable food system as we work to end hunger for all Pennsylvanians.
Secretary Redding had the chance to attend the PA State Beekeepers Association Fall Conference. There are more than 70,000 registered bee colonies in Pennsylvania, housed in 1,000 bee yards, and overseen by 6,000 registered beekeepers. 
Now Hiring!
Are you interested in singing the National Anthem as part of the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will select a different individual or group to perform the National Anthem at the beginning of each show. Submissions will be accepted from October 29, 2023 through November 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The video becomes the property of PDA once submitted.
It’s peak Spooky Season and a Spotted Lanternfly egg mass may be one of the scariest sights of all for Pennsylvanians. If you spot an egg mass on your property, SCRAPE IT!
