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This problem is so huge, even the state and feds cant fix it, says McAllister.Acid mine drainage clean-up today lies primarily in the hands of volunteer watershed

groups. McAllister thinks that in exchange for free water, gas companies could donate to theseorganizations.

In order to continue using this resource, the gas company could assist the watershed

groups to create a better treatment system, says McAllister. The watershed group gets fundingfrom the gas company for maintenance in perpetuity.McAllister realizes this marriage of convenience may not go over well with fractivists

worried about gas drillers doing their own share of environmental damage. And he knows the gasdrillers are wary of environmentalists.

But he says hes not convinced that gas drilling will have as severe environmentalconsequences as some say. In the meantime, the damage done by the coal industry continues as alarge, gaping wound. So, is McAllister having any luck with drillers so far?

Theyre a business, says McAllister. They want to see if its worthwhile to them.(Reprinted from StateImpact Pennsylvania.)

Senate Republicans Name Committee Members

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) Thursday announced the Republicanmembers for each of the 22 Senate Standing Committees for the 2013-2014 legislative session.

Senate Committees are the cornerstone of the Senate and provide a proven environmentfor legislation to be shaped and policies formed, Sen. Scarnati said. I am pleased that we havemembers with a great deal of expertise in numerous areas, who will evaluate and guide measuresthat will strengthen our Commonwealth.

Click Here for the entire list. Below are members of some key committee--Environmental Resources & Energy

Republicans: *Yaw-Chair, Erickson-Vice Chair, *Hutchinson, Vogel, *Ward, WhiteAgriculture

Republicans: Vogel-Chair, Waugh-Vice Chair, *Argall, Brubaker, Robbins, YawAppropriations

Republicans: Corman-Chair, Tomlinson-Vice Chair, Argall, Baker, Brubaker, Gordner,Greenleaf, Mensch, Rafferty, Smucker, Vance, Vogel, *Vulakovich, WaughConsumer Protection & Professional Licensure

Republicans: Tomlinson-Chair, Gordner-Vice Chair, *Alloway, *Baker, Erickson, Greenleaf,Rafferty, *Vance*New to committeeSenate Announces Budget Hearing Schedule

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest aswell as a list of new environmental bills introduced--Session Schedule

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

January 22, 23, 28, 29, 30

February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28House

January 14, 15, 16, 22, 23February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28Bill Calendars

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said members of the House will continue theorganization process for the 2013-14 legislative session when they return to session on January14.

Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson) will be announcing the appointment ofmembers to each of Houses 23 standing committees and brief meetings will then be held off thefloor for each committee to organize.

The Senate returns to session on January 22, along with the House, after the January 21Martin Luther King holiday.Committees

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

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Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

HouseGreen Buildings: House Bill 34 (Harper-R-Montgomery) setting green building standards state-owned or state-leased buildings.Agency Performance:House Bill 35 (Saylor-R-York) providing for accountability of stateagency performance.Historic Preservation: House Bill 39 (Scavello-R-Monroe) establishing the HistoricPreservation Incentive Grant Program.

Adopt-A-River:House Bill 59 (Sturla-D-Lancaster) establishing the Adopt-A-River Program inDCNR, House Bill 1214 last session.Electric/Gas Choice:House Bill 66 (Sturla-D-Lancaster) prohibiting electric and naturalgas suppliers from charging upfront fees to solicitors hired to encourage consumers to switchsuppliers, House Bill 1276 from last session.Safe Drinking Water Month: House Resolution 8 (Goodman-R-Schuylkill) designatingJanuary as Safe Drinking Water Month in Pennsylvania.Co-Sponsor MemosHousehold Hazardous Waste: Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) is requesting Housemembers to sign on to a bill she plans to introduce increasing grants for local householdhazardous waste collection events to $150,000 from $100,000.Farmland Preservation Licenses: Rep. Gordon Denlinger (R-Lancaster) plans to introducelegislation creating farmland preservation license plates.State Energy Efficiency: Rep. Ron Miller (R-York), new Majority Chair of the HouseEnvironmental Resources and Energy Committee, is proposing legislation to create acomprehensive energy efficiency program for state buildings, House Bill 179 from last session.Waste-To-Energy: Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) is reintroducing legislation moving waste-to-energy facilities into Tier I of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, House Bill 2554 fromlast session.State Rock: Rep. Thomas Murt (R-Montgomery) wants to designate anthracite coal as theofficial state rock.

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Senate

Co-Sponsor MemosOnlot Septic Permit Exemption: Sen. Timothy Solobay (D-Washington) is asking colleagues

to sponsor legislation he plans to introduce exempting owners of 100 acres or more from onlotseptic system permitting requirements.Stormwater Management: Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) is circulating a co-sponsor memofor legislation authorizing authorities to undertake projects to manage stormwater, Senate Bill1261 from last session.

News From The Capitol

House Democrats Push Investment In Transportation

House Democratic leaders Wednesday introduced legislation to help Pennsylvania establish along-term, comprehensive and sustainable plan for funding the maintenance and improvement ofthe Commonwealths crumbling roads, bridges and transit systems.

While Pennsylvanians continue to wait for the governor to lead in the transportationcrisis, House Democratic leaders reintroduced a package of bills modeled after therecommendations made by Gov. Tom Corbetts Transportation Funding Advisory Commissionin August 2011. The governor has yet to act on those recommendations.

"As we begin a new, two-year legislative session, we remain hopeful that GovernorCorbett finally will show some leadership on this issue that is of paramount importance toPennsylvania residents, motorists, workers and businesses," said Democratic Leader FrankDermody (D-Allegheny). "This is a public safety crisis, but its also an economic crisis. A

modern, reliable transportation system is critical to creating and sustaining thousands of jobs andto enabling businesses to remain competitive and successful."Democratic Whip Mike Hanna (D-Centre) and Democratic Caucus Chairman Dan

Frankel (D-Allegheny), who sponsored the bills during the 2011-12 session, reintroduced thelegislation as House Bills 12, 13 and 14 in the new 2013-14 session.

"Gov. Corbett has had nearly a year and a half to implement the recommendationsfrom his own advisory commission, said Rep. Hanna. Instead, he chose to focus on initiativesthat would suppress voter turnout, give the gas industry a free pass to drill without properenvironmental restrictions, dole out corporate welfare while children are left in underfundedpublic schools, and hand over control of the successful Pennsylvania Lottery to a foreigncorporation.

Its clear that the governors priorities do not include the hardworking middle class thatdrives our economy," Rep. Hanna said.The TFAC report provided a roadmap for raising as much as $2.5 billion a year for

Pennsylvanias transportation needs. The commission urged PennDOT to consider a numberof measures including adjusting outdated vehicle and driver fees for inflation, increasing fines,uncapping the Oil Company Franchise Tax over five years and modernizing many PennDOTservices for cost savings.

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The Democratic legislative package also carries specific recommendations to ensureadequate funding for mass transit.

"Mass transit is a critical component of our transportation network, said Rep.Frankel. "A well-functioning public transit system creates vibrant cities, takes cars off the roads,and gives freedom of movement to all our residents who cant drive. Rural areas that dont see

much daily traffic still deserve upkeep; just as urban centers deserve buses and trains to getpeople to work. Its not either/or. We need both."Taking their cues from Corbetts own advisory commission, the Democratic leaders

noted several statistics that were cited in the TFAC report:--- Every dollar spent on infrastructure during the decade of investment will result in anadditional 65 cents being spent in Pennsylvania.---During the decade:-- 135,000 to 145,000 full-time equivalent jobs will be created and sustained. This is a 50 percentincrease over the base transportation improvement program.-- $125 million to $150 million in additional sales tax will be generated (in 2011 dollars), anincrease of 65 percent over the base transportation improvement program.

-- $235 million to $260 million in additional personal income tax will be generated, an 80percent increase over the base transportation improvement program.Democratic Appropriations Chairman Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny), said this is an issue

that demands immediate attention by the governor and the General Assembly."Waiting to take action is no longer an option," Rep. Markosek said. "We must act now

to ensure that Pennsylvanians have safe roads and bridges on which to travel, and to send amessage to employers around the globe that Pennsylvania is open for business."

In addition to Hanna, Dermody, Frankel and Markosek, the following Democratic leadersoffered their support for a comprehensive transportation funding package: Caucus SecretaryRonald G. Waters (D-Philadelphia), Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster);and Caucus Administrator Neal P. Goodman (D-Schuylkill).

They said different regions have different needs but only a statewide approach will helpto get Pennsylvanias people where they need to go.NewsClip:House Dems Plug Transportation Funding PlanFeb. 11 Environmental Issues Forum Presentation On Drilling Pad Liner Recycling

The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committees firstEnvironmental Issues Forum of 2013 will be held February 11 at 12:00 noon in Room G-50, K.Leroy Irvis Building.

The forum will focus on a new business partnership involving two Pennsylvaniabusinesses to collect and recycle used plastic well pad liners from Marcellus shale gas drillingsites. Speakers will describe the opportunities presented by the partnership, the economic andenvironmental impact of the process, and future plans.

The guest speakers will be: David La Fiura, vice-president of Ultra-Poly Corporation,Portland, Pa; and Scott Fought, vice-president of Operations of WellSpring EnvironmentalServices, Orwigsburg, Pa.

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The partnership was facilitated by the PA Recycling Markets Center, Inc.. Bothcompanies are members of the RMCs Center of Excellence, a network of recycled materialsprocessors and end users of recycled materials.

Ultra-Poly is one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene and polypropylene plastic inNorth America and has built a recycling plant in the Berwick area specifically for processing the

liner material. WellSpring has developed special equipment for separating well pad liners on siteso that it can be trucked away in a single trailer load.In describing the partnership, RMC Executive Director Robert J. Bylone, Jr. said: This

is a first-of-its-kind venture that will produce major and dramatic benefits for Pennsylvania inaddition to new jobs and growth for the companies directly. The new recycling ventureisexpected to take at least 20 million pounds a year of plastic well pad liner material out of thewaste stream and turn it into useful new products.

For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website.

News From Around The State

Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2013 Western PA Environmental AwardsDominion and the PA Environmental Council are now accepting applications for the 2013Western PA Environmental Awards recognizing excellence in advancing the environmentalquality of Western Pennsylvania. Nominations are due February 15.

Now in its ninth year, this regionally acclaimed awards program recognizes and honorsthe outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, schools and individuals in a widerange of environmental initiatives.

The Awards are open to those located and working in one of the following counties:Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion,Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson,

Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington, and Westmoreland.Nominations may be made by the person or persons involved in the activity or by athird party. Successful nominations will demonstrate measurable results and/or impact of theactivities.

Nominations will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges and Awards Programstaff. Finalist may also be asked to host a site visit to demonstrate their program or activities.

Winners will be notified in early April and publicly honored at the 2013 WesternPennsylvania Environmental Awards Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 23, 2013 at theWestin Hotel and Convention Center, Pittsburgh. Up to five winners may be chosen.

In addition, $5,000 will be donated in honor of each winner to qualified nonprofitorganizations with environmental programs benefiting Western Pennsylvania; the nonprofit

organizations will be designated by the winners.For a nomination form and more information, visit the Western PA EnvironmentalAwards webpage.Registration Now Open For Schuylkill Watershed Congress On March 9

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treatment media.Due to advancements in technology, the underdrain piping is now of a larger diameter

and single-shredded wood chips were added to essentially the same media recipe of spentmushroom compost and hi-cal limestone aggregate.

The expected results are the restoration of the VFP treatment performance with a similiar

or greater design life with even less maintenance, the sustainability of the created wetlands andthe elimination of negative impacts to the forested area and receiving stream.We look forward to working with partners in the future monitoring and caring for the

system and educational outreach opportunities: Jennings Environmental Education Center,Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, Stream Restoration Inc, BioMost Inc, Boy Scouts,volunteers and others.(Reprinted from the December issue ofThe Catalystpublished by the Slippery Rock WatershedCoalition.)

Colcom Foundation Funds Sondes To Monitor Slippery Rock Watershed

The Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition, in cooperation with Stream Restoration Inc., is excitedto announce that funding has been received for the purchase ofwater quality sondes for theSlippery Rock Creek Watershed in Butler County through a Colcom Foundation grant.

The data resulting from the use of the sondes will provide valuable and much neededwater quality information to identify future improvements or degradation.

SRI has a demonstrated track record of addressing the legacy of abandoned minedrainage problems in the Commonwealth and working with industry to prevent future problems.The same partnership approach, we believe, will help us address any potential issues with theemerging natural gas industry.

As of a short time ago, 10 wells had been drilling in the Marcellus or Utica Formationswithin the 408-square mile watershed.

The use of conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sondes is a cost effective and efficientmethod to collect water quality data on a continual basis. The Colcom grant will also the SRWCto place up to 20 CTD sondes throughout the watershed to cover the mainstem and all majortributaries.

The conductivity measurement can be useful in depicting the general quality of thestream. In addition, to the CTD sondes, three multi-parameter sondes will be used as mobileunits to be placed for extended periods in stream segments of concern and within passivetreatment systems.

These multi-parameter sondes, which measure pH, oxidation reduction potential anddissolved oxygen, are more expensive to operate and require higher maintenance than the CTDsondes.

This combination of sondes balances the usefulness of the additional parameters with thehigher costs of operating and maintaining the devices.

The data will be downloaded by volunteers and students on a monthly basis in amonitoring program to be modeled after the successful Adopt-A-Passive-Treatment Systemprogram coordinated by Cliff Denholm (Stream Restoration Inc.) and Wil Taylor (CenterManager, Jennings Environmental Education Center, DCNR).

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We are also excited to involve three local colleges/universities in this sonde use andmonitoring initiative: Grove City College- Dr. Fred Brenner, Biology Department; SlipperyRock University- Dr. Patrick Burkhart, Geology Department; and Westminster College- Dr.Helen Boylan, Chemistry Department, have agreed to share their expertise in this project, whilealso providing their students an interesting and worthwhile hands-on learning experience.

The SRWC and SRI wish to express their thanks to the Colcom Foundation for makingthis new monitoring approach possible! To learn more about the Colcom Foundation and theircommitment to supporting environmental sustainability, visit their website.

If anyone is interested in volunteering for this project, please send email to:[email protected].(Reprinted from the December issue ofThe Catalystpublished by the Slippery Rock Watershed

Coalition.)Applications Being Accepted For Next Master Well Owner Course

Pennsylvania is home to over one million private water wells and springs but it is one of the fewstates that do not provide statewide regulations to protect these rural drinking water supplies.In 2004, Penn State Cooperative Extension and several partner agencies created the

Master Well Owner Networka group of trained volunteers who are dedicated to promotingthe proper construction, testing, and maintenance of private water wells, springs and cisternsthroughout Pennsylvania.

Since its inception, hundreds of MWON volunteers have attended Saturday trainingworkshops to learn about proper water supply management practices. Starting on February 11,this same training will be available entirely online.

Prospective volunteers need to submit an application and be accepted into the program.Applications will be limited to about 15 eligible volunteers. Once accepted, each volunteer willreceive seven weekly emails with links to short reading assignments and video presentations.

Participants in online training will largely be able to determine their own trainingschedule. One optional online meeting will be offered in March to help answer questions(attendance at this optional meeting this will require a computer with high speed connection andspeakers).

Volunteers who successfully complete the training course and pass a short examwill receive a free copy of the 80 page publication - A Guide to Private Water Systems inPennsylvania, a coupon good for a 10 percent discount on water testing through the Penn Statewater testing lab, and access to various MWON educational materials.

In return, MWON volunteers are asked to pass along what they have learned to otherprivate water supply owners and submit an annual report of their educational accomplishments.

To learn more and complete an application, visit the Online MWON Volunteer Trainingwebpage.

Here are a few comments from volunteers who recently completed the online course:-- I believe people buying homes or properties with wells located on them should have thisinformation prior to purchase. The problem is not many people are aware of the information thatis available. Hopefully this course helps correct the problem.-- Excellent opportunity, especially in light of the drilling operations surrounding Marcelluswell development activities throughout the state and in the area where I live.

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"MarkWest Energy Partners was proud to be a partner in the Keystone Energy Forumcollaboration between the agriculture community and energy industry. With our background asa leading midstream company in the Appalachian region, MarkWest is well situated to bringa better understanding of how the energy industry transports natural gas from point A to pointB. Today's forum provided a good opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the agriculture

community as we strive to work together," said David Callahan, Vice President of GovernmentAffairs, MarkWest Energy Partners.Thursday's program is part of an ongoing series of forums hosted by the Keystone

Energy Forum in concert with coalition groups from across Pennsylvania. In 2011 and 2012,the Keystone Energy Forum hosted educational forums on Housing, Outdoor Life , EconomicDevelopment and Pennsylvania's Energy Portfolio.

"PennAg Industries Association continues to look forward to working with the KeystoneEnergy Forum and the natural gas industry. This cooperation, as seen at today's forum, allowsfor a better understanding of both the energy and agriculture community as they grow, changeand work together in the coming years," said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of PennAgIndustries Association.

The Keystone Energy Forum is focused on educating the public on energy productionin Pennsylvania. It serves as a resource for making local opinions count. The forum will beavailable to Pennsylvanians as a venue to help create balanced energy policies.

Visit the Keystone Energy Forum website to participate in the forum and for facts onthe Marcellus and Utica Shale, hydraulic fracturing and other Pennsylvania and national energyissues.Marcellus Shale Coalition Participates In PA Farm Show

This week the Marcellus Shale Coalition and dozens of natural gas industry employeesparticipated in the 97th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show.

In partnership with MSC member companies, the organizations booth provided farmersand others from the agriculture industry firsthand access to natural gas development subjectmatter experts. This is the third consecutive year that the MSC has actively participated in theannual farm show.

The agriculture community is a key partner in the responsible development of clean-burning natural gas, said Kathryn Klaber, chief executive officer of the MSC. In each ofthe past three years that weve participated in the farm show, weve found more interest inMarcellus-related issues and more informed show-goers who are personally realizing the benefitsof this world-class resource. Our industry is grateful for and proud of the strong, workingrelationships that we continue to build across the agriculture community. This is a uniquepartnership, given our shared goals of responsible land development and producing commoditiesthat benefit the regional economy.

In addition to sponsoring a booth in the exhibit hall, the MSC again contributed $5,000to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation on behalf of its members. Since 1993,the Farm Show Scholarship Foundation has recognized more than 400 students with scholarshipstotaling $1 million.

Students who participate in 4-H and FFA and show animals at the farm show are eligibleto apply for this scholarship. MSC community outreach manager and agricultural liaison, EricCowden, is a past recipient of the Farm Show Scholarship and is a member of the selection

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committee.As a Pennsylvania farmer and a past recipient of the Farm Show Scholarship, I can say

that the leadership, values and work ethic that embody the 4-H and FFA programs absolutelyprepare students to become the Commonwealths next generation of agriculture leaders, saidCowden. MSC member companies remain committed to supporting these important programs.

The farm shows 2013 theme is Made in PA. It makes a difference.Each year, the MSC community outreach team and our member companies participatein a dozens of county fairs and agricultural events across the commonwealth, continued Klaber.These events strengthen our working relationship with the 63,000 farming families acrossPennsylvania who are realizing the benefits tied to responsible natural gas development throughmore affordable utility bills and fertilizer costs as well as by leasing their land and minerals. Thepartnership between our industries is strong and making a positive difference for the future ofour region.2012 International Coastal Cleanup Removes Over 714,000 Pounds Of Trash

Nearly 8,000 volunteers from 48 counties across Pennsylvania canvassed their communities toremove over 714,000 pounds of trash and debris from Pennsylvanias waterways and coastalregions during the 2012 International Coastal Cleanup event.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is proud to be the Pennsylvania statewide coordinator forInternational Coastal Cleanup, the worlds largest volunteer effort to improve the health of theworlds oceans and local waterways.

The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the largest international volunteer events.The Cleanup gives citizens around the world the opportunity to clean up their local waterwaysand to be a part of a larger movement.

From September through October, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful worked together withlocal groups and organizations to coordinate 123 events throughout the state.

Volunteers in Pennsylvania documented the trash that was picked up and the top fivetypes of trash found during the 2012 cleanup included: 27,581 Cigarette Butts; 11,570 BeverageBottles (plastic); 8,742 Food Wrappers; 6,947 Caps and Lids; and 6,770 Beverage Cans.

County accomplishments included:-- Erie County/DEP. Most volunteers - 3,382.-- Erie County/DEP. Most cigarette butts collected - 13,664.-- Luzerne County/A Environmental Council-Northeast region- Most pounds of trash removed -94,390 pounds.-- Cumberland County/PA CleanWays of Cumberland County. Most tires collected - 2,570.-- Erie County/Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Most plastic bottlescollected - 3,524.

The phrase we all live downstream is common, but in Pennsylvania it is a reality withour diverse topography and the amount of watersheds, small and large, said Shannon Reiter,President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful thanks all thoseinvolved in helping to prevent this litter from getting into our waterways.

Funding for the International Coastal Cleanup coordination in Pennsylvania is providedby the Department of Environmental Protection.PROP Offers Full Schedule Of Recycling, Composting Certification Classes

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The Professional Recyclers of PA are again offering a full schedule of recycling and compostingcertification classes in the new year. Click Here for the course schedule.Recycling Takes Center Stage In Capitol January 22

More than two dozen Pennsylvania companies that contribute to the states growing recyclingeconomy will set up exhibits and displays in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol on January 22for the 2013 Pennsylvania Recycling Industries Congress.

The theme of the event is Serving the Recycling Spectrum Processing to Products.The displays will illustrate the broad spectrum of business activity involved in recycling,

from the collection and processing of recyclables, such as plastic, aluminum and paper, to the useof recycled materials to make new products.

The event is being jointly sponsored by the PA Waste Industries Association and the PARecycling Markets Center.

PWIA represents private-sector recyclers, waste haulers and landfill operators and serves

as the Pennsylvania chapter of the National Solid Wastes Management Association.Through a unique demand-side approach, the non-profit RMC supports the researchand development of new and innovative technologies to eliminate market barriers for recycledmaterial. RMC works with manufacturers to incorporate new types of recycled- materialfeedstock into their operations to reduce costs and to increase revenues by designing newrecycled-content product lines.

Most importantly, by connecting the supply and demand sides, RMC and PWIA stimulategrowth in the recycling industries. By collecting, processing and delivering market wastematerial, once thought to have no value, jobs are created.

This years Recycling Industries Congress coincides with the implementation of a newstate law that bans the disposal of electronic devices such as computers, computer peripheralsand TVs in landfills and incinerators and requires manufacturers that sell electronics inPennsylvania to offer e-waste recycling programs at no cost to consumers.

Electronics scrap recyclers will be among the exhibitors, and there will be a specialseminar on the business of electronics recycling.

According to Robert Bylone, RMC president and executive director, the most recentavailable study says that more than 3,800 Pennsylvania businesses are involved in or benefitfrom recycling and that these businesses account for 52,316 employees, payrolls of $2.2 billion,and annual gross sales totaling $20.6 billion.

Michele Nestor, chair of the RMC board, pointed out that Pennsylvania is the leaderamong Northeastern states in terms of the contribution of recycling to its economy. Recyclinghas become an important and broad-based business sector, she said. We are no longer anancillary activity.

PWIA President Mark Pedersen said PWIA members have been leading the way ininvesting in large-scale, single-stream processing technology in Pennsylvania. Single-streamprocessing means consumers dont have to have separate recyclables, he explained. This hasdramatically improved the publics participation in recycling and in turn has helped greatlyimprove the economics of recycling.DEP Sponsors Webinar Jan. 16 To Highlight Radon Action Month

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As part of National Radon Action Month, the Department of Environmental Protection willpresent an episode on the subject as part of its quarterly webinar series, DEP at Home, onJanuary 16 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and affects almost

half of all Pennsylvania homes, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. Everyone needs to test theirhomes for radon.The good news is that a radon problem is easily and inexpensively fixed. The webinar

will teach people more about this health risk and how they can protect their families.The webinar will feature a presentation and live question-and-answer session with Robert

Lewis and Matthew Shields of DEPs Bureau of Radiation Protection and Kevin Stewart of theAmerican Lung Association.

T