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Monthly Archives: January 2012

Court Vacates EPA Stay of Boiler Air Rules, Little Short-Term Effect

Last week the US District Court for the District of Columbia vacated and remanded EPA’s indefinite stay of its controversial boiler and incinerator air rules, after finding the agency failed to adequately justify the delay. The ruling is seen as a victory for activists, despite the fact that EPA is slated to amend the rules in April, well before they take effect as early as 2014.

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Marcellus Shale Well Safety Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk

SB 995, sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Bradford) would require operators of new and existing oil and gas wells to provide GPS information to counties and emergency responders and develop response plans for accidents and spills. The bill was approved on final passage in the Senate this week and is headed to the Governor’s desk.

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Legislature Returns, Marcellus Shale on Radar

The House and Senate both returned to Harrisburg on Tuesday, attempting to tie up several loose ends prior to the start of budget season, which officially kicks off on February 7 with the Governor’s Budget Address.

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House Committee Holds Solar Share AEPS Hearing

The House Consumer Affairs Committee held a hearing on House Bill 1580 last week. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) amends the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, temporarily increasing solar Tier One requirements and limiting the credits to in-state solar companies that directly distribute solar generated electricity to an in-state distribution system, closing […]

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Budget Hearings Scheduled

The annual budget hearings begin the week following Corbett’s budget address. Budget hearings of interest are available here:

Monday, Feb. 13
Senate Appropriations

  • 9:30 a.m., Budget Hearing – Governor’s Budget Office/Executive Offices/Office of the Governor
  • 1:00 p.m., Budget Hearing – Independent Fiscal Office: Economic Outlook and Revenue Overview

Tuesday, Feb. 14
Senate Appropriations

  • 1:00 p.m., Budget Hearing – […]
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SMC Business Councils Fall Legislative Reception

John Nikoloff is on the board of directors of SMC Business Councils. As such, he recently attended the SMC’s Fall Legislative Reception held in western PA. This event was a success for small businesses, as members had an opportunity to meet with state and federal officials and discuss issues impacting their businesses.


John Nikoloff with state Rep. Jim Marshall and Barbara McNees, President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and CFA board member.

John Nikoloff talks with a small manufacturer from western Pennsylvania, and state Auditor General Jack Wagner.
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PennVEST, DEP Announce First Nutrient Credit Trading Auction for 2012

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection have announced plans to host an auction March 21, 2012, for the sale and purchase of nutrient credits in the Susquehanna and Potomac watersheds. 

The auction will be a “forward” auction, where certified credits will be sold at auction, delivered later and applied to 2012 and future […]

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Senate Hopeful Marcellus Agreement Can be Reached Soon

This week, Senate Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) said he wants the House and Senate to come to an agreement on the Marcellus Shale drilling policy prior to Governor Corbett’s budget address which is slated for early February.

The legislature returns to the Capitol on Jan. 17, which allows just two weeks for an agreement to […]

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Legislature to Return Jan. 17; February Budget Address to Follow Spending Freeze

The House and Senate officially kicked off the 2012 Session on Tuesday, but will not meet in voting session until the week of January 17. Senator Joe Scarnati was unanimously re-elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate. All other officers in the House and Senate remain unchanged until leadership elections are held following general election in […]

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