FY 2018 US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee Bill ECOS Summary of FY 2018 House Appropriations Committee Markup – On July 20, 2017, the full House Appropriations Committee released its markup of the draft bill by the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Subcommittee. FY 2018 President’s Budget Request ECOS Press Statement on the President’s FY18…
News and Updates
Massachusetts Launches Online Permitting, Public Data Portals
Last week, the Massachusetts Governor’s Office announced the launch of its online data information and public access system, called the Energy and Environmental Information and Public Access System (EIPAS). The first phase of EIPAS establishes online permitting for 30 permits, which covers virtually all Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) air quality, hazardous waste, solid…
Pennsylvania Develops Interactive Multimedia Story Map on Susquehanna River
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently launched an interactive multimedia story map that chronicles its progress toward restoring the Susquehanna River. The story map features GIS maps, videos, charts, and photos to educate viewers about the adverse human impacts on the river and aquatic life as well as DEP’s efforts to address impairments.…
Arizona’s One-Day Permit Turnaround Enhances Groundwater Protection
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (AZ DEQ) has streamlined the process for its Aquifer Protection permit holders to submit groundwater monitoring data. Previously, staff required up to three months to process and verify submitted data. Now, AZ DEQ has enabled permit holders to submit their data electronically using an online reporting feature. The feature…
Delaware Launches Electric Vehicle Delaware Workplace Charging Program
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Energy & Climate is encouraging businesses, nonprofit organizations, and local governments to take advantage of the opportunity to install electric vehicle charging stations for employees’ use through the Delaware Workplace Charging Program. Participants in the program can receive up to a $5,000 rebate for…
Iowa Derelict Building Grant Program Awards Funds to 18 Rural Communities
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Derelict Building Grant Program has announced $350,000 in grants to 18 small, rural Iowa communities to help deconstruct or renovate abandoned structures, remove asbestos, and limit construction and demolition materials going to the landfill. The DNR Derelict Building Grant Program (DBGP) was instituted by statute to help rural…
Kentucky Awards $4 Million in Abandoned Mine Lands Pilot Grants
On August 8, the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) announced five grants worth more than $5 million to spur economic development and job creation in Eastern Kentucky. Two of the grants awarded by the EEC’s Division of Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) are part of Kentucky’s $30 million portion of the federal AML Pilot program,…
ECOS Member Spotlight: Julie Moore
Two Minutes with Julie Moore, Secretary, Vermont Agency of Natural Resources How long have you been Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources? What’s your best experience thus far? I was appointed by Governor Phil Scott in January 2017. My best experience thus far been the opportunity to learn from the amazing scientists…
New York YouTube Series Features DEC Staff and Their Work
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released its seventh episode in its YouTube series On the Front Lines. The latest episode, Research Scientist, features the coordinator of the harmful algal bloom program. DEC began the series in February to celebrate the stories of DEC staff and their work to protect the environment,…
Pennsylvania Develops App for O&G Inspections, Nominated for National Award
A new Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) mobile app for oil and gas site inspections is among the state’s three finalists for the National Association of State Chief Information Officers 2017 recognition awards. The new iPad app allows DEP staff to conduct electronic inspections of surface activities onsite rather than completing paper forms that…
