The USDA is accepting applications for its Rural Energy for America Program. The program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy consumption and costs. While it is not specifically designed to benefit biorefining operations, biodiesel plants and other biorefinery operations that fit the definition of a rural small business under […]
MORE »The U.S. biodiesel industry reached a key milestone by producing more than 1 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, according to year-end numbers released by the EPA on Friday.
MORE »House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) has circulated a co-sponsorship memo outlining his plans to introduce legislation to “completely reform” the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) grant program.
MORE »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.
MORE »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.
MORE »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.
MORE »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 […]
MORE »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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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. |
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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