Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

We’re passionate about engaging with the next generation of environmental leaders! We’re working to build a cleaner future for PA communities. ?? Our team is on the ground, collaborating with students and schools across the state to promote clean water and sustainable practices. Recently, leadership from our Water Programs at DEP had the privilege of speaking with Penn State University graduate students and faculty, diving into critical topics like the importance of strong partnerships in Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration and how we can all work together through data-driven decision-making to improve water quality. What excites us most is hearing about the students’ drive to contribute, from finding ways to serve local communities better, to exploring innovative solutions through research. Their enthusiasm and commitment to adding value to our work is truly inspiring. We’re excited to continue these conversations and bring this energy to more schools, universities, and conferences. If you're interested in having DEP speak at your next event or engage with your students, reach out to us! ?? Get in touch today at: [email protected] #CleanWater #EnvironmentalProtection #CommunityEngagement #ChesapeakeBay #WaterRestoration

Last week, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley celebrated the grand opening of the Blacklick Treatment Facility, marking a significant milestone in addressing Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD). This new facility will eliminate the uncontrolled discharge of untreated mine water, improving 25 stream miles in Indiana and Cambria counties and restoring the health of Blacklick Creek. ?? ? Local community members and elected officials toured the facility during an open house, learning how it will treat water from three major mines and transform the creek into a viable fishing area. It will also enhance the scenic beauty of the Ghost Town Trail. ??? ? With a $27 million investment, the project highlights Pennsylvania’s commitment to restoring abandoned mine lands and protecting the environment for future generations. ?? ? #CleanWater #BlacklickCreek #CommunityImpact #AMD #SustainableFuture

The Shapiro Administration, in partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, is excited to invite local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to participate in the 2025 Pick Up Pennsylvania litter cleanup initiative. ?? This collaborative program provides an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability, enhance tourism, and make a lasting impact on our state’s roadways, parks, and communities. In 2024, over 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million pounds of litter and recycled 4.5 million pounds of materials! ?? With support from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and DEP, this year’s efforts continue to focus on cleaning up communities, preserving our water quality, and protecting wildlife. We invite your company to get involved in this important program and help make a difference for the future of Pennsylvania. Learn more about how your team can contribute by visiting keeppabeautiful.org Let’s keep Pennsylvania beautiful, together ?? Read more: bit.ly/4j2yWvT #PickUpPA #CommunityEngagement #KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful #TheGreatAmericanCleanup | Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

The DEP is offering grant funding to help schools and child care facilities in Pennsylvania reduce lead exposure in drinking water—ensuring a safer, healthier environment for students, teachers, and staff. This initiative supports the installation of: ? Hydration stations certified to remove lead ? Point-of-use devices to filter lead ? Faucet replacements with lead-free materials Eligible facilities include public/private child care centers, public schools, and charter/magnet schools operating as a Local Education Agency. To qualify, facilities must have recent lead test results above 5 parts per billion. Take action to safeguard your community. ?? Apply today! Details on eligibility and the application process: bit.ly/WIIN2107Grant #LeadFreeWater #WaterTesting #SafeSchools #HealthyLearning

Exciting things are happening to keep PA waterways clean! ?? The new Blacklick Creek Treatment Facility is tackling Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and restoring 25 miles of creek in the community. ? Thanks to the efforts of Pennsylvania DEP and key partners, this $27 million facility is treating over 7 million gallons of mine water daily, bringing clean water and new opportunities for local ecosystems and residents. ? Learn more about how this facility is transforming Blacklick Creek and the broader impact of AMD treatment in Pennsylvania. Read the full story here! ??

It’s time to lower your operating costs with PA Industrial Energy Assessments! Starting today, you can apply to cut energy waste, lower operating costs, and reduce environmental impact! Learn how your business can benefit from an Industrial Energy Assessment. Take advantage of 80% off the cost of a detailed energy audit and save up to $10,000! Make the investment today to discover energy conservation measures that could make your facility more efficient. ?? https://lnkd.in/e7Czx7_D … #EnergyAudit #CostSavings #EnergyEfficiency #IndustrialEnergyAssessments

Today, Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley participated as a panelist at a roundtable discussion on streamlining permitting processes to protect public health, the environment, and support economic growth. During the session, she highlighted PA DEP’s innovative strategies and pilot programs, including Payback, SPEED, and backlog reduction efforts. She emphasized how PA DEP’s commitment to predictability, transparency, efficiency, and consistency is helping streamline permitting for businesses, ensuring faster, more reliable outcomes. Key highlights: ?? Pre-application meetings to align project scope and avoid unnecessary permits ?? The Earthmoving/Erosion Control Permit pilot program, reducing review times by 73 days ?? The SPEED program, improving efficiency by allowing qualified professionals to conduct initial reviews PA DEP continues to lead in transforming permitting to support both environmental protection and economic development. We’re excited to collaborate and innovate with other states in the future! … #EnvironmentalProtection #PublicHealth #InnovationInPermitting #EconomicGrowth #Leadership

Phase 1 of the Swatara Creek Floodplain Restoration Project has significantly impacted the Northern Swatara Creek Watershed, reducing flooding in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, and improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. This #WorldWaterDay, we celebrate its success! In partnership with organizations like the Schuylkill Conservation District, Northern Swatara Creek Watershed Association, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, and local stakeholders, the project restored 10.5 acres of floodplain, created 5.4 acres of wetlands, and stabilized streambanks. The goal was to allow floodwaters to flow into an expanded floodplain, reducing flood heights that impacted the north end of Pine Grove. As a result, the town’s largest employer, Guilford Performance Textiles, chose to remain in the region, preserving jobs and contributing to the local economy. Flooding impacts have decreased, wildlife habitats are thriving, and the community is more resilient. This project is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive environmental restoration while supporting economic development. #FloodplainRestoration #CommunityResilience #EnvironmentalStewardship #WaterQuality #WildlifeHabitat

National Renewable Energy Day is the perfect time to highlight Pennsylvania’s bold new vision for the future of energy. Governor's Lightning Plan is transforming the state's energy landscape with a focus on job creation, affordable energy, and cutting-edge innovation. Key Highlights of the Lightning Plan: ?? Energy Jobs: Thousands of new, good-paying jobs in energy sectors across Pennsylvania. ?? Lower Costs for Consumers: Rebates for energy-efficient appliances and programs like Community Energy help households save on their utility bills. ? Faster Project Approvals: A new state energy siting board will streamline project development, cutting red tape and speeding up construction timelines. ?? Innovative Projects: By updating the EDGE manufacturing tax credit, the plan encourages large-scale energy projects, positioning PA as a leader in the next generation of energy solutions. A big component of the Lightning Plan modernizes Pennsylvania’s energy standards, incentivizes innovation, and expands clean energy resources like battery storage and nuclear. This is Pennsylvania’s opportunity to lead on the energy stage—creating reliable, affordable energy while fostering economic growth. Let’s GSD and power the future! #EnergySavings #RenewableEnergy #GSD #CleanEnergy #EnergyJobs #PALightningPlan Office of Governor Josh Shapiro

This Women’s History Month, we honor the remarkable women at Pennsylvania DEP who are making significant strides in environmental protection and sustainability. These women are at the forefront of policy development, climate action, and innovation—ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.? ? Whether working in regional offices, creating impactful environmental policies, or driving transformative initiatives, their leadership and dedication are reshaping the future of environmental protection.? ? Let’s recognize and celebrate the women who are making history today and continue to support their efforts to protect our environment. ???? #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInSTEM #Sustainability #WomenMakingHistory #EcoHeroes