Aug. 27 – WILKES-BARRE – The Shapiro administration and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) have announced a new registered apprenticeship program to train workers to plug oil and gas wells, helping to protect the environment and public health while providing workers with in-demand skills and a family income.
UMWACC’s Gas Well Capping Technician program, UMWACC’s first-ever registered apprenticeship program, provides workers with the knowledge to cap abandoned and orphaned wells that have potential health, safety or environmental issues, as well as reduce harmful emissions and provide an economic boost to rural Appalachian communities transitioning from a fossil fuel economy.
“We have a huge problem with abandoned wells in Pennsylvania, and we need qualified, trained people to plug them,” said Jessica Shirley, acting secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “There are more than 350,000 orphaned and abandoned wells in our Commonwealth — and they account for nearly 8 percent of our total methane emissions.
“Sooner or later, every orphaned well will pose a threat to the environment and public health, and we need people with the skills and training to plug them and restore the surrounding landscape. In addition to removing the threat posed by old wells, some active wells could find new life as geothermal wells, capturing buried heat for clean energy.”
The Gas Well Capping Technician program is officially registered with the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), which is part of the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). The program trains workers in the following subjects: safety, well capping techniques, cement properties and skills, and soil remediation.
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to addressing the needs of in-demand industries and preparing workers with the skills needed to succeed in our workforce,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “The Registered Apprenticeship Occupation of Well Capping Technicians program addresses both goals by providing real career opportunities for individuals who are committed to the environment and public health of our Commonwealth.”
Cecil E. Roberts, president of UMWA International, said this is a positive step toward addressing unemployment in Appalachia’s coal mining communities.
“The program will not only help plug leaking gas and oil wells, but also provide workers with a family income,” Roberts said. “It is expected to take decades to cap abandoned and orphaned wells.”
Pennsylvania has a long history of energy development, including its first commercial oil well in 1859. In 2022, the U.S. Department of the Interior awarded Pennsylvania an initial $25 million grant to plug abandoned gas wells.
DEP has plugged more than 250 wells since Gov. Josh Shapiro took office — more than were plugged in the past nine years combined.
Senator Casey and his colleagues are urging President Biden to declare a major disaster in Pennsylvania.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Congressmen this week to urge President Biden to approve a request from Gov. Josh Shapiro for a major disaster declaration for the state of Pennsylvania.
Members urged the President to provide urgent assistance to Commonwealth counties hit by severe storms and flooding earlier this month.
If approved, the declaration would help Pennsylvanians cover their costs and needs as they recover from the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby.
“Individual assistance from the federal government is critical to helping households and individuals meet uninsured or underinsured expenses and needs as they recover from the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debby,” the members wrote. “It is already clear that multiple counties have been severely impacted, leaving many people displaced, particularly some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. To expedite the Commonwealth’s efforts to rebuild and move forward, we ask that you quickly approve Governor Shapiro’s request.”
In addition to Senator Casey, the letter was signed by: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), and Susan Wild (D-PA-7).
Pa. has awarded more than $1 million in federal grants to boost sales of vegetable, mushroom, fruit and nut crops
The Shapiro administration announced that Pennsylvania has received $915,758 in federal funds for 10 projects to improve the visibility, quality and competitiveness of the state’s specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and nuts.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received an additional $94,363 to implement the program, bringing the total awarded to Pennsylvania to more than $1.01 million.
The funds are part of $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, apples, peaches, flowers and other specialty crops,” said Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “Investments like this ensure our growers remain at the top of their game, in demand by consumers and at the forefront of technology to stay ahead of pests, diseases and climate threats.”
In addition to a new $10 million agricultural innovation and conservation fund, the 2024-25 budget invests $13 million in the PA Farm Bill, which includes the state’s own PA Specialty Crop Block Grant program to enhance the federal program.
The PA Farm Bill makes a critical investment in building the processing infrastructure and marketing the industry needs, and removes barriers between the industry and workers who want to be part of the industry’s future.
“We are pleased to once again partner with Pennsylvania on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The innovative projects funded through this program strengthen U.S. specialty crop production and markets, ensuring Americans have continued access to fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and other specialty crops. They also support the region’s specialty crop growers to ensure their long-term success.”
Grants were announced today for projects focused on research, marketing, apprenticeships and sustainability for mushrooms, apples, potatoes and other crops that make Pennsylvania among the nation’s top producers.
State celebrates victory in Pennsylvania state tourism budget
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders and business owners this week to highlight the major investments in Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-2025 budget to support tourism, create jobs and boost the economy across Pennsylvania.
Governor Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget includes a $15 million investment in tourism marketing to boost the economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs. This builds on the Governor’s launch of the Great American Getaway brand to encourage tens of millions of people within a few hours’ drive to visit Pennsylvania.
“From our beautiful state parks to our outdoor recreation businesses, to the Commonwealth’s hospitality and entertainment industries, tourism is a powerful economic engine that generates more than $76 billion annually and supports more than 486,000 jobs,” Siger said. “Governor Shapiro recognizes that tourism benefits nearly every corner of Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania is a popular weekend getaway destination, within easy driving distance of major East Coast hubs including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC.
Nearly 72 million people living within a four-hour drive of the Commonwealth can enjoy Main Streets and small towns, world-class restaurants and bars, top events and sports, famous historic sites, lush state parks and exciting outdoor recreation opportunities in a single weekend.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said, “The investment in tourism that Governor Shapiro secured in the budget helps us show Pennsylvania visitors and residents the joys of being outdoors, which in turn supports the economies of the local communities that welcome and serve them.”
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office, housed within the Department of Community and Economic Development, is dedicated to inspiring travel to Pennsylvania. From iconic attractions to hidden gems, tourism in Pennsylvania helps support the state’s economy and creates jobs for local businesses — all while improving the quality of life for residents.
The 2024-2025 budget is a culmination of the Governor’s key priorities to make Pennsylvania more economically competitive. This budget includes:
—$500 million for site development, including $400 million for the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program;
—$20 million for the Main Street Matters program to support small businesses and commercial corridors that are the backbone of communities across our Commonwealth;
—$20 million in state funding for minority-owned small businesses in Pennsylvania; and
—$15 million for tourism marketing to stimulate the economy, attract more visitors and support good-paying jobs.
Shapiro Administration Announces $1 Million in Grants for Hunger-Free Campuses
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has announced a $1 million PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant to help institutions of higher education (IHE) better serve their school communities and ensure their students have access to the healthy, nutritious food they need to thrive.
Last year, the Shapiro administration awarded $1 million in grants to 30 higher education institutions and private schools to combat student hunger on campuses across the state.
“Learning and achievement are much harder to achieve when you’re trying to learn on an empty stomach, and food insecurity knows no age or geographic boundaries — it affects students from pre-K through post-secondary in every region of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “This grant will continue the critical work of addressing food insecurity on Pennsylvania’s college and university campuses so students can focus on learning instead of hunger.”
Interested applicants should apply through the eGrants system. Additional information about the grant is available on the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative webpage. Applications will be accepted until September 23, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Through the PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program, colleges with the PA Hunger-Free Campus or PA Hunger-Free Campus+ designation can apply for competitive funding up to:
—$20,000 for institutions with 3,000 or fewer students.
—$40,000 for institutions with 3,001 to 7,000 students.
—$60,000 for institutions with 7,001 or more students.
Contact Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
