WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) announced today that he is co-sponsoring a bipartisan bill, the EPA Regulatory Reform Act of 2011, introduced today. The bill will give the Environmental Protection Agency the time it has said it needs to adequately consider new Boiler MACT rules, as well as make additional regulatory reforms.

In April 2010, pursuant to court orders, EPA first announced new Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulations on many fossil fuel and biomass-fired boilers in the United States. The original public comment period on the new proposed rules closed Aug. 23, 2010. In December 2010, EPA requested a 15-month extension to rework and finalize the rule, and to receive further public comment, which was rejected by a court. 

This bipartisan legislation would:

• Give EPA the 15 months it requested to re-propose and finalize the Boiler MACT regulations.

• Extend compliance deadlines from three years to at least five years, which would allow facilities adequate time to comply with the new standards. This additional time will give manufacturers the ability to spread out the costs associated with compliance.

• Clarifythat renewable and carbon-neutral materials remain classified as fuel and not solid waste. This will ensure that no materials are unnecessarily landfilled and that the energy content of many byproducts is not wasted.

• Direct the EPA to ensure that the new rules are achievable by real-world boilers, process heaters and incinerators, and impose the least burdensome regulatory alternatives consistent with the president's executive order. The EPA's original standard for boilers was not achievable by any commercially available boiler.

"I have been very worried about what the EPA's new Boiler MACT rules will mean for Pennsylvania's manufacturing companies and their employees," Sen. Toomey said. "From paper mills, to steel mills, to many other industries, there are thousands of jobs at stake in Pennsylvania. This bill would give many manufacturers immediate relief from overreaching, burdensome regulations at a time when we need them hiring and expanding."

The bill is sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.).

In Pennsylvania, these new EPA standards would affect a number of the commonwealth's manufacturing companies and could have a devastating effect on the Pennsylvania economy. Sen. Toomey and his staff have been working closely with a number of major Pennsylvania employers, including PPG Industries, Appleton Papers, Glatfelter Paper, U.S. Steel and Domtar Paper to help alleviate these regulatory burdens.

Pennsylvania employers today praised Sen. Toomey's leadership and the new legislation:

"We appreciate Sen. Toomey's engagement and willingness to work across the aisle on this matter. The senator's work on behalf of our 464 employee-owners in Roaring Spring has been integral to addressing this regulatory burden," said Kent Willets, vice president for strategic development at Appleton Papers in Blair County.

"This bill will give us regulatory certainty and predictability. Domtar appreciates Sen. Toomey's bipartisan leadership on this issue and we look forward to working with him to protect the jobs at our facility in Elk County," said Tom Detwiler, vice president and mill manager of Domtar Paper in Elk County.

"As our nation recovers from a deep recession it is more important than ever for government to protect our environment in a thoughtful and realistic way. This bill is an important step in that direction; we appreciate Sen. Toomey's understanding of the issue and his effective advocacy for Pennsylvania businesses," said William T. Yanavitch II, vice president of human resources and administration of Glatfelter Paper in York County.

"Sen. Toomey promised to push back against excessive regulation, and we commend his bipartisan efforts to help our manufacturing facility in McKean County," said Brad Johnston, chief administrative officer of Temple-Inland in McKean County.

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Commissioners Close Out 1 Program, Approve Another

By Martha Knight

SMETHPORT—McKean County Commissioners breezed through a short agenda Tuesday morning, one week later than the usual meeting date, handling mostly routine matters.

A Community Conservation Partnerships Grant project was closed out, having been completed according to plan.

The program had called for preparation of a master plan and trail study for the county government complex and the McKean County 4H and Fairgrounds area.

The stated purpose of the master plan is to provide a framework for the continued renovation and development of the target areas and for trails in the Smethport area.

The projects were financed in part by the grant in a program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.

The commissioners voted to enter into an agreement with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) for the Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) for fiscal year 2011. The $78,809 funding is earmarked for reimbursement of salaries and benefits for the county’s Department of Emergency Management.

A maintenance agreement covering a Human Resources Department copier was approved. It calls for Karpinski’s Office Systems, Coudersport, to provide service, parts and toner for $390 a year.

Melanie Clabaugh was appointed to the McKean County Industrial Development Authority to finish the term of Connie Grentz, former president, who has moved from the area. The term expires at the end of this year. Clabaugh has been executive director of the Kane Area Chamber of Commerce, Kane Area Industrial Development Council and the Kane Area Development Center.

The commissioners said Grentz will be sent a letter expressing their appreciation of her dedicated service.

Ceres Townships application for $5,607 in aid, for a road paving and seal coating project, was approved.

In a brief discussion of upcoming actions, the commissioners noted that they will seek bids for an older model farm tractor that is no longer in use, and will make preparations to effect repair of the “back patio,” behind the Court House.

Collaboration Programs Are Win-Win In Liberty

By Martha Knight

LIBERTY VILLA—The Agility program is working well in Liberty Township, supervisors agreed at their monthly meeting Tuesday night.

The township currently has an agreement with PennDOT under which the township is a PennDOT Agility Partner, collaborating with the state agency on various tasks relating to state and township highways.

As supervisors Gary Turner, Charles Safford and Fred Ernst Jr. explained the arrangement, the township crew mows along state highway guide rails, and state equipment and labor will be applied in some township road tasks. Work plans for the reciprocity are reviewed and updated from time to time.

The Western New York and Pennsylvania Railroad recently provided an important boon to the township, supervisors said, by donating six pieces of rail, cut to length, and help loading the hefty steel onto township trucks, in Emporium.

The rails will be driven into the ground to help retain abutments of the Cady Hollow Bridge, to stabilize it until the bridge can be replaced.

The supervisors will continue to study a proposed ordinance concerning retaining tanks in connection with the use of portable toilets. The ordinance was furnished by an attorney, Matthew Wolford, who is said to represent energy company PGE, which utilizes portable toilets at drilling sites.

Supervisors were not pleased that sanitary control officer Roger Bickleman had not been consulted. Also, a communication from Wolford sounded to the supervisors like a protest of the fees charged by the officer, a matter the supervisors said was not theirs to control.

Also, what Wolford was proposing might prove to be an undue burden to such groups as the Allegheny Mountain Engine and Implement Association, at its annual show.

So far the supervisors are not impressed by the “Marcellus Shale impact” bill getting the most buzz, they said. Turner said he did not see it as a panacea for local governments.

Moose Lodge 460 appreciates the work the township crew did at the nearby site along Route 155 south, where old and damaged American flags will be disposed of with proper respect. The organization had written to the supervisors to thank the township for brush cutting and neatening up the area.

For its part, the township would like to offer a potential Eagle Scout or other community service project to an individual or a group, as a way to get the township’s “Big V” snowplow painted.

The supervisors envision supplying the paint for whoever would apply it to the large snow plow. The township name would be on the door or doors. The volunteer individual or group’s identity could be painted on the front.

Would there be any pay involved? “Pizza,” the supervisors said.

A draft personnel policy apparently prepared in an earlier administration and recently found in the township office, will be reviewed by the supervisors, with an eye to making any changes deemed necessary, then considering its adoption. Currently the municipality has no personnel policy in place.

It was reported that Mr. and Mrs. Greg Law had sent another letter to the township, even though they have been told the township will not maintain or plow the private road to their camp in the Scaffold Lick area.

“What part of ‘We do not maintain private roads’ don’t they understand?” Ernst asked rhetorically. The supervisors noted that they have had requests from a number of property owners and residents for snowplowing or other service to their private driveways, and the answer is always that the township cannot use its resources in that way.

The supervisors took note that the necessary permissions are in order, for the Charles Estate one-lot subdivision.

Bracelets By Bette

Bette L. Wellman, designer of jewelry, is pictured showing some of her jewel creations to Ann Kanally during a recent Open House held at the Port Allegany United Methodist Church.  Mrs. Wellman is the owner of Bracelets by Bette which features fun jewelry of all types - necklaces, bracelets, rings, ankle bracelets, for children and adults.  Contact information is as follows:  blw565@gmail.com or 814-642-2329 or 239-218-7342.  Pam Fischer Photo

COTS - Dave Hartman is pictured during last week's Concert on the Town Square.  The series began with on June 2 and will continue Thursday evenings throughout the summer.  The exception is tonight, July 21, as the carnival is in town for Old Home Week.  Next week's concert will feature the music of Jakob's Hollow.  In addition to great music, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, beverages and baked goodies are on sale.  COTS is sponsored by the Port Allegany Womens' Club.  Pam Fischer Photo

AMEIA Demonstration - Corine Templeton and Matthew Bosworth are checking out the sign located on Route #155 in Port Allegany for the 32nd Annual Show and Demonstration of the Allegheny Mountain Engine and Implement Association Inc.  The event will be held July 22, 23, and 24 and will have Tractor Parade, Kiddie Tractor Pull, Antique Tractors and Engines, Antique Cards, Models, Farm Implements and free primitive camping.  There will be a flea market and crafts as well as a pancake breakfast and other food.  This year's feature is the Fairmont Engine and other railroad memorabilia.  For further information, contact Peggy Cass at 716-353-2736.  Pam Fischer Photo

David and Goliath? - It looks as if two members of the borough crew are engaging in a duel, even though their machines are not well matched.  Mano a mano, or blade to blade, they seem to be competing. The larger machine seems to be retreating, in the second shot.  Actually, they were not jousting but working in close collaboration, replacing a troublesome water line on, or under, Smith Avenue, Friday afternoon.  Martha Knight Photos
 

Healthy Growth - The Port Allegany Health Center renovation and expansion project seems to be on schedule.  Staff, patients and fitness clients continue to use the center even as improvements are carried out.  Martha Knight Photos
 

Friendly Game - These players were playing Five Hundred, in what they insisted was a friendly game, at the Senior Center last Friday.  Martha Knight Photo

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Pain Management, Anesthesia Physician Joins Staff

Dr. Phong Nguyen has joined the medical staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.

Specializing in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, Dr. Nguyen earned a medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed an internship at Heart of Lancaster Hospital, a residency at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital where he was named chief resident, and a fellowship in interventional pain management at Michigan State University.

He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology and American Society of Regional Anesthesia.

Community-wide VBS - The annual community-wide Vacation Bible School sponsored by the Port Allegany Ministerium will be held from Sunday, July 31 to Thursday, August 4 at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church and Gethsemane Lutheran Church, both located on Arnold Avenue.  PandaMania, Where God is wild about you!, will feature new friends, amazing crafts, wild games, lip-smacking snacks, wild Bible adventures and incredible music.  PandaMania fun begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8.  in the above photo, Cheryl Freer is pictured with her students at the 2010 community-wide VBS.  For further information, contact J. T. Madson at the Port Allegany Covenant Church at 642-2272.  Pam Fischer Photo

Red Hatters? - Virginia Cherrington, left, and Mary Ellen and Eugene Lewis all are wearing red hats as they attend Music and Supper on the Square. Last week's event was well attended.  Photo Submitted

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Teen Center Plans Open House

The Port Allegany area’s “youngest” organization, SWAMP, is planning an open house at its main program site, the teen center at 6 North Main Street, from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 22.

The open house will welcome residents of the greater Port Allegany area, of all ages, to see what the group has been doing, with the aid of its sponsors, since beginning to organize just months ago.

SWAMP’s flagship project is operation of the teen center, in the former barber shop location in the south block of the business district.

The teen center is for area youth in grades 7 through 12. It is the locus for a variety of fun activities throughout the summer, and will also be open on a different schedule during the school year. There will be educational services as well, after the school term starts.

The teen center provides a clearing house for summer jobs, including part-time or occasional chores. Teen workers are available for yard care and other odd jobs, errands and child care.

SWAMP seeks additional sponsors and financial support from community members, individuals, organizations and businesses, to meet the approximately $500 monthly overhead to keep the teen center going, according to adult advisors. A spokesperson said that amount would cover rent and utilities. Other expenses are met through the group’s fund raising events and sales efforts.

Those interested in SWAMP, its programs or helping the organization may call 642-2223.

SWAMP is an acronym for Success With Achievement, Motivation and Preparedness.

Dedication Planned - Port Allegany Moose Family Center #460 will dedicate their new Flag Memorial on Route 155 South, at Moose Park.  The ceremony will begin at 2:00pm on July 30 and the public is invited to attend.

Rotary Cleans Up - The local Rotary Club took their turn at the clean-up of the flowers and greenery located around the gazebo.  Pictured are Joe DeMott and George Baxter.  This annual project helps to keep that area of the Town Square looking it's best.  Other groups also take turns at this task.  Rotarians then went to the Moose Family Center for food and fellowship.  Today's meeting will be held at noon at the Moose Family Center with Marty Moses serving as Program Chair for the day.

Port Defeats Coudy and CC - The Port Allegany Community Swim Team defeated Coudersport and Cameron County during a Tri-County Swim League meet held Thursday evening in Port Allegany with a score of 445 (Port Allegany), 227 (Coudersport), and Cameron County (148).  Taking first place for Port were Derek Johnson with four wins; Jorden Edgell with two; Jillian Edgreen with four; McKenna with four; Mary Rosenswie with four; Jacob Stehle with two; Garret with three; Taro Tanaka with three; McKayla Hults with two; Lynae Delacour with two; Monica Johnson with four; Hannah Lathrop with three; Allison Lathrop with four; and Dalton Distrola with three wins.  The Port Allegany team hosted Bradford Tuesday evening.  Results were not yet available at press time.  Pam Fischer Photo