Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Our mission is to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land, and water resources while ensuring the health and safety of all residents and visitors to the commonwealth.

To contact the PA DEP, visit dep.pa.gov. If you are looking for more information about DEP, please visit dep.pa.gov

Facebook Comment Policy:

We encourage the public to comment on this page and welcome all viewpoints. Comments should remain relevant to the topic at hand and participants must treat each other with respect. We review the comments posted to our page on a regular basis and reserve the right to delete comments that contain the following:

• Profane and/or vulgar content;
• Sexually suggestive or harassing content;
• Obscene content;
• Nudity in a participant’s profile picture;
• Threats of physical or bodily harm;
• Defamatory statements;
• Disparaging language or hate speech targeting an individual’s race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, or disability;
• Commercial content promoting or soliciting service or products;
• Content promoting political organizations;
• Name-calling and/or personal attacks;
• Spam, such as the same comment posted repeatedly;
• Personally identifying, sensitive and/or private information;
• Language or content suggesting or encouraging illegal activity;
• Information that could reasonably compromise public safety; and
• Other content that DEP deems inappropriate. We monitor this page but are not responsible for content generated by users. Comments and content posted on this page may be subject to public disclosure. Communications posted on this page will not be construed as satisfying requirements for legal notice or service, shall not be considered official public comment, and shall not be construed as an official request for records pursuant to the Right-to-Know Law. We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. Continued use of this page following the posting of any modification signifies acceptance of such modification. Privacy Policy:
Read the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s full Social Media Policy: http://on.pa.gov/social-media-policy

16/10/2026

ICYMI:
Fresh, healthy food doesn’t need to go to waste — it can help feed Pennsylvanians.

Recently, DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley joined First Lady Lori Shapiro at The Valley Lighthouse in Lykens to see how DEP’s Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant is supporting that work.

The Valley Lighthouse received $50,000 in the latest grant round to purchase a box truck, freezer, and refrigerator — equipment that’s helping them expand their food recovery and distribution efforts.

Efforts like these are happening year-round across Pennsylvania as organizations work to keep good food out of the waste stream and into communities that need it.

Today, Secretary Jessica Shirley joined partners and volunteers at the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Annual Conference in ...
15/10/2026

Today, Secretary Jessica Shirley joined partners and volunteers at the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Annual Conference in Reading to celebrate the power of community stewardship.

She highlighted decades of collaboration between DEP and KPB, the millions of volunteers who have stepped up to protect and improve their communities, and the programs that continue to drive cleaner, healthier environments across Pennsylvania.

Secretary Shirley also emceed the conference’s Shark Tank session, where local affiliates pitched innovative, community driven ideas for a chance at grant funding—showcasing the creativity and passion fueling Pennsylvania’s environmental progress.

Together, we’re proving that small actions, multiplied statewide, keep Pennsylvania clean, healthy, and beautiful.

Fort Cherry School District is turning food waste into hands on learning thanks to support from the 2025 Environmental E...
14/10/2026

Fort Cherry School District is turning food waste into hands on learning thanks to support from the 2025 Environmental Education Grants Program!

This year, students launched a district wide composting initiative that brings science learning to life. From collecting cafeteria food scraps to maintaining compost bins and studying compost enriched soils in gardens and greenhouses, students are exploring soil health, the carbon cycle, climate change, and regenerative practices in real time.

The project connects elementary science classes with vocational agriculture students—building environmental awareness, collaboration, and real-world problem solving skills across grade levels.

Want to bring innovative environmental education projects like this to your community?
Learn more about the Environmental Education Grants Program and how to apply: https://bit.ly/EE-grants

🌟 Exciting News for Pennsylvania Small Businesses! 🌟The 2026–2027 Small Business Advantage Grant from the PA Department ...
14/10/2026

🌟 Exciting News for Pennsylvania Small Businesses! 🌟

The 2026–2027 Small Business Advantage Grant from the PA Department of Environmental Protection is officially open for applications! Designed to help businesses improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, this grant offers reimbursement grants covering 50%–80% of eligible project costs—up to $12,000 💰.

🗓️ Key Dates:
Applications opened: September 11, 2026
Deadline: March 19, 2027 (or when funds are fully committed)

Apply now and seize this opportunity to boost your bottom line while making a positive environmental impact! Learn more and apply here:

🔗 https://bit.ly/business-advantage

Looking to see how Pennsylvania’s cities are turning climate goals into real, measurable action?Our next Sustainability ...
13/10/2026

Looking to see how Pennsylvania’s cities are turning climate goals into real, measurable action?

Our next Sustainability Series 8 webinar spotlights two leaders driving impactful change on the ground: the Philadelphia Energy Authority and the City of Pittsburgh’s sustainability team.

Hear how these agencies are advancing clean energy, accelerating local climate initiatives, and building more resilient communities across the Commonwealth.

Friday, October 16 • 12–1 PM
Register: https://bit.ly/4rSFTW5

Join us to learn what’s working, what’s next, and how Pennsylvania continues to lead in sustainability innovation.

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. PA DEP encourages all Pennsylvanians to take time to learn about the deep environmenta...
12/10/2026

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. PA DEP encourages all Pennsylvanians to take time to learn about the deep environmental history of our state and how people have interacted with its land and waterways for thousands of years.

Understanding this long relationship with the environment helps inform how we care for Pennsylvania’s natural resources today.

Explore public educational resources:

American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges - https://bit.ly/4e0DpiA

Indigenous History of Pennsylvania – https://bit.ly/4yZtTFb

Indian Country 101 Training - https://bit.ly/4idfoY5

Honoring the Earth: Native American Environmental Practices and Lessons for Today - https://bit.ly/4s4W7vu

5 ways Indigenous people are protecting the planet - https://bit.ly/4hPSo01

How Native Tribes Are Taking the Lead on Planning for Climate Change - https://bit.ly/4dxdaAe

Check out these students from Bucks County Community College restoring a native coastal plain forest habitat right on ca...
09/10/2026

Check out these students from Bucks County Community College restoring a native coastal plain forest habitat right on campus!

Thanks to funding from DEP’s Environmental Education Grants Program, students in Intro to Environmental Science planted 110 native trees and shrubs at the Gene and Marlene Epstein Campus.

This hands-on project gave students practical field experience in:
✔️ Climate change mitigation & carbon sequestration
✔️ Coastal plain habitat restoration
✔️ Practical conservation stewardship

Inspiring the next generation of PA environmental stewards! 💚

🔗 Want to bring hands-on environmental literacy to your school or community? Check out 2027 EE Grant opportunities at this link: https://bit.ly/4rujONy

Finding the right funding path shouldn't be a barrier to making positive environmental changes in your community or busi...
08/10/2026

Finding the right funding path shouldn't be a barrier to making positive environmental changes in your community or business.

Jere McCarthy, owner of Northeast Softwoods sawmill in Lewisburg, recently partnered with DEP’s Funding Concierge, Louie Krak, to navigate available grant options. Jere found that the service brought invaluable in-depth knowledge to a complex process, making grant opportunities far more approachable for smaller operations with limited resources.

After seeing the impact of 1-on-1 guidance firsthand, Jere highly recommends that other local businesses, non-profits, and municipal leaders reach out to use the service.

If you have a project in mind, schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation with the DEP Funding Concierge today to discover what opportunities are available for you. Visit this page for more info: https://bit.ly/4rEWM6z

Good news! Recent rainfall has brought much‑needed relief to parts of south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania.Counti...
08/10/2026

Good news! Recent rainfall has brought much‑needed relief to parts of south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Counties back to normal conditions:

Bedford, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Northampton.

Counties that improved from Warning to Watch:
Berks and Lehigh.

While our streams and rivers have bounced back nicely, groundwater is taking a bit longer to recover. That slower recharge is why some counties are still under Drought Watch.

Because drought conditions can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, we’re still asking residents to use water wisely and check with your local water supplier for any specific guidance where you live.

Want to take a closer look at the latest drought map and details? Visit: dep.pa.gov/drought

Looking to fund hands-on outdoor learning, climate resiliency, or watershed education in your school district?Applicatio...
07/10/2026

Looking to fund hands-on outdoor learning, climate resiliency, or watershed education in your school district?

Applications for the 2027 PA DEP Environmental Education Grants open October 5, 2026.

Eligible Applicants:
• PreK-12 public, charter, and private schools
• Colleges and universities
• Conservation districts & 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Registered PA businesses

Priorities for 2027 focus on Land Use, Air Quality, Water, and Climate Change, with an emphasis on projects serving Environmental Justice communities.

⏰ Deadline to Apply: November 13, 2026
🗓️ Applicant Webinar: October 13, 2026 (12:00 PM EDT)
🔗 Check eligibility and get the 2027 guidance manual at this link: https://bit.ly/4rujONy

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