The persistent rains the last few months has relieved drought conditions that have plagued much of Pennsylvania over the last year. Last week, the Commonwealth Drought Task Force lifted a drought watch for twenty-one counties but kept the watch in…
Pennsylvania Preserves Farms in Townships Across the Commonwealth
Pennsylvania is investing nearly $10 million to purchase development rights for 2,672 acres on 35 farms in 30 townships in 18 counties, protecting them from future development. The program ensures that Pennsylvania farmers will have access to prime quality land…
“Democracy Demands Free Access to Public Information”
Op-Ed Alert 2: The “Reporter” out of Pittsburgh published an op-ed written by PSATS executive director, Dave Sanko. Dave includes some updated information of interest.“A May 2024 Pew Research Center report found that only 4% of Americans prefer getting their local news from print…
Op-Ed Alert: Charging for Public Information Is Undemocratic — It’s Time to Break the Monopoly
We’ve just submitted an op-ed for publication that calls for a long-overdue change in how public information is shared in our state. As Pennsylvania celebrates its 250th anniversary, we believe it’s time to modernize outdated laws that require legal notices…
Shapiro Promotes Improvements to Speed of State Permit Review, DEP Tracking Site
Gov. Josh Shapiro is crediting his Administration’s work to speed state permit reviews as a key factor in securing a $20 billion investment from Amazon in artificial intelligence data centers in Pennsylvania. He noted the Pennsylvania Permit Fast Track program,…
Natural Gas Impact Fee Outlook Released
The Independent Fiscal Office released a report on the calendar year 2024 natural gas impact fee that will be distributed in July 2025, as well as the future outlook for the fee. According to the report, the Public Utility Commission…
Former PSATS Executive Director R. Keith Hite Passes Away
Former PSATS Executive Director R. Keith Hite passed on June 16 after a struggle with cancer. Hite was executive director of PSATS from 2000 to 2009, when he wrapped up a 30-year career with PSATS. He is survived by his wife,…
Liberty Bell License Plates Are Back
Copying the bicentennial license plates from 1976, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced yesterday that the Liberty Bell plate is back and renamed “Let Freedom Ring.” The new license plate is available for all Pennsylvanians to order ahead of the 250th anniversary…
Supreme Court Rejects Higher Standard for Reverse Discrimination Claims
In Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, the United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of a plaintiff who alleged “reverse discrimination” in an employment decision. Marlean Ames was hired in 2004 as an employee at a youth…
DGS to Auction More Than 400 Vehicles Tomorrow
The state Department of General Services will auction more than 400 vehicles on Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road, Grantville. There will be a variety of 4-wheel drive SUVs, utility vehicles, and pickup trucks,…
