PennFuture Blog

Our Perspectives on the Latest Issues

Climate

Let the Failed DNA Hydrogen Hub Go and Turn the Page to a Cleaner Future

by Donna Kohut, Policy Manager for Sustainable Economics
So why is Team PA attempting to move forward with the Ohio-Pennsylvania-West Virginia dirty hydrogen project without the funds? Read more

Mapping Climate Change By Viewing USDA's Plant Hardiness Zones

by Brigitte Meyer, Staff Attorney
This month, the USDA released the first update to its Plant Hardiness Zone Map in more than a decade, providing a stark, full-color depiction of the progress of climate change. Read more

Climate Disruption on Trial: A Major Victory for Environmental Rights in Montana

by John Dernbach, Board member
Held v. Montana is the first constitutional climate decision in the U.S. based on a trial. This article takes a closer look at the case. Read more

How RGGI Can Help PA Meet EPA’s New Carbon Emission Reduction Standards

by Lindsay Williamson
Power plants account for at least 25 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, which is nearly twice as much as homes and small business contributions combined. Read more

Renaming Erie’s “Summer of Soot and Sewage” to the Summer of Community Climate Solutions

by Jenny Tompkins, Campaign Manager for Clean Water Advocacy
Reflecting on Erie’s summer, I want to highlight four community activist-led efforts that provide hope and inspiration about our ability to affect change. Based on the examples set by these community advocates, I propose we rename this recent season to the “Summer of Community Climate Solutions.” Read more

How Humans are Breaking the Jet Stream and Changing the Weather

by Matthew Stepp, Vice President and Chief of Staff, PennFuture
A dive into what’s causing these unusual weather events points to something more insidious: humans are breaking the Earth’s jet streams. Read more

The Carbon Rule

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
While meaningful federal action to address the growing climate crisis is long overdue, it’s also critical that whatever path we take, we do things right. There are better choices than using carbon capture and storage (CCS). Read more

Why Go Solar?

by Caroline Weiss, Legal intern
Across Pennsylvania, interest is growing in rooftop solar panels for environmental and economic reasons. Read more

Misguided Homeowner Association Restrictions Block Pennsylvania’s Solar Potential

HOAs all too often prohibit installation of solar panels on homeowners’ rooftops Read more

Introducing PennFuture’s New Legal & Policy Interns!

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
This spring, we have two fantastic students for our internship, representing a range of backgrounds and experiences Read more

How we helped create "A Shared Vision for Pennsylvania’s Environment and Communities" and where we go next

by Michael Mehrazar, Advocacy Manager
On August 2, PennFuture and 30 partner organizations released a bold new agenda that represents our shared values and priorities ahead of elections this fall. Read more

Recent Passage of Lawn Care Bill Will Improve Pennsylvania's Waterways

by Renee Reber, Campaign Manager, Watershed Advocacy
For over a decade clean water advocates have sought updates to Pennsylvania’s Fertilizer Act to include more protections for waterways. At last, this July we can celebrate the passage of such legislation. Read more

Aquashicola Creek Finally Given Exceptional Value Designation

by Donna Kohut, Policy Manager for Sustainable Economics
After languishing at the Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) for nearly twelve years, the Aquashicola Creek was finally recognized as an Exceptional Value designation in January. Read more

Pennsylvania Began Participation in RGGI on July 1. What Happens Next?

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney, Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
With the RGGI Rule in effect, but its neck under a blade, what does it all mean, and what could happen from here? Read more

We Must Continue to Work for Change

by Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture President and CEO
On her final blog as PennFuture President and CEO, Jacquelyn Bonomo reflects on her 37-year career in environmental advocacy, and offers hopes for the future of environmental work in Pennsylvania. Read more

Philly Tree Fund Bill A Significant Step in Protection of Tree Canopy

by Ishan Maratha, Public Policy Intern
This legislation was an effort to implement ideas from the recent draft of the Philly Tree Plan, Philadelphia’s first long-term urban forest planning initiative, which is expected to be finalized in the coming months. Read more

PennFuture Protects Major River Basins Across Pennsylvania in Stormwater Settlement

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney
On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, PennFuture successfully reached an agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in its lawsuit seeking stronger protections from stormwater runoff. Read more

Turning PA into a “Hydrogen Hub” is not a Sustainable Energy Solution

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
Hydrogen development is not the sustainable energy solution it is currently being billed as for Pennsylvania and its future. Read more

PennFuture, Partners Advocate for Clean Water Funding Opportunities in the State Budget

by Renee Reber, Campaign Manager, Watershed Advocacy
Pennsylvania has $2.2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan funding that remains unallocated out of $7 billion it originally received. Recognizing the importance of natural infrastructure and healthy rivers and streams to public health, this money should be used to fund clean water programs and pr Read more

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