PennFuture Blog

Our Perspectives on the Latest Issues

Environment

PennFuture and Partners Convince EPA to Upgrade Delaware River Water Quality Standards

by Jessica O'Neill, Senior Attorney
On December 1, the EPA took the rare step and granted our petition! Read more

Distribution Centers Bring into Focus Limitations of Local Zoning Laws

Tobyhanna Creek
by Donna Kohut, Policy Manager for Sustainable Economics
A recent decision made by local officials in Monroe County demonstrates how paying close attention to zoning ordinances can help overturn ill-advised warehouse projects. Read more

Erie’s Stormwater Fee Program Becomes Reality

by Jenny Tompkins, Campaign Manager for Clean Water Advocacy
Erie City Council passed a much-anticipated stormwater user fee. Read more

The Clean Water Act’s 50-Year Impact on Pennsylvania

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
Despite the Clean Water Act's protections, Pennsylvania still struggles to restore our impaired waterways Read more

Upholding the True Meaning of Pennsylvania’s Environmental Rights Amendment

by Jessica O'Neill, Senior Attorney
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit recently handed down a decision upholding the ban on fracking in the Delaware River basin, the latest in a series of legal disputes over the state’s constitutional protections for the Delaware River — and all waterways throughout the Commonwealth. Read more

Reasons to Remain Hopeful as Supreme Court Rules on Clean Water Act’s Future

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
Sackett vs EPA could perhaps raise the most hotly contested Clean Water Act issues in more than 50 years Read more

Growing Greener Lives On – with Bipartisan Support

by Senator John Gordner (R-27) and Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108)
Senator John Gordner (SD-27) and Representative Lynda Schlegel Culver (HD-108) detail the history and importance behind the State Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program. 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

New Plastic Bag Ban Bill in Philadelphia Could Result in Cleaner, Greener Future

by Ishan Maratha, Public Policy Intern
Philadelphia’s ongoing efforts to address the plastic waste crisis are poised to make significant advances following City Council’s summer recess. 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

Subsurface Storage is a Promising Addition to our Renewable Energy Arsenal

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney, John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
One of the true barriers facing Pennsylvania’s transition to a clean energy future is the need for a balanced grid and for on-demand power. Read more

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