PennFuture is thrilled to introduce our first video podcast, or vidcast, or vodcast, depending on who you ask. No matter: tune in to see and hear why you should join us and many others in supporting a moratorium on prematurely buying and demolishing thousands of homes and businesses throughout Pittsburgh and other communities in the Monongahela River Valley.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and backers of the Mon-Fayette toll road have for decades been pushing for a Turnpike expansion that would extend from Pittsburgh to Morgantown, West Virginia. To date, they've spent over $1.1 billion on the project, but are nowhere close to completion.

The latest move is that backers of the Turnpike expansion want to buy thousands of homes and businesses in the right of way for a 24-mile section of the toll road (PA 51 to I-376) and demolish them-- but they have NO money to actually build even an inch of road. And no plan for generating the measly $2.7 billion (and growing!) estimated to construct the project.

The result: indefinite uncertainty about land use and community revitalization plans, loss of tax revenues for already-strapped school districts and municipalities, and creation of blight.

But the Turnpike Commission could simply wait: they don't have to move ahead with buying and razing communities. Tune in to learn more about the situation, and to learn about the growing list of elected officials and organizations supporting the moratorium.

Get more information on our Web site, in PennFuture Facts, and on the Hands Off Web site. Take action to let your elected officials, Governor Rendell, and the Turnpike Commission know that you support the moratorium. To join our Mon-Fayette Toll Road e-mail list to stay up to sate on this issue, e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

In this podcast, part two of a series on wind energy development in Pennsylvania, PennFuture's Heather Sage and Jan Jarrett talk with experts in the Commonwealth who are involved in processes for siting wind projects in the state. Establishing processes to avoid and minimize negative impacts to local communities and to wildlife is an important goal for the wind industry. Pennsylvania is ahead of most states when it comes to wind energy, and will continue to reap the benefits of this clean, renewable source of energy in terms of our state's long-term economic development, energy security and our environmental health.

We hear first from George Jugovic, Senior Attorney at PennFuture who worked collaboratively with stakeholders under the leadership of Governor Rendell's office to develop the Model Ordinance for Wind Energy Facilities in Pennsylvania. The model ordinance is a tool for local township and municipal officials to use as they begin to examine their local zoning and planning needs in areas where wind energy development is possible. George describes the sorts of local issues that the model ordinance covers, and explains that the ordinance was not intended to examine environmental issues relating to wind development.

However the Commonwealth does have an extensive process underway to do just that, and it is led by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' John Quigley, who speaks with Jan Jarrett. DCNR has brought together a wide array of stakeholders in a Wind and Wildlife Collaborative, representing a variety of perspectives and expertise to create a process whereby Pennsylvania can consider objective, scientific criteria for determining where wind development is most appropriate and where it is not. The group is also examining the possibility of siting wind energy developments on certain public lands, for example abandoned mine land areas or others. They hope to have recommendations on the possibility of wind energy on public lands by 2007.

Jan lastly speaks with PPM Atlantic Renewable's Sam Enfield, who describes how his company and others within the wind industry extensively consider proper siting of wind farms. Chief among their concerns are potential impacts to wildlife and surrounding communities. Sam also describes what the wind industry has learned about wildlife impacts.

To learn how you can make the switch to clean, renewable, local energy, visit Clean Your Air. For more information on this and other renewable energy issues, visit our Web site or e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

In this podcast, PennFuture's Christine Knapp speaks with presenters at the November 2006 Philadelphia Urban Sustainability Forum event on mass transit.

Christine interviews Scott Pendergrast, Manager of Real Estate at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Atlanta's population continues to grow, and Pendergrast highlights what MARTA is doing to alleviate roadway congestion. He also shares ideas that Pennsylvania cities can implement to expand their transit systems.

Christine next speaks with Dick Voith, one of Governor Ed Rendell's appointees to the Transportation Funding and Reform Commission, and a board director of the organization PenTrans. Voith shares details of the commission's recent report to the Governor, providing recommendations on generating long-term funding for both highways and transit. Voith also provides suggestions on increasing ridership by targeting developments around areas near train stations and bus stops (transit-oriented development).

Christine ends by speaking with Sam Schwartz of Sam Schwartz PLLC, a multidisciplinary transportation engineering and planning firm based in New York City. Schwartz describes his experience in the field of transit development, and expresses optimism about the future expansion of Philadelphia's transit system. 

Visit the Next Great City site to learn more about the initiative to improve the quality of life, neighborhoods, and the environment in Philadelphia. For more information on PennFuture's work, visit our Web site or e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org. 

 

In this podcast, PennFuture's Joy Bergey speaks with presenters at the October 2006 Philadelphia Urban Sustainability Forum event on energy. Joy speaks first with Liz Robinson, Executive Director of the non-profit Energy Coordinating Agency. ECA is best-known for helping to make low-income homes more energy efficient, but their services are available to everyone in the Philadelphia area.

At the forum, Robinson spoke about energy policies needed to ensure a sustainable future in the face of "peak oil" and global warming. Robinson explains that peak oil, which she believes we have reached, refers to the situation where humans have extracted and used half the earth's oil supply, and as such, the second half becomes much more difficult and much more expensive to extract. Robinson also shares in the podcast what she believes to be the most important policy change that must occur as soon as possible.

Joy next speaks to Nadia Adawi, Director of the Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania. This organization is a 27-year old member-owned cooperative with more than 6500 members in southeastern Pennsylvania. The Energy Co-Op includes businesses, residences, municipalities, and organizations in its membership. Adawi's group works to bring more renewable energy into the market. Their products include 100% renewables, biodiesel for area fleets, and bioheating oil for use in home furnaces. They are also embarking on a new venture, the Philadelphia Fryer Diesel project, where they will be collecting waste restaurant grease and producing biodiesel for members' transportation needs.

To learn more about how you can buy clean, renewable energy, visit Clean Your Air. For more information about PennFuture's work on energy policy and global warming, contact us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org, or visit our Web site.

PennFuture takes a moment to pause today to thank all of YOU who've come together to help work so hard on the effort to pass a Pennsylvania Mercury Rule! Today, November 16, 2996, the Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) voted 3 to 2 to approve new regulations proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) which will protect the health of children by reducing toxic mercury pollution made by the state’s coal-fired power plants. The IRRC approval is the last regulatory approval needed before implementation of the rule. The legislature, however, could still attempt to kill the program in the lame duck session later this month.

This afternoon in Harrisburg, Mother Nature seemed to be smiling in recognition of the momentous decision. Not one, but two rainbows, seen in the picture accompanying this post, stretched across the sky, ending at the Capitol Building. Hey folks, we couldn't make this stuff up if we tried!

“We are pleased and gratified that the IRRC stood tall against the special interests and with the 80 percent of Pennsylvanians who support tough Pennsylvania specific regulations against toxic mercury pollution,? said John Hanger, president and CEO of PennFuture. “This issue is crucial to Pennsylvania families since our state’s power plants are the second biggest emitters of toxic mercury pollution in the country. Our congratulations and gratitude go to both DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty and Governor Edward Rendell for their vision and courage on this issue. ?

“We urge the Pennsylvania legislature to keep faith with their constituents and let this regulation become law,? continued Hanger. “This rule has been thoroughly discussed in stakeholder groups, public hearings, and a period of public comment during the past two years. At every juncture, the rule was met with overwhelming support, including an unprecedented outpouring of formal public comments – nearly 11,000 filed, with only 37 in opposition.

“Some in the legislature want to nullify the regulatory process and overturn the clear wishes of their constituents,? continued Hanger. “That would be arrogance of the nth degree, and is exactly what the voters rebelled against at the polls earlier this month. We must not let the polluters succeed.?

“We urge the legislature to abide by the IRRC decision and let the mercury regulations become law,? concluded Hanger. “Surely protecting babies from brain and neurological damage from toxic mercury is a cause worth fighting for.?

The genesis of the Pennsylvania rule was in August 2004, when PennFuture formally filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) on behalf of 10 public health, sporting, women's rights and environmental and conservation organizations, asking the EQB to enact a regulation requiring coal-fired power plants to reduce their mercury emissions by 90 percent. Today nearly 70 organizations, including the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, the Pennsylvania Parent Teachers Association, the Learning Disabilities Association and the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, have joined in this vital effort.

Toxic mercury pollution from power plants threatens the health of women and their babies. More than 600,000 women of childbearing age nationwide have amounts of mercury in their blood over the level set as safe by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Academy of Sciences. Unsafe levels of mercury in mothers' blood and breast milk can interfere with the proper development of babies' brains and neurological systems and can lead to learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, problems with coordination, lowered IQs and even mental retardation.

To do your part to ensure the rule becomes the law of the land, and that the legislature does nothing to scuttle the process at the last minute in the lame duck session, take action on our site.

Many leaders in various faith traditions and communities nationwide have taken firm and visible stands on the need for immediate and effective action to curb global warming. Viewing the issue as a moral imperative, people of faith take the call to action very seriously, recognizing that the devastating impacts of global warming are and will continue to be felt most by those least fortunate among us. Further, they take their roles as good stewards or caretakers of creation as fundamental to their faith traditions.

In this podcast, PennFuture's Joy Bergey speaks first with National Council of the Churches of Christ (NCC) General Secretary Rev. Dr. Robert Edgar, who was appearing at a recent conference called "Sacred Seasons, Sacred Earth." Edgar explains why he and the NCC have placed a high priority on environmental protection and specifically on global warming work. The NCC reshaped their mission and priorities when Edgar took a leadership role there in 2000, and the NCC is the leading organization in the country in the movement for Christian unity.

Joy then speaks with Rev. Jim Wallis, President and Executive Director of Sojourners/Call to Renewal and an internationally renowned author, commentator, preacher, and activist. Wallis recently served as the keynote speaker at PennFuture's annual global warming conference in southeastern Pennsylvania, and spoke to a packed house at the Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Wallis describes the growing awareness among young evangelical Christians for "creation care." He shares his belief that a sea change-- not a gradual shift toward action-- is required to appropriately respond to global warming. He speaks of the critical need for new policies, new practices, and new personal choices and cultures within families as soon as possible.

To learn more about PennFuture's work on stopping global warming here at home in Pennsylvania, visit our Cool Pennsylvania campaign center. For more information, or to get involved, please e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

It's almost impossible to sum up the accomplishments of the inimitable Wangari Maathai. She recently returned to Pittsburgh (she received her Master's degree in biology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1965) to receive an honorary doctorate, and to speak at the national convention of the Society of American Foresters. The 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate has impacted the lives of countless people. Perhaps one of her most important contributions to the world is her ability to inspire great action in others.

In this podcast, PennFuture's D.J. Trischler speaks with Wanjira Maathai, Wangara's daughter and the Executive Director of Green Belt Movement International, the organization her mother founded. Wanjira shares how each person must follow our hearts in order to enjoy whatever it is we do in life. She believes it would be impossible to follow in her mother's footsteps. So she is creating her own path, based on her own interests, and although her path was very different, she is now working alongside her mother.

Whether you are an environmental activist or not, the words of Wanjira Maathai are compelling. She speaks of how we might all conquer our fears, and accomplishing all that you wish to in your lifetime.

Leave us a comment about this podcast by clicking "comment" below. We'd love to hear about what inspires you. To learn more about PennFuture, visit our Web site, or e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

This week the citizens of Pennsylvania proved that when they speak and act together, they are (as they should always be) more powerful and more influential than high-priced industry lobbyists. Thanks to citizens and editorial writers across the state, and their vocal opposition to proposed legislation to kill the Clean Vehicles Program, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives decided not to consider this legislation as initially planned. This decision means that the clean cars program, which would help protect Pennsylvania seniors and children from air pollution that sickens and kills, will move forward. The failure to consider Senate Bill 1025, a bill to kill the Clean Vehicles Program, allows Pennsylvanians to have easy access to the cleanest and most fuel-efficient cars, cutting gasoline use and our reliance on foreign oil.

In this podcast, PennFuture's Jan Jarrett speaks with PennFuture President and CEO John Hanger about this rare and glorious win for public health, national security, the economy and the environment. John outlines what happened, why this program is so critical for Pennsylvania, and what needs to occur over the next month to ensure that the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program stays in place so that we can all breathe a lot easier. 

With the Clean Vehicles Program, Pennsylvanians will finally be able to purchase the most technologically advanced, fuel-efficient and cleanest cars, striking a blow against our addiction to foreign oil from Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Saving the Clean Vehicles Program also saves Pennsylvania jobs and industry, since federal law requires that we cut air pollution, and the clean cars program cuts one-third of that pollution, avoiding stricter standards on many businesses.

Senate Bill 1025, which passed the Senate in February, was considered dead by most observers. The Clean Vehicles Program regulations requiring cars sold in the Commonwealth to meet more protective pollution standards beginning with the 2008 model year were passed by a 16-2 vote of the Environmental Quality Board on September 19, following public comments of nearly 5,000 citizens in favor of the new rule and an extensive public involvement process. However, SB 1025 was raced through the House Transportation Committee on October 17, after a full-page ad paid for by out-of-state special interests appeared in the Harrisburg Patriot-News, and less than 24 hours after the committee leadership suddenly announced the consideration of the bill. House leadership then put the bill on a fast track, to be considered on the last voting day of the House session before the election break.

The Clean Vehicles Program standards were developed by the state of California, and are the only option besides the weak standards of the federal government. Once the clean cars program is fully implemented, Pennsylvania will join Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Washington and California in opting for the clean cars program.

To stay informed, please visit PennFuture's Web site and click "Take Action," where you can sign up to receive up-to-the-minute action alerts on this and other critical environmental issues. To learn more, e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

Energy is arguably the most important environmental and national security issue we face as a nation today. Global warming and its impacts demand immediate action, and development and use of renewable energy for electricity production, together with energy conservation, are critical components of the solution.

In Pennsylvania, we have significant wind energy development potential. Thanks to the Commonwealth's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS), ever-increasing percentages of renewable energy production must be part of Pennsylvania's electricity supply. As a result, we will grow economically as the industry expands, but at the same time, we will be curbing our state's contribution to global warming, as we decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.

In this podcast, PennFuture's Jan Jarrett speaks with two leaders in the field of wind energy about the development of commercial-scale wind farms in Pennsylvania. In less than a decade, our state has become a trail-blazer in the field of wind energy, and this will continue. Jan talks first with Sam Enfield from PPM Atlantic Renewable, a company that sites and builds large wind farms. He describes the complex challenges in getting projects off the ground. Jan then talks with Community Energy founder and Executive Vice President Brent Alderfer, a pioneer in wind and supplying green energy choices to Pennsylvania's electricity consumers.

Stay tuned to our podcasts for a subsequent piece by Jan that explores the challenges at hand for siting wind farm developments across the state, including local zoning, developing a process to avoid wildlife impacts, and examining the possibilities of developing renewable energy projects on public lands.

To learn how you can make the switch to clean, renewable, local energy, visit Clean Your Air. For more information on this and other renewable energy issues, visit our Web site or e-mail us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.

For those of you following the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program progress, you've been invigorated by the nearly 5000 people statewide who overwhelmingly commented in favor of the rule this summer. That's because you know that the program will cut unhealthy and even deadly air pollution from one of the most predominant sources: our own cars and trucks. And you also know that in the bargain, we'll come away with options to buy more fuel efficient vehicles, saving us gas and money. The program will even help to cut back on Pennsylvania's contributions to global warming.

Despite the groundswell of public support, and an affirmative vote to move ahead toward better public health by the state's Environmental Quality Board, legislators this week opted to move on nasty legislation that kills the program, favoring instead a weak federal rule that leaves Pennsylvania short on achieving legally-required cleanup targets for unhealthy air pollution.

SB 1025 passed the Pennsylvania Senate in February, but was for many months bottled up in the House, presumably because Representatives had the good sense to pay attention to citizens and their support for the rule. SB 1025 takes away the Pennsylvania program that would require a certain number of cars and trucks sold, leased, and rented in the Commonwealth meet low emission standards, making what we have in place today "optional," (read: over), and putting in its place the federal rule that many of our neighboring states have already replaced. The House is poised to take a vote on the bad Senate bill as soon as October 23rd.

In this podcast, PennFuture's Christine Knapp talks with folks who came out earlier this year during one of the public hearings on the program. Pennsylvanians everywhere shared personal stories about why cleaner cars and trucks truly matter to them.

After listening, we urge you to take action in support of the program by asking your State Representative to vote NO on SB 1025, or any legislation that would block the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program. To learn more, visit our Web site or contact us at podcast (at) pennfuture (dot) org.