Good Wednesday morning, everyone.
State lawmakers and environmental advocates gathered in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday to share their plan to prioritize action on climate change and environmental justice before the November elections.
A group of more than 30 environmental advocacy organizations presented a plan, called “A Shared Vision for Pennsylvania’s Environment and Communities,” which they say will create jobs and protect families.
“Our Shared Vision advances the struggle for justice in all its forms – housing, economic, environmental, racial and social,” Diana Robinson civic engagement director of Make the Road Pennsylvania said. “By engaging and educating policymakers about the role they can play in creating a better Pennsylvania for their constituents, we hope to create a healthier, more equitable and prosperous Commonwealth.”
the 30-page plan identifies policy solutions in several areas of environmental concern, including air quality and pollution, energy, water quality, labor, housing and land use, and democracy.
“Our Shared Vision expands the environmental advocacy tent to show how protecting our open space, improving the quality of our air and water and building a green energy economy will benefit every Pennsylvanian, from the biggest city to the most rural town,” Molly Parzen, executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, said.
The plan also states that income from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state initiative to address climate change that the commonwealth joined in April, must invest “in ways that lower energy costs for low-income families and create jobs for underserved community.”
State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, D-Delawarejoined Capitol Hill advocates on Tuesday, saying lawmakers have “failed” to act on climate change.
“Now, in 2022, we fully have the resources and opportunity to take bold legislative action that will not only preserve our environment, but that will foster innovation, protect our public health and position Pennsylvania as a leader in the clean energy space,” Cappelletti said. “We just have to be brave enough to do it.”
VIDEO: State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, environmental advocates share their climate priorities
“We hope that the candidates for governor and the state Legislature will use this document as a guide to develop their platforms, and after they are elected, that they will prioritize making these policy solutions a reality ,” Jennifer Quinn, legislative and political director for the Pennsylvania Sierra Club said.
Our Things
NEW from the DC Bureau: US House Democrats file brief in college affirmative action lawsuit.
Ariana Figueroa wrote: Record rent increases, low wages are driving an eviction crisis, US Senate panel says.
ICYMI: Capital-Star Correspondent Katherine Reinhard reports: Buttigieg takes a hard look at Lehigh Valley infrastructure bill projects.
Indiana is likely to continue funding Pa.-based Real Alternatives despite questions about spending, according to our sister publication Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Feds drop investigation into property purchases by PA teachers’ pension fund. Pete Hall has a story.
Also from Pete Hall: Pennsylvania’s mail-in voting law has survived a constitutional challenge by GOP lawmakers.
On our Commentary page this morning:
John A. Tures reflects on Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols and their biggest roles you’ll never know.
Fletcher McClellan wrote: This week is a great time to be a Pennsylvania Democrat.
In another place
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports: On this, they agree: Josh Shapiro and Doug Mastriano want lower corporate taxes in Pa.
The tolls in Pa. Turnpike will go up again in 2023, PennLive reports.
The Scranton Times-Tribune reports: First responders attend training for autism, mental health at Lackawanna College.
from The Center Daily Times: PA has had 161 reported cases of monkeypox. Here’s what to know about the disease, symptoms.
Here’s your #Pennsylvania Instagram of the day
What’s Going On
Governor Tom Wolf There are no public appearances scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022.