Shaking the packages under the stimulus tree
This week Governor Rendell outlined his administration's plans and procedures for using an estimated $16 billion in Federal stimulus money. The investments include $1.4 billion for transportation infrastructure, $472 million for energy independence and $425 million for job training and unemployment services.
PennFuture and other organizations are urging Rendell and the General Assembly to use the stimulus money consistent with the Keystone Principles for Growth, Investment and Resource Conservation adopted by the Economic Development Cabinet in 2005. These simple, commonsense principles are:
DCNR Secretary heads home after six successful years
Governor Rendell announced yesterday that Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis will leave the agency on April 3 after a highly successful and innovative six-year tenure. Pennsylvania's loss is Philadelphia's gain, as Mayor Michael Nutter (D) announced that DiBerardinis will become the city's Parks and Recreation Commissioner and serve as a senior advisor.
DiBerardinis provided strong, thoughtful and effective stewardship of the Commonwealth's natural resources including state forests and state parks. Over 130,000 acres of natural areas were protected during his tenure. DiBerardinis also pushed DCNR into the national forefront with bold leadership on carbon management and global warming, and wind energy.
PennFuture congratulates Secretary DiBerardinis for his many accomplishments, and wishes him the best back home in Philadelphia.
Early voting is in
Have you voted yet? You still have time to weigh in on what steps Pennsylvania should take to combat global warming. Fill out our online survey today and help the Climate Change Advisory Committee decide what should go into the State Action Plan. PennFuture President and CEO Jan Jarrett, a member of the committee, is delivering all results to the committee, so that all Pennsylvanians have the ability to be heard early in the process. Jan delivered the first set of results on February 27, 2009. We will continue to accept survey responses and report them to the committee until a state plan is finalized.
CCS test injection under way in Michigan
A test project to permanently inject 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide into a deep saline formation in Michigan is now well underway. The Department of Energy's Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership, which includes Pennsylvania, is conducting the project. It will provide valuable understanding to guide emerging carbon capture and storage technology.
Get comfy
Ideally, following green building and energy efficiency standards in your home should not only save you money and stop energy from being wasted - they should also make you more comfortable. You can find out how that all works at the Pennsylvania Home Energy Conference 09 on March 18 and 19 in State College. Whether you are already an energy efficiency service provider or thinking about becoming one, a realtor, contractor, builder, developer, or just an interested do-it-yourselfer, this conference will bring you up to speed on the issue. Don't delay registering - the conference is likely to sell out.
|
