PennFuture Blog

John Ukenye, Policy Analyst

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

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

PA Environmental Leaders, State Senators Discuss the Failure of Shale Gas Policies and Negative Public Health Impacts of Industry

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
On June 2nd, State Senator Katie Muth, chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, joined Senator Jim Brewster, Senator Lindsey Williams, and Senator Jay Costa to host a public hearing on state policy and health impacts of the shale gas industry. Read more

New Solar Energy Discoveries Suggest an Even Brighter Renewable Energy Future

solar photovoltaic
by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
Advancements in solar energy research and development could further expedite the rise of renewable energy. Read more

Pennsylvania House Asks: Could We Live Without Fossil Fuels? We Say: We Must.

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
On March 28, 2022, the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee held an industry-friendly hearing titled “Could We Live Without Fossil Fuels?” Read more

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: War, Fossil Fuels, and What it Means for Pennsylvanians

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst, Matthew Stepp, Vice President and Chief of Staff, PennFuture
Russia’s war with Ukraine is underlining the economic and national security costs of relying on fossil fuels. Read more

PennFuture Meets with State Agencies About Asphalt-Plastic Mixture

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
On Dec. 9, PennFuture met with representatives from the Departments of Transportation, Conservation and Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and General Services , Pennsylvania GreenGov Council, and engineering firm RK&K. Read more

During Press Conference, State Senators Openly Choose Profits Over Pennsylvanians, Our Environment

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
On October 20, 2021, State Senators Camera Bartolotta, Gene Yaw, and Independent John Yudichak held a press conference at the Main Capitol Rotunda filled to the brim with falsehoods. Read more

It's Past Time for Pennsylvania to Invest in Renewable Energy

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
Instead of doubling down on an unsustainable and dirty fracked gas industry, Pennsylvania must work to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote alternatives such as energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. Read more

Pennsylvania as a Hydrogen Hub

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
For those well aware of the need for our nation to get serious about mitigating climate change, Pennsylvania becoming a “Blue Hydrogen Hub” would simply be continuing us down a ruinous path. Read more

What You Won't Hear During the Aug. 17 Public Hearing on Pipelines in Pennsylvania

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
Pennsylvania’s pipelines have not been environmentally friendly, economically sustainable, safe, or at all “beneficial” to the average citizen. Read more

Maine’s Innovative Response to Plastics Pollution and What the Rest of Us Can Learn From it

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
Something must be done to tackle our plastic waste problem in the U.S., and states like Maine might be leading the way and teaching us all a thing or two about finally solving this issue. Read more

More than Skin-Deep: Environmental Racism, Justice, and Pennsylvania

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
It is clear that people of minority groups are facing the brunt of environmental degradation at a harsher rate than other groups, and this is true in Pennsylvania too. Read more

Introduction: An Intersectional Approach to Fighting the Petrochemical Buildout in Pennsylvania

by John Ukenye, Policy Analyst
The environmental realm is one that reaches all Pennsylvanians, and sits at the center of all other issues every person in the state faces. Read more