PennFuture Blog

Our Perspectives on the Latest Issues

Energy

How RGGI Can Help PA Meet EPA’s New Carbon Emission Reduction Standards

by Lindsay Williamson
Power plants account for at least 25 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere, which is nearly twice as much as homes and small business contributions combined. Read more

The State of Solar Development in PA: Solar Energy Benefits Remain Unrealized

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
Setting the record straight on commonly held myths about solar and recommendations to overcome the largest obstacles to solar energy adoption. Read more

The Carbon Rule

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
While meaningful federal action to address the growing climate crisis is long overdue, it’s also critical that whatever path we take, we do things right. There are better choices than using carbon capture and storage (CCS). Read more

Misguided Homeowner Association Restrictions Block Pennsylvania’s Solar Potential

HOAs all too often prohibit installation of solar panels on homeowners’ rooftops Read more

Introducing PennFuture’s New Legal & Policy Interns!

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
This spring, we have two fantastic students for our internship, representing a range of backgrounds and experiences Read more

What We Learned from the December 2022 Deep Freeze: Don’t Rely on Natural Gas When It’s Fracking Cold (Part 2)

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
Policymakers, grid operators, advocates, and industry need to take a critical look at Pennsylvania’s energy grid with an eye to reform. Read more

What We Learned from the December 2022 Deep Freeze: Don’t Rely on Natural Gas When It’s Fracking Cold (Part 1)

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
Pennsylvania’s energy grid came perilously close to a brownout event during last month’s winter storm Read more

How we helped create "A Shared Vision for Pennsylvania’s Environment and Communities" and where we go next

by Michael Mehrazar, Campaign 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

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

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

Introducing PennFuture's New Legal Interns!

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
PennFuture’s legal team is dedicated to restoring and protecting our environment and communities, to protecting our right to clean air and pure water, and to moving Pennsylvania toward a clean energy future. 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

DEP’s Revised Environmental Justice Policy: A Good Start but More Needs to Be Done to Protect PA’s Environmental Justice Communities

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
Earlier this year, the PA Department of Environmental Protection released its revised Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy. This policy, last released in 2004, is intended to help guide the Department in integrating Environmental Justice (EJ) into more aspects of their work. Read more

Pennsylvania Finally Caps Carbon Pollution From Power Plants: Now What?

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
After many delays, the Legislative Reference Bureau published the final CO2 Budget Trading Program, also known as the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Rule.” Read more

Celebrating 52 Years of Earth Day

by Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture President and CEO
Earth Day 2022 arrives with profound backdrops. The time for action is now. Read more

PennFuture Celebrates Lake Erie and Introduces New Erie Campaign Manager During PA Clean Water Education Week

by Jenny Tompkins, Campaign Manager for Clean Water Advocacy
PennFuture is celebrating its sixth annual PA Clean Water Education Week, dedicated to showcasing the Commonwealth’s unique waterways and advocating for their health by ensuring sufficient state funding for protection and restoration initiatives. Read more

Get the Latest onOur PennFuture

Sign up for email updates on the latest news, events, and opportunities to make a difference.

Sign Up