PennFuture Celebrates 25 Years
Since 1998, PennFuture has combined legislative advocacy and legal enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels, educational outreach, and civic engagement support for just and equitable environmental outcomes that improve the quality of life
Philadelphia, PA, April 11, 2024 — Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) is celebrating 25 years of legislative advocacy and legal defense of the environment with two events in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Founded in 1998, PennFuture aims to tackle critical environmental issues through legal, policy, education, and communications strategies. Over the years, it has emerged as a leader in promoting clean energy infrastructure, protecting communities from air pollution, and safeguarding the state’s valuable streams.
"PennFuture has worked over a quarter century to make advancements towards improved water quality, cleaner energy, and energy efficiency,” said PennFuture’s President & CEO Patrick McDonnell. “While that progress has been significant, it is crucial that we build on those victories to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change and ensure a healthy environment for future generations. Our objective now is to fight for meaningful carbon reductions through cap and invest and renewable standards programs and to ensure water quality programs receive a stable source of funding."
During its 25-year history, PennFuture achieved significant victories for clean air, clean water, and renewable energy across Pennsylvania that include:
- Legal action against U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works for violations of the Clean Air Act. In 2023, The Environmental Protection Agency sided with PennFuture and its partners by rejecting the Allegheny County Health Department's air quality permit since it did not require monitoring and air testing as required by the Clean Air Act.
- Leading the campaigns for Growing Greener and the second, $625 million Growing Greener II bond initiative in Pennsylvania, creating financial support for environmental programs.
- Publishing the Model Municipal Ordinance & Guidebook in 2023 to help municipalities better manage the influx of large "warehouses" (logistics centers and truck terminals) moving into areas such as Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
- PennFuture experts were the first to raise the alarm over the emissions dangers of cryptocurrency mining. PennFuture and partners continue to urge the DEP to prevent the burning of tires to fuel crypto mining operations in Carbon County.
“Our member support has been instrumental in achieving significant environmental milestones, from securing legal protections for valuable ecosystems to advancing pro-environmental legislation and empowering communities most burdened by legacy pollution and systemic racism,” said Annie Regan, PennFuture’s Campaigns Director. “Real progress is made in policy shifts. It takes people speaking up and raising awareness to these issues that we’ll see positive changes.”
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, PennFuture will host a reception at the National Constitution Center on Philadelphia's Independence Mall. The event will recognize four individuals for their contributions to environmental protection and environmental accomplishments in their communities.
Philadelphia Honorees:
- Climate Champion Award: Michael E. Mann, climate scientist, professor, and author
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph Otis Minott, environmental attorney and former executive director of the Clean Air Council
- Champion of the Environment Award: Rep. Napoleon Nelson, state representative for District 154
- Volunteer Award: Peg Church, an environmental advocate from Bethlehem
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, PennFuture will celebrate at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh. The event will recognize three individuals for their contributions to environmental protection and environmental accomplishments in their communities.
Pittsburgh Honorees:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: John Dawes, founder and former executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds
- Champion of the Environment Award: Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive
- Volunteer Award: Fred Kraybill, an environmental advocate from Pittsburgh
PennFuture remains dedicated to its fundamental objective, which is to advocate for the constitutional rights of all Pennsylvanians to live in a pollution-free environment with clean air, clean water, and green, healthy spaces. Our vision for this year is to establish ambitious targets that will hasten the transition to more clean energy resources across the Commonwealth and safeguard our waterways from pollution and the effects of climate change.
About PennFuture:
Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) is a member-supported, statewide environmental advocacy nonprofit and watchdog fighting against potential threats to PA's clean air, pure water, and healthy climate. Since 1998, PennFuture has combined legislative advocacy and legal enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels, educational outreach, and civic engagement support for just and equitable environmental outcomes that improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.
PennFuture has stood at the forefront of major environmental milestones in Pennsylvania as a bold and vigilant defender of communities against pollution and environmentally harmful policies.
We have offices across Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Erie, and the Poconos.