PennFuture Blog

Our Perspectives on the Latest Issues

Featured Blog:

PennFuture’s New Legal Interns Summer 2023

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

Swiftwater Solar Settlement: A win for all in the Poconos

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney
PennFuture and Brodhead Watershed Association (BWA) announce a settlement reached with the developer of the Swiftwater Solar project and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that protects the water quality of Exceptional Value Swiftwater Creek. Read more

Updated Zoning Ordinances Are Vital to Addressing the Impacts of Today’s Logistics Industry

by Brigitte Meyer, Staff Attorney
One of the most significant changes impacting land use in Pennsylvania today is the rise of e-commerce and the massive logistics facilities that support it. Read more

2023 State of the Air: Pennsylvania Cities Rank Among Most Polluted

by Angela Kilbert, Staff Attorney
New Report Shows Air Quality in Pennsylvania Cities Continue to Rank Among Most Polluted in the U.S. Read more

Why Go Solar?

by Caroline Weiss, Legal intern
Across Pennsylvania, interest is growing in rooftop solar panels for environmental and economic reasons. Read more

West Chester stormwater case: how ordinance language can harm PA’s pollution control

by Malisa Dang, Legal Intern
Court's ruling on stormwater charge generated controversy among other municipalities with similar stormwater ordinances and tax-exempted entities. Read more

Philly Spill Scare: This Is Why We Fight

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney
We dodged the worst this time, but this could happen again. Industry and other polluters are not going to keep us safe simply out of the goodness of their hearts, which is why we need to fight for stronger regulations. Read more

Why PennFuture, Partners Petitioned EPA to Object to U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works Title V Operating Permit

by Angela Kilbert, Staff Attorney
The renewed air permit for U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works fails to include the monitoring and testing requirements needed to ensure the facility actually complies with its permit limits. Read more

Environmental Disaster from East Palestine, OH Train Derailment

by Leigh Martinez, Communications Director
Shocking in its scale and potential effects, the disaster's long-term health and environmental impacts may not be known for months or even years 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

PennFuture and Partners Convince EPA to Upgrade Delaware River Water Quality Standards

by Jessica O'Neill, Senior Attorney
On December 1, the EPA took the rare step and granted our petition! Read more

Distribution Centers Bring into Focus Limitations of Local Zoning Laws

Tobyhanna Creek
by Donna Kohut, Policy Manager for Sustainable Economics
A recent decision made by local officials in Monroe County demonstrates how paying close attention to zoning ordinances can help overturn ill-advised warehouse projects. Read more

Erie’s Stormwater Fee Program Becomes Reality

by Jenny Tompkins, Campaign Manager for Clean Water Advocacy
Erie City Council passed a much-anticipated stormwater user fee. Read more

The Clean Water Act’s 50-Year Impact on Pennsylvania

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
Despite the Clean Water Act's protections, Pennsylvania still struggles to restore our impaired waterways Read more

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