PennFuture Blog

Our Perspectives on the Latest Issues

Featured Blog:

Nigerian Princes: How the Fracked Gas Industry Killed Pennsylvania Coal and Raised Electricity Prices While Swimming in Taxpayer Subsidies

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
When the shale gas industry came to Pennsylvania, industry lobbyists were telling our legislators how profitable it would be. It turns out that wasn't the case. Read more

PennFuture, Partners Appeal Air Installation Permit for Proposed Gas-Burning Plant in Elizabeth Township

by Angela Kilbert, Staff Attorney
If completed, this facility would be a major source of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and VOC emissions, and a minor source for particulate matter, PM10, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, and hazardous air pollutants. 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

The Basics of Hydrogen

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
The topic of hydrogen can seem heavy and hard to digest. Read more

Connecting Pennsylvania with COP26

by Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture President and CEO
The imperative for bold action on climate has never been greater. Read more

DRBC Proposed Regulations Ban Discharge of Fracking Wastewater, Discourages Fracking-Related Interbasin Water Transfers

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
It appears that the DRBC is taking seriously its authority – and duty – to protect the Delaware watershed from the inherent harms of fracking. Read more

Planting Trees and Fighting for Funding in the Keystone State

by Renee Reber, Campaign Manager, Watershed Advocacy
Gathering on a Plain Sect dairy farm in Lancaster County on October 13, a group of 20 volunteers planted approximately 600 trees as part of a two-acre buffer on a direct tributary to the Conestoga River. Read more

Plastics Could Soon Overtake Coal as a Climate Killer, and Pennsylvania is Right in the Middle of It

by Jared Stonesifer, Director of Media Relations
A report released on Oct. 21 by Beyond Plastics predicted dire consequences as a result of our inability to stop consuming plastics. Specifically, the report’s authors claim that the domestic plastics industry’s contribution to climate change is on track to exceed that of coal-fired power in this co Read more

DEP Should Revoke Permits for Troubled Mariner East Pipeline

by Emma Bast, Staff Attorney
On October 5, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced 48 criminal charges related to construction of the Mariner East pipeline project, including one felony count of failing to report pollution. Read more

Pittsburgh Embraces Stormwater Fee

by Adam Nagel, Campaign Manager
As increased precipitation and flooding have battered Pennsylvanians in 2021, Pittsburgh appears ready to join a growing list of municipalities to embrace stormwater fees to help rebuild and update aging water infrastructure. 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

PennEast Pipeline is Cancelled!

by Abigail M. Jones, Vice President of Legal and Policy
Earlier this week it was announced that the PennEast Pipeline company will cease development of its proposed fracked gas pipeline determining that “further development of the project no longer is supported.” Read more

When Profits are on the Line: The Fight Over Energy Markets

Having energy available when we flip on a light switch is a complicated business and making the wrong choices can have serious consequences. Read more

Climate Goals Remain Elusive and Will Require Bold Action

by Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture President and CEO
In her monthly blog, PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo writes about the Climate Action Plan recently released by Gov. Tom Wolf's administration. 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

PennFuture, Partners Appeal Air Permit Extension for Proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Plant in Wyalusing Township

by Angela Kilbert, Staff Attorney
PennFuture has been engaged with local community members and organizations in tracking and opposing this facility and the transport of LNG across the state. Read more

So What Comes Next for Pennsylvania's Efforts to Join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative?

by Rob Altenburg, Senior Director for Energy and Climate
In early September, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission approved a draft rule that would link Pennsylvania to RGGI. So what comes next in this long process? Read more

Climate Denial and Pennsylvania Politics: The Ultimate Alternative Universe

by Jacquelyn Bonomo, PennFuture President and CEO
Our infrastructure cannot withstand climate impacts, and our earth’s protective natural systems have deteriorated and are collapsing into floods, fire, and worse. Read more

Philadelphia Has an Urban Planning Problem

by Adam Nagel, Campaign Manager
We can no longer delay in securing a city that is clean, green, and carbon neutral. Read more

Civilian Conservation Corps: Then and Now

by Annie Regan, Senior Program Manager
The Civilian Conservation Corps played a critical role healing our environment and putting Americans back to work. Read more

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