PEC RSS Feed

Sustainable Philadelphia television series to air on May 21st

jessica — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:45:05 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and MiND television (formerly WYBE channel 35) partnered to produce an educational television series on sustainability in Philadelphia - showcasing local efforts in green building, alternative energy, education, and recreation.

The series of five 5-minute programs will begin airing on May 21st.

PEC seeks President and CEO

jessica — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:55:44 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is seeking a new President & CEO to be responsible for overall administration, program development, outreach, fundraising and financial oversight of the organization.

The deadline for applications is May 26.

2008 Youghiogheny River of the Year Sojourn

john — Mon, 12 May 2008 11:38:28 -0400

Join us on the Yough River of the Year Sojourn!

The sojourn is a 4-day excursion on the Youghiogheny River (locally known as the Yough) in southwestern Pennsylvania. We'll begin our journey at the Youghiogheny River Lake in Confluence and will follow the river north as it meanders towards McKeesport. Along the way we'll discover the unique ecology, culture and rich history of the Youghiogheny River corridor.

PEC Co-hosts LEED By Example: Green Leasing for Tenants

jessica — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:28:37 -0400

Date & Time: June 5th 2008 from 1-3pm
Location: SCA Americas, Cira Centre
2929 Arch St., Suite 2600
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Green leasing can improve your bottom line, employee and environmental performance. The most effective and economical strategy to "go green" is through corporate real estate.

Internships and job opportunities with PEC

jessica — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:54:10 -0400

Internships:

Rediscover Indian Creek

jessica — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:00:20 -0400

Join us as we stroll through the beautiful parks of the East Branch of Indian Creek to see the landscape up-close and to uncover the stormwater management and stream restoration projects that will transf orm the health of your backyard-the Cobbs Creek Watershed.

DATE: Saturday, May 17, 2008 (Rain or Shine!)

TIME: 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or feel free to meet us at a stop, if you can't make it for the entire event

LOCATION: Meet at Friends' Central School

The Rescues: acclaimed indie artists new PEC feature

brad — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:59:41 -0400

April 29, 2008 - Indie-Music.com says of The Rescues, "Pure musical bliss. Imagine a singer-songwriter with powerhouse vocals, poignant songwriting and instrumental mastery. Now multiply it times three."

Individually, the three band members have toured all 50 states and Europe, both on their own and sharing the stage with major acts like Alanis Morrissette, Sting, Avril Lavigne, The Rolling Stones, Kelly Clarkson, Gavin Degraw, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Annie Lennox and many others.

Environmental Attorney to Lead PEC Affiliate

brad — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:01:04 -0400

April 28, 2008, HARRISBURG, PA - John W. Ubinger Jr. of Pittsburgh has been selected as the new Executive Director of Enterprising Environmental Solutions. Inc. (EESI), a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

Time is short on energy, climate-change legislation

brad — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:19:32 -0400

Op-Ed Published by The Harrisburg Patriot-News

By John Walliser, Vice President for Legal and Governmental Affairs, Pennsylvania Environmental Council

After a flurry of action on legislation and considerable debate, we have seen serious progress over the past few months toward the adoption of renewable-energy strategies and climate-change legislation in Pennsylvania by the Senate and House.

But now it's time to take final action and get workable plans to the governor's desk.

Governor's Environmental Excellence Awards Gala

jessica — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:33:14 -0400

Energy from the ground up

jessica — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:47:39 -0400

Energy from the ground up Big dig in Center City to tap earth's power.
By Sandy Bauers, Inquirer Staff Writer

Along 15th Street near Cherry, the din of the drilling has stopped for a while. Beyond the trucks and equipment is a wellhead. Fifteen feet along, another. Six in all.
The Friends Center is drilling 1,500 feet below the sidewalk - half again as deep as the Comcast tower is high - in search of energy savings.

The center will use the ambient temperature of the ground, about 50 degrees, to heat and cool the Quaker-run office complex.

PEC and Earth Force to launch initiative in Northern Allegheny Region

jessica — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:32:56 -0400

PEC and Earth Force host open house and presentation on regional conservation

jessica — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:03:09 -0400

Location: Earth Force's NEW Meadville Office - 301 Chestnut St., Meadville, PA

11:00 am - 6:00 pm

Open House and Public Information Session

PA Environmental Council Gala Event to Honor Recipients of the 2008 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence

jessica — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:12:52 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council announced today that the award ceremonies for this year's recipients of the 2008 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence will take place at a gala dinner on April 22-Earth Day-- in Harrisburg.

Sustainable Transportation Fair and Forum

jessica — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:45:51 -0400

Sustainable Transportation Fair

Open from 9 am to 5 pm - At Amtrak's 30th St Station, West End Canopy Area (just outside the station on 30th Street)

Come see:

What Septa's bus of the future looks like!
How you can prevent global warming by riding a train!
Philly Car Share's Green Men - in action!

Check out the newest hybrids from Toyota, Ford, Honda, and others!

Institute for Environmental Studies: Sustainability in the City

jessica — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:37:39 -0400

Nicknamed by some the "world's most sustainable mayor," Jaime Lerner came to Philly in February of 2006 and was a major hit - a sell out audience packed the Academy of Natural Sciences, the mayor gave him the keys to the city, Lerner charmed Brenda Jorett on WHYY radio, and many in the non-profit, government, and private world were inspired into action.

Call for Nominations for 18th Annual Northeastern PA Environmental Partnership Awards and Dinner

jessica — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:23:38 -0400

The Northeast Environmental Partners (Pennsylvania Environmental Council's Northeast Office, Wilkes University, Northeast Pennsylvania Alliance, PPL, Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, PA DEP and PA DCNR) are proud to announce the Call for Nominations for the Eighteenth Annual Environmental Partnership Awards and the Fourteenth Annual Thomas P. Shelburne Environmental Leadership Award.

PEC Co-presents Urban Sustainability Forum: Faith and the Environment

jessica — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:08:38 -0400

Academy of Natural Sciences

1900 Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

6:00pm Reception

6:30pm Program begins

Keynote Speakers on Faith and the Environment

2008 PA Greenways and Trails Summit

jessica — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:06 -0400

2008 PA Greenways and Trails Summit

September 28-30, 2008

The Inn at Pocono Manor

o Keynote addresses from national leaders in greenways, trails, and active living

o Recreational outings including hiking, biking, ATV, and equestrian

o Classroom sessions with experts on greenway and trail development, management, advocacy, and promotion

o Networking with peers, consultants, local, state, and federal government officials

Presentation to Mechanicsburg Environmental Club

john — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:55:10 -0400

Brian Hill will present the Climate Change Roadmap for Pennsylvania to the Mechanicsburg Environmental Club.

PEC Supports Organic Farming Legislation

john — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:21:37 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council supports House Bill 2347 (PN3401), introduced by Representative Kessler (Berks County). This legislation would advance locally-driven, organic agriculture in Pennsylvania; and further help address water quality and carbon sequestration opportunities.

PEC Urges Passage of Energy and Climate Legislation

john — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:11:46 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy today urged the General Assembly to quickly pass comprehensive alternative energy and energy conservation legislation, along with climate change legislation that has received overwhelming bipartisan support. A copy of the letter is included, below.

Youghiogheny Named River of the Year

brad — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 16:05:50 -0400

Several newspapers carried stories today reporting that the Youghiogheny River has been designated River of the Year by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The articles noted that the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will play a central role in promoting the River of the Year by, among other things, helping to revive the Yough Sojourn.

Excerts from two of those articles follow.

Tourist-favorite Youghiogheny honored

Risks and opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses

jessica — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:11:06 -0400

Winter sports are big in Northwestem Pennsylvania: we ski at Peek'n Peak and Mountain View, ice fish on Lake Erie and other lakes, and sled and snowmobile
throughout the area. But these fun family activities - and their economic benefit - are at lisk from global warming.

Click here to view the full article.

Stormwater management facilities planned to help control Neason Run runoff

jessica — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:07:16 -0400

Stormwater Management and Rain Garden License Agreement approved Wednesday by Meadville City Council gave the final go ahead to a project designed to reduce the runoff into Neason Run as well as the accumulation of stormwater and natural debris where Williamson Road meets Grove and Poplar Streets.

Click here to read the full article.

Annual Reports

jessica — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:31:41 -0400

38th Annual Philadelphia Dinner

jessica — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:24:12 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is known for its premier dinner events across the state. In its 38th year, the Philadelphia Annual Dinner will host representatives from Philadelphia's business, government, academic and non-profit communities.

Hyatt Penn's Landing
5:30 pm Reception
7:00 pm Dinner

Keynote Speaker: Mayor Michael Nutter

Philadelphia gets poor marks on being 'green'

jessica — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:18:15 -0400

Philadelphia does a poor job when it comes to green building, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council said yesterday in a report that outlines steps for improvement.

The advocacy group identified numerous barriers to green construction in the city, the greatest being a "lack of political will and strong leadership at the top levels of city government."

Search for green leadership

jessica — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:15:53 -0400

NORTH PHILADELPHIA. Staci Moore has been involved in the push for more eco-friendly development in the city for nearly a decade. She's glad city officials have finally come around to her side.

The affordable housing advocate has touted the measures as a way to save residents money, and was happy that city officials accepted a new report released yesterday focusing on ways the city can increase the number of green buildings.

PEC Releases Draft Beaver River Conservation and Management Plan

john — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:34:16 -0400

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Jen Novak
(412) 481-9400
jnovak@pecpa.org

Beaver River Conservation and Management Plan

john — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:27:10 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has released a draft Beaver River Conservation and Management Plan for the entire Beaver River corridor. The full contents of the Report are provided.

Seven in Philadelphia region honored for environment

jessica — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:56:16 -0400

A regional tree-planting effort, a youth group that refurbishes bicycles, and a solar-home builder are among seven regional "sustainability innovators" recognized last night by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

This was the second year for the awards program, designed to "celebrate these leaders and encourage more to follow," said Patrick Starr, vice president of the organization's southeast region.

NewLanders Are 2nd PEC Music Feature

brad — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:37:38 -0400

Talk about a throwback! The NewLanders have tracked down old songs written by, for and about working people of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is pleased to offer the Newlanders as the second musical group or artist to be featured on our recently re-designed web site.

These songs are folk music in the truest sense of the word - but the way the NewLanders play them is not always as traditional. They play a fusion of fiddle, electric guitar and strong harmonies that they call "folk music... with an attitude."

PEC unveils Building Green: Overcoming Barriers in Philadelphia report

jessica — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:31:18 -0400

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) today released a new report, Building Green: Overcoming Barriers in Philadelphia, that identifies obstacles to green building in Philadelphia and recommends solutions to dissolving those barriers.

The report identified the lack of political will and strong leadership as the greatest barrier to Green Building in the city.

Pennsylvania Environmental Council honors 7 Philadelphia Sustainability Award winners

jessica — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:05:38 -0400

Seven winners were honored at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council's (PEC) 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards held Monday, March 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

More than a dozen "sustainability innovators" were finalists for the awards presented at a ceremony held during the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

2008 Raffle Supporting the Pennsylvania Environmental Council

jessica — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:50:40 -0500

Building Green: Overcoming Barriers in Philadelphia

jessica — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:40:32 -0500

Please rsvp by clicking the link below.

PEC On the Forefront: Tidal Delaware Water Trail and raffle drawing!

jessica — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:25:41 -0500

5:00 pm

PEC office - 123 Chestnut Street, Suite 401 (entrance on 2nd St. next to Plough and Stars restaurant)

PEC, along with many stakeholders along the Tidal Delaware River (Morrisville/Trenton to Marcus Hook), established a water trail map and guide for recreational kayakers, sailors and motor boaters on the river.

Join us as we take a virtual tour of the water trail, and the cultural, historic and ecological marvels along the way.

PEC Urges Help for Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

brad — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:03:02 -0500

Testimony presented today by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council before the Senate Republican Policy Committee urging help for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay follows. Our news release on the testimony is also available.

Nutrient Trading Testimony

February 21, 2008

Pennsylvania Environmental Council

PEC Urges Help for Cleaning Up Chesapeake Bay

brad — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:56:05 -0500

HARRISBURG, PA, February 21, 2008 - The Pennsylvania Environmental Council today urged support for a credit trading program that enables wastewater plants and farmers to get the help they need for reducing nutrients to cleanup the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

PEC to announce winners of 2008 Philadelphia Sustainability Awards

jessica — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:23:27 -0500

Forty-seven groups were nominated for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council's (PEC) second annual Philadelphia Sustainability Awards to be held Monday, March 3 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

More than a dozen "sustainability innovators" are finalists for the seven awards that will be presented at a ceremony to be held during the running of the annual Philadelphia Flower Show, produced by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Hearings set on high costs of bay cleanup

brad — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:57:24 -0500

From The Lancaster Intelligencer-Journal/New Era

By DAVE PIDGEON, Staff

Lawmakers in Harrisburg will try to figure out this week how to keep municipalities from being bankrupted by the cost of cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay.

Trails proposed to criss-cross region

brad — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 09:43:14 -0500

From The Pottsville Republican-Herald

BY LISA COONEY
CORRESPONDENT,

GIRARDVILLE - County residents may one day be able to hike in the woods from the Pioneer Tunnel in Ashland to Centralia, or take a nonstop bike trip from Girardville to Shamokin.

'Green' groups to hold conclave

jessica — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:35:58 -0500

Tom Kerr, the former president of the Wildlands Conservancy, sees something ''pretty amazing'' when he walks the towpath trail along the Lehigh River, once a transportation route for coal-laden canal boats.

In the secluded stands of mature woods and in the open areas still dotted with relics of steelmaking and other bygone industries, he sees bicyclists, hikers and walkers out on the trail enjoying the natural world.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Announces Investment Decisions to Address Environmental Considerations

john — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:38:47 -0500

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a ring of a bell, Pennsylvania Treasurer Robin L. Wiessmann helped open the trading day at the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and a new chapter of investing for the Commonwealth's funds. Treasurer Wiessmann announced that she has invested $15 million in publicly traded funds that hold stocks of companies that provide solutions for environmental problems or operate in a responsible manner with respect to the environment.

Lecture Explores State's Impact on Global Warming

brad — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:42:55 -0500

The University of Scranton's newest and most environmentally friendly building will be the site of a Sustainability lecture that is linked to a national initiative on global warming.

PEC Accepting Nominations for 2008 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards

john — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:37:05 -0500

The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards recognizes and honors outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout the region and pays tribute to those that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership, and accomplishment in their respective fields.

PEC Supports House Bill 2200

john — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:33:14 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council strongly supports House Bill 2200 (Rep. George), which provides cost-effective opportunities to reduce energy use and demand - saving Pennsylvanians money and reducing our emissions of greenhouse gases.

Guster Is First Artist Featured on PEC's New Web Site

brad — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:32:10 -0500

February 1, 2008 - The musical group Guster is the first artist to be featured on the redesigned web site of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a state-wide non-profit organization that promotes conservation through cooperation.

The song "Satellite," from Guster's newest album Ganging Up on the Sun, is the first to be streamed through the music link on PEC's website - www.pecpa.org/music - which also highlight's Guster's support of environmental sustainability through Reverb Rock.

Global Warming brings risks and opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses

jessica — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:42:18 -0500

Click here to view the full article.

Lower Great Lakes Ballast Water Workshop

jessica — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:03:07 -0500

PEC's Mark Gorman, Northwest Office Director, will facilitate this one and a half day workshop that provides an overview of current Great Lakes ballast water policy, legislation and research.

Scientists, legal experts, legislators, industry personnel and agency staff will discuss the current state of ballast water policy, pending legislation, proposed ballast water treatment methods and evaluating the current risk of introduction and spread of AIS to Great Lakes ports by foreign and domestic ships.

Goals of the workshop include:

PA Climate Change Roadmap presentation at Global Warming Conference 2008

jessica — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:47:54 -0500

Saturday, April 5, 2008
9:30am - 3:00 pm

La Roche College
College Center Square
9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh
Lunch included

Brian Hill joins a panel of national and regional experts and leaders on climate change. Visit the PennFuture web site for more details.

Teach-in to focus on global warming

brad — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:23:47 -0500

Three-day event at CMU, elsewhere to discuss solutions for climate change

By Don Hopey

Like some global game of connect the dots, climate change solutions likely will come from the merging of local programs and policies rather than an international treaty.

That's what environmental policy expert M. Granger Morgan, head of Carnegie Mellon University's department of engineering and public policy, will tell those attending Focus the Nation's local kickoff event at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Doherty Hall on Carnegie Mellon's campus in Oakland.

Climate Change Roadmap for state to be featured

brad — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:16:57 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council will make presentations about the Climate Change Roadmap for Pennsylvania at seven programs about global warming on Jan. 30 and 31 as part of Focus the Nation (FTN), a national grassroots effort to raise awareness about climate change by using universities, colleges, and high schools as locales for awareness-raising events.

PEC Praises House Passage of Great Lakes Compact

brad — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:11:52 -0500

Harrisburg, PA, Jan. 28, 2008 - The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed the Great Lakes Compact, a multi-state agreement through which the Great Lakes states would be able to manage future water withdrawals from Lake Erie and the Great Lakes basin.

House Bill 1705, formally known as the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, was introduced by Representative Patrick Harkins, D-Erie, who thanked the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for its support in remarks on the House floor.

Focus the Nation Presentation at Carnegie Mellon University

john — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:38:26 -0500

PEC will present findings from the Climate Change Roadmap, as well as the Union of Concerned Scientists report on Climate Change and impacts to the U.S. Northeast, at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

January 31st, 2008
9:00 a.m.
Location to be announced soon.

Allegheny College joins largest teach-in in U.S. history

brad — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:40:57 -0500

From The Meadville Tribune

Allegheny College will join 1,100 colleges and universities nationwide - 52 in Pennsylvania - in Focus the Nation, an unprecedented national teach-in on global warming solutions. Allegheny faculty and students have planned activities for Jan. 30 and 31 and Feb. 1.

Celebration of Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence

john — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:17:56 -0500

The Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are awarded each year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth. In 2008 the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will feature a presentation of all of the award winners at its gala 2008 Harrisburg Dinner.

Bridesburg Riverfront is a hot topic

jessica — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:49:17 -0500

PEC was awarded $74,900 by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to develop designs to restore about 15 acres of shoreline along the Delaware Riverfront at Westrum Development's "Philly Coke" site.

View the whole article by clicking here.

Program to Help Golf Courses “Go Green”

brad — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:44:01 -0500

Golf courses have the potential to become more "green" - on their greens and in everything they do -- if they use an interactive, on-line "Green Toolbox" that is being developed by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and LandStudies, Inc., based in Lititz, Pa.

The golf course "Green Toolbox" will identify multiple environmental benefits that can be achieved through best management practices (BMPs). The project is funded by a PA Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener grant.

Golf Course Best Management Practices

brad — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:05:44 -0500

PEC Supports House Bill 1705

john — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:37:47 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council strongly supports House Bill 1705 (sponsored by Representative Pat Harkins, Erie), which would adopt the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact in Pennsylvania. The Compact will provide significant protection against large transfers of water out of the Great Lakes Basin, and encourages water conservation efforts in the Great Lakes states.

MontCo's Next Color: Green

jessica — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:02:21 -0500

As part of the world's carbon footprint, Montgomery County doesn't even constitute as much as a toe.

But the county wants to make an even smaller impression. So today, its commissioners are expected to take a rare step and adopt a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a variety of ways.

No other county in Pennsylvania or South Jersey has done so.

Water Trail Working Session

jessica — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:53:53 -0500

Geisinger Center for Health Research

Sigfried and Janet Weis Center for Research

100 N. Academy Drive, Danville, Pennsylvania 17822

8:30am - 4:00pm

Southeast PA EAC Network Conference

jessica — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:01:39 -0500

8:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Villanova University
Tolentine Hall
800 Lancaster Avenue
Villanova, PA 19085

The annual SEPA EAC conference is an opportunity for EAC members and other municipal officials to: learn about timely environmental topics, network with other
EACs, and meet local and state government officials. It also is an opportunity for those interested to learn more about the role and activities of EACs.

Agenda:

Lehigh Valley EAC Conference

jessica — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:51:24 -0500

Northampton Community College
Fowler Family Southside Center
511 East Third Street
Bethlehem, PA

RSVP REQUIRED. View pdf below for registration form or contact Khiet Luong at 215-592-7020 x107.

PEC established the EAC Network in 1990. The Network's goals are to promote the establishment of EACs in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, provide technical assistance to ensure their effective operation, and promote EACs as a mechanism for local government involvement in conservation.

PEC Stormwater Listening Session Report

john — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:50:54 -0500

In 2007 the Pennsylvania Environmental Council held listening sessions across the state on the challenging issue of stormwater management. Each listening session featured an open dialog between municipal officials, engineers, developers, agency representatives, and other community interests.

This Report summarizes the findings of those listening sessions. PEC is now working to identify policy and programmatic opportunities to implement recommendations of the Report.

For more information, please contact Davitt Woodwell at 412-481-9400.

Sustainable Philadelphia Forum, co-sponsored by PEC: Bike Sharing

jessica — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 09:27:51 -0500

6 to 8:30 p.m.
At the Academy of Natural Sciences
19th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway

PEC Urges Caution on Drilling Legislation

john — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:49:51 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has sent a letter to the Senate and House Environmental Resources & Energy Committees, urging them to oppose legislation -- Senate Bill 1127 and Special Session House Bill 32, respectively -- that would expedite gas and oil drilling on state-owned land. This legislation runs counter to resource-protection recommendations developed by the Joint Conservation Committee in 2006.

Sustainable Philadelphia Forum, co-sponsored by PEC: Building the Green Economy with Van Jones - SOLD OUT

jessica — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 10:58:46 -0500

The event is completely sold out and no seats are available at the Academy of Natural Science.

The program will be webcast to public locations throughout the city, listed below. At this time, all webcast locations have ample seating.

PEC Job Announcement: Director of Conservation and Community Planning

john — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:33:15 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has posted a job listing for the position of Director, Conservation and Community Planning. Please follow the link for more information.

Job Announcement: Director of Conservation and Community Planning

john — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:08 -0500

To apply for this position, or for more information, please contact Davitt Woodwell at (412) 481-9400 or dwoodwell AT pecpa.org

Job Description:
Conservation and Community Planning
Pennsylvania Environmental Council

A. General

Michael Hudson

john — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:35:54 -0500

Michael W. Hudson is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He joined PEC in the winter of 2004. He provides expert financial and operational leadership with an extensive background in financial management emphasized in budgeting, strategic planning, information systems, financial analysis, cash and risk management, administrative operations and human resource management. Michael also serves as executive liaison to several Board Committees including the Executive, Development, Finance, Audit and Governance committees.

PEC Applauds Efficiency Gains in Federal Energy Bill

john — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:24:53 -0500

Brian Hill, President and CEO of PEC, was quoted in a December 21, 2007 Harrisburg Patriot News article on the new federal energy bill, which includes new fuel and energy efficiency standards. The article follows.

Platts calls fuel-efficiency law a 'great win' for country

BY BRETT LIEBERMAN, Of Our Washington Bureau

Watershed Atlas of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:10:22 -0500

Climate Change Roadmap for Pennsylvania

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:34:53 -0500

Land Conservation Initiatives

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 11:59:51 -0500

River Conservation Planning Initiatives

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:43:22 -0500

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:44:02 -0500

Better Stormwater Management Workshops

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:32:19 -0500

Report: Pa. third-worst polluter in U.S.

brad — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:10:26 -0500

From the Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader

By Rory Sweeney, Staff Writer

The United States is the worst fossil-fuel emissions polluter and Pennsylvania produces the third-most carbon-dioxide pollution among the states, according to a report released this week.

Mark Gorman

brad — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:49:27 -0500

Mark Gorman serves as Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council's office in Meadville, focusing on bringing together conservationists, landowners, farmers, the business community, local government officials, and academic institutions in a collaborative effort to protect one of the northeastern United States' premier streams - French Creek. The Northwest Office also works with stakeholders to advance the conservation and restoration of the Northern Allegheny River regional and Great Lakes.

Greenspace Alliance, Inc.

brad — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:19:06 -0500

Central Susquehanna Valley Wellness Trails Partnership

brad — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:03:30 -0500

New Look and Design to PEC’s Web Site

brad — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:49:51 -0500

A totally redesigned web site featuring a new logo was quietly unveiled today by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

The new web site has been several months in the making and still has some glitches, typos and additional material that needs to be added, and people are encouraged to provide feedback on the convenient "Contact Us" section on the right side of every page.

The site is cleaner, more dynamic, and easier to navigate and update, said Brian Hill, PEC President and CEO.

Restoring the Delaware Riverfront: a “shore” thing

brad — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:45:03 -0500

Philadelphia - The Pennsylvania Environmental Council was awarded $74,900 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Delaware Estuary Watershed Grants Program in support of ecological restoration along the Delaware Riverfront in Northeast Philadelphia.

PEC Applauds Signing of Brownfields Law

john — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:45:42 -0500

Brian Hill, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, issued this statement in response to Governor Rendell signing House Bill 43 into law as Act 68. The bill was sponsored by Representative Carole Rubley (R-Chester/Montgomery), which establishes uniform environmental covenants in Pennsylvania to facilitate remediation and prevent the misuse of contaminated properties.

PEC Comments on Federal Energy Bill

john — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:36:35 -0500

Brian Hill, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, issued this statement in response to the final adoption and signing of the federal energy bill today that includes a mandate for the use of biofuels in transportation, increases fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, sets energy efficiency standards for appliances, offers tax incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles and encourages green building construction:

Cleanup Our American Lands and Streams

jessica — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:55:01 -0500

Davitt Woodwell

john — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:39:06 -0500

Report Targets Pennsylvania's Emissions

john — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 10:23:08 -0500

Brian Hill, President and CEO of PEC, is quoted in a Post-Gazette article on a new national greenhouse gas emissions report issued by the National Environmental Trust.

The Lands at Hillside Farm Riparian Zone Restoration Project

brad — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:58:10 -0500

Julie McMonagle

brad — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:38:24 -0500

Julie McMonagle, Vice President of the Northeast Regional Office, has been with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for 12 years. She holds a B.S. in Geology from Juniata College and an M.S. in Geology from Lehigh University. Her prior experience at environmental consulting firms includes soil and groundwater assessment and remediation in northeastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. From 1995 to 2003, Ms. McMonagle served as an adjunct faculty member at Wilkes University for environmental and geology courses. Since joining PEC, Ms.

Defining Climate Change: It is the issue of our time

john — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:18:33 -0500

Opinion article written by Brian Hill (President and CEO, PEC) and Nancy Cole (Director of Climate Outreach, Union of Concerned Scientists); published by the Pocono Record.

December 15, 2007

The debate is over — science has spoken. Our planet is warming up and human activity is a major reason.

Presentation at 2008 Power Conference

john — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:16:04 -0500

John Walliser will present the Climate Change Roadmap at the 2008 Electric Power Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Presentation at PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Meeting

john — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 10:11:03 -0500

For more information about the event, please visit the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website.

Presentation at Affordable Comfort Conference

john — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:53:36 -0500

More information about the event will be available soon.

Climate Change in Pennsylvania

brad — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 22:23:10 -0500

Brian Hill's presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m. in room 407 of the Patrick & Margaret DeNaples Center, which is the new LEEDS certified campus center that will be opened by the University of Scranton in January.

Northeast Annual Awards & Dinner

jessica — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:43:21 -0500

French Creek Project

brad — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:51:23 -0500

Great Lakes Conservation and Restoration

brad — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:35:17 -0500

Laurel Highlands Sustainable Recreation Development

brad — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 14:27:59 -0500

PEC Climate Change Roadmap Featured at Annual Meeting

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:42:27 -0500

Thanks to the Pennsylvania Environmental Digest, you can now view videos and interviews from PEC's 38th Annual Meeting and the special presentation on Climate Change and state policy.

Video of Brian Hill, President and CEO of PEC.

PEC Presents Climate Change Roadmap to Joint Conservation Committee

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:38:22 -0500

On Monday, October 15th Brian Hill (President and CEO of PEC) and Kathy Greely (PEC Project Director for the Commonwealth Community Energy Project) presented the PEC Climate Change Roadmap to the Joint Conservation Committee of the General Assembly, as well as an overview of the energy efficiency & conservation projects PEC is engaged in in the northwestern part of the state.

The presentation has aired several times on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

Patrick Starr, Vice President

jessica — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:35:44 -0500

PEC Partnership Project Viewed by Joint Conservation Committee

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:22:24 -0500

In early November Brian Hill (President and CEO of PEC) led a tour of the Joint Conservation Committee near Hegins, Pennslyvania to showcase a demons

Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 12:18:11 -0500

This awards program recognizes and honors outstanding achievements of organizations, businesses, schools and individuals in a wide range of environmental initiatives throughout the region. The awards pay tribute to those who have demonstrated a committment to environmental excellence, leadership and accomplishment in their respective fields.

PEC Releases Climate Change Roadmap for Pennsylvania

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:55:53 -0500

Read the Climate Change Roadmap Report Here

PEC Letter on Special Session Senate Bill 1

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:32:14 -0500

Senator Mary Jo White, Republican Chair
Senator Ray Musto, Democratic Chair
Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies

Re: Remarks on Special Session Senate Bill 1 (P.N. 8)

Dear Senators White and Musto:

PEC Applauds Committee Approval of Great Lakes Compact

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:26:52 -0500

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) today commended the state House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for unanimously passing House Bill 1705 (introduced by Representative Patrick Harkins, D-Erie), which would ratify the Great Lakes-St.

PEC Lauds Action on Hazardous Sites Program

john — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:25:00 -0500

Action in the final days of the General Assembly's legislative session enables dozens of communities to breathe a little easier knowing that the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund will not be bankrupt in the new year.

“This went down to the wire, but we're pleased that the House and Senate came to an agreement that enabled this critical legislation to be sent to the Governor's desk for his signature," said Brian Hill, President of PEC.

News & Events

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:49:56 -0500

Please click one of the links below for more information:

News Releases from PEC

PEC in the News

Information about PEC Events

PEC Videos

What We Do

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:39:43 -0500

The strength of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council resides in its unique capabilities and experience, which are guided by Centers of Excellence. Our offices are situated geographically to cover on-the-ground projects, but our expertise is focused on three broad sets of issues that are central to Pennsylvania's environmental well-being and quality of life: Water Resources, Sustainable Communities, and Energy & Climate.

Regional Offices

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 07:47:32 -0500

Brad Clemenson

brad — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:29:28 -0500

Brad Clemenson is Communications Director and Senior Project Manager. He handles public relations and marketing on a state-wide basis, and is working on a sustainable resource-based tourism initiative in the Laurel Highlands region of Pennsylvania.

He previously worked for Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha as District Director, and prior to that, as Communications Director. In the Congressional office, he worked extensively on watershed, tourism, trail, recreation, and environmental projects.

River guide steers boaters; New map shows hazards, history

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:45:24 -0500

By Gary Pang, Press Enterprise Writer

For boaters exploring the northern Susquehanna River, a new map shows where to avoid dams and rock outcroppings.

"The Susquehanna River Water Trail - North Branch" marks points at which people can launch and take out canoes and kayaks; it also shows islands that are off-limits.

The new guide includes estimated hours for getting from one landmark to another; it shows campgrounds, restaurants, gauging stations and historical sites along the way.

Pennsylvania has place in global climate concerns

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:36:02 -0500

Arlene Martínez | Of The Morning Call

PEC regional director dedicated to improving community, environment

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:29:15 -0500

By Tom Venesky
Sports Reporter

Julie McMonagle attributes her successful career to a rock she found at age 10.

Goal of new initiative: clean dump sites

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:22:44 -0500

By MICHAEL YODER, Staff
Intelligencer Journal

PEC to hold public meeting tonight on regional trail/greenway project

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:15:56 -0500

MOUNT CARMEL - A public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. today at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School to discuss the formation of a steering committee and preparation of a master plan for development of the proposed Lower Anthracite Heritage Regional Trail/Greenway project.

PA moves toward reducing greenhouse gasses

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 17:10:49 -0500

BY ROBERT SWIFT
HARRISBURG BUREAU CHIEF

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania would develop its own plan for coping with climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions under a bill approved Tuesday by a Senate committee.

Advocates believe prize will open eyes

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:59:45 -0500

By Sandy Bauers

Inquirer Staff Writer

If the environmental movement needed a shot of adrenaline, yesterday's announcement that Al Gore and an international scientific panel had won the Nobel Peace Prize provided it.

Advocates said the award would raise awareness, give the science more weight, spawn more urgency for action, and enable Gore to build on what he has already done.

Mapping the Susquehanna

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:54:44 -0500

From the Elmira Star-Gazette

By Jim Pfiffer
Elmira (NY) Star-Gazette

Focus the Nation Presentation at Allegheny College

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:24:43 -0500

Brian Hill, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, will make a presentation at 7 or 7:30 p.m. January 31, 2008 at Allegheny College, Meadville, PA, on the Climate Change Roadmap for Pennyslvania.

The Roadmap, which was authored by PEC, contains 38 specific recommendations for what Pennsylvania can do to do its part to address global warming.

Focus the Nation-Ursinus College

brad — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:20:22 -0500

Brian Hill, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, will make a presentation at 5:00 p.m. Jan. 30 at Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA, on the Climate Change Roadmap for Pennyslvania, which was authored by PEC.

The Roadmap contains 38 specific recommendations for what Pennsylvania should do to do its part to address global warming.

John Walliser, Esq.

john — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:37:19 -0500

Vice President, Legal and Governmental Affairs

John Walliser guides legal and policy efforts for PEC. In addition, John assists in program development and management in PEC’s Western Regional Office. He has represented PEC in numerous stakeholder and partnership efforts, and serves on the Board of several other conservation and recreation initiatives.

Township Disbanded a Valuable Group

brad — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 15:32:15 -0500

For nearly 40 years the Pennsylvania Environmental Council has encouraged citizens to find local solutions to environmental challenges. To assist municipalities in this effort, we championed Act 148 of 1973 which allows local governments to create Environmental Advisory Councils.