Why the US must Lead at Reducing Carbon Emissions

Sir David Attenborough, British naturalist and broadcaster, recently issued an urgent call to action on climate change at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland: The only conditions modern humans have ever known are changing and changing fast. It is tempting and understandable to ignore the evidence and carry on as usual or to be … Continue reading Why the US must Lead at Reducing Carbon Emissions

A state powered 100% by renewables, by 2050

A state powered 100% by renewables, by 2050. That’s the goal of a bill proposed by my state representative Chris Rabb last November. Since then, it has become a real bill in the PA House (see HB-2132) and Senate (see SB-1140), with over 63 bipartisan co-sponsors. We reviewed this bill and zoomed into their definition … Continue reading A state powered 100% by renewables, by 2050

Thinking of an EV? Participate in Philly’s plans to ease the transition

Last August, our city formed a task force to develop an electric vehicle (EV) policy. Last week, they published their findings (Electric Vehicle Policy Task Force Final Draft), and now invite us to offer feedback. The public discussion will be tonight. WHEN: Thu Jan 25 2018 @ 6 WHERE: Innovation Lab, 16th Floor, Municipal Services … Continue reading Thinking of an EV? Participate in Philly’s plans to ease the transition

Accommodating Electric Vehicles in the City

Many of us sense that the path to a livable planet, to bringing the climate back into balance, hinges on the mantra: Electrify Everything and Upgrade the Electricity Grid. For personal transportation, this translates to electric cars. When making a new car decision, households as well as fleet managers should focus on electric cars. The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability … Continue reading Accommodating Electric Vehicles in the City

Marcellus Shale – A Blessing or a Curse?

Our state has been blessed, some say. Possibly cursed, say some others. I’m talking about the abundant gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale. Cursed because of issues during Extraction, Transportation & Consumption. Extraction is also known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking. When chemicals are forced into the ground, they contaminate the water table, affecting the well water of rural townships. As the gas … Continue reading Marcellus Shale – A Blessing or a Curse?

SEPTA Open House: Are We There Yet?

At their recent sustainability open house on August 30th, SEPTA displayed their top 13 goals for the economy, community and the natural environment on poster boards, as part of their SEPTAinable 2020 initiative. But we learned quickly that there was only so much that could be gleaned from simply looking at these boards. First of all, we commend … Continue reading SEPTA Open House: Are We There Yet?