No Natural Gas Plant in Nicetown
Power SEPTA with Renewable Energy
350 Philly and more than 50 organizations across the Philadelphia area are calling on SEPTA to cancel a plan to build a natural gas power plant in Nicetown. Instead of creating a power source that would pollute our air, harm people’s health, and accelerate climate change, SEPTA should get on the right side of history by investing in clean renewable energy.
What is SEPTA doing?
SEPTA has contracted with an energy services company called Noresco to build a power plant in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia, next to the Midvale Bus Depot and near the Wayne Junction train station. The plant would burn fracked gas to generate electricity for the Regional Rail system. SEPTA’s Board of Directors approved this plan on November 17, 2016, and re-approved it at their March 2017 board meeting after a lawsuit from us. They have received all required permits and have begun construction.
Why does this matter to us?
This project is the wrong direction for SEPTA! The plant would:
- Release toxic air pollution into an already burdened neighborhood
- Likely waste tax-payer & fare-payer money
- Accelerate global warming
Across the world, transit agencies have begun investing in clean renewable energy, such as wind or solar. It’s time to get SEPTA on board.
If you’re a community resident, a SEPTA worker, or a SEPTA rider, we urge you to ask SEPTA to:
- Cancel the plans for a natural gas plant in Nicetown
- Power our trains, subways, and trolleys, and buses with renewable energy from solar arrays and wind turbines
See press coverage about our campaign from NBC10, Plan Philly, Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Tribune, Next City, KYW NewsRadio, Philly Voice, Philadelphia Business Journal, Al Jazeera, The Indypendent, GRID magazinw, Metro, Philly Magazine and more.
What have we done?
Our Fossil Free SEPTA campaign began in March 2016. Since then, we’ve built alliances, steadily growing public opposition to the project. This spring and summer, we’re appealing SEPTA’s most recent permit, with a 3rd hearing set for September 2018. Read more… and stay tuned!
What can you do?
- Help us cover the legal fees for our appeal of SEPTA’s most recent permit from Philadelphia’s Air Management Services. We need to raise $2,500 over the next few weeks. Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated.
- SIGN our online petition (and register to receive updates)
- SHARE petitions & flyers to engage your neighbors and co-workers
- Have your organization ENDORSE our campaign
Questions or comments? Please email 350 Philadelphia’s team of volunteers at: 350philadelphia@gmail.com
page last updated: Jun 26 2018
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