Monday, October 21, 2013

EPA Public Listening Sessions On Reducing Pollution From Existing Power Plants In Philly on Nov. 8 [New Date Announced Since Shutdown Over]

EPA will hold 11 public listening sessions across the country, including one in Philadelphia, to solicit ideas and input from the public and stakeholders about the best Clean Air Act approaches to reducing carbon pollution from existing power plants. Let us know if you are interested in attending by clicking here.

The Clean Air Act gives both EPA and states a role in reducing air pollution from power plants that are already in operation.  The law directs EPA to establish guidelines, which states use to design their own programs to reduce emissions.  Before proposing guidelines, EPA must consider how power plants with a variety of different configurations would be able to reduce carbon pollution in a cost-effective way.
The feedback from these 11 public listening sessions will play an important role in helping EPA develop smart, cost-effective guidelines that reflect the latest and best information available.  The agency will seek additional public input during the notice and comment period once it issues a proposal by June 2014.
Below please find a list of listening sessions offered around the country and a point of contact for each if you have any questions.  You may sign up for one or more sessions.  Registration is highly encouraged due to large expected turn outs. If you are unable to attend one of these listening sessions, EPA is accepting input through the Contact Us page or at carbonpollutioninput@epa.govuntil November 8, 2013.

Philadelphia, PA

November 8, 2013
10:00 am-4:00 pm EST

William J. Green, Jr. Federal Building
600 Arch St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Register
Point of contact: Pat Egan - (215) 814-3167

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Veteran Outreach: Hiking in the Wissahickon Valley

On July 26, 2013, the Sierra Club hosted a hike with veterans from "The Perimeter" program of "The Philadelphia Veterans Multiservice and Education Center."  Approximately twenty veterans joined in the hike through the Wissahickon Valley from Rittenhousetown to the Valley Green Inn, where we shared lunch.

William Kramer, a local Sierra Club organizer, described the event. "Today, we reached out to one of the veterans service centers...we had a nice hike, we had a nice meal, and just got to know each other."

This local effort is part of broader, national, program in the Sierra Club to honor our veterans, and to provide opportunities for them to get out into nature and realize its healing powers.

Gary Lytle, the local Sierra Club lead for veteran outreach who is himself a veteran, says, "Anytime you have a chance to give honor to veterans, you should give honor to [them]."

During the lunch, the participants had a broad ranging discussion about how the Sierra Club can work together with veterans on issues that are important to both groups, including the impact of climate change on health, the potential for sustainable jobs, and protecting natural lands for future generations.  Kramer states, "We're hoping to work more with veterans...We know there's alot of potential to create good jobs in Philadelphia in solar and wind energy or in retrofitting and insulation."

Lytle also added, "As Americans, we all have an obligation to take care of our country, and the lands that surround us."

Additional hikes with veterans groups are being planned for later in the fall.   Contact William Kramer for more information < william.kramer (at) sierraclub.org >.


Hiking with Veterans In the Wissahickon

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Join Us at The Post Folk Fest Festers Fest IX on New Date: October 19, 2013

Proceeds Support the Sierra Club:


Post Folk Fest Fester's Fest IX Concert Poster

The event has been postponed to Saturday, Oct. 19th due to a forecast of high winds and inclement weather:

For the latest info, including the line-up check the link below: