Creating Healthy and Sustainable Communities
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on February 5, 2024, 9:53 amGet involved with Regional Climate Action Plan (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
-From DVRPC February Newsletter
DVRPC is coordinating the first Climate Action Plan for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (Philadelphia MSA). We need your input to ensure we are focused on the most important types of projects for the region.
This comprehensive planning process involves significant community engagement to prioritize local actions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while providing additional workforce, health, and air quality benefits for the region. DVRPC is developing the Philadelphia MSA Climate Action Plan through its participation in the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG), a two-phase program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act.
We need your input to ensure we are focused on the most important projects for the region. Fill out the interest form at the bottom of DVRPC’s Climate Action Plan web page to share your ideas, ask questions, submit project ideas and actions, and sign up for project updates and outreach opportunities.
DVRPC will be engaging with the public, community-based organizations, and local governments throughout the next several months of planning. To learn more, visit the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant web page, or contact Liz Compitello, Manager, Office of Sustainable Energy, at [email protected].
Get involved with Regional Climate Action Plan (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
-From DVRPC February Newsletter
DVRPC is coordinating the first Climate Action Plan for the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD Metropolitan Statistical Area (Philadelphia MSA). We need your input to ensure we are focused on the most important types of projects for the region.
This comprehensive planning process involves significant community engagement to prioritize local actions that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while providing additional workforce, health, and air quality benefits for the region. DVRPC is developing the Philadelphia MSA Climate Action Plan through its participation in the U.S. EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program (CPRG), a two-phase program funded through the Inflation Reduction Act.
We need your input to ensure we are focused on the most important projects for the region. Fill out the interest form at the bottom of DVRPC’s Climate Action Plan web page to share your ideas, ask questions, submit project ideas and actions, and sign up for project updates and outreach opportunities.
DVRPC will be engaging with the public, community-based organizations, and local governments throughout the next several months of planning. To learn more, visit the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant web page, or contact Liz Compitello, Manager, Office of Sustainable Energy, at [email protected].
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on February 14, 2024, 10:41 amGrowing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania: Conclusions Report
Governor Shapiro’s Office of Outdoor Recreation launch in 2023 had huge impacts on the push for better parks and recreation centers in PA. The Growing Outdoor Recreation Report features 32 pages of feedback from stakeholders and outdoor recreationalists, not to mention over 50 plans of action for further PA park support. Get all the facts in this report!
Growing Outdoor Recreation for Pennsylvania: Conclusions Report
Governor Shapiro’s Office of Outdoor Recreation launch in 2023 had huge impacts on the push for better parks and recreation centers in PA. The Growing Outdoor Recreation Report features 32 pages of feedback from stakeholders and outdoor recreationalists, not to mention over 50 plans of action for further PA park support. Get all the facts in this report!
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on February 29, 2024, 9:39 amEncourage Local Leaders to Join Active People, Healthy Nation
The national Active People, Healthy Nation campaign seeks to get 27 million more people to engage in recommended levels of physical activity by 2027. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has signed on, but there are also opportunities for communities of all sizes to formally engage. We invite you to reach out to your local elected officials and ask them to be Active People Healthy Nation Community Champions.
Encourage Local Leaders to Join Active People, Healthy Nation
The national Active People, Healthy Nation campaign seeks to get 27 million more people to engage in recommended levels of physical activity by 2027. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has signed on, but there are also opportunities for communities of all sizes to formally engage. We invite you to reach out to your local elected officials and ask them to be Active People Healthy Nation Community Champions.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 4, 2024, 9:26 amClimate Friendly Practices and HOA's
Article taken from Talking Climate Newsletter, Katharine Hayhoe (sign up here)
We often focus on how important it is to talk about climate change where we work or study. But many of us are part of other organizations that are key to climate action, too -- such as local community, neighborhood, or homeowner’s associations.
As this Cool Down article explains, “Angela Rosencrans was told she had to rip out her lawn. Laurie McGuire tried to install solar panels and was denied — despite state laws in her favor. An estimated 74 million people in the U.S. live in areas governed by a homeowners association — and many of them are frustrated about HOA restrictions that prevent them from saving money and helping the planet.”
It’s not just about enabling residents to make climate-friendly decisions; these organizations can also be key to catalyzing larger change. Windsor Park Neighborhood Association, in Austin, has their very own Climate Crisis Committee, created at the urging of local resident Martin Luecke. Martin says he approached the neighborhood association with a plan: create a climate resolution designed to give his local, state, and federal representatives a list of demands to take action. In May of 2019, the resolution passed by unanimous vote, the first climate resolution in the history of neighborhood associations.
Within a year, two other local neighborhood associations followed suit, creating their own committees. Martin’s goal is for all 80 neighborhood associations in Austin to create their own climate resolutions. “Imagine the collective impact of 80 climate resolutions on the Mayor’s desk, representing the vast majority of the population,” he says.
Looking for more ways to connect with climate action that might already be happening in your area? The Climate Herald has a new resource that makes it easy to get involved. Just click the above link, enter your location (any country around the world), and find a local organization to join!
Climate Friendly Practices and HOA's
Article taken from Talking Climate Newsletter, Katharine Hayhoe (sign up here)
We often focus on how important it is to talk about climate change where we work or study. But many of us are part of other organizations that are key to climate action, too -- such as local community, neighborhood, or homeowner’s associations.
As this Cool Down article explains, “Angela Rosencrans was told she had to rip out her lawn. Laurie McGuire tried to install solar panels and was denied — despite state laws in her favor. An estimated 74 million people in the U.S. live in areas governed by a homeowners association — and many of them are frustrated about HOA restrictions that prevent them from saving money and helping the planet.”
It’s not just about enabling residents to make climate-friendly decisions; these organizations can also be key to catalyzing larger change. Windsor Park Neighborhood Association, in Austin, has their very own Climate Crisis Committee, created at the urging of local resident Martin Luecke. Martin says he approached the neighborhood association with a plan: create a climate resolution designed to give his local, state, and federal representatives a list of demands to take action. In May of 2019, the resolution passed by unanimous vote, the first climate resolution in the history of neighborhood associations.
Within a year, two other local neighborhood associations followed suit, creating their own committees. Martin’s goal is for all 80 neighborhood associations in Austin to create their own climate resolutions. “Imagine the collective impact of 80 climate resolutions on the Mayor’s desk, representing the vast majority of the population,” he says.
Looking for more ways to connect with climate action that might already be happening in your area? The Climate Herald has a new resource that makes it easy to get involved. Just click the above link, enter your location (any country around the world), and find a local organization to join!
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 18, 2024, 9:35 amA Brief History of the Future, PBS Mini-Series Premiers April 3
A Brief History of the Future is a unique six-part PBS documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today and what could come next. WATCH THE TRAILER.
A Brief History of the Future, PBS Mini-Series Premiers April 3
A Brief History of the Future is a unique six-part PBS documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today and what could come next. WATCH THE TRAILER.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on March 18, 2024, 9:39 amEPW Committee Advances Legislation to Bolster Wildlife Conservation
Environment and Public Works, US Senate, March 12
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted to advance the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act by voice vote. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, would reauthorize important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts throughout the country.
“Conserving America’s wildlife is crucial in our fight to protect our one and only planet, and the ACE Act reinforces our nation’s bipartisan commitment to do just that,” said Chairman Carper. “In addition to reauthorizing programs to preserve ecosystems, restore habitat and conserve wildlife, the ACE Act builds on previous efforts to combat evolving threats such as invasive species and wildlife diseases. And, this bill once again recognizes the importance of collaboration between federal agencies, state partners and stakeholders to achieve these goals. I thank Ranking Member Capito and our colleagues for their partnership and look forward to our work ahead in getting this bill across the finish line.”
“Passing the ACE Act through the EPW Committee today is good news for conservation and habitat restoration efforts, especially in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Ranking Member Capito. “I appreciate Chairman Carper for partnering with me to introduce and advance this bipartisan legislation, which will help boost our state’s outdoor recreation industry.”
EPW Committee Advances Legislation to Bolster Wildlife Conservation
Environment and Public Works, US Senate, March 12
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee voted to advance the America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Act by voice vote. The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman and Ranking Member of the EPW Committee, would reauthorize important habitat and wildlife conservation efforts throughout the country.
“Conserving America’s wildlife is crucial in our fight to protect our one and only planet, and the ACE Act reinforces our nation’s bipartisan commitment to do just that,” said Chairman Carper. “In addition to reauthorizing programs to preserve ecosystems, restore habitat and conserve wildlife, the ACE Act builds on previous efforts to combat evolving threats such as invasive species and wildlife diseases. And, this bill once again recognizes the importance of collaboration between federal agencies, state partners and stakeholders to achieve these goals. I thank Ranking Member Capito and our colleagues for their partnership and look forward to our work ahead in getting this bill across the finish line.”
“Passing the ACE Act through the EPW Committee today is good news for conservation and habitat restoration efforts, especially in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Ranking Member Capito. “I appreciate Chairman Carper for partnering with me to introduce and advance this bipartisan legislation, which will help boost our state’s outdoor recreation industry.”
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on April 2, 2024, 3:48 pmPennsylvania Bird Town Continues to Grow
Interest by municipalities in the Bird Town program continues to grow. At the end of December Media Borough, in Delaware County, and Horsham Township, in Montgomery County brought the number of active Bird Towns to fifty. Since January, applications received from Springfield Township and Bethel Townships in Delaware County and West Norriton in Montgomery County have been reviewed and approved. Representatives of the Bird Town Pennsylvania Board look forward to presenting their respective governing boards with the signs and certificates to officially welcome them to the Bird Town Pennsylvania Program. Full list of PA Bird Towns.
Pennsylvania Bird Town Continues to Grow
Interest by municipalities in the Bird Town program continues to grow. At the end of December Media Borough, in Delaware County, and Horsham Township, in Montgomery County brought the number of active Bird Towns to fifty. Since January, applications received from Springfield Township and Bethel Townships in Delaware County and West Norriton in Montgomery County have been reviewed and approved. Representatives of the Bird Town Pennsylvania Board look forward to presenting their respective governing boards with the signs and certificates to officially welcome them to the Bird Town Pennsylvania Program. Full list of PA Bird Towns.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on April 11, 2024, 1:35 pmJoin the #LeaveNoTrash Challenge this Earth Month
Leave No Trace invites you to join the #LeaveNoTrash challenge this April. Last year, over 10,000 pounds of trash were removed from the environment during the challenge. This year, the aim is even higher. You can join the challenge with Leave No Trace and help remove 15,000+ pounds of trash. Getting involved is easy: Organize a clean-up in your community or pick up as much trash as possible on your own. Report what you've collected and the estimated weight — or send a picture of the trash bags you’ve filled! All participants will automatically be entered to win one of 300 prizes. Learn More.
Join the #LeaveNoTrash Challenge this Earth Month
Leave No Trace invites you to join the #LeaveNoTrash challenge this April. Last year, over 10,000 pounds of trash were removed from the environment during the challenge. This year, the aim is even higher. You can join the challenge with Leave No Trace and help remove 15,000+ pounds of trash. Getting involved is easy: Organize a clean-up in your community or pick up as much trash as possible on your own. Report what you've collected and the estimated weight — or send a picture of the trash bags you’ve filled! All participants will automatically be entered to win one of 300 prizes. Learn More.
Quote from Carol Grayshaw on April 11, 2024, 4:39 pmPennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association Seeks Nominations for 2024 Great Places in Pennsylvania
Great Places offer better choices for where and how people live, work, and play. They are enjoyable, safe, sustainable, and desirable. They build strong and resilient communities. If you know a public space or transformation project that merits designation as a Pennsylvania Great Place, nominate it by Friday, May 17.
Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association Seeks Nominations for 2024 Great Places in Pennsylvania
Great Places offer better choices for where and how people live, work, and play. They are enjoyable, safe, sustainable, and desirable. They build strong and resilient communities. If you know a public space or transformation project that merits designation as a Pennsylvania Great Place, nominate it by Friday, May 17.
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