Climate’s on the ballot, PA drought & electrifying ports

Your weekly dose of sustainability highlights

Yesterday was an exceptionally warm Halloween at 82 degrees, matching a record set in 1946 – a reminder of what’s at stake as we approach Election Day in just four days. Climate change on the ballot, and the contrast is clear: former President Donald Trump called climate change “one of the greatest scams of all time,” and rolled back over 100 environmental regulations, while Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tiebreaking vote on the historic Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate law in US.. history. In a swing state like Pennsylvania, sitting out or voting third party effectively supports Trump. Make your vote count.

October is the first month without measurable rain in over 150 years, leaving the region at fire risk. Philadelphia faces a high risk of fires this weekend due to arid conditions and gusty winds sweeping the I-95 corridor from Boston through Philly. With drought conditions at a record high, residents are advised to avoid open flames and stay alert, as a single spark could ignite fast-spreading fires. Local fire departments are preparing for potential challenges with limited water sources in nearby drought-stricken areas. Accuweather

Philly ports are going electric. Philadelphia’s port is set to receive nearly $80 million from the EPA’s Clean Ports Program to advance zero-emission technologies and air quality improvements. This funding, part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, will support electric cargo equipment, electric charging infrastructure, and emission planning and cut diesel pollution to enhance public health in nearby communities. The new zero-emission equipment is estimated to reduce over 3 million metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to the energy use of nearly 400,000 homes annually.