Controversial SEPTA funding, heat adaptation, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

PA lawmakers propose controversial funding structure for SEPTA. House Bill 257 would fund SEPTA for two years, but money would come from the Public Transportation Trust Fund rather than sales tax revenue. Those in opposition to the bill claim that money from the capital fund was already allocated for system maintenance and upgrades, leaving existing infrastructure vulnerable to failure. WHYY 

Heat-related deaths dropping. Heat-related deaths have dropped in Philadelphia since the 1990s, likely due to an increase in awareness and changes to the city’s prevention and response. Temperatures are rising each year with climate change, and experts advise continued heat vigilance. Philadelphia Inquirer

High schooler advocates for SEPTA for her mom with disabilities. Leila Golzari-Hunt, a rising 10th grader at Julia R. Masterman High School, says that her mom – who uses a wheelchair – relies on SEPTA for transport. “For many people with disabilities, like my mom, there is no other option,” writes Golzari-Hunt. The Philadelphia Citizen

Protecting trees during street work. The machines used to repave city streets can damage street trees in passing. Streets Department officials contract landscaping subcontractors to help identify and trim trees beforehand, but advocates say that the subcontractors are still doing damage. Green Philly

Cover photo: SEPTA bus. Claudia Salvato Photography.