Funding for Solar in Schools & Delaware Watershed; New EJ mapping tool

The latest sustainability news this week.

$25 million boost for “Solar for Schools.” State and city leaders gathered at City Hall on Sept. 4 to mark the passage of the Solar for Schools Act, a grant program aimed at helping Pennsylvania schools install solar panels to reduce energy costs and environmental impact. The program allows schools to combine state grants with federal funding to bring solar energy to school grounds, potentially saving districts millions of dollars, creating jobs, and promoting sustainability.

More money for the Delaware Watershed! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced over $17 million in funding for 45 conservation projects in the Delaware River watershed, leveraging an additional $20.7 million in matching contributions. This includes $1 million for implementing green stormwater infrastructure projects at four under-served elementary schools in Philadelphia. The projects, funded partly by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to improve water quality, enhance shoreline resiliency, and increase public access, benefiting the 14 million people who rely on the watershed.

Philadelphia Launches Environmental Justice Mapping Tool with Resident Input
Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability held the first in a series of workshops to gather community input for the city’s new environmental justice mapping tool. Residents from East Mount Airy and other neighborhoods discussed concerns such as illegal dumping, poor air quality, and poorly maintained trees. The tool aims to identify neighborhoods disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and will help guide future city decisions on green investments and policy priorities. WHYY

Cover photo: Mt. Cuba Center