New trash bill, utility assistance, National Estuaries Week, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:

Council considers new bill for waste disposal contract. In June, City Council extended Philadelphia’s existing waste disposal contracts until the end of this year as debates continue over trash incineration. Councilmember Mark Squilla proposed a new 20-year “Zero Waste Circular Economy” plan that would urge the city to create a waste diversion plan by the end of the next contracts, in four to seven years. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who had been leading the Stop Trashing Our Air campaign, said that she supports a more robust waste diversion plan but that the city needs to stop burning its trash immediately. WHYY

Councilmember proposes solutions to keep Academy of Natural Sciences open. Councilmember Dr. Nina Ahmad has positioned herself on the frontline in the fight to keep the Academy of Natural Sciences open to the public. Ahmad introduced a resolution to hold hearings on the closure in council. She also outlined four possible routes to keep the doors open. NBC 10

Roosevelt Boulevard moves forward with upgrades. Roosevelt Boulevard is one of the most dangerous streets in Philadelphia; the corridor accounted for 10% of traffic deaths in the city from 2018-2022. The city and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are making changes to Roosevelt to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety, with projects to be completed through 2030. Advocates are also renewing the call to build a subway under the road. NBC 10

Dam removed to restore river flow. Just north of Philadelphia, workers with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began demolishing the Spring Garden Dam on Neshaminy Creek. Officials say that the dam no longer serves its purpose and that removing the structure will improve river flow. Allowing the water to flow more freely will also improve the river’s ability to withstand higher levels of rainfall due to a changing climate. The Philadelphia Inquirer

More Pennsylvanians eligible for utility assistance. Many low-income Pennsylvanians are not enrolled in energy assistance programs despite meeting eligibility requirements. Experts report that low enrollment may be a result of cumbersome processes. Utility companies are pushing back on automatic registration, saying it impedes consumer freedom. Spotlight PA

Delaware Estuary celebrates National Estuaries Week. From September 15 through the 27, the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is celebrating National Estuaries Week. Throughout the week, participants can vote to choose the Delaware Estuary Critter of the Year, test their knowledge with an estuary quiz, and party at the Delaware River Festival on September 26 in Camden.  

Cover photo: Councilmember Nina Ahmad speaks at a press conference to save the Academy of Natural Sciences from closing. Lawrence Jones | PHL City Council