Protecting community gardens, PA’s green energy package & more

Check out the latest sustainability news:

City Council votes to protect one of the city’s oldest and largest community gardens. This morning, City Council is expected to approve legislation to transfer city-owned land to the Neighborhood Gardens Trust. The land is home to the Summer-Winter Garden, one of the oldest community gardens in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania House caucus unveils green energy package. On June 9th, the House Blue-Green Caucus — a group of members dedicated to labor unions and environmental work — introduced a package of bills aimed at advancing Pennsylvania’s green energy sector. The legislation includes incentives for solar development, protections for workers in extreme heat, and supports development of a training program for veterans seeking employment in the sustainability sector.

High school senior receives 10th Annual Sustainability Award. Liam Cox, senior at W.B. Saul High School for Agricultural Arts, received the award from Friends of Manatawna Farm for showing “leadership and commitment to improving the natural environment and food chain through sustainable agriculture,” according to the award criteria. Friends of Manatawna Farm is a grassroots group dedicated to the preservation and care of sustainable agriculture in Northwest Philadelphia.

EPA rolls back climate pollution regulation. The EPA’s administrator, Lee Zeldin, announced Wednesday afternoon that the agency plans to repeal the regulation that eliminates greenhouse gases from power plants by the 2030s. Over 200 health experts wrote to Zeldin condemning the repeal, saying, “Dismantling these protections would endanger the lives of millions.”

Sustainable Business Network launches Urban Forestry Initiative. The UFI aims to strengthen small businesses to advance urban greening under the Philly Tree Plan. UFI recognizes the need for businesses and organizations in high-priority neighborhoods to receive resources for nurturing the city’s tree canopy.

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Angie Bacha

Angie Bacha (she/her) is a Philadelphia-based solutions journalist and recent Erasmus Mundus Master's in Journalism, Media and Globalisation student in Aarhus, Denmark. Previously, she worked as a student journalist at Community College of Philadelphia and Editorial Intern at Resolve Philly. Some other hats she has worn: Human Rights and Theatre Studies graduate; teaching artist; carpenter; AmeriCorps volunteer; and rock climbing gym shift supervisor.