Solar Week: More solar, Cleaning Tacony Park & more

The latest sustainability news this week

Happy Solar Week, Philly! Did you know over 3300 homes and businesses have switched to solar through Solarize Philly?

60 Low and Middle-Income Families in the Philadelphia region can lease solar. Capital Good Fund, in partnership with Solarize and Philadelphia Green Capital Corp., has launched the Pennsylvania BRIGHT solar leasing pilot, announced during the Solar Week press conference on Monday. Through this program, 60 low and middle-income homeowners can lease solar systems with no upfront or maintenance costs, with an average of 20% savings on energy bills each month. The initiative, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and local partnerships, aims to reduce the energy burden on disadvantaged communities while expanding access to renewable energy.

The TTF Watershed Partnership launched the #CreekyCLEAN! Tacony Park Initiative, a community-driven campaign focused on revitalizing Tacony Creek Park, aligning with Philadelphia’s citywide cleaning and greening programs. The initiative aims to transform the park into a vibrant, sustainable green space through community partnerships and large-scale clean-up efforts. The kick-off party is on August 17th at Tacony Creek Park’s Whitaker Gateway.

Eastern Regal Fritillary Butterfly Proposed for Endangerment Listing. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the eastern regal fritillary butterfly, which is only found at Fort Indiantown Gap in Pennsylvania, as endangered. Despite being a busy military training site, the base has implemented successful conservation efforts to protect the butterfly’s last remaining population. Public comments on the proposal are open until October 7, 2024. The Inquirer

Climate Change Takes Focus at Philadelphia Gas Commission Meeting. At a recent Philadelphia Gas Commission meeting, ratepayers urged action on climate change and opposed a proposal to limit public participation in Philadelphia Gas Works’ budget process. The commission tabled the vote on the controversial proposal after hearing testimony, including from City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke. The meeting highlighted the growing push for transparency and a shift toward renewable energy in the city’s public utilities. WHYY