News

Three Activists Arrested After 50-Foot Banner Hung From PECO HQ

Banner Posed the Question “Climate Is Changing: Why Isn’t PECO?”

Last week, before activists were arrested at Philly’s Democratic Party headquarters, activists from Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT) dropped a banner from the west-side roof edge of PECO’s Headquarters building on Market Street during the afternoon rush hour. The group publicly demanded why PECO Energy Company, as well as its parent company Exelon, has continued to not take action on climate change by creating local solar jobs.

“This for-profit corporation and its leaders should be answerable to the public and answer the burning question our banner poses: Why isn’t PECO acting as a community change leader in response to the climate crisis? Where is the serious commitment to creation of well-paying solar jobs?”

EQAT Activist Walter Sullivan

The banner was visible to Philadelphia commuters in the 30th Street Station corridor, and according to a press release by the organization, three activists were arrested and taken to a nearby police station as a result of the action.

The banner was a part of the Power Local Green Jobs campaign, a faith-based economic justice campaign begun in 2015 and led by EQAT. The campaign uses nonviolent direct action to pressure PECO, the largest utility in Pennsylvania, to spur job growth through solar expansion in communities with high unemployment.

Interested in learning more about EQAT and their work? Check out their website:


Jones

Madeleine Jones, who goes by her last name, is the Editorial Intern at Green Philly. She is new to Philadelphia and recently graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, with a bachelor's in Environmental Studies and International Studies. Jones spends her free time with her nose buried in books, sampling Philly's vegan restaurants, fawning over her pet mouse, and filling out job applications.

Recent Posts

New park renovations, SBN Director steps down, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Newly renovated playground and basketball court in Port…

1 day ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Office of Sustainability?

If you have ever wondered what this city office does, we have you covered. The…

2 days ago

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

1 week ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

1 week ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago