PENNSYLVANIA BIPARTISAN
CLIMATE INITIATIVE
PENNSYLVANIA BIPARTISAN CLIMATE INITIATIVE
The climate crisis is happening.
It’s not a future problem; it’s a NOW problem.
We need robust, immediate action to tackle this global challenge, and we can start right here at home.
THE CHALLENGE
THE SUPERPOWER: PENNSYLVANIA'S POWERFUL ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
THE SUPERPOWER: PENNSYLVANIA'S POWERFUL ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
Pennsylvania Constitution, Article I, Section 27. Natural resources and the public estate.
The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people. (May 18, 1971, P.L.769, J.R.3)
TIMELINE OF THE ERA
The Initiative is working to encourage local Pennsylvania officials at all levels of government to implement climate action plans that put the ERA front and center in their comprehensive planning. The Initiative supports Drexel University’s Environmental Collaboratory in their work to curate best practices for communities throughout Pennsylvania, especially those that have been historically underserved.
BEST PRACTICES INCLUDE:
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ERA
Advancing comprehensive planning to encourage clean energy
Ensuring that traditionally underserved communities are protected from adverse climate impacts
Procuring/purchasing power from clean energy sources
