PA Legislature Update - Environmental Developments (January, 2019)

HR 1 (passed) contains, among other things, a new "Governmental Oversight Committee" with broad subpoena powers.  Need attorneys to inform us on the full scope of this committee and its powers.

In my opinion bad news: Daryl Metcalfe has been given the chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy committee and his intention is to focus on reform and simplification and not on matters of environmental concern.  District 12 is just north of St Paul's church, several of our friends live is his district and have tried to participate in his town halls.

The federal government shutdown raises questions about the opening and closing dates for comments on proposed rules - mercury, methane to name two.

We are currently in Act 129 Phase III, but the PUC is starting the processes for Phase IV which is in the technical (nerdy) phase.  Act 129 provides the opportunity to implement electric energy conservation and efficiencies - boring but very important.

A year ago, the Charlottesville rally shined a light on white supremacists and sparked overdue conversations.

 

Watch this very informative PBS News Hour piece on what has happened since the Charlottesville incident one year ago.  It speaks to the status, the problems and notably some favorable developments in our country (minute 9:00+).

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-year-ago-the-charlottesville-rally-shined-a-light-on-white-supremacists-and-sparked-overdue-conversations

See this fascinating animated graphic of net migrations.

See the image in motion at - http://metrocosm.com/global-immigration-map/

St. Paul's Forum and Prayer Vigil is in the news.

See the Post Gazette article - http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/07/02/North-Hills-prayer-vigil-focuses-on-immigration-police-shooting/stories/201807020144

Progress being made on common sense gun control.

It is small but it is progress.  Follow the link for the full article - https://www.buzzfeed.com/claudiakoerner/sturm-ruger-activist-investors-gun-violence-nuns?utm_term=.sy9zbeoDn#.rdngepXwM

If you are unable to attend the event at St Paul's on July 2nd but still wish to participate you may sign-up to register 

your participation by contacting the church office or Michael DiMonte by email at stpjusticeteam@gmail.com, 

Working for Justice - Actions you can take to help immigrant families.

Attend a march or candlelight vigil in Pittsburgh on June 30. Find more information online at:  moveon.org/event/families-belong-together/

more...

more...

end.