In 2024, the presidential election took up much of the media’s focus, and the results will likely affect us for years.
We know the Trump presidency will bring challenges for the environment, but it’s important to take a moment to celebrate the progress we made in Pennsylvania this year. These accomplishments will help us protect clean air and water, expand access to clean energy, and address climate change.
Even with a divided state legislature, we made significant strides in securing investments through the state budget signed by Governor Shapiro. These funds will help Pennsylvania take full advantage of federal climate and infrastructure programs, such as the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Key achievements include $25 million for the Solar for Schools Program, which helps schools use federal funds to increase renewable energy use and lower energy costs. We also secured $11 million to clean up abandoned oil and gas wells, which are a major source of pollution and climate change.
This funding will also create union jobs and help local economies. Additionally, $50 million was allocated for Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams program to help protect rivers and streams by supporting better farming practices and reducing climate pollution.
These investments show that bipartisan support for conservation and clean energy is possible, creating jobs while protecting our environment.
Looking ahead to 2025, we will continue to advocate for policies that expand access to clean, renewable energy, such as community solar. We’ll also push for programs like Whole-Home Repairs, which help families reduce energy costs and transition to clean energy.
Protecting clean drinking water and preserving open spaces will remain a priority, as well as securing proper funding for public transit systems like SEPTA.
Thanks to the pro-environment majority we kept in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, we’ll be able to continue pushing for our goals. This success gives us the strength to fight against any environmental setbacks from Washington.
We will keep working with our supporters across the state, including labor unions that share our commitment to improving quality of life and benefiting from the clean energy transition.
Our successful partnerships with Governor Shapiro and environmental leaders in the legislature have helped us make progress, and we are energized and determined to continue fighting for a better future for all Pennsylvanians.