Category: sustainability

Ten Centre County governmental entities have signed on to a historic solar agreement

February 1, 2025

From PennEnvironment: On Monday, January 27, ten governmental entities in Centre County have officially entered into a 15-year contract to supply their operations with renewable energy from a nearby solar project. It is believed that this cooperative solar purchase agreement is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.  “The ten members of the Centre County … More Ten Centre County governmental entities have signed on to a historic solar agreement

Fifteen years of sustainable design for our schools

November 3, 2024

The State College Area School District has been pursuing building excellence for over 15 years. The first push for more sustainable design and construction came when the Board passed a resolution in 2008 committing the District to a minimum LEED Silver standard. Ever since, the District has incorporated sustainable design, energy, and procurement in its … More Fifteen years of sustainable design for our schools

A power purchase agreement or something else?

October 20, 2024

As readers of this blog know, ten of Centre County’s local governments will soon vote to adopt affordable, carbon-free, Pennsylvania-supplied solar power. Brought together in 2019 as a special working group, we set our sights on two primary goals: being more responsible as fiduciaries with our energy dollars and playing a positive role in reducing greenhouse … More A power purchase agreement or something else?

Make action on climate change part of everyday life. Make it part of what schools do.

October 15, 2024

“When more schools adopt solar, it becomes mainstream and no longer viewed as “something revolutionary or confrontational.” This is what I told Cipher News, an outlet that “covers the technological innovations we need to combat climate change and transform our global energy systems.” In our work to act on climate change, its drivers and impacts … More Make action on climate change part of everyday life. Make it part of what schools do.

Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future

October 14, 2024

Today, I have an opinion piece, “Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future,” published on StateCollege.com. It is a response to Josh Portney’s misguided and ill-informed opinion piece on the regional solar power purchase agreement (SPPA). While Portney presents himself as a sleuth and advocate for the truth proves he has a … More Don’t Be Distracted by ‘Inactivists.’ Solar Is the Present and Future

The real, but hidden, social benefits of a solar power purchase agreement.

September 30, 2024

As readers know from recent posts, I have been working on an intergovernmental solar power purchase agreement (PPA). It is close to the finish line. Our citizens and taxpayers will be able to celebrate how a coalition of committed public servants assembled a triple win on fiscal responsibility, voter and youth demands for action on … More The real, but hidden, social benefits of a solar power purchase agreement.

Working on climate action in Pennsylvania inspires climate action in a California

September 23, 2024

Last week, our Local Climate Action Program (LCAP) graduate Joe Thompson accepted an award on behalf of the Orange Sustainability Plan. Joe has taken a remarkable step that we hope for and dream of: applying the skills he learned in the LCAP and in his Energy & Sustainability Policy degree to his civic and professional … More Working on climate action in Pennsylvania inspires climate action in a California

Taking on the Merchants of Doubt in 2024

September 22, 2024

I’ve been watching people get wrapped up in manufactured controversies—manfufactroversies—lately. The zombie armies of climate change deniers, doubters, boomers, and climate inactivists are out in force. Their goal is to undermine the public’s confidence in good actions. Who are they and what do they do? When some special interest sees an issue as a threat … More Taking on the Merchants of Doubt in 2024

Americans continue to support renewable energy, younger people & Democrats most of all

July 2, 2024

According to Pew Research Center, majorities of Americans say they support more solar, wind, & nuclear power, making carbon free electricity the preferred source of electricity in the United States. Unsurprisingly, younger people support renewable energy development at a significantly higher rate than people 65+, especially older Republicans. There are important differences in attitudes between … More Americans continue to support renewable energy, younger people & Democrats most of all