Tag: Democracy

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

The Assault on Women’s Rights: Project 2025

July 12, 2024

Trump’s and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a regressive manifesto that places far right fundamentalist Christianity over Americans’ liberty. It is an all-out assault on women’s autonomy. Two years ago, the six reactionary Christians on the Court wiped out women’s privacy, women’s autonomy, and a woman’s right to plan her family. On numerous occasions, … More The Assault on Women’s Rights: Project 2025

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

Schools are not and should not be apolitical.

June 24, 2024

“Schools should be apolitical.” I hear this a lot. Most recently, this has come up because Louisiana’s governor has signed a law that requires schools place the Ten Commandments in schools. Last year and the year before, it was the Moms for Liberty trying to ban books based on their religious hopes for indoctrinating your … More Schools are not and should not be apolitical.

Final letter to an enemy of American democracy

June 11, 2024

Pastor E,

You have told me many times that your religion is not politics and my politics are a religion. You are concerned with more eternal things, the teachings and words of Christ, and the end of abortion. For some time, I took these statements seriously, considering each of them a worthwhile proposition. As you know, I temporarily curtailed my own behavior, in part as a response to what you’d said. Having soberly thought about your behavior, though, and the behavior of many pastors in the Evangelical church, your collective flock’s behavior, and their unwavering support for the Make America Great Again movement, I have concluded that the Evangelical Church has become so fixated on power that it has subordinated everything to a single end—a Christian nation made its own warped image. … More Final letter to an enemy of American democracy

The Local Climate Action Program goes to Harrisburg

May 2, 2024

Tuesday was a big day for the Local Climate Action Program in Harrisburg! In addition to partnering with municipalities this year, Omar Padilla, Kathy Cappelli Breier, and Vijay Bhaskar Chiluveru worked with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to develop the Department’s first operational emissions greenhouse gas inventory. We owe a huge debt … More The Local Climate Action Program goes to Harrisburg

Delta will survive. Delta will thrive.

March 31, 2024

Delta, founded as the Alternative Program in 1974, has been a community focused on democracy, imagination, and inclusivity for 50 years. Last year, the idea of turning Delta into a school sparked controversy. As the decision looms, questions about the program’s unique identity have emerged. The community’s deep ties to Delta and concerns about potential changes have led to robust discussions. Despite this, Delta’s future remains uncertain, with the possibility of becoming a school being carefully considered. The community’s commitment to maintaining Delta’s essence remains strong. … More Delta will survive. Delta will thrive.