IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Parks Department Drafts Vision

Working with over 700 community partners and staff, Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis has created a draft for the Vision, Mission and Goals of the new Department of Parks and Recreation.  Over the summer, DiBerardinis and Parks and Recreation staff will visit neighborhoods and continue to dialogue with local groups as they work to create the nation's premier park and recreation system, serving the City and its citizens.

To hear more from DiBerardinis, as well as park experts from across the country, come to July’s Urban Sustainability Forum, Parkland Use & Protection: Striking the Right Balance.  The forum will explore the future of our parks, drawing on Philadelphia's unique past and as well as lessons learned from other cities. 

New Issue of Grid

Grid, the magazine that both inspires Philadelphians to live sustainability and provides DIY tips and resources to make it happen, has released its June/July issue.  With articles on some of the great work that is going on locally in the world of urban agriculture, and a look at one person's vision for an environmental learning center in Overbrook, plus helpful hints on how to properly dispose of your electronics, tasty recipes, and book recommendations, you'll want to check it out.  Look for the next issue this August at locations throughout the city or online.

Legislative Run Down

In a rush to get legislation passed before summer recess, there are now a number of important pieces of legislation under consideration at both the state and federal level.  We wanted to let you know a little about three of them that we're sure you'll want to keep an eye on in the next few days.

HR 2454 - The American Clean Energy and Security Act - This historic legislation will create great green jobs, attack climate change and change our energy habits: This bill would, for the first time, limit the amount of heat-trapping emissions causing global warming produced in the U.S., while also requiring changes in how we make and use energy (more clean, renewable supply; more efficient use of electricity and natural gas).  It is going to be a close vote and the Pennsylvania delegation will be crucial to the outcome. On the floor of the U.S. House TODAY! 

SB 92 and HB 80 - This green jobs and clean energy bill mends and extends the landmark 2004 Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) law.  Pennsylvania has another chance to do our part to battle global warming at home by increasing the state’s amount of clean, renewable energy supply, especially solar energy.  Renewable energy production in Pennsylvania is already making an enormous positive economic impact, with thousands of new jobs and hundreds of millions in new private investment.  We expect a full House vote early next week. 

SB 905 and HB 1489 with Amendment A2021 - Assesses a severance tax on the extraction of natural gas in Pennsylvania and, with the addition of amendment A2021, limits the tax to high-producing gas wells and dedicates a portion of the revenue derived from the tax to the Environmental Stewardship Fund, to our wildlife and fish agencies, and to local municipalities where drilling occurs.  Natural gas drilling disrupts natural spaces and habitat, harms water quality and damages infrastructure, so it is only fair that gas drillers - not taxpayers - pick up the bill. HB 1489 with Amendment A2021 was voted out of committee and will be going before the full House soon.

Plastic Bag Ban Bagged

We are very disappointed to see that after coming so far, a ban on the use of plastic bags by large retail stores was defeated at City Council last week.  Despite unanimous support for the bill in committee, the bill was voted down six to ten at the full Council vote, with members who voted "yes" in committee voting "no" in the final vote.  Were those flip-flops a result of reconsidering the issue, or an example of a lack of moral fortitude in the face of the plastic bag lobby?  We'll leave that to you to think over.  In the mean time plastic bags will continue to litter our streets, pollute our waterways, and fill our landfills.   

VOICES OF PHILADELPHIANS:

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We want every Philadelphian to learn about Next Great City! If you want to help us spread the word, invite a Next Great City representative to come speak at the next meeting of your civic association, church group or other community organization.

In addition, if you'd like copies of the Next Great City report or brochures, contact Christine at 215-545-9692.