PA Climate Caucus

10/16/2024

10/15/2024

This morning, PA Climate Caucus co-chair Senator Carolyn Comitta, Climate Caucus member Senator Katie Muth, and staff from the office of Climate Caucus co-chair Rep. Danielle Friel Otten attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting for a new net-zero energy use and emissions community in Exton, Chester County.

Solar arrays on the roof and parking lot at the Hamilton Passive House will allow the building to produce an estimated 220,000 kWh per year while consuming only 200,000 kWh per year, meaning the residents here will have no electric bill. The building is constructed to Passive House standards, including elements such as heavy, highly efficient insulation; design without thermal bridges (so the outside air stays outside, and the heated or cooled air stays inside); airtight construction; efficient central ventilation; and triple-paned windows. All apartments are outfitted with energy-efficient appliances and water-conserving kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The site is also designed with flood control in mind, with rain directed into the ground to avoid excess stormwater runoff.

The Hankin Group is pursuing Phius Zero certification, which would certify that the construction meets best practices for on-site energy conservation and nets out its annual operational energy with renewable energy. Passive House construction is a model for the future of healthy and sustainable living, illustrating what is possible if we work together to prioritize the environmental health, public health, and economic health of our communities.

09/10/2024

The Solar for Schools legislation provides $25 million in state funding that can cover up to half approved school solar projects. But the real hope is that that money will serve as a bridge allowing approved school districts to access even more funding provided by the federal government

09/06/2024

08/21/2024

Every year, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators produces a Legislative Session Recap to highlight legislation and showcase trends and milestones in state-level environmental policy from that year.

Climate Caucus co-Chair Rep. Danielle Friel Otten joined NCEL this week to help recap the work being done by legislators in Pennsylvania in 2024 and what to expect heading into 2025.

Take a look at some of the major legislative trends and successful policies that states passed in 2024 ⬇

Each year, NCEL staff produces a Legislative Session Recap showcasing trends and milestones in state-level environmental policy from that year. Now more than ever, the action of states in the fight for a healthy environment and thriving communities is crucial.

08/02/2024

Climate Caucus members Rep. Danielle Friel Otten and Rep. Chris Rabb are down in Louisville, Kentucky this weekend for the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators 2024 National Forum.

They will be hearing from and working with environmental legislators and policymakers from all 50 states on a variety of environmental issues, learn about trending solutions, and collaborate on an agenda for a healthier planet and healthier people.

We have officially kicked off the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators 2024 Conference in Louisville, KY 🏇🥃🌎🌱 my buddy Rep. Chris Rabb made us as always - the opening night speaker on the intersection of environmental work and justice 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

06/11/2024

Sustainability in action!

PA DCNR recently unveiled their newly installed solar arrays which will produce enough renewable energy to power the peninsula at the park.

This solar array will:
✅Save taxpayers more than $30,000 on electricity annually while producing enough energy to power 25 average American homes
✅Reduce the department’s carbon footprint by more than 211,000 pounds a year, or the equivalent of removing 20 passenger cars from the road annually.

By installing this solar array, Presque Isle is the first state park to adopt a site-specific climate change plan.

06/05/2024

New climate warnings were announced Wednesday, including that the planet experiencing its warmest May on record -- bringing the tally to twelve record-breaking months.

06/05/2024

The continuing crisis of climate change, pollution and waste is on my mind this World Environment Day and every day. As a co-founder of the Climate Caucus, I can tell you that every action counts!

06/05/2024

is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to working toward better environmental policy and spreading awareness of the impact that our individual actions have on the environment.

As House Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral PA Climate Caucus I am proud to stand with my colleagues to raise awareness of the need for climate action and urge the legislature to move us toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.