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Events

World Environment Day - June 5, 2010

This weekend marks the close of the six week period leading up to World Environment Day. Numerous activities are planned for June 5, including litter pickups and plantings, a watershed celebration, tours of a zero-energy house and a wildlife rehabilitation center, interactive displays, and other environmental initiatives. Marquee World Environment Day activities include the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which is featuring a Guster performance on Saturday, a band known for its commitment to the environment. The Black and Gold City Goes Green Water Savers Competition Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 at the Carnegie Science Center, and Paddle at the Point is set for its world record attempt. But the fun doesn't stop on June 5. In the spirit of World Environment Day, many more events are scheduled through July! For details on all of these activities, visit www.pittsburghwed.com.

REGISTER NOW: Smart Transportation and The Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative
Southwestern Pennsylvania Project Review

Thursday, June 10
9:30 am - 11:30 am
31st Floor, Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Ave., downtown Pittsburgh
RSVP to gervin@10000friends.org or (412) 471-3727 x16

Explore opportunities for future Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) development toward strengthening connections between community and transportation investment.

Presented by: 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, and Sustainable Pittsburgh

Learn more

Resources

Paddle at the Point: Kayak and Canoe World Record Attempt

A World Environment Day key event serving to raise awareness of the importance of water and its interconnectedness with biodiversity.

Visit www.paddleatthepoint.com for updates.

Bring your boat down to Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Saturday, June 5th and help break the World Record for largest flotilla of kayaks and canoes. Venture Outdoors is organizing this event in celebration of World Environment Day on June 5th. Groups, individuals and clubs welcome! The record is currently held by the Inlet Area Businesses Association in upstate New York and it will take 1,105 kayaks and canoes for Pittsburgh to set the new world record.

Smart Transportation and The Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative
Southwestern Pennsylvania Project Review

Thursday, June 10
9:30 am - 11:30 am
31st Floor, Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Ave., downtown Pittsburgh
RSVP to gervin@10000friends.org or (412) 471-3727 x16

Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI), a $60 million PennDOT pilot program, provides resources to communities to help implement Smart Transportation and improve linkages between community and transportation investments.

In the spring of 2009, PennDOT selected fifty diverse projects to receive PCTI funding. In Southwestern Pennsylvania, eight projects were selected totaling $11.7 million in investment for the region.

Come learn of the ways PCTI is serving as a catalyst. Overview of the SWPA projects will be provided followed by a panel of regional leaders.

Be part of the discussion on opportunities and challenges and explore opportunities for future PCTI development toward strengthening connections between community and transportation investment.

Presented by: 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group, and Sustainable Pittsburgh

Regional Forum - "In the Public Interest? An Assessment of the Geographical Distribution of Pennsylvania Business Subsidies"

Monday, June 14
10:00 am - Noon, followed by luncheon strategy session 12:00 - 1:00 pm
31st Floor, Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 Sixth Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh
No fee to attend. Seating is limited.
RSVP to: Lori Butler at (412) 258-6642 or lbutler@sustainablepittsburgh.org
Specify if you will attend (A) Forum or (B) Forum and lunch strategy session
Presented by: Keystone Research Center and Sustainable Pittsburgh

In these difficult economic times each dollar the state spends on economic development needs to be invested wisely. There's not enough to go around. The hard choices necessary call for smart strategies and sharp targeting of state money. The stakes are high considering accountability bills pending in Harrisburg and a change of administration.

Do we have confidence that taxpayer funds for economic development are invested where we will get the most impact?
Or are state investments merely displacing private dollars that would have gone to those projects?
Are we using business subsidies to jump start smart growth and sustainable development?
What are the stakes for emerging regional approaches to boost older communities and target corridors?
What lessons have we learned from our decades of economic development experience that will be a guide for our next Governor?

Steve Herzenberg, economist and Executive Director of Keystone Research Center (KRC) will share insights about KRC's latest work to demystify patterns in geographical distribution of state spending for economic development - with a focus on the Pittsburgh region. Be part of the dialogue and agenda setting for steering investments in step with our region's emerging planning and programming for sustainable development.

Panel discussion featuring:
Moderator: Jerry Paytas, GSP Consulting
Jerry Andree, Cranberry Township
Lynn DeLorenzo, NAIOP
Eric Montarti, The Allegheny Institute
Ron Peters, The Metro-Urban Institute of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Additional panelist TBA This community forum will be climate neutral thru purchase of carbon offsets via www.nativeenergy.com/sp.

Race in America: Restructuring Inequality

June 3–6, 2010
University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
Fees vary.
Conference brochure
More information

The University of Pittsburgh has set the stage for a solution-focused dialogue on race, one that will bring together some of the best minds on this important subject. Pitt’s School of Social Work and the school's Center on Race and Social Problems will host Race in America: Restructuring Inequality, a national conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.

"Times of challenge provide the opportunity to create change. As the nation continues its efforts to recover from an economic downturn, there has never been a better time to re-examine and correct racial inequalities in American society. It is our intent to make this the best conference ever on race in America. More importantly, it is our goal to make it the most useful one."

—Larry E. Davis, dean of the School of Social Work and Donald M. Henderson Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Who should attend?
* Academic researchers
* Community leaders and organizers
* Community members
* Economists
* Educators
* Health care professionals
* Law professionals
* Policy makers
* Psychologists
* Social workers
* Sociologists

Be a part of this dialogue on race and how it relates to every facet of society – from the economy, to families, to the criminal justice system.

"Gasland"
Will the boom in natural gas drilling contaminate America's water supply?

Saturday, June 5
7:00 pm (doors open at 6)
Byham Theater (at approximately 6th and Fort Duquesne Blvd.)
www.gaslandthemovie.com

Following the award winning documentary film will be a panel discussion facilitated by the filmmaker Josh Fox. The panel will include Myron Arnowitt (Clean Water Action); John Stoltz (Duquesne University); Dave Levdansky (State House Rep); Ned Mulcahy (Three Rivers Waterkeeper) and Dan Volz (Center for Healthy Environments and Communities). When filmmaker Josh Fox discovers that Natural Gas drilling is coming to his area—the Catskillls/Poconos region of Upstate New York and Pennsylvania, he sets off on a 24 state journey to uncover the deep consequences of the United States’ natural gas drilling boom. What he uncovers is truly shocking-—water that can be lit on fire right out of the sink, chronically ill residents of drilling areas from disparate locations in the US all with the same mysterious symptoms, huge pools of toxic waste that kill cattle and vegetation well blowouts and huge gas explosions consistently covered up by state and federal regulatory agencies. These are just a few of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. Sponsored by Clean Water Action.

Feeding the Earth: Pivotal Frontiers of Composting

2 Session Class:
Two Mondays, June 7 and 14
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Phipps Garden Center Auditorium (1059 Shady Avenue), Shadyside, Pittsburgh
Register

Over the past decade, backyard composting has become increasingly popular, and growing numbers of restaurants, cafeterias & supermarkets have begun to divert their organic waste to composting facilities. In this slide-show-based lecture-and-discussion, Nick Shorr argues that these movements offer a shift in our relations to Nature of historic proportions.

Class includes a brief review of the basic ecology of compost and its remarkable benefits and a history of how humans dealt with waste over the past millennia, ending around 1850. By this time the best farming on every continent was built on careful recycling of organic matter. Circumstances that led farmers away from these fundamental insights are then covered; and the ongoing costs of this disconnection.

The remainder of the presentation addresses the present and its possibilities for the future, with a focus on Southwest Pennsylvania. For consideration are some recent developments that compete for organic waste, and strategies that would maximize the environmental and social benefits of this resource frontier.

Each class is full of wonderful images, interesting and important facts and ideas, and ends with ample time for discussion. Registration includes resource hand-outs for further thought, refreshments and light snacks.

Nick Shorr is Program Manager of Regional Composting Initiatives at PRC. PhD in Agricultural Anthropology from Indiana U; fieldwork in Amazonia; has managed farmers’ markets; worked on composting facilities; on community gardens and farms in five states; taught the history & ecology of global agriculture at seven universities.

greenSCENE
A Celebration of Firsts

Thursday, June 10
5:30 pm
Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Strip District
Cost: $55
Contact: Mike Embrescia
Flyer

Q: What do the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, the Senator John Heinz History Center, WYEP radio station and many other local buildings have in common?
A: They are all green building “firsts” in the U.S…and we’re going to throw them a party!

Join the Green Building Alliance for a grand celebration of green “firsts” that recently welcomed the world! Proceeds support Larimer's efforts to become the first green neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Liquid Knowledge: The NPC Debrief on How Water Matters! and What You Can Do

Tuesday, June 15
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Bricolage, Downtown Pittsburgh
Cost is $5 in advance/$8 at the door
Co-Presented by Global Solutions Pittsburgh, the Green Building Alliance and the WED Partnership
Register at www.newpittsburghcollaborative.org
Flyer

Calling all civic-minded young professionals for an important debrief with a twist.

Mix, mingle and discuss key takeaways from the UN World Environment Day Water Matters! Conference, exploring global water issues re: health, energy and economic development with an emphasis on the opportunities and challenges associated with our region’s ample supply.

Join the New Pittsburgh Collaborative to get the highlights, find out what you can do and connect with a diverse array of interesting people.

Joint Public Hearings on Transportation Funding

Friday, June 18
11:00 am
Gateway High School, 3000 Gateway Campus Boulevard, Monroeville
Topic: Issues affecting the South West Region (PennDOT Districts 11 and 12).
http://buildingabetterpa.com/

Pennsylvania’s aging infrastructure continues to deteriorate, yet the demands that are placed on it continue to grow. Increasing cars, trucks and buses on PA roads and bridges; old and crumbling water and sewer systems; correctional facilities bulging at the seams and costly, inefficient public transportation systems are all placed on taxpayers’ shoulders. The House Republican infrastructure task force was formed to examine the infrastructure that exists in Pennsylvania today. The infrastructure task force has been examining all aspects of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure to ensure that the taxpayer is getting back what they put in. By exploring more cost effective funding mechanisms the task force is working to develop innovative methods to improve the various facets of the Commonwealth’s infrastructure.

The infrastructure task force is charged with:
Developing innovative methods to fund and improve the various facets of the Commonwealth’s infrastructure.
Areas of focus will include roads and bridges, mass transit, water and sewer, aviation, and maritime transportation.

This hearing is one of seven hearings scheduled throughout Pennsylvania hosted by House Transportation Committee chairmen Rep. Joseph F. Markosek, D-25, and Rep. Richard A. Geist, R-79.

To register to testify at the hearing, call or email Amanda Wolfe at Markosek’s office at awolfe@pahouse.net or (717) 783-1012.

Those who are unable to attend the hearing may submit testimony for the public record via email or regular mail. Testimony may be emailed to awolfe@pahouse.net or mailed to: Hon. Joseph F. Markosek, 314 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202025, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2025.

cityLive! Water we see & Water we use

Tuesday, June 29
6:30 pm
New Hazlett Theater, North Side
RSVP

Southwestern Pennsylvania residents live in a region defined by its rivers. This region has plentiful water supplies —- a tremendous economic and quality of life asset -— but significant water quality challenges. Pittsburgh was selected as the North American host city by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for World Environment Day 2010. The region hosted the World Environment Day global water conference, "Water Matters!", on June 3. Participants from across the country spoke to the problems and possibilities of water in southwestern PA -– its impact on health, energy and the economy. The June 29 cityLIVE! event will reflect upon the results of the conference, discuss what was learned and how to protect and embrace the region's most valuable resource – water.

Resources

What's the Impact of the Marcellus Shale on our Environment?

The process uses three to five millions of gallons of water per well. While some companies are committed to recycling the used water, wastewater disposal is not consistent across the board. Environment experts say that regulations on total dissolved solids need to be updated and the "Halliburton loophole," which exempts hydraulic fracturing from the Clean Water Act, needs to be closed.

Too big to fail… what about us?

Community-based organizations, particularly African-American organizations, fight the hard fight day-to-day to improve the conditions of local neighborhoods. Born and bred in the communities they serve, these agencies are not only the first line of defense; but familiar, comfortable faces that are sensitive to the culture of those seeking assistance. These organizations hire people from the community and create an atmosphere that is welcoming and comforting. Because they are community- based, does not mean they can’t have the capacity to provide the necessary services with the necessary supports. You would think with their expertise and ingenuity, these organizations would be at the forefront of receiving the support needed to effectively impact lives.

More

News Analysis: Regional Waterways Make Most Endangered Rivers List

Three of our region's rivers are in serious environmental trouble. That's according to the national conservation organization known as American Rivers. It's just released an annual list of America's Most Endangered Rivers. Waterways in Pennsylvania and West Virginia figure prominently among the top ten. The Allegheny Front's news analyst Ann Murray joins host Jennifer Szweda Jordan to talk about how these area rivers made it to the top of this ranking.

Pittsburgh is 13th worldwide in the Eco-City ranking

Eco-City Ranking 2010 includes the following criteria: Water availability, water potability, waste removal, sewage, air pollution and traffic congestion.

2010 Report Card for Pennsylvania's Infrastructure: Keystone In Crisis

In the four years between Report Cards, the state of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure has not improved—in fact, we are witnessing a crisis in our state’s infrastructure that will affect every Pennsylvanian for years to come. This year’s Report Card takes a hard and thorough look at 12 areas: Bridges, Dams and Levees, Drinking Water, Navigable Waterways, Parks and Recreation, Rail, Roads, Schools, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Transit and Wastewater, and gives real-world recommendations for how to improve each. Civil engineers are stewards of the nation’s infrastructure, charged with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of our vital public works. Inherent in that responsibility is the obligation to periodically assess the state of the infrastructure, report on its condition and performance, and advise on the steps necessary for its improvement. We are confident that the Commonwealth can move forward with vision, leadership, and community involvement and support.

Take action: Speak out to protect water from drilling and other threats

Last week the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) approved new regulations that would protect drinking water, rivers and streams from gas drilling wastewater and wastewater from other industries including mining – thanks to your help.

Now these vital regulations will go before the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), as well as the House and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committees. These new standards will force drillers and other polluters to pay the costs of protecting our waterways; it’s no surprise that they are fighting back, urging the IRRC and legislators to stop the regulations.

PennFuture asks you to counter the big industry lobbyists by sending a message to the IRRC and key legislators. Email them now, and let them know that the health of residents, and our economy, relies on clean safe drinking water and rivers and streams.

ANALYSIS: The President's 2011 Budget, Creating Communities of Opportunity

President Obama’s proposed 2011 budget lays out a compelling vision for economic recovery and building inclusive, sustainable communities. In PolicyLink's new analysis, "The President’s 2011 Budget: Creating Communities of Opportunity," we look at how well the President’s budget proposal invests in equity. PolicyLink's answer: quite well.

The President’s budget advances equity by investing in building communities of opportunity across America, breaking down traditional barriers between agencies, and focusing on results. But it also proposes money behind those principles:

$345 million for a Healthy Food Financing Initiative
$210 million for Promise Neighborhoods
$688 million for Sustainable Communities
$266 million for the Corporation for National Community Service

Of course, the road to an inclusive and sustained economic recovery is a long one, and cannot be achieved with a single budget proposal. But if passed by Congress, the President’s budget would help fight poverty and promote shared prosperity for all Americans. As Congress debates the budget, they need to hear from YOU. Read PolicyLink's analysis, and then call your representatives to advocate for the programs that are key to a sustainable, prosperous America.

EPA sets first new limit on sulfur dioxide in decades

The Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday set a new health standard that coal-fired power plants and other industries will have to meet on sulfur dioxide, a pollutant that triggers asthma attacks and causes other respiratory problems. The EPA set the new standard within a range that an independent panel of scientists suggested. This marks the first time the standard has been changed since the original one was issued in 1971.

Dampening Debate

The conference committee included a variety of groups, including the environmental organization Clean Water Action. Organizing talks were heavily business-themed. Gould says planning began by acknowledging Southwestern Pennsylvania's role as an energy-producing region, with such attributes as its wealth of natural gas. Our abundant water, meanwhile, provides a competitive advantage over, say, the arid American Southwest. Given the energy industry's need for water, Gould adds, "Water may well be the biggest predictor of this region's future growth and prosperity."

World Environment Day conference convenes in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh economy has relied on water for centuries, and in recent decades, it's been a more integral part of redevelopment as civic leaders consider ways to utilize the riverfronts, he said. But reliance on water as a regional resource brings with it the task of dealing with issues of sustainability, he said.

New UNEP Report—Dead Planet: Living Planet-- Makes Economic Case for Repairing Damaged and Degraded Natural World

Restoring lost and damaged ecosystems—from forests and freshwaters to mangroves and wetlands—can trigger multi-million dollar returns, generate jobs and combat poverty according to a new report compiled by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Launched on the eve of World Environment Day (WED), the report draws on thousands of ecosystem restoration projects world-wide and showcases over 30 initiatives that are transforming the lives of communities and countries across the globe.

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Sustainable Pittsburgh affects decision-making in the Pittsburgh Region to integrate economic prosperity, social equity and environmental quality bringing sustainable solutions to communities and businesses.

Sustainable Pittsburgh benefits from support ($1,000 and up) in 2010 from:

Allegheny County - Dan Onorato, County Executive
Atkins Family Foundation
BNY Mellon
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Dollar Bank
Elsie H. Hillman Foundation
FedEx Ground
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Richard King Mellon Foundation
The Heinz Endowments
UPMC
Waste Management


Special thanks to the SP Members

Sustainable Pittsburgh
425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1335
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 258-6642
fax (412) 258-6645
E-mail SP