skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

US sues NY state officials over immigration enforcement; NM's national monuments face new development threats from Trump; NC community colleges get 'boost' to bring more students to high-demand jobs; Trump's resignation plan for federal workers can move forward; Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Deregulation raises environmental and public health concerns, national monuments face potential risks, political neutrality in education sparks protests, and Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation fuels controversy.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

PA Groups Hoping Congress Sees Clean Energy Benefits

play audio
Play

Monday, May 14, 2012   

HARRISBURG, Pa. - For decades, the Clean Air Act has been the backbone of maintaining standards for the air we breathe.

Environmental groups in Pennsylvania say there's more at stake now than just clean air as the EPA looks to toughen the standards now in place.

Joy Bergey, federal policy director for Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, or PennFuture, says getting away from outdated "dirty" energy opens the door for economic opportunities for employers and a healthier scenario, for not only their employees, but the public at large.

"When we use technology to clean up air pollution, the creation of that technology creates jobs. And, of course, if you don't have a healthy work force, who's going to run all those businesses?"

Bergey is hopeful that Congress will take a comprehensive look at what the Clean Air Act has meant to the economy since its inception in 1970.

"The benefits outweigh the costs 30 to one. That's looking at the cost of the technology, but all of those avoided costs of medical care, of a sick population, early death: think of health care costs."

Joe Mendelson, the policy director for the National Wildlife Federation's Climate and Energy Program, says Congress should do nothing less than recognize the Clean Air Act and its track record.

"This is something that is a bedrock American value for the air we breath. It's not just a windmill: It's American jobs, it's clean energy, it's for for our climate, and it's good for the overall growth of the economy."

A Labor Department study backs Bergey's assessment that clean energy is a driver of jobs and innovation, and estimates 3 million jobs have already been created by new technologies. Still, Congress is being pressured by opponents of stricter clean energy rules, who say tougher regulations on power plants would slow down economic growth.






get more stories like this via email

more stories
Farmers markets encourage consumption of fruits and vegetables, which is much more climate-friendly compared with a meat-based diet. (Corey/Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

By Gabriella Sotelo for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient/Just and Climate-Friendly …


Environment

play sound

As the Trump administration considers oil, gas and mining on lands owned by all Americans, including in national monuments designated under the …

Social Issues

play sound

Connecticut education advocates feel Gov. Ned Lamont's 2026-2027 budget proposal continues a history of underfunding education. While the new budget …


Alabama Senate Bill 76 would also protect individuals from having to leave someone under their care if finding a suitable replacement is impossible during jury service. (Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bill that would exempt nursing mothers from jury duty. The proposal comes after an …

play sound

Ohio Senate Bill 1 is drawing strong reactions across the state, particularly from students in higher education. The bill, which its supporters say …

Cape Fear Community College is among the 15 colleges in the NC Community Colleges Boost pilot program. (Billy Hathorn/Wikimedia Commons)

Social Issues

play sound

An effort to increase students heading into high-demand jobs from North Carolina's community colleges is receiving a "boost." The N-C Community Colleg…

Social Issues

play sound

A January report shows that in rural counties home to large numbers of American Indians, including in Montana, people are more likely to rely on …

Environment

play sound

Virginia is the ninth-likeliest state for a driver to hit wildlife but environmental advocates are working to change it. One in 76 people in …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021