Earth Day, the world’s largest environmental movement, is Monday, April 22, 2024. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, which focuses on the bold goal of a 60% reduction of plastic production by 2040 for the sake of human and planetary health.
As we celebrate our planet this Earth Day, remember that it takes a team effort to build a healthier and brighter future for all. You play an important role in creating a more sustainable world and know that Pennsylvania Senate Democrats are working right alongside you.
We are committed to fighting for the future of our planet for generations to come. One of our key priorities as a caucus is clean air, water, and energy for every Pennsylvanian. That means our members are working to combat climate change, investing in clean, green, and safe energy, holding fossil fuel industries accountable, working to make sure every community has clean water, and much more.
You can learn more about our commitment to the environment here.
Effects of Climate Change
Rising temperatures
Rising sea levels
More frequent extreme weather events
Land degradation
Loss of wildlife and biodiversity
Get Involved, Go Green
Tell elected officials this issue matters to you
Say 'No' to fast fashion
Support energy efficiency at home
Plant trees
Buy local and seasonal food
Encourage others to take action
Pennsylvania Democrats will continue to fight for a healthy planet.
Our priorities include:
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
Addressing environmentally hazardous and destructive business practices
Environmental justice and equity
Reducing carbon emissions
Clean drinking water
Investment in jobs and infrastructure that support a sustainable future for Pennsylvania
Our Members at Work
Williams Speaks Out Against Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ Plan to Close South Philadelphia Refinery
HARRISBURG – June 26, 2019 – Sen. Anthony H. Williams (D-Philadelphia) spoke out against the news of Philadelphia Energy Solutions’(PES) plans to close the South Philadelphia oil refinery next month. “The decision to close the refinery is extremely disappointing news...
Brewster Applauds Approval of Sunday Hunting Bill
HARRISBURG– June 20, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) applauded the passage of his Sunday Hunting Bill (Senate Bill 147) out of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The legislation, which would authorize the Game Commission to allow Sunday hunting...
Senator Muth Calls for 100% Renewable Energy in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – June 19, 2019 – Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Chester, Montgomery) joined advocates of the clean energy movement today as they rallied to promote renewable energy initiatives at the state capitol. “We have a duty to maintain our values of security, safety,...
Senator Costa to Introduce Cap and Invest Bill for Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG - June 6, 2018 - Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today circulated a memo asking for cosponsors for a bill to create a “Cap and Invest” program for the state’s electric power sector. “The federal government has abdicated responsibility on climate...
Senators Santarsiero, Collett Introduce Bill to Provide Attorney General with Concurrent Jurisdiction in Environmental Crimes
HARRISBURG - May 16, 2019 – Senators Steve Santarsiero and Maria Collett issued a joint memorandum inviting fellow senators to join them in support of a packet of legislation that provides Pennsylvania’s Office of Attorney General (OAG) with concurrent...
Senate Democrats Spotlight Key Farm Issues, Introduce Elements of PA Farm Bill
HARRISBURG – May 7, 2019 – Senate Democrats introduced key pieces of the PA Farm Bill today, including measures to promote organic farming, exempt taxes for beginning farmers, increase tax credits and stimulate urban farming. The four-bill package is being sponsored...
Governor Tom Wolf Announces Support for SB600, PA to Join US Climate Alliance
HARRISBURG - April 29, 2019 - At a press event earlier today at the State Capitol, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced his decision for the state to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, and offered his support for Senators Steve Santarsiero and Art Haywood’s...
State Senate Committee Holds Second Hearing on Global Warming
PITTSBURGH, April 23, 2019 – At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) and Senator Wayne Fontana (D-Brookline), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing today in Pittsburgh on strategies for combatting climate change by...
This Earth Day, Senator Maria Collett Introduces Legislation to Address PFAS Contamination Crisis
North Wales, Pa. – April 22, 2019 – Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery/Bucks) introduced two pieces of legislation today to address the PFAS contamination crisis. SB 581 lowers the acceptable level of PFAS in our drinking water to 10 parts per trillion until such...
State Senate Hearing in Pittsburgh to Focus on Climate Change
At the request of state Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Forest Hills) and Sen. Wayne Fontana (D-Brookline), the Senate Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing next Tuesday in Pittsburgh on strategies for combatting climate change by reducing methane gas...
Senators Santarsiero, Haywood, and Killion Gather with Advocates in Support of Renewable Energy Standards Modernization Bill
HARRISBURG - April 10, 2019 - State Senators Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10), Art Haywood (D-4), Thomas H. Killion (R-9), and state Representatives Steve McCarter (D-154) and Carolyn Comitta (D-156), were joined by renewable energy advocates in...
Advocates for Renewable Energy Speak in Support of Legislation to Expand PA’s Clean Energy Portfolio
HARRISBURG - April 8, 2019 - On April 10 at 2:30pm in the Main Capitol Rotunda, legislators and advocates for renewable energy will speak in support of a bill to expand the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS). The legislation to be introduced by...
Leach Proposal Aimed at Cracking Down on Poachers and Conserving Wildlife
HARRISBURG, April 2, 2019 – State Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) today announced legislation that would help law enforcement crack down on poachers and other forms of wildlife trafficking. “Poachers, traffickers, and criminal organizations are driving...
Sen. Muth to Introduce Pipeline Safety Legislation
Harrisburg – March 19, 2019 – Sen. Katie Muth (D- Berks/Chester/Montgomery) announced that she will be introducing two pieces of legislation that would mandate specific safety and public awareness standards for pipeline construction and operation. “While...
Senator Haywood Hosted Town Hall on Environmental Consciousness
PHILADELPHIA – March 14, 2019 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) joined PennEnvironment, Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc., the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the Montgomery County Planning Commission for a Town...