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
Dinniman: Joint Senate Committee Meeting on Pipeline Safety Tuesday
HARRISBURG (March 19, 2018) – The Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy and Consumer Protection and Licensure Committees will hold a joint public hearing on pipeline safety tomorrow, Tuesday, March 20 at 11 a.m. The hearing will take place in Hearing...
Brewster: Grant Approved for Solar Energy Program in West Mifflin
Harrisburg- March 16, 2018 - State Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that Extra Space Management, Inc. of West Mifflin Borough in Allegheny County will receive a $84,176 grant for the installation of a rooftop photovoltaic power generation...
Sabatina Announces Solar Energy Funding for Roosevelt Mall
HARRISBURG, March 16, 2018 – Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) announced a solar energy grant has been approved for the engineering and installation of roof-top solar energy panels at Roosevelt Mall. “I am thrilled that Roosevelt Mall was selected as the recipient...
Dinniman Visits West Whiteland Pipeline Site to View Sinkholes
WEST WHITELAND (March 8, 2018) – State Senator Andy Dinniman today visited the site of multiple sinkholes apparently related to Mariner East II pipeline drilling on Lisa Drive in West Whiteland. “It seems like Sunoco doesn’t want the public to see or to know what is...
Dinniman: PUC Suspends Operations on Mariner East I Pipeline
WEST CHESTER (March 7, 2018) – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission today suspended operations on Sunoco’s Mariner East I pipeline due to ongoing safety and geologic stability concerns related to problems stemming from the drilling of Mariner East II, according...
Dinniman Urges PUC to Suspend Operations of Mariner East I, Drilling of Mariner East II
WEST CHESTER (March 7, 2018) – State Senator Andy Dinniman urged the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to grant an emergency order suspending both operations of Sunoco’s Mariner East I pipeline and drilling of the Mariner East II pipeline in the Lisa Drive...
Dinniman: More Sinkholes May Mean Another Halt to Mariner II Pipeline
WEST WHITELAND (March 5, 2018) – State Senator Andy Dinniman said officials and inspectors from the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) visited Lisa Drive in West Whiteland on Monday, a location where three sinkholes have opened up...
Dinniman: Rt. 29 Sinkhole Shows Dangers of Pipeline Drilling in Karst Formations
WEST CHESTER (February 22, 2018) – The recurring development of sinkholes near or beneath roadways in the East Whiteland Township area is all the more reason why the region is the wrong place for pipelines, state Senator Andy Dinniman said this week. “This is just...
Roundtable Discussion on Lead Exposure and Testing
Dinniman Issues Statement on DEP Settlement with Sunoco
WEST CHESTER (February 8, 2018) – State Senator Andy Dinniman today issued the following statement in response to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announcement of an agreement with Sunoco, including a $12.6 million fine, regarding permit...
Schwank Applauds Funding for Spotted Lanternfly Control
Harrisburg, February 7, 2018– State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) is encouraged by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue’s announcement of $17.5 million in emergency funding to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly in southeastern Pennsylvania. “USDA has...
Dinniman: Sunoco Appeals DEP Suspension, Donations Pour in for Risk Assessment of Mariner East II
WEST CHESTER (February 5, 2018) – State Senator Andy Dinniman said today that residents’ plans to obtain an independent risk assessment of Sunoco’s Mariner East II pipeline are moving forward. “Residents impacted by the pipeline and members of local and regional...
Senate Passes Blake’s Economic Development, Clean Energy Initiative
HARRISBURG, January 30, 2018 – The state Senate today overwhelmingly approved legislation sponsored by state Sen. John Blake (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) that would generate significant economic development, create jobs and enhance Pennsylvania’s clean energy...
Dinniman Renews Call for DEP to Release Info on Wells Near Pipeline’s Path
WEST CHESTER (September 14, 2017) – State Senator Andy Dinniman today expressed concern with the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP’s) interim response requiring up to an additional 30 days, until October 11, 2017, to issue a final response to his...
Dinniman Calls on DEP to Release Info on Wells Potentially Impacted by Pipeline
WEST CHESTER (September 5, 2017) – State Senator Andy Dinniman said today he was forced to file a Right-to-Know Request to obtain a list of private groundwater wells located near the path of Sunoco Pipeline’s Mariner East II project in Chester County. “While I find it...