2019

On April 26, 2019, Liana Vaccari attended a hearing on the future of Philadelphia Gas Works. She submitted a written testimony on behalf of our pod.

On April 24, 2019, JoEllen McBride met with PA-44 State Senator Katie Muth.

On May 10, Dr. JoEllen McBride met with staffers at PA-74 House Representative Dan Williams’ office. They are excited to use us as a resource and gave valuable insights on how they get legislation passed. Apparently, all the environmental and climate bills in the House have to include an economic component so they can go through the Finance Committee instead of the Environmental Resources Committee.

On May 16, Sarah Davidson attended a City Council meetup and made contact with two of our at-large members, Blondell Reynolds-Brown and Allan Domb.

On June 5, JoEllen McBride met with Senator Casey’s office to discuss our one-pagers on Climate Justice, Gender Harassment in STEM, and Education Access. Senator Casey sits on the Senate Committee on Aging and is always looking for people to tell their stories around this topic. JoEllen is sending them the contact info for 500 Women in Medicine but will also put you in touch with their office if you want to know more. They also suggested we get our NY pods to work with Senator Gillibrand on sexual harassment legislation, but that was before I realized that Senator Harris already introduced a Senate companion bill to HR36. Congresswoman O’Mara who reps Delaware County is someone we could work with on issues of student loan debt.

Our Pod has endorsed the Youth Climate Strike in Philly happening on September 20th. We support the demands of the strikers calling for, among other things,

• Transform our economy to 100% clean, renewable energy by 2030 and phase out all fossil fuel extraction through a just and equitable transition

• A halt to all leasing and permitting for fossil fuel extraction, processing and infrastructure projects immediately

• Respect of indigenous land and sovereignty

• Welcoming those displaced by the cumulative effects of the climate crisis, economic inequality, violence, and lack of opportunity

• Protection and restoration of 50% of the world’s lands and oceans including a halt to all deforestation by 2030

Sarah Davidson attended a public meeting of the City of Philadelphia’s Refinery Advisory Group on August 27, formed to discuss the future of the Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery site, and made a statement on behalf of our Pod. There were about 30 speakers, a mix of scientists, doctors, lawyers, engineers and residents of the communities near the refinery that are members of Philly Thrive. WHYY covered the meeting.