DEP Tackles Industrial Decarbonization with RISE-PA Plan

On April 2, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) unveiled a plan to curb carbon emissions from the state's highest-polluting sector while creating thousands of jobs.

RISE-PA (discussed at length on a recent episode of PEC's Pennsylvania Legacies podcast) would leverage $475 million in federal CPRG funding toward decarbonizing heavy industry. The plan is being hailed by both labor and environmental groups, as well as state and local leaders.

Spring Events

Celebrating Innovative Collaboration and Trailblazing Communities

Join us May 14 at the Westin Hotel in Pittsburgh for PEC's 2024 Western Pennsylvania Dinner. This year we recognize Altoona Water Authority and partners for an innovative project that combines watershed restoration with reforestation and mountain bike trails; the borough of Kane, PA for its wide-ranging and highly successful efforts in trail development, sustainability, and placemaking; and former PEC President Davitt Woodwell, who retired this year, for lifetime achievement.

Ride with Us!

The deadline is approaching to register for Bikeout, a two-day assisted bike ride in southeastern Pennsylvania over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-26. The ride begins at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and traverses 38 miles of the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen trails before arriving at Camp Kweebec in Schwenksville. Ride support, food, lodging, and more are included.

Visit the Bikeout website for more information.

Expanding the Circuit

PEC's trails team joined DCNR Sec. Cindy Adams Dunn and Circuit Trails partners last week in Bucks County to celebrate the closure of a crucial gap in the D&L Trail. Thanks to the new Bridge Street Connector, the D&L now extends uninterrupted for 75 miles, from Allentown to Bristol.

Celebrate Trails Day

PEC staff hit the trails last weekend for Celebrate Trails Day events held across the state on April 27. We compiled a list of events taking place in the Industrial Heartland Trails and Circuit Trails regions.

PEC at the 2024 Philly Bike Expo

The 2024 Philadelphia Bicycle Expo in March was a great opportunity for PEC to spread the word about our trail initiatives, hand out maps, and encourage people to sign up for our upcoming cycling events — including Bikeout, the Public Lands Ride, and the PEC Environment Ride.

We also got to talk with other organizations, including some of our Circuit Trails Community Grantees, about the importance of outdoor access and recreation.

Armstrong Trails Celebrates Kiski Junction Opening

A large crowd came out to celebrate the opening of a long-awaited extension on the Armstrong Trails. The 10-mile section includes a recently rehabilitated 125-year-old former railroad bridge over the Kiskiminetas River in Armstrong County. Further expansion is planned for the coming months.

The trail system has become increasingly popular, leading to the establishment of local businesses like coffee shops, breweries, and vacation rentals.

Cleanup Season

This spring our affiliate, Keep Northeastern Pennsylvania Beautiful, has been hard at work organizing and hosting community cleanup events to foster environmental stewardship and address pollution issues like illegal dumping.

Across Pennsylvania, more than 3 million pounds of trash is disposed of through the Pickup PA program, which provides free supplies and donates landfill space for registered cleanup events through May 31st.

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