Philadelphia to Power 25 Percent of its Buildings with Solar Energy

Using a new solar panel field in Adams County, Philadelphia is pursuing its goal of powering all its buildings with renewable energy by 2030.

The solar field will provide city-owned buildings with approximately 25 percent of needed electrical power, and significantly reduce energy spending.

The city's streetlight improvement plan will reduce energy spending as well.



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PA Has Two Years to Update Methane Rules to Match EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will pursue the avoidance of 80 percent of methane emissions by 2038, and Pennsylvania and other states have two years to update their own emission rulings.

Methane is a natural gas and super-pollutant and accounts for almost one-third of United States methane emissions.

In addition to updating emission rulings, Pennsylvania will use federal funding to properly plug methane leaks. 



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Deaths of Older Adults in PA Have Risen Steeply in Abuse and Neglect Cases

Pennsylvania has recorded a noticeable increase older adult deaths associated with abuse and neglect complaints.

Data reveals a tenfold uptick in these deaths since 2017.

A number of factors, such as aging population, healthcare staff shortages (particularly during the pandemic), and changes in data recording practices may have influenced the trend.

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Major Economic Developments of 2023 and How They’ll Evolve in 2024

A half dozen Brookings experts have shared their insights into the ways last year's economic developments will influence activities throughout 2024.

More specifically, they cover labor and wages, retirement security, climate issues, fiscal deficit, safety nets, and medical supply shortages.

They also addressed policy efforts related to curbed prescription drug cost increases, protections for people receiving financial advice, and carbon scoring and taxing.



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Child Care Gaps in Rural Areas Threaten to Undercut Small Communities

Disparities in childcare availability in rural areas threaten economic expansion of those smaller communities.

Parents who cannot access childcare services struggle to maintain employment and subsequently face economic scarcity.

Pre-pandemic data suggests that more than half country is part of a 'childcare desert,' where either no childcare providers exist or there are more than three children for any available space at a care provider location.

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Federal Infrastructure Investments Require Greater Attention to Equity

Although federal funded infrastructure can benefit the daily lives of commuters and increase access to securities, it can also negatively impact marginalized communities.

Studies show that people of color are disproportionately affected by externalities such as increased air pollution and displacement.

The Urban Institute has called for thorough, equity-focused demographic and cost/benefit analysis during infrastructure planning.

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