PSRPA Updates

Fracking waste management is a public health issue of rising concern in PA. Last month, the DEP rushed to approve 10-year permits for wastewater storage, which ineffectively regulate and facilitate expansion of this dangerous practice across the state. In a recently secured period for public input, residents and activists have come together to voice their concerns. CHP-PA submitted a statement to the DEP that explains the health risks and healthcare provider perspective.

Click here to view the full Statement by CHP-PA
Click here to read a PSR PA blog about this issue
A Clean Air Conversation Webinar
PSR PA's newest board member Dr. Steph Lee participated in DeIPL's Monthly Webinar, Clean Air Conversation. Click here to view a recording of this discussion on the health impacts of air pollution on our community, especially minorities who are disproportionately located near toxic waste sites, refineries and other environmental hazards.
Lungcast Episode #10: Air Quality, Climate Change & Health Impacts
PSR PA Board President Dr. Pouné Saberi participated in the 10th episode of LungCast, the ALA's podcast on lung health. Dr. Saberi discusses her expertise in occupational and environmental medicine and social responsibility to make a case for climate justice. She shares effective strategies and actionable tactics that all healthcare providers can use to transform public policies and move the environmental needle.

Click on the links below to listen to the podcast on your preferred platform:
Appeal of Gas Well Zoning Permits
On May 19, ProtectPT appealed a decision on the zoning permit for two gas wells in Penn Township to the PA Supreme Court. The heart of the appeal centered around the zoning board ignoring the testimonies of PSR's Dr. Walter Tsou and Laura Dagley, RN who argued for greater setbacks to avoid the health impacts of fracking.
Take Action with Healthcare Providers!
Cleaning up vehicle emissions is essential to addressing climate change and its harmful health impacts. Click here to sign-on to a letter from the American Lung Association calling on the U.S. EPA to enact more protective vehicle pollution standards!
News & Blogs
Op-Ed by Steph Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP

PSR PA’s newest board member, Dr. Steph Lee MD, MPH, FAAP, is leading the way in protecting our children’s health. Click here to read her powerful article written about the disproportionate impact of climate change on children in the U.S., and specifically PA. For additional information, check out her guide on how to talk to children about climate change and her podcast on how children can join the fight to save our planet!
Blog by Devneet Kaur Kainth published on PSR PA Blogs

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement on ambient air pollution and the danger it presents to children's health. Click here for a quick summary!
Upcoming PSR Events
Plastic Pollution by Stephanie Wein
When: Wednesday, June 16 at 6:00 PM EST
Where: Register Here! - On Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Join us in the third installment of PSR PA's Webinar Series. This month, learn more about the life cycle of plastics and how you can work towards policy change in your community. You'll leave with resources that can be put to use immediately.
PSR PA Webinar Series!
To encourage more community and engagement in all of our virtual worlds, PSR PA hosts a monthly webinar! Join us each month as we explore topics related to environmental health, violence prevention, and climate solutions, with a special focus on PA.
Outside in and inside out... by Peter DeCarlo
July 13 at 6 PM - Register Here!

A Century of Housing Discrimination and its Legacy of Health Impacts Today by Richard Tolin
August 17 at 6 PM - Register Here! 

PAST EVENT: Radon and Health by Dr. Ned Ketyer - Watch the recording here!
Other Events
VIRTUAL Climate Action Lobby Day
When: Thursday, June 10 at 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST
Where: RSVP Here - On Zoom and Facebook

Join in PA's largest annual citizen lobby day for climate action, hosted by PennEnvironment. Pennsylvanians from all across the state will gather to hold video lobby meetings with state representatives and senators and to advocate for legislation that will help fight climate change. Click here for more information about the event!