Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 12, 2024

August 12, 2024

Pennsylvania

PA DEP Launches Initiatives to Streamline Permitting Process

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is launching two new programs — SPEED and the Chapter 105 Joint Permit Pilot Program — to streamline permit reviews and improve efficiency while maintaining environmental safeguards. View the press release here.

PA Supreme Court Reviewing RGGI Arguments

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is reviewing arguments about whether the state can join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a carbon pollution reduction program, after a lower court blocked it and environmental groups were allowed to intervene based on the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

PFAS Levels in Several Franklin County Wells Exceed EPA Limits

The Letterkenny Army Depot found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) levels exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits in nine wells in Franklin County. The EPA plans to investigate and clean up the contamination and encourages private well owners to test and treat their water to reduce health risks. StateImpact Pennsylvania has more.

Washington County Mail-in Ballot Case Goes to Court

Washington County Commissioners are facing a legal challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for not allowing voters to correct mistakes on mail-in ballots, which allegedly led to 259 voters being disenfranchised. KDKA News has more.

WESA Highlights Challenges in Trucking Industry

In Pennsylvania and across the country, the trucking industry is booming due to rising freight volumes and e-commerce, creating high demand for drivers despite challenges such as high turnover, safety concerns, and a lack of adequate training and parking. The sector faces a projected 98% increase in freight value by 2050, highlighting both opportunities and ongoing issues within the industry. WESA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Joy-Based School Budget Aims to Reduce Racial Discipline Disparities

Philadelphia group Lift Every Voice is advocating for schools to focus on joy and community input to improve student well-being, address racial disparities, and create more inclusive school environments. The School District welcomed 800 new teachers and counselors with a festive orientation last week, aiming to build support and address the ongoing teacher shortage in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

City Funds Local Historical Research Program

Philadelphia is funding a $150,000 research program through the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to support college students investigating lesser-known local histories, with the initiative aimed at enriching the city’s historical narratives and preparing students for future careers in history. WHYY has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Proposed Pittsburgh Referendum on Israel Likely to Face Challenges, Legal Pushback

Pro-Palestinian activists in Pittsburgh are pushing for a ballot measure to ban City dealings with entities linked to Israel, but face significant legal and practical obstacles, including accusations of antisemitism and concerns about the measure’s feasibility. WESA has more.

New Study Sheds Light on Arts Funding Disparity in Pittsburgh

A recent study by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council found that only 18% of grant dollars in Pittsburgh support organizations serving underrepresented populations, despite significant annual philanthropic contributions. The report aims to address this disparity and promote more equitable funding practices in the region. Pittsburgh Magazine has more.

 

Federal

VP Harris, Former President Trump Scheduled to Debate in PA

Former President Donald Trump announced on TruthSocial that his first debate with Vice President Kamala Harris will take place in Harrisburg on September 4, though the Harris campaign has only confirmed participation in a later debate in Philadelphia scheduled for September 10. New polls show Vice President Harris leading former President Trump by 4 percentage points in Pennsylvania and two other key battleground states. PennLive has more.

Republican Senate Candidate Advocates for Military Spending Increase

During a speech Friday at the Allegheny HYP Club in Pittsburgh, Republican Senate candidate Dave McCormick advocated for a major increase in military spending and expansion and emphasized the need for a modernized approach to counter global threats from Russia, China, and Iran. WESA has more.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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