Fight climate change by supporting regional initiative

To the Community,

I believe each of us should improve the community we live in. I trust this letter will encourage neighbors in Swarthmore and neighboring communities to support the ongoing effort to have Pennsylvania join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI): a cooperative multi-state program designed to improve air quality and address climate change, which many other Northeastern states have long participated in. The next month or two will be critical ones for Pennsylvania citizens to learn how Pennsylvania’s membership in this program would benefit our health and the health of our children: It would reduce pollution from electricity generation sites, and address climate change by controlling emissions of greenhouse gases.

The program has been in operation in 10 other states for more than 10 years, and has a demonstrated track record of success in addressing the drivers of climate change and reducing air pollution. Pennsylvania’s participation in this program would create many jobs in the fields of energy efficiency, solar energy, and clean-energy technology.

Our state senator, Tim Kearney, and our state representative, Leanne Krueger, have expressed their intention to support this initiative. Thank them, and send a public comment by early January.

We will have a better community when our air is cleaner and climate change is being addressed. Swarthmore Borough has made a commitment to move toward 100% renewable energy and to reduce greenhouse emissions. Swarthmore College has expressed a similar goal. All residents need to help move us toward that goal. Our individual and collective efforts will improve our community and help our children and grandchildren. What can you do?

Allen Prindle
Swarthmore