Hundreds gather in Harrisburg for 100% Renewable Energy

The science is clear: burning fossil fuels to power our society has pushed our climate to its breaking point. We have to change our ways in order to protect our climate for generations to come. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania has been a fossil fuel leader for decades.

We can change that.

Right now there are two bills in the PA State House and Senate (HB 2132 & SB1140) that would put Pennsylvania on track to transition to completely to renewable energy by 2050. Last Tuesday, June 12, I went to Harrisburg for PennEnvironment’s 100% Renewable Energy Advocacy Day to show legislators the critical importance of this issue.

As an environmental science student, this issue is personal for me. Being able to show legislators my support for these bills was an incredible experience. I was able to express that I want 100% renewable energy because I believe it is our moral obligation to leave the Earth a better, cleaner place for our children and future generations.

I want to thank both of my representatives, PA Senator McGarrigle and PA House Representative Quinn for co-sponsoring these bills. Upon meeting with a group of constituents on Tuesday, Sen. McGarrigle decided to sign onto the bill which was amazing. Rep. Quinn and Sen. McGarrigle are two of the many Republicans supporting this effort to work together to protect our environment. I hope that the rest of our Pennsylvania legislators can follow the great example set by my two representatives.

Josephine Rider