The Lehigh Valley space has turn into a magnet for development.
The statewide nonprofit PennEnvironment launched its report highlighting Pennsylvania’s function in international warming-contributing greenhouse gasoline emissions.
Utilizing required knowledge to the EPA, the report discovered Pennsylvania ranks fourth within the nation in greenhouse gasoline emissions. The Lehigh Valley is third within the state and forward of Philadelphia. Keystone Cement in East Allen Township and Lehigh Cement in Decrease Nazareth Township rank because the state’s high 12 highest industrial polluters.
This comes lower than a month for the reason that American Lung Affiliation launched its air high quality report, rating the Lehigh Valley because the 79th most polluted metro space nationwide. We now might know why, as industries right here make up 12% of all statewide greenhouse gasoline emissions.
On an area degree, Assistant Professor of International and Environmental Research at Northampton Group Faculty Anita Forrestor’s concern with the Lehigh Valley’s air high quality is for these with bronchial asthma.
“COVID actually confirmed us that individuals with bronchial asthma have been extra more likely to be impacted, to extra more likely to get critically sick,” she mentioned.
However she says a much bigger image is at play with Pennsylvania in a lead function.
“We’re right here right this moment to launch our latest report about international warming air pollution,” mentioned Flora Cardoni of PennEnvironment throughout a information convention exterior Bethlehem Metropolis Corridor.
The report additionally confirmed Ontelaunee Power Heart in Berks County is the area’s largest gasoline producer, releasing the equal to 4 billion miles of driving by the typical gas-powered automobile.
“Selling sustainability, and attending to 100% renewable vitality in Pennsylvania is a daring objective, however it’s one thing we will obtain,” mentioned state Rep. Democrat Steve Samuelson.
He provides selling photo voltaic and staying within the 12-state Regional Greenhouse Fuel Initiative will assist. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania’s function is tied up in courtroom. He is hopeful a invoice geared toward Pennsylvania reaching internet zero emissions by 2050, which has been caught in committee for 4 years, will lastly be voted on.
“We have to contain the consultants to get that framework, get that plan, and ensure we take these steps over the subsequent three many years to realize that objective,” Samuelson mentioned.
There was an enormous political divide within the state’s function in curbing emissions. We did attain out to a number of Republicans to see if a compromise could possibly be made however didn’t hear again.
We additionally reached out the 2 cement firms for remark but additionally didn’t hear again.