At a Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing Monday in West Whiteland Township, Chester County, two panels of advocates, experts, and impacted residents debated Act 12’s impact on skyrocketing rate hikes and discussed legislative changes to remedy the situation.
“The fight we’ve been involved in here in southeastern Pennsylvania ultimately revolves around one fundamental question,” said David McMahon, of Neighbor’s Opposing Privatization Efforts (NOPE), to a full room of spectators. “Who does the world’s water belong to?”
The first panel of experts focused largely on the concerns of residents and advocates. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
McMahon said Act 12 has made it too easy to take what was once a public resource, and put it in the hands of profit-making companies.
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Suburban Philadelphia is a hot spot for water privatization including Aqua Pennsylvania’s takeover of Willistown Township’s sewer system in 2022 and Pennsylvania American Water’s acquisition of Upper Pottsgrove’s wastewater system in 2020. The trend spans state lines, and more than two dozen public water suppliers have been bought by investor-owned utilities across the region in the past five years.
Soon after the passage of Pennsylvania’s Act 12 in 2016, the Bryn Mawr-based Aqua, which owns water companies nationwide, purchased water systems in Cheltenham and Limerick, among other places.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has approved 22 acquisitions since the law’s passage. Advocates and lawmakers alike believe the subsequent spending spree to be no accident.
“Act 12 of 2016 made significant changes to the way water and wastewater systems are valued for acquisition,” said state Sen. Katie Muth, chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee at the hearing.
In written testimony to the legislators, Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca defended the company’s practices, saying it has learned a lot since Act 12 was adopted.
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“We’ve heard concerns around the impact of purchase price on customer rates, transparency of the sale process, and ensuring that terms of contracts are met. To be clear, we stand ready to work to address those issues,” Lucca said.
However, Lucca rejected any notion that Act 12 should be repealed, arguing that municipality owned water utilities do not have the funds to update their aging systems.
“In summary, our nation’s infrastructure is failing because of lack of investment. We are leaving the next generation a significant problem they need to address simply because we did not. The condition of these systems occurred long before Act 12 so I simply do not agree with the sentiment that removing it will correct these problems,” Lucca said.
Public resource vs. private commodity
Bill Ferguson, a co-founder of Keep Water Affordable and a New Garden Township resident, testified that private water companies exist to expand and increase profits.
He acknowledged that’s what corporations do.
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“Our issue is with their methods used to acquire the municipal utilities, [which is] required to realize that growth,” said Ferguson. “Then there’s the municipal governments, too often infatuated by the seductive siren song of a huge candy jar of money — free money. It’s like winning the lottery but that money is in no way free. The failure of local government to properly serve their citizens is probably our biggest concern.”
He said ratepayers are paying for “Big Water’s” profits and deals. He likened the publicly owned water acquisitions to offering a car dealership $80,000 for a vehicle they’re selling for $40,000.
”That’s what’s happening under Act 12. Both parties at the negotiating table want the highest price possible. You’d ask why would Big Water want to pay higher prices? It’s simple. The more they pay, the higher their profits, as long as the purchase price goes into the rate base. And that’s what Act 12 enables. It enables the increase in rate base. The water companies cannot lose. It is one sweet deal for them,” Ferguson said.
Anthony Bellitto, executive director of the publicly owned North Penn Water Authority and a representative with the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA), said the PMAA’s stance is that Act 12 should be repealed.
In the case that it is not repealed, Bellitto said the organization suggests Act 12 be amended to include a voter referendum and a scope limitation to distressed municipalities.
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Anthony Bellitto, executive director of North Penn Water Authority, and Noel Brandon, board chair of Chester Water Authority, defended municipally-owned water systems during the Senate hearing. (Kenny Cooper/WHYY)
Bellitto said any assertion that low rates equals infrastructure disinvestment is false.
“We’re a nonprofit,” Bellitto said.We provide low cost and high value to our customers. At North Penn Water Authority, our average customer spends $1 per day for all the water for a household.”
Bellitto criticized the for-profit business model in public utilities due to the high salaries of top executives.
“My entire organization of North Penn Water Authority — 52 employees. Our whole aggregate salary is four and a half million dollars. There you go. You got the whole company doing all the work every day, 52 employees making the same amount of money as the top guy at Aqua. This is why they have to raise the rates,” he said.
“This aggressive push to privatize municipal systems is driven by an upper management of these private utilities who are motivated by their own personal financial benefit,” Bellitto said.
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But not everyone who testified wants to kill Act 12.
In some municipalities that have garnered the interest of private water companies — like Chester and Towamencin, residents have gone on the offensive to block the deals, oftentimes clashing with elected leaders. Results, however, have been mixed.
Kofe Osei, an organizer with NOPE and a newly elected Towamencin Township Supervisor, said privatization efforts have had a negative impact on democracy. He said Pennsylvania American Water’s attempt to purchase Towamencin’s sewer system, which is tied up in court, has laid bare issues of the state’s referendum laws.
“Even in the face of lawsuits from residents to compel the township to exit the sale, the pro-sale supervisors have committed public dollars in our budget to defending their clearly unpopular decision in court,” Osei said.
HARRISBURG, June 28 – Pennsylvania would have an official Poet Laureate under legislation that passed the state House of Representatives today, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Robert Freeman.
“Poetry is a literary art form widely celebrated by the United States and 47 states by designating an official poet laureate. Gov. Robert Casey appointed Samuel Hazo as Pennsylvania Poet Laureate in 1993 but the position has since been effectively terminated,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.
“Many local governments in the commonwealth, including Philadelphia, York, and Erie County honor their local poets by designating them poet laureates. Through creating the position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, we would recognize important contemporary contributors to the literary arts and promote our commonwealth’s cultural heritage.”
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Freeman’s legislation (H.B. 2308) would create the official position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate and establish a selection process where a committee would send a list of nominees to the governor to make a final decision.
The Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, an unpaid position, would serve at official functions, such as reading a poem at the governor’s inauguration.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
Information provided to TVL by: Tom Andrews House Democratic Communications Office
A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:52 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 12:15 p.m. for Northern Lycoming and Southern Lycoming as well as Sullivan and Columbia counties.
Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
“At 11:51 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Montoursville, moving east at 45 mph. Other storms were forming just west of this storm,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”
Locations impacted by the alert include Williamsport, Montoursville, Hughesville, Duboistown, Jamison City, Kettle Creek Gorge, Ricketts Glen State Park, Central, Biggertown, Muncy Valley, Barbours, Loyalsockville, South Williamsport, Picture Rocks, Laporte, Eagles Mere, Williamsport Airport and Little League World Series Complex.
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The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for central and north central Pennsylvania.”
Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines
Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.
To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:
Lightning safety plan:
When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.
Indoors safety measures:
Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.
Wait for the all-clear:
After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.
When indoor shelter isn’t available:
If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:
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Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.
In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.
Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain
When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:
Beware of rapid water flow:
During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.
Maintain safe driving distances:
The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.
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Reduce speed and drive cautiously:
On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.
Choose your lane wisely:
Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.
Visibility matters:
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Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.
Watch out for slippery roads:
The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.
Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:
Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
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Mind your windshield wipers:
Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.
When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.
In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.
Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
The Edgar Thomson steel plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, which has been producing since 1875, would go to Nippon Steel under a proposed buyout of United States Steel.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
Nippon Steel’s proposed acquisition of United States Steel has been a source of unease in Pittsburgh, where the metal once dominated the economy and still looms large in the collective psyche.
Critics such as the United Steelworkers (USW) see the transaction as the latest threat to come along in a years-long struggle to keep the industry alive after plant closures in 1970s and 1980s battered the American rustbelt.
“There’s just so much history here and a lot of pride that comes with that,” said the USW’s Bernie Hall, a 4th generation metals worker. “It wouldn’t be western Pennsylvania without steel.”
In December, US Steel sealed a $14.9 billion deal to sell itself to Japan’s Nippon Steel, which has promised investments to keep Pennsylvania factories competitive with foreign producers and newer “mini mills” in the American South that are less taxing on the environment.
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Bernie Hall, the District 10 Director for the United Steelworkers, outside the US Steel Mon Valley Works Edgar Thomson Plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
But Hall, head of the Pennsylvania chapter for the USW, said the Japanese company had been evasive about specific plans for Pittsburgh-region plants in an area called the Mon Valley, the earliest of which dates to 1875.
Both President Joe Biden and challenger Donald Trump have vowed to annul the deal as the two compete for blue-collar votes, putting the transaction into limbo, probably until after the November election at least.
At stake are the Pittsburgh region’s last remaining steel factories, located just outside the city.
City transformed
For most Americans, Pittsburgh remains virtually synonymous with steel, partly owing to the prominence of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team.
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The US Steel Mon Valley Works Clairton Plant is situated along the Monongahela River in Clairton, Pennsylvania.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
But the complexion of a metropolis once known as the Smoky City changed fundamentally after the last plants shuttered in the 1980s.
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Steel “is still part of our identity, but we’re disconnected from that identity,” said former steelworker Edward Stankowski Jr., whose memoir “Memory of Steel” details his exit from the industry with thousands of others in the early 1980s.
Stankowski, whose childhood Pittsburgh home looked out onto steel plants, started in the industry out of high school in the 1970s when many young men viewed the job as a ticket to the middle class, trading hard labor in a hazardous setting for good wages and a solid retirement.
The land where Stankowski’s factory once stood in Pittsburgh’s South Side has been repurposed and now includes apartments named “Hot Metal Flats” and a Cheesecake Factory restaurant.
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“I do not miss it,” said Stankowski, who went to university after leaving steel and is now a professor at La Roche University. “I like having clean air. I like having clean water.”
Steel was well suited to western Pennsylvania, a region with waterways and an abundant supply of coal, but “there’s been a fundamental, almost tectonic shift in the geography of steel,” said regional economist Chris Briem of the University of Pittsburgh.
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The Mon Valley plants “have been around a long time,” Briem said. “If they don’t get a lot of new reinvestment, they probably won’t be competitive much longer.”
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Locals see symbolism in the renaming of US Steel tower downtown as the UPMC building after the region’s biggest employer, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Long-term commitment?
Once owned by Andrew Carnegie, the Edgar Thomson plant in Braddock is one of three western Pennsylvania factories that US Steel manages together with a fourth plant in eastern Pennsylvania in an operation known as “Mon Valley Works.”
Nippon has promised to keep the plants open and invest $1.4 billion in USW-represented facilities through 2026 when the current labor contract expires. The company has also vowed to keep US Steel’s 1,000-worker office in downtown Pittsburgh.
“You cannot tell the story of US Steel without Pennsylvania playing a leading role, and Nippon Steel will keep it that way,” Nippon vice chairman Takahiro Mori wrote in a June 9 op ed in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette.
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Nippon has hinted that odds for US approval could improve after November. Backers of the transaction argue that US Steel could be broken up if the deal dies, adding more uncertainty to US Steel’s 3,000 hourly workers in Pennsylvania.
But the USW says Nippon’s plans are vague and give the company an out in a downturn.
“They’re saying they’re going to invest in the plants,” Hall said. “What does that mean?”
Edward Stankowski, Jr., a former steelworker, stands on the Hot Metal Bridge above the Monongahela River, a waterway once teeming with iron ore and coal barges for Pittsburgh steel mills.
Photo: Rebecca DROKE / AFP Source: AFP
Workers want a sign that whoever runs Mon Valley “is interested in running these mills for the long-term and really investing in this community,” Hall said. “That’s exactly what they’re not hearing from either Nippon or US Steel.”
Some Mon Valley workers interviewed by AFP slammed the deal as a money grab by US Steel management, expressing fear about their jobs. But others are open to it.
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Alex Barna, a machinist at the West Mifflin plan, described himself as “on the fence” as he weighs his hopes and worries, saying of Nippon, “they might be in it for the long haul.”
