Clean Air Council

Results: In 2006, the Council began its online advocacy program through a series of e-mailed “Action Alerts”. This was the same year that Philadelphia passed its smoking ban in restaurants and bars. Something the Council had been working towards since 2000. In 2007, the Council celebrated it’s 40th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of Executive Director and Chief Counsel Joe Minott. The Council also assisted in the retrofitting of 83 pieces of port equipment to decrease their diesel emissions. In 2008, the Council began purchasing solar credits from Community Energy, Inc. to offset its electricity usage. The Council also pushed PA legislature to pass the Clean Indoor Air Act, banning smoking from public places. In 2009, the Council joined the 21st century and set up its first social media account. The Council also launched the Idle Free Philly website to track illegal truck idling in the greater Philadelphia area. In 2010, the Council successfully pushed for Delaware’s curbside recycling law. The Council also intervened in the First Energy Corp-Allegheny Power merger resulting in a $4 million increase in funding to programs that help low-income users reduce their energy consumption. In 2011, the Council took over Greenfest Philly, the city’s largest environmental festival and began deploying personal air monitors in Northeast Philadelphia. The Council also sued to stop natural gas fracking company Mark West from drilling in the Marcellus Shale. In 2012, the Council formed Feet First Philly to provide pedestrian advocacy. The Council also organized Luzerne County residents to successfully deny a fracking permit for a proposed drill site. In 2013, the Council held its first annual Members’ Night event and managed a rebate program that led to 30 dry cleaners replacing their PERC equipment with a nontoxic alternative. In 2014, the Council held its first annual Dine Out of the Environment event. The Council also formed the Protect our Children campaign to stop natural gas drilling near schools. In 2015, the Council supported Allegheny County residents in their fight against the Shenango Coke Works plant, which led to its closure. The Council also developed and launched a new green trip-planning website called GoPhillyGo. In 2016, the Council opened an office in Pittsburgh and installed bike racks in front of stores in Philadelphia. The Council also achieved victory in a SLAPP suit case filed against the Council for stopping a fracking site from being permitted in Middlesex Township. In 2017, the Council sued the US EPA for trying to delay methane rules and went to court to halt the construction of the Mariner East II pipeline. The Council also celebrated it’s 50th anniversary as well as the 35th anniversary of Executive Director and Chief Counsel Joe Minott.

Target demographics: The Mid-Atlantic Region have the cleanest air and lowest carbon footprint of any major region in the U.S.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Pennsylvania residents fight for cleaner air and water

Geographic areas served: protecting and defending everyone’s right to a healthy environment.

Programs: a broad array of related sustainability and public health initiatives, using public education, community action, government oversight, and enforcement of environmental laws.