Green Party of Pennsylvania Earth Day Statement

Attention: News Editor
For Immediate Release

Wednesday, April 22

Contact
Jay Sweeney 570-587-3603
jnln@epix.net

GREEN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA
http://www.gpofpa.org

Oil train derails in Philadelphia, Landfill seeks expansion in Northeastern Pennsylvania, rising levels of toxic radon gas in homes near drilling sites: the news goes from bad to worse. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection approves permit after permit, cites violations and fines the perpetrators. This cycle has to stop.

Forty-five years after Earth Day was founded, we are worse off. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown continues to emit radiation into the atmosphere and the Pacific Ocean. The Gulf of Mexico is still in a state of recovery after the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. In Pennsylvania, the oil & gas industry plans more pipelines, power plants and compressor stations while air and water quality decline, lives are threatened and property values plummet.

In one hundred years, communications have evolved from Edison’s cylinders to smart phones that take photos and access the worldwide web, yet we rely on 19th century oil, gas and coal for energy. Why?

It is time to develop a 21st century energy policy that is sustainable and respects the Earth. The Green Party of Pennsylvania reiterates the call for a ban on fracking. It is time to invest in solar, wind, geothermal and incentivize homeowners and businesses to do so.

It is time that Pennsylvania caught up with its’ neighboring states and utilize returnable containers to conserve landfill space.

It is time for DEP to live up to its mission “to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from pollution and to provide for the health and safety of its citizens through a cleaner environment. We will work as partners with individuals, organizations, governments and businesses to prevent pollution and restore our natural resources.”

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/CSX_freight_train_partial_derailment_South_Philadelphia.html
http://citizensvoice.com/news/landfill-seeks-to-reach-new-heights-1.1740930
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/04/09/new-study-raises-possible-link-between-gas-drilling-and-radon-levels/

The Green Party of Pennsylvania is an independent political party that stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. The Green Party of Pennsylvania stands for grassroots democracy, social justice, non violence and ecology.

# # #