Lisa DePaoli
Lisa (Coffield) DePaoli joined the CCJ staff in 2018 and is now our Communications Director. She grew up in rural Washington County, has family in both Washington and Greene Counties, and has always loved animals and spending time outdoors. A first-generation and nontraditional college student, her deep interest in human beings and ecology led her to earn a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2012. She has worked on research projects and taught at the university level in the U.S. and in field schools in Latin America. The knowledge and experience she gained increased her concern for environmental and social justice issues, which she believes are best addressed at the local level, or from the "bottom up," including the voices of those who are most impacted. Lisa works to understand issues from the local to the global, seeks to make a positive difference, and loves to talk to people about what interests or concerns them. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, furkids, and friends, and walking in the woods with her dogs.
Contact Lisa at lisa@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org.
Blog Posts by Lisa DePaoli
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact: Lisa DePaoli, lisa@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org, 412-229-7116 Three PA Senators to Co-Sponsor Legislation Encouraging Solar for PA Schools Washington, PA – Pennsylvania Senators Bartolotta, Comitta, and Hughes plan to introduce legislation to encourage the use of solar at Pennsylvania schools. The Solar for Schools Grant Program for public schools and universities will reduce energy […]
Washington, PA – Most Americans want the same thing: a safe, secure place to call home. But for too long, elected officials failed to prioritize decent living standards – that is, until 2022, when thanks to the tireless organizing of grassroots organizations and coalitions across Pennsylvania, the state added Whole-Home Repairs to the budget. Whole-Home Repairs became the first program in the nation to establish a one-stop shop for home repairs and weatherization while creating family-sustaining jobs in impacted communities.
Washington, PA – In November 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) denied the permit for the Ram No. 1 underground mine in Washington County. This was the DEP’s first denial of a mining permit since 1994.
Yesterday, Ramaco Resources withdrew its appeal of this decision before the Environmental Hearing Board (EHB). With no more pending appeals or permits, it’s official: a mine is actually going to stay closed in southwestern Pennsylvania!
Washington and Greene Counties need more funding for the program, not less. So far, Washington County has granted awards for workforce development in the construction industry, which should help to address long-standing labor shortages. Greene County has prioritized veterans and disabled resident repairs, with a portion utilized for workforce development.
Ethan Story, Advocacy Director for the Center for Coalfield Justice, stated “We are excited that the Governor has made this decision. Pennsylvania communities need this for many reasons. Although RGGI is not the perfect answer for our state, it is a step in the right direction toward a just transition. RGGI is something that most residents want and deserve. It also would bring incredible environmental benefits. It is unclear how the state would use the funds to bring frontline and coal communities the help they need and deserve. CCJ will continue to advocate for these funds to be invested into these communities.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa DePaoli, lisa@centerforcoalfieldjustice.org, 724-229-3550, ext. 3 GOV SHAPIRO’S ANNOUNCEMENT OF CNX PARTNERSHIP IS A SLAP IN THE FACE TO COMMUNITIES SUFFERING FROM YEARS OF DRILLING Air emissions, water quality cannot and should not be self-reported by industry actors with a history of noncompliance Washington, PA – This is not CNX’s hero […]