Archive: legislation/policy
On June 2, 2020, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania held its first primary election since enacting Act 77, all during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the main changes that Act 77 gave to voters was the ability to request mail-in ballots with no particular reason. Before Act 77, Pennsylvania had a system for absentee voting, but […]
Read MoreWith less than two months to go until Election Day, the Pennsylvania Senate is taking up a bill that could affect how Pennsylvanians vote. House Bill (“HB”) 2626, sponsored by Dan Moul (R) serving Adams County and amended by Garth Everett (R) serving Lycoming County, has several provisions in it that change Act 77. Act […]
Read MoreThe word “politician” can leave a bitter taste in some people’s mouths. What we are experiencing in Pennsylvania these last couple of weeks only perpetuates this reaction. If any of you follow environmental blogs or receive updates from those who cover the environmental political field in this state, then you have read or heard about […]
Read MoreCOVID, Courts, and the Commonwealth: What are the reappreciations if the emergency order is removed?
With very little surprise, our elected officials are at it again. This time the legislative argument has gone to the courts for clarification. The General Assembly, which is currently Republican-controlled has passed a resolution that would eliminate the emergency disaster declaration (in response to COVID-19) that led to the closure of “non-life-sustaining” businesses, bans on […]
Read MoreFrom Appalachia to the Navajo Nation, the people and communities hit hard by the changing coal economy are facing a profound and urgent crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic and economic decline have only made more difficult. Coal facility closures, layoffs, and cuts to vital services like health care and education are accelerating, devastating those that […]
Read More