Pennsylvania Environmental Council

Governor Shapiro's GRID strategy lays out needed principles for responsible data center development in PA. Projects that meet GRID standards -- including community engagement, job development, environmental performance, and energy affordability -- will be prioritized for permitting and state assistance, though participation is voluntary. House-approved bills currently awaiting Senate consideration will cement some of these expectations, but with only a month before the state budget deadline, time is short. Learn more:

GRID, Data Centers, and Addressing the Need - PECPA Today Governor Shapiro unveiled his GRID (Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development) Principles for data center development. This guidance is welcome and a strong companion to legislation now under consideration in the […]

Check out the latest episode of PEC’s podcast, Pennsylvania Legacies! In this episode, we talk with Nick Spinelli, Executive Director at the Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District. Tune in to learn about their newly created HAB Lab and how it can help protect you from potentially dangerous toxins this summer.

Listen now:

Pennsylvania Legacies: #243 Harm Reduction - PECPA Hosts talk with Nick Spinelli about how the HAB Lab is protecting people from harmful algal blooms.

PEC had the honor of hosting David and Lillian Cale at this year’s 2026 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards. 🏆️

The Cales were presented with this year’s Conservation Leadership Award for their generous gift of the 435-acre Laurel Caverns property in Fayette County. They previously operated Laurel Caverns as a tourist destination, but to ensure the site could be protected and enjoyed for years to come, they donated the property to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Learn more on our website: https://pecpa.org/news/david-and-lillian-cale-honored-with-the-2026-conservation-leadership-award/

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) is hosting a virtual community engagement meeting on Wednesday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm to discuss their Low Carbon Pathways Project. PGW is evaluating the possible long-term pathways and considerations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Philadelphia and is looking for community input.

Register now to attend.

Sustainability | PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works) Please join Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) at a virtual community engagement meeting on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 pm to discuss PGW’s Low Carbon Pathways project. PGW is looking at possible long-term pathways and considerations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Philadelphia and wants your inp...

PEC staff recently got together in Williamsport, PA for our annual retreat!

Each year, staff members throughout the state meet up to collaborate on new ideas and explore the wonderful natural resources of Pennsylvania. After a day of brainstorming how we can grow as a team, we explored the 2026 trail of the year– the Pine Creek Rail Trail! It was a wonderful time connecting and exploring together.

Earlier this month, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) was honored with the Trailblazer Award at PEC’s 2026 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards.

The 70-mile-long trail is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering an abundance of activities like hiking, biking, camping, and more.

We certainly celebrated the LHHT at our ceremony, but the actual award was presented to the many individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to build and sustain the trail. The continued collaboration between Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, and the all-volunteer Ridge Runners maintenance crew, keeps the trail alive for everyone to enjoy.

Learn more about the LHHT on our website:

Celebrating 50 Years on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail - PECPA Laurel Highlands Partners Receive Trailblazer Award

The General Assembly has been busy this spring with legislation to manage the resource-use and broader impacts of data center development. Time is running short to address the issue before the legislature adjourns for the summer. Putting guardrails in place will ensure PA leads in the sustainable development of this industry. https://buff.ly/WRIIYSM

The data center regulation bills on the table in PA The Pennsylvania House has passed bills to mandate data centers disclose energy use, and require them to pay into state programs.

Two designated Circuit Trails have been selected to receive funding from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program! We’re thrilled that the Circuit Trails Network continues to expand. 🥳

Don’t forget to sign up for the NEPA Ecotour!

This two-day, 85-mile cycling excursion will take place on June 6th & 7th.

Cyclists will travel throughout the connected trails of northeast PA and experience many different scenic opportunities the region has to offer. Meals, shuttles, maps, and support will be provided along the way so participants can relax and enjoy the adventure.

Learn more and register now! https://buff.ly/LYxbxDe

Can’t attend but still want to support the event? Sponsor here: https://buff.ly/gYIjx3x