Sustainable Pittsburgh

Skyrocketing PJM Capacity Market Prices: What Happened and How Can We Fix It?
2024-09-09 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
At the end of July, power grid operator PJM experienced record-high costs to secure the electric grid capacity needed to ensure stable operations. Prices spiked, yielding a 9-fold cost increase for the 13-state territory, saddling consumers with a $15 billion bill for 2025-2026. These record costs for capacity expose serious implications for the reliability of the system, as well as increasing costs for all electricity consumers.

Get the real story on the drivers behind the price spike, including the difficulty in bringing new capacity online in the PJM region and the lack of reliability from natural gas generation. We’ll cover the interconnection queue, fossil vs. renewable energy sources for reliability, transition planning, and related FERC orders (1920, 2222, 2023) to help you understand what’s happening and what steps can be taken to solve this challenge.

Featuring:

–Jon Gordon, Director, Advanced Energy United

–Tom Rutigliano, Senior Advocate, Climate & Energy, NRDC

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RISE PA: A Game Changer for Industry and Union Labor in Pennsylvania
2024-09-11 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join Evergreen Action, Ohio River Valley Institute, PA DEP, Conservation Voters of PA, and labor and industry groups to discuss a game-changing Pennsylvania pollution reduction program that will create upward of 6,000 new jobs! You’ll hear from:

– Louie Krak, Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, PA Department of Environmental Protection

– Rob Bair, President, PA Building and Construction Trades Council

– Katie Blume, Political and Legislative Director, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania

– Jeff Mauk, Director, Policy Network, Eastern Region, CERES

– Joanne Kilgour, Executive Director, Ohio River Valley Institute

By tackling the state’s biggest source of climate pollution, RISE PA will make sure Pennsylvania residents experience improved air quality, along with more good-paying job opportunities. But to effectively do so, potential applicants need to start thinking now about their application and potential partners.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about RISE PA and how it will help businesses and communities like yours thrive.

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Community Data Justice Collaborative Information Session
2024-09-13 12:00 - 12:45 | Virtual
This is an initiative of the Data Justice in Pittsburgh’s Black Neighborhoods project. Data Justice in Pittsburgh’s Black Neighborhoods is a project of the Black Equity Coalition (BEC) that aims to build decision-making power for Black Pittsburghers and those that have been most-impacted by residential segregation and disinvestment by creating public processes and public power over data as it is used, governed, and disseminated in the City of Pittsburgh.

The Community Data Justice Collaborative are residents nominated from the public and from community organizations that will engage in decisions that the City of Pittsburgh makes about data, technology, and policies that will serve as the foundation of the City’s emerging data governance process. The BEC will engage the Community Data Justice Collaborative and city data stewards in participatory activities to find consensus around how the city uses data and technology.

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IRA Tax Credits for Local Governments and Other Tax-Exempt Entities
2024-09-23 19:00 - 20:00
Presented by the SWPA Municipal Project Hub

Presentation and discussion of the Impact of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Tax Credits on Local Governments and Other Tax-Exempt Entities by representatives of the United State Department of the Treasury and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor’s Office, Critical Investments.

The IRA’s Elective Payment provision (also called Direct Pay) creates a generationally unique funding environment for tax-exempt entities (including local governments, school districts, nonprofits, faith-based organizations) considering novel and clean energy projects (solar, geothermal, heat pumps, hydro). Organizations pursuing these projects – having completed them – can apply to the IRS and receive the value of the Tax Credit associated with the investment in the form of a direct check from the US Treasury. That payment could be between 30-50% of the value of the energy project.

Representatives from the US Treasury will present this opportunity as it affects local governments and other tax-exempt entities. Representatives of the Governor’s Office, Critical Investments will comment on plans the Commonwealth is pursuing to maximize the value of these Tax Credits in and to the Commonwealth.

A Q&A and discussion period will follow the presentation. Please note that this event will be held in person and virtually. Please note your attendance type during registration.

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Week Without Driving PGH
2024-09-30 00:00 - 2024-10-06 23:59
Whether we live in suburban towns or city neighborhoods, everyone in Allegheny County deserves safe, reliable, dignified access to the places we need to go. Across the county, 30% of the population does not drive a car.

The Week Without Driving is a nationwide movement to link the needs of disabled individuals and people of all ages with environmental movements and accessible community planning. Together, we will illustrate challenges and opportunities for non-drivers and call for change that improves mobility for all.

Join Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, BikePGH and AARP Pittsburgh in pledging to take a Week Without Driving, and call for true mobility options for all in Allegheny County. You can participate as an individual, organization or elected official.

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2024 Commonwealth Sustainability Week
2024-10-07 12:00 - 2024-10-11 13:00 | Virtual
Provided by: PA GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability

Join us for the fourth annual Commonwealth Sustainability Week! The week’s events will feature daily webinars, each featuring subject matter experts followed by an open question & answer discussion providing folks the opportunity to share their questions and receive feedback in real-time.

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Municipal Leadership Summit
2024-10-10 08:00 - 2024-10-13 17:00 | Scranton, PA
Presented by the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

Elected and appointed officials from the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners, and the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association convene for the Municipal Leadership Summit.

Officials taking part in the Summit will share resources and innovative ideas, discuss issues of mutual concern and participate in a wide array of educational and professional development sessions designed to address the ways and means of meeting pressing challenges of municipal management and good governance.

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Climate Reality Leadership Corps
2024-10-17 08:00 - 2024-10-23 17:00 | Virtual
Provided by: Climate Reality Project

Join former Vice President Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project for a special online leadership training October 17-23 and discover how together we can build a more perfect union for our nation and a better tomorrow for our planet, powered by clean energy.

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Pittsburgh Regional Carbon Capture Conference
2024-10-22 08:00 - 12:30 | Washington & Jefferson College, 60 South Lincoln Street, Washington, PA, United States
Provided by: W&J Center for Energy Policy and Management

Join industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators at our upcoming carbon capture conference. This event offers a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements, strategies, and solutions in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with professionals working in the carbon capture space.

Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the conversation around carbon reduction, this conference will equip you with the knowledge, connections, and inspiration needed to discuss carbon capture and its impact on Appalachia.

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ReImagine Appalachia: connecting students to our story a case study in community engagement and action
2024-10-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
ReImagine Appalachia, Healing the Land and Empowering the People, is available for educators and students to learn about how we moved from ideation to action, and how we are moving our region forward as a leader in economic diversification and policies that benefit communities, workers, and the environment.

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Environmental Justice Candidates Forum 2024
2024-10-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Jacob Woll Pavilion – Renzihausan Park, 2300 Eden Park Blvd., Mckeesport, Pennsylvania, 15132
412 Justice is hosting their 2nd annual Environmental Justice Forum. Come out to meet and understand Candidates’ views, strategies and priorities on Environmental Justice.

As they Confirm Candidates we will be sure to add the list here.

There will be transportation, childcare and an interpreter (by request). So be sure to RSVP so that they can ensure accommodations for all attendees.

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Resilient Rivers: Flooding Solutions and Creative Design
2024-11-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Carnegie Science Center | Science Stage, 1 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, 15212
Provided by: Riverlife

Join Riverlife and a panel of experts to explore how innovative flood risk management, ecological restoration, and public art are shaping the future of Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Hear from Jennifer Cristobal of the Army Corps of Engineers, the artists of Sans Facon, and Riverlife’s team as they discuss nature-based solutions, resilient climate strategies, and creative ways to connect communities with the rivers.

FREE and Open to the Public

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Data Justice for Pittsburgh’s Black Neighborhoods: Project Launch
2024-11-14 17:30 - 19:30 | The Kingsley Association, 6435 Frankstown Ave, Pittsburgh, PA|PA
Join the Black Equity Coalition’s Data Justice Working Group to explore how data can be harnessed to build power, promote equity, and drive meaningful change in our neighborhoods.

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Scenic Symposium 2024: Scenic Beauty Through Action and Advocacy
2024-11-18 08:00 - 2024-11-20 12:00 | Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, 745 Grant St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219
Provided by: Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh

Join Scenic America and Scenic Pittsburgh for a three-day exploration of how we are creating scenic beauty through advocacy, legislation, and community action. Hosted at the Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, the event will feature a full day of programming around scenic conservation, a guided tour through Pittsburgh’s most scenic locations, and more opportunities for networking, education, and brainstorming for scenic action.

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Sustainable PA Conference
2024-11-20 08:00 - 2024-11-23 17:00 | The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA, United States
Provided by: Pennsylvania Municipal League

Join from November 20-22 at the Penn Stater in State College, Pennsylvania, for an inspiring and transformative conference that showcases the best in sustainability and resilience! This year, we are thrilled to feature keynote speakers from the vibrant sustainable host community of State College, PA, who will share their groundbreaking insights and experiences.

Dive into interactive workshops and sessions designed to enhance your understanding of resiliency and equip you with practical skills for implementation. Expand your professional network through invaluable opportunities to connect with leading professionals and advocates in the municipal sector.

Explore a variety of exhibits spotlighting innovative sustainable products and services, and gain firsthand experience with guided tours of cutting-edge sustainable facilities in Ferguson Township and State College, PA.

Don’t miss this chance to be at the forefront of sustainable development and make meaningful connections in a community dedicated to a greener future.

View event details and agenda here!

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Watts and Learn: Solar Tariffs and Inflation Reduction Act in 2025
2024-12-13 12:00 - 13:15
For the December Watts & Learn, join for a fireside chat to discuss potential changes to the Inflation Reduction Act and solar tariffs under the new federal administration. Sharon Pillar, PA Solar Center Founder and Executive Director, will be joined by Becky Campbell, Senior Director of External Affairs for Leeward Renewable Energy, and President of the Board of Directors at the PA Solar Center.

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Glass for a Sustainable Future
2024-12-17 13:30 - 14:45
Provided by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center through a partnership with the National Recycling Coalition.

As a part of the Sustainable Materials Management Webinar Series, join this FREE webinar to learn more about the recent advances in glass physics and chemistry, and dive into future glass technologies for a more sustainable future.

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Continuing Clean Energy Progress Under the Trump Administration
2024-12-18 13:00 - 14:00
Join WRI for a webinar discussing the challenges and opportunities for progress on the clean energy transition. Speakers will explore trends to watch with respect to clean energy deployment, energy efficiency, clean energy technology innovation, grid expansion and modernization, clean energy manufacturing, IRA and IIJA implementation, rulings and decision-making at FERC, and more.

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Introduction to SolSmart: Helping Local Governments Offer Energy Options to Residents and Businesses
2024-12-19 15:00 - 16:00 | Virtual
Presented by Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC)

Solar energy can increase energy options, support economic development, provide jobs, and increase energy reliability and affordability for residents and municipalities. Local governments hold the keys to solar energy’s success, with permitting and inspection processes playing a key role in shaping energy development in the community. In this webinar, learn about the SolSmart program, and how it can guide local governments through the process of streamlining their solar processes, maintaining safety and unlocking economic and energy benefits. SolSmart is a national designation program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy that provides FREE technical assistance to local governments as they prepare to provide reliable, equitable energy options to residents and businesses. Join IREC as they share how the national experts will tailor their assistance for what your needs are.

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The Future of the IRA: Preparing for Potential Changes to Federal Climate Funding
2024-12-19 15:00 - 16:00
Join this webinar to discuss how changes to the IRA may impact state climate actors, including threats to the law itself, related federal funding, and other federal environmental governance procedures.

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Show Me The Money: Accessing Federal Funds
2025-01-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
Presented by The Interagency Working Group (IWG) & The Pennsylvania Rapid Response Team (PA RRT)

This is a special event to share information with community leaders, government staff and officials, and nonprofit professionals in Armstrong, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, and Washington Counties who are affected by the energy transition. Federal government, state agencies, and nonprofit representatives will discuss available technical assistance resources, current and upcoming grant opportunities, and sources of matching grant funds.

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Avenues to Protecting Sensitive Habitats: Why It’s Vital and How It Can Save Everyone Money
2025-01-16 10:00 - 11:30 | 1200 Beulah Rd, 1200 Beulah Rd, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15235
Provided by: Allegheny County Conservation District

In this workshop, participants will learn what constitutes a sensitive area or habitat and how to evaluate sites to determine this designation. In addition, Allegheny Land Trust will explore conservation and protection options for these habitats and how they can provide funding and recreational opportunities for your municipality or group while reducing expenditures and risks.

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Launch of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan
2025-01-30 17:00 - 20:00 | Wintergarden at PPG Place, 1 PPG Place, Pittsburgh, PA
Join the City of Pittsburgh for the launch of the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan!

In more than 200 years as a chartered city, Pittsburgh has never created an integrated comprehensive plan to guide its growth.

Most plans have been completed at the neighborhood level. Each neighborhood’s plan reflects its character, history, and culture, which is necessary to preserve what makes these communities unique. A citywide comprehensive plan will build on these efforts.

It will bring a shared vision that connects and aligns future neighborhood plans. This way, we can honor what makes each neighborhood unique while making sure all areas work together to build a stronger, united city.

Pittsburgh’s Comprehensive Plan will guide the city in creating a safe, welcoming, and thriving community for all residents. It is based on ideas of fairness and caring for the environment, making sure we plan in ways that are just and sustainable. Register here to attend the launch event for the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

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Watts and Learn: RISE PA Grant Program for Industrial Decarbonization
2025-01-31 12:00 - 13:30
Join this webinar for a discussion on a new $396 million grant program for Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA). This statewide industrial decarbonization grant program is funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Appalachian Community Benefits Network: Project Labor Agreements
2025-02-20 11:00 - 12:00
Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) for infrastructure projects are a form of community benefits. They ensure projects are finished on time, at or under budget, and with a skilled, diverse workforce in a healthy workplace. On Thursday, February 20th at 11am, join the first Appalachian Community Benefits Network event of the year to learn more about why PLAs are important, how they deliver value to taxpayers, and how to effectively include them in your community on economic development projects.

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Inspire Speakers Series: Building Intentionally and Inclusively
2025-02-20 17:00 - 20:30 | MuseumLab, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh, 15212
Presented by Green Building Alliance

Co-presented by Center of Life, and Shiftworks

In the context of the built environment, the notion of “everyone is welcome” is different from “we built this for and with you in mind.” Green Building Alliance is honored to present internationally recognized architect and universal design advocate Chris Downey, who lost his sight in 2008 and whose transformative work is reshaping design for the visually impaired; inclusivity trailblazer Kimberly Lewis-Inkumsah, Executive Vice President, Equity, Engagement & Events, International WELL Building Institute; and local innovators who are centering accessibility, beauty, and human health at the heart of public spaces and places.

Join the Green Building Alliance at MuseumLab®, a living example of inclusive, sustainable design, and explore how the built environment can integrate design strategies that not only accommodate physical needs and requirements but also make everyone feel that they belong and are welcome.

Guests will enjoy food and drink, and the evening will include time for conversation and networking. A speaker-led panel discussion will follow the presentation. Panelists will answer questions from our moderator as well as questions provided by the audience. Childcare will also be available.

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Re-Entry and Good Jobs: Building the Second Chances We All Believe In
2025-02-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual
Presented by The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program

Join The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on Zoom on Wednesday, February 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. EST, for their next virtual discussion, “Re-Entry and Good Jobs: Building the Second Chances We All Believe In,” which will explore the opportunities and challenges accessing good jobs for people after incarceration.

Today approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record. While not everyone represented in this statistic has experienced incarceration, it serves to highlight that the barriers formerly incarcerated people face finding quality jobs are far more commonplace than we might think. Many returning citizens, who worked for little or no pay while incarcerated, will struggle to find quality jobs after release. Discrimination against those with a record, restrictions on what occupational licenses are available to those with a record, existing debts, punitive court supervision policies, and lack of support to meet basic needs in areas such as housing can force those leaving incarceration into dead-end, low-paying, and exploitative jobs. Some will find they are barred from doing the jobs they worked or were trained to do while incarcerated. And many more lacked opportunities to participate in education or training opportunities while incarcerated.

But across the country, innovative efforts are underway to revamp our re-entry system by opening up access to good jobs. New laws to wipe criminal records and address occupational licensing barriers, legal action aimed at discrimination, and a growing coalition of employers and union leaders are showing that providing a second chance is possible.

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Embodied Carbon Reduction Through Digital Transparency
2025-03-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Provided by: Green Building Alliance

The building sector is the world’s single largest emitter of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), accounting for 30-40% of total global GHG emissions. Although operational emissions account for more of a building’s carbon footprint over its entire life, between now and 2030, almost 75% of the carbon footprint of that 900 B ft2 will be embodied carbon, NOT operational emissions. Building products can reduce their carbon footprint and even become carbon sinks that help remove excess greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Since typical industry associations have traditionally focused on reducing operational carbon emissions, shifting some of our focus to address the more immediate challenge of embodied carbon requires wide-spread awareness and education on the emerging toolbox available to industry professionals. This session will equip manufacturers, architects, designers, and other building industry professionals with specific and practical strategies for selecting products and materials that reduce embodied carbon emissions and move the industry toward making buildings part of the solution instead of less of the problem. Learning from experts in climate smart design, construction, and product manufacturing, participants will be empowered to ensure that their daily work contributes to creating a balanced climate

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Why is My Electricity Bill So High?
2025-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Virtual
Provided by: Conservation Voters of PA & PennFuture

Have you noticed your electric bill increasing? We certainly have. Electric prices are high, but this summer they are expected to surge even higher, to the tune of billions of dollars paid by everyday Pennsylvanians and their families.

Join Conservation Voters of PA & PennFuture on Tuesday, March 4th at 6PM ET to learn more about who’s in charge of your electricity and how we can work to make it more affordable. Policymakers and residents all must be wary of the false solutions sold by oil and gas CEOs.

Speakers include:

– Molly Parzen, Executive Director at Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania

– Pat McDonnell, President & CEO at PennFuture

– Robert Routh, Policy Director, Pennsylvania, Climate & Energy at NRDC

– Bishop Marcia Dinkins, Black Appalachian Coalition

– Jeaneen Zappa, Executive Director at KEEA

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Bootcamp on Federal Incentives for Clean Energy & Cleantech-Led Economic Development
2025-03-05 13:00 - 2025-03-06 17:00 | Mill 19, 4501 Lyte St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15207
How Federal Incentives Can Expand Regional Economic Development and Enable Communities, Regions, and States to Lead in the Clean Energy Economy

Do you work in an economic development organization (EDO), or in a sustainability, energy, workforce, or other entity engaging with EDOs? Are you looking to enhance your knowledge of federal incentives for clean energy and cleantech economic development? Join RMI’s Bootcamp on Federal Incentives for Clean Energy & Cleantech-Led Economic Development. This in-person event will provide you with valuable insights and understanding to help you and your organization navigate the intricacies and potentially changing environment of cleantech federal incentives.

Featured presenters have deep expertise in clean energy and cleantech federal incentives and will provide hands-on training for economic development practitioners on what matters most in cleantech federal incentives for your day-to-day needs; make you the most knowledgeable person in your organization on cleantech federal incentives for meetings with companies, utilities, and other stakeholders; and provide you with tools to immediately apply to your work engaging with existing and prospective companies. This bootcamp will cover a range of topics, including cleantech federal incentives overview, various tax credits, brownfields, and best practices for EDOs. Whether you’re new to cleantech federal incentives or seeking to deepen your awareness, this bootcamp is designed for you.

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