Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

This AAPI Heritage Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities across Pennsylvania — from Philly to Pittsburgh and every green space in between. Your voices and traditions help protect our rivers, forests, and neighborhoods for generations to come. #AAPIHeritageMonth #DEPCelebrates #EnvironmentalJustice 🌸💧

Last week, PA DEP and local leaders gathered to celebrate progress on the Blue Green Connector in Lancaster County—a model for community-driven watershed restoration. With over $4M in state investment, including $3M+ from the #GrowingGreener program, this innovative partnership is restoring 1.3 miles of Little Conestoga Creek, creating public trails, and supporting outdoor education.   This project highlights the impact of cross-sector collaboration and sustained environmental investment to meet Pennsylvania’s water quality and equity goals.   🔗 2025 Growing Greener grant round is open: dep.pa.gov/growinggreener #Sustainability #WatershedRestoration #PublicPrivatePartnership #EnvironmentalGrants #LancasterCounty

Imagine this: A Pennsylvania manufacturer uses RISE PA grant funding to install a solar energy system at their facility. The result? A significant reduction in emissions, lower energy costs, and a stronger bottom line—plus new, good-paying jobs in clean energy. 📉 Impact: - Emissions reduced by 30% in the first year alone. - Generating clean, on-site renewable energy that powers operations. - Lowered long-term energy costs, improving competitiveness. - Creating local jobs in solar installation and maintenance. This could be your business! Whether it’s installing solar panels, switching to low-carbon fuels, or making other sustainable upgrades, the RISE PA Grant Program supports projects that drive real change—and help build a skilled workforce for the future. 👉 Learn more and apply by Aug. 29: dep.pa.gov/rise-pa #RISEPA #PAManufacturers #EPA #GreenManufacturing #CleanEnergy

DEP is now accepting applications for the next round of Growing Greener funding through June 20!💧🌿 This funding supports projects that restore watersheds, improve water quality, and reduce nonpoint source pollution across PA. Last week, DEP visited two transformational watershed restoration sites where Growing Greener funds are benefiting communities and the environment. Learn more about these site visits and the Growing Greener Plus Grant Program. Read the full story here! 👇

From grants opening to clean ups and educational events, we had a lot going on last week! Every day is earth day at DEP so keep an eye out for more community events throughout the year 👀 #EarthDay #EarthWeek #Community

Big news for Pennsylvania’s manufacturing and clean energy future: PA DEP has launched new strategic partnerships with Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP) and Catalyst Connection through the RISE PA initiative — an ambitious statewide effort to reduce emissions, lower costs, and create energy jobs across the Commonwealth. Through hands-on technical support, no-cost energy assessments, and grant funding, RISE PA will help 800+ small and mid-sized manufacturers modernize operations, adopt sustainable tech, and stay competitive in a fast-changing energy economy. This isn’t just an investment in clean air — it’s an investment in people, innovation, and economic growth. Learn more about how RISE PA is powering Pennsylvania’s clean energy transition: 🔗 https://bit.ly/445IJx6 #RISEPA #SustainableManufacturing #CleanEnergy #GreenJobs #PAInnovation #IndustrialEfficiency #PAManufacturing

Litter doesn’t take a day off—and neither do we. Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley of PA eDEP and Secretary Mike Carroll of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) rolled up their sleeves and hit the ground to clean up Pennsylvania—side by side with volunteers who care just as much as they do. This isn’t just about picking up trash—it’s about showing up, leading by example, and protecting what makes our Commonwealth beautiful. Hear personal reflections from both leaders on why this collaboration matters and how it’s paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable Pennsylvania. Did you know: -PA roadways hold over 502 million pieces of litter—that’s 1,000+ per mile. -Most litter comes from unintentional actions—like unsecured truck loads or overlooked debris. -The cleaner a space, the less likely people are to litter. Cleanups work. 🌱 Want to be part of the solution? Find simple ways to be anti-litter at dep.pa.gov/litter #Volunteer #KeepItCleanPA #LitterPrevention #LeadByExample #CleanupDay #EnvironmentalLeadership #EarthWeek

🌍 This Earth Week, the Pennsylvania DEP celebrated by taking action—together. From litter cleanups across the state to announcing a new round of Growing Greener grants, and releasing critical climate reports, DEP is working every day to protect our environment.   Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley put it best: “Improving the environment and keeping PA litter free isn’t just something that DEP does, it’s something that we can all do, every day.”   Learn more about Earth Week activities, climate resources, and grant opportunities: Read more: https://bit.ly/4jsiJ3G 🔗   #EarthWeek2025 #Sustainability #EnvironmentalStewardship #ClimateAction #GrowingGreener

Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, recently met with corporate and environmental representatives from the Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) to address ongoing environmental priorities at Pittsburgh International Airport.   Key topics included:  ✅ Compliance with the Consent Order and Agreement between DEP and ACAA (signed December 5, 2024) ✅ Re-issuance of the NPDES permit   ✅ Reviewing the equipment and procedures to recover spent de-icing agent   ✅ Progress on microgrid electrical generation (including solar farm initiatives) ✅ Construction of the new passenger terminal ✅ Visioning future sustainable infrastructure projects across the airport complex   This meeting underscores our shared commitment to environmental compliance, sustainable innovation, the enhancement of job creation and strategic development that supports both regional growth and environmental stewardship.    Also in attendance: Natasha Fackler, John Ryder, Eric Gustafson, Kevin Halloran, and Chris Kriley.

Clean Energy Opportunity Spotlight 🌿 Grab your lunch and tune in Thursday with PA DEP’s Energy Programs Office for a virtual session on clean energy funding + support for PA communities!   Topic: Greening Your Community with the Local Climate Action Plan (LCAP) Program & Shared Energy Manager (SEM) When: Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 12:00 PM Who: PA municipalities & subdivisions Where: Microsoft Teams (live + recorded) Register: bit.ly/CEOS-April25   Learn how your community can cut emissions, save energy, and apply for the next LCAP cohort during Spring/Summer 2025! Don’t miss this chance to connect with DEP experts and get your questions answered.   Can't make this one? Check back each month as they hold more Energy Opportunity Spotlights! bit.ly/3GjP7qA #CleanEnergyPA #ClimateAction #PADEP #MunicipalSupport #LocalGovernment