On Monday, April 7th, 2025, the Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Committee of the Pennsylvania House passed House Bill 109! HB109 enhances protection for environmental justice communities by requiring cumulative impacts and public input to be considered for the issuance of permits. CRCQL and C4 have hosted rounds of calling campaigns to urge the representatives to support the bill, and […]
What is House Bill 109?
The House Bill No. 109 aims to bring more attention and protection to environmental justice areas in Pennsylvania. These are areas where low-income, low-wealth communities, and communities of color have historically and continue to experience a greater burden of pollution. Here are some key points that are important for environmental justice community members to understand: This bill, if enacted, could […]
Why the health risks from air pollution could be worse than we thought (The Philadelphia Inquirer – 4/2/25)
A study in southeastern Pa. found many people who live near heavy industry are routinely exposed to dozens of different pollutants, which can result in a multitude of health problems. by Amudalat Ajasa, Washington Post (Published April 2, 2025, 2:36 p.m. ET) You can access the original article here Many people who live near heavy industry are routinely exposed to dozens of […]
Chester’s Battle for Environmental Justice Is Continuing (Delco.Today – 3/18/25)
By David Bjorkgren Published: 5:08 am EDT March 18, 2025Updated: 7:27 am EDT March 18, 2025 Image via CRCQL, Facebook. A clean air protest in Chester by Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living on April 24, 2024. Chester’s mayor, Stefan Roots, has a wonderful vision—a beautiful waterfront for his city. “Chester is Delaware County’s waterfront. We want to enjoy the waterfront like other communities […]
Let Us Breathe – Asthma Awareness Event (March 15, 2025)
On Saturday, March 15th, 2025, Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) hosted our 2nd annual Let Us Breathe – Asthma Awareness event at the Chester ACCESS Center (701 Booth St. Chester, PA). Over 60 residents of all ages attended the event, which provided educational information, tips and activities on asthma safety, triggers, and the connection between health issues in […]
This southeastern Pennsylvania city is leading the fight for environmental justice (Pittsburgh Post Gazette – 3/10/25)
In Chester, officials and advocates are pushing for more stringent regulations on industries’ impact on pollution Christina Lengyel (The Center Square) — First Published: March 10, 2025, 5:30 a.m. You can access the original article here. The city of Chester, Pennsylvania, is situated along the Delaware River, just southwest of the Philadelphia Airport. For decades, it’s held a reputation for […]
Consider the community: Community and experts ask state committee to empower DEP (Daily Times – 3/4/25)
House committee meets at Widener about legislation By Kathleen E. Carey | [email protected] | delcotimes.com UPDATED: March 4, 2025 at 6:15 PM EST You can access the original article here The state House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee held a public hearing Tuesday at Widener University on House Bill 109, which involves permitting of industrial polluters. (HOUSE DEMOCRATIC COMMUNICATIONS) Advocates, experts and community representatives […]
