PA Greens Publish Free ebook “Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines So We Have A Healthy Future”
Green Party of Pennsylvania
For release: Saturday, March 19, 2022
For more information please contact
Chris Robinson, 267-977-0570, [email protected]
Green Party of PA Publishes “Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines So We Have A Healthy Future”
On March 19, the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA, www.gpofpa.org) published a new monograph, “Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines So We Have A Healthy Future” by Jocolyn Bowser-Bostic. This publication explores the various environmental problems associated with fossil fuel pipelines and the resulting health consequences.
This free ebook offers a highly visual perspective, using photos from citizens affected by local pipelines and fracking sites in and around PA. You may read “Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines So We Have A Healthy Future” by visiting, www.gpofpa.org/pipelines or https://www.gpofpa.org/an_essay_against_fossil_fuel_pipelines.
Christina "PK" DiGiulio (Chester County), the GPPA candidate for Governor of PA, said, "As someone who lives in a community impacted by the petrochemical industry -- in particular the Mariner East Pipeline Project -- I am grateful for the Green Party and Jocolyn Bowser-Bostick for putting the work into and publishing this document. The photographs will be extremely useful for organizers who want to convince their neighbors of the harmful effects of pipelines.”
Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of PA Michael Bagdes-Canning testified, “As someone who lives in the shale-fields of PA, where the gas that fills Mariner East Pipeline is extracted, I can’t thank Jocolyn Bowser-Bostick enough for this document. Neither the Republicans, who deny the science, nor the Democrats, who ignore the science, are fit to lead us into the future. There is no sane reason to frack, crack, transmit, ship, or burn methane.”
That is not the end of the methane madness. Arianne Elinich of Bucks County Concerned Citizens Against the Pipelines (a PA resident directly impacted by the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline Project) shares Bagdes-Canning’s concerns. “From the harmful health and well-water impacts of fracking to the perpetual public safety risks of pipeline infrastructure, fracked gas is a ‘Bridge Fuel to Nowhere,’” said Elinich. “Folks are beginning to understand that fossil fuels are old school and that it’s essential for our elected officials to prioritize the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of PA over any possible corporate interests, inferred or otherwise. With the ever-growing opposition towards greenfield pipeline projects like PennEast, corporations will continue to look towards the repurposing of infrastructure, as is the case with the Adelphia Gateway Pipeline Project. But these projects in all actuality may very well raise even more significant public safety and environmental concerns as a result of the age, repurposing of, and the new facilities being constructed for such pipeline projects. Moreover, it is clear from the recent defeat of the PennEast Pipeline, that the power of the people is a force that is growing stronger, more constructive and more cohesive with every challenge. Do not doubt that change is possible.”
“I think this will be a quick, easy read for folks looking to digest some information on the fracking problem and how important it is to stop drilling now,” said Co-chair David Ochmanowicz of the Green Party of Bucks County and steering committee member of GPPA. “We are grateful to have had photography contributions from Bucks County Concerned Citizens Against the Pipelines, Kim Fraczek, Christine Pontecorvo and Christina “PK” DiGiulio.”
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please visit www.gpofpa.org. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, ttps://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and Twitter, https://twitter.com/GreenPartyofPA.
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Click here to download a free copy
Green Party Co-sponsors PA Climate Convergence
Green Party of Pennsylvania
News Release
For release: Tuesday, March 15, 2022
For more information please contact
Chris Robinson, 267-977-0570, [email protected]
Green Party Co-sponsors PA Climate Convergence
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA, www.gpofpa.org) has become a co-sponsor of the PA Climate Convergence. Meeting virtually on March 13, Green Party delegates, elected by their county locals, voted unanimously to co-sponsor the event in Harrisburg, PA, on the weekend on June 11 – June 13.
GPPA Co-chair Beth Scroggin (Chester County) explained, “We support the Climate Convergence because climate change is the most important issue any of us are facing. If we continue to ignore it, none of the other issues we focus on will matter, because we will all cease to exist. The Green Party has always prioritized the environment, and because our candidates do not accept corporate donations, we are not forced to remain silent on the issue or minimize it."
Hundreds of grass-roots activists from environmental organizations will join together for a weekend of actions, aimed at changing the climate conversation. They are alarmed by the backward stance of the PA General Assembly. Green Party organizer Joe Murray (Berks County) said, “Our government is keeping PA from being part of the solution to our biggest crisis by denying climate change and subsidizing fossil fuel production.”
Green Party Co-chair Jay Ting Walker (Allegheny County) said, “I will be part of the Climate Convergence because the PA General Assembly has been ignoring hazards to communities from fossil fuel production and refusing to train a new generation for jobs in clean, renewable energy.”
Following the vote, Michael Bagdes-Canning, the Green Party candidate for Lieutenant Governor of PA, said, “I grew up shaped by the prophetic voice of Dr. King. On August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King said, ‘We are faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there is such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.’ I think it's almost like Dr. King was speaking to us today, because we are faced with an existential crisis. Climate change is serious, and the PA Climate Convergence is an opportunity for people to come together, to plan vigorous and positive action. The fierce urgency of this moment requires it.”
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please visit www.gpofpa.org. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, ttps://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and Twitter, https://twitter.com/GreenPartyofPA.
For more information, please see:
PA Climate Convergence, https://www.pennsylvaniaclimateconvergence.org/
Emergency Global Green New Deal, Global Climate Convergence,
https://globalclimateconvergence.org/about/what-we-are-calling-for/
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Michael Bagdes-Canning for PA Lieutenant Governor
Michael Bagdes-Canning
for
PA Lieutenant Governor
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Contact Person: Michael Bagdes-Canning
724-431-8560, [email protected]
BREAKING: Green Party Candidate Announces Bid For Lieutenant Governor
Michael Bagdes-Canning announced that he will seek the nomination of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA, www.gpofpa.org) for the office of Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
Bagdes-Canning is a husband, father, and grandfather living in Cherry Valley Borough, Butler County, where he has held elected office for 33 years. He is currently Mayor. He is a retired teacher. Bagdes-Canning spent almost 36 years in the classroom, the last 29 teaching delinquent and dependent boys. He was a union member throughout his working life, serving as president, vice president, and building representative in his local. Since his retirement, Bagdes-Canning has been an organizer in the fracking / climate fight locally, statewide, and on the national level. He serves on the board of several community organizations and is a cofounder of Marcellus Outreach Butler (Butler County), a cofounder of the Better Path Coalition (PA), and works with Beyond Extreme Energy (national).
In the latest United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, scientists said the planet is overheating and that exceeding 1.5 degrees Celcius, which appears likely on the current trajectory, would have devastating effects, from harming food production to further intensifying wildfires.
“After reading the most recent IPCC Report and hearing the totally inadequate response from our local, state, and national leaders to its findings, I could no longer sit by. Using the invasion of Ukraine as a pretext for more drilling, more pipes, and more export facilities is madness,” said Bagdes-Canning. “We can’t afford that kind of misleadership.”
Bagdes-Canning is also running to end corruption. “Our political system isn’t broken. It functions exactly the way the two corporate parties and the 1% want it to. Our government is for sale to the highest bidder.”
Bagdes-Canning has called for a gift ban, an end to the per diem, and an end to partisan gerrymandering. “These are highly popular reforms, but neither party has acted on them. Why would they? Both parties collude with the 1% to run things. That’s why politicians serve the people who bribe them and not the people who elect them.”
Bagdes-Canning said he will work with other Greens seeking office. “Our plans will reflect the interests of the poor and working class of Pennsylvania. I’m thrilled to be running with fighters. The people of Pennsylvania deserve a government that serves them, not the rich.”
If you would like to join Michael Bagdes-Canning’s campaign for PA Lt. Governor, please contact 724-431-8560, [email protected].
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Greens holding elected office, US as November 2021 elections
Quincy McCourt, City Council, Susanville (Lassen County) term through March 2024
David Clark, Governing Board Member, Cardiff School District, Cardiff-By-The-Sea (San Diego County) term though Nov 2022
Jacob Coan, Governing Board Member, South Bay Union School District, Eureka (Humboldt County) term through Nov 2022
Carolyn Dixon, Governing Board Member, Wright Elementary School District, Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) term through Nov 2022
Mark Dyken, Governing Board Member, Vallecito Union School District (Calaveras County) term through Nov 2022
Dana Silvernale, Governing Boardmember, North Humboldt Union High School (Humboldt County) term through Nov 2022
John Abraham Powell, Board of Directors, Montecito Fire District, Montecito (Santa Barbara County) term through Nov 2024
Jane Jarlsberg, Joshua Basin Water District (San Bernardino County) term through Nov 2024
Randy Marx, Board of Directors, Fair Oaks Water District, Division 4 (Sacramento County) term through Nov 2024
Robert “Bob” Patrick Wichert, Director, Sacramento Suburban Water District; Division 3 (Sacramento County) term through Nov 2022
Sharron Parra, Hyampom Community Service District (Trinity County) term through Nov 2024
Kyle Cadman, West Area At-Large Representative, Olympic Park Neighborhood Council, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) term through Spring 2023
Hugh Moore, Area 2 Resident Representative – Seat 2 (Group B), United Neighborhoods of the Historic Arlington Heights, West Adams and Jefferson Park Community Neighborhood Council, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) term through Spring 2023
Mireira Alejandra Moran , Renter Representative Pacoima Neighborhood Council Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) term through Spring 2023
Carl Petersen, Resident Boardmember, Northridge East Neighborhood Council, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) term through Spring 2023
Alexander Robinson, Resident Boardmember, Westlake South Neighborhood Council, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) term through Spring 2023
Matt Keefauver, City Council, Cortez (Montezuma County) term through April 2022 (appointed June 2021)
Hugh Birdsall, Zoning Board of Appeals, Clinton (Middlesex County) term through Nov 2025
Emery Ng, Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate, Windham (Windham County) term through Nov 2025
Michael Westerfield, Board of Assessment Appeals, Windham (Windham County) term through Nov 2023
Charlie Krich, At-large, Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors, Windham (Windham County) term through Nov 2025
Cassandra Martineau, At-large, Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors, Windham (Windham County) term through Nov 2025
Rob Derry, Police Commission, Clinton (Middlesex County) term through Nov 2023
Sandy Lezon, Library Board of Trustees, Warrenville Public Library District, Warrenville, term through April 2025
Steve De La Rosa, Library Board of Trustees, Villa Park (Dupage County) term through April 2025
Scott Harriman, City Council, District 2, Lewiston (Oxford County) term through Nov 2024
Ross Lawrence, City Council, Eastport (Washington County) term through November 2023
Jeff Manter, Town Council, Veazie (Penobscot County) term through July 2023
Scott Avery, Selectboard Member, Casco (Cumberland County), term through June 2024
Jennifer Billings, Selectboard Member, West Paris (Oxford County) term through June 2024
Ronald Deegan, Selectboard Member, Bryant Pond (Woodstock) (Oxford County) term ends March 2022
Glenn Dochtermann, Selectboard Member, Alfred (York County) term through June 2022
Jason Dolloff, Selectboard Member, Peru (Oxford County) term through July 2023
Daniel Frye, Select Board Member, Carmel (Penobscot County) term through March 2023
Gerald Hoag, Select Board Member, Beaver Cove (Penobscot County) term through May 2023 (appointed May 2021)
Wayne ‘Chip’ Johnson, Select Board Member, Solon (Somerset County) term through March 2024
Daniel Monahan, Select Board Member, Trenton (Hancock County) term ends May 2023
Jeremy Petty, Selectboard Member, Sabattus (Androscoggin County) term through November 2023
Rebecca Hennessy, Boardmember School Committee, Northfield (Washington County) term through June 2022
Ann Ingersoll, School Boardmember, Maine School Administrative District #134 (Somerset County) term through March 2024
Danny Jackson, School Boardmember, RSU District 49 School Board (Lincoln County) term through June 2022
Robert Lindblom, School Boardmember, Solon representative, Maine School Administrative District 74 (MSAD) (Somerset County) term through May 2024
Patrick Milligan, School Boardmember, Spruce Mountain School District, Livermore Falls representative (Androscoggin County) term through June 2023
Jessica Smith, School Boardmember, RSU District 16 School Board (Androscoggin County) term through Nov 2022 (appointed August 2021)
Megan Parks, School Committee, Lewiston Public Schools (Androscoggin County) term through Nov 2023
Patricia Patnaude, School Boardmembrer, Maine School Administrative District 72 (MSAD), Stow (Oxford County) term through June 2023
Sam Pfeiffle, School Boardmember, Maine School Administrative District (MSAD 15), Gray/New Gloucester (Cumberland County) term through June 2025
Kevin Souza, Embden representative, Regional School Unit (RSU) #74 (Somerset County) term through March 2022
Nicole Springer, Passadumkeag representative, Maine School Administrative District (MSAD) #31 (Penobscot County) term ends June 2023
Diane Whalen, Regional School Unit 24 #4 Director, Sabattus (Androscoggin County) term through Nov 2024
Ryan Whitehouse, School Boardmember, East Millinocket Schools, East Millinocket (Penobscot County) term through November 2024
Deron Whittemore, School Boardmember, Solon representative, Maine School Administrative District 74 (MSAD) (Somerset County) term through March 2022
Jacqueline Wolinski, School Boardmember, RSU District 54, Skowhegan representative (Somerset County) term through June 2023 (appointed August 2021)
Christopher Henderson, Board of Directors, Hampden Water Board, Hampden (Penobscot County) term through November 2023
Jessica Tremblay, Board of Directors, Alfred Water Board, Alfred (York County) terms through June 2024
Adam Morse, Board of Directors, Freeport Sewer Board, Freeport (Cumberland County) term through November 2024
Sharon Moss, Town Meeting Representative, Shrewsbury (Worcester County) term through May 2023
Edward Tar Larner, Housing Board, Concord (Middlesex County) term through March 2024
Matthew Moncreaff, Board of Selectman, Princeton (Worcester County) term through May 2022
Michael Lavery, Board of Selectman, Becket (Berkshire County) term through June 2023 (joined Green Party in February 2021 after elected in June 2020)
Cliff Yankovich, City Council, Lowell (Kent County) term though Nov 2023
Shauleen Higgin, City Council, Lakeside (Coos County) term through November 2022 (joined Green Party in 2020 after elected in 2018)
Abe Currin, Board of Directors, Zone 6, Blue Mountain Community College (Umatilla County) term ends May 2025
Michael Sonnleitner, Board of Directors, Zone 3, Portland Community College, Portland (Multnomah County) term through May 2023
Michael Clary, Coos Soil and Water Conservation District, Zone 4 (Coos County) term though November 2024
Alex Polikoff, Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District (Benton County) term through May 2024
Brian Powers, Position 5, Hubbard Rural Fire Protection District, Hubbard (Marion County) term ends May 2025
Chloe Flora, Pine Eagle Health District , Position 1 (Baker County) term through May 2025
Matt Donahue, Circuit Court Judge (Benton County) term though May 2026
Laura Dininni, Township Supervisor, Ferguson Township (Centre County) term through Nov 2023 (joined Green Party in August 2021 after elected WHEN)
Matthew Reitenauer, School Board, Brandywine Heights, Topton (Berks County) term through Nov 2025
Jay Sweeney, Auditor, Falls Township (Wyoming County) term through Nov 2025
Abigail Hunter, Judge of Elections Ward 7, Precinct 8, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) term through Nov 2025
Andrew Moses Yanez Oliva, Judge of Elections, Ward 15, District 6, Reading (Berks County) term through Nov 2025
William Pilkonis, Judge of Elections, W-10 P-01, Scranton (Lackawanna County) term through Nov 2021
Jay Ting Walker, Inspector of Elections, Ward 7, District 6, Pittsburgh (Allegheny County) term through Nov 2023
Brian Benford, Common Council, District 6 (Dane County) term through April 2023
Barbara Dahlgren, District 11, Wisconsin Conservation Congress delegate (Milwaukee County) term through April 2023
An essay against fossil fuel pipelines
Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines — So We have a Healthy Future
Click to download a free copy of our ebook ~"Eliminating Fossil Fuel Pipelines — So We have a Healthy Future"
In 1971, the following passage was placed in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
“The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.”
"The federal and state environmental laws which polluting industries are supposed to respect and adhere to, enable them to release significant and damaging emissions that are legal and yet violate the limits of these environmental laws without suffering any serious criminal or financial punishments, even if they make numerous or hundreds of violations."
"The harms of green house gas (GHG) pollutants and the consequences of global warming — such as wildfires, droughts, floods, the wider and more persistent spread of plant-killing and disease-carrying insects, and increased disease in humans, animals, and crops — disproportionately affect the most vulnerable which includes children, the elderly, ethnic minorities, poor communities, and those with underlying health problems."
Links to the articles and informational websites I used in this writing:
By Jocolyn Bowser-Bostick
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2021/12/24/mariner-east-pipeline-is-set-to-be-completed-in-2022-after-years-of-environmental-damage-and-delays/
https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/new-federal-regulations-add-more-400000-miles-gas-gathering-pipelines-under-federal-oversight
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2021/11/19/puc-approves-1-975m-settlement-with-energy-transfer-for-pa-pipeline-blast/
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2021/10/05/pa-charges-energy-transfer-with-environmental-crimes-over-mariner-east-pipeline-project/
https://www.fractracker.org/2020/02/pipelines-continue-to-catch-fire-and-explode/#tab-id-4
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/ProgramIntegration/Pennsylvania-Pipeline-Portal/Pages/default.aspx
Schools in the Path of Mariner East 2
https://www.fractracker.org/me2-list-of-schools/https://www.fractracker.org/2016/12/me2-schools-populations/
Chester County Planning Commission, Pipeline Information Center
https://www.chescoplanning.org/pic/ProjectsAll.cfm
https://generation180.org/the-absurd-truth-about-fossil-fuel-subsidies/
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/04/unmapped-unregulated-maze-of-rural-pipelines-poses-hidden-risks/
https://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2021/12/sunocomariner-east-pipeline-to-pay-4.html
Sunoco failed to disclose some risks of Mariner East pipeline, was ‘negligent’ in response to concerns, judge rules
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pa-mariner-east-pipeline-sunoco-ruling-safety-negligence-puc-20210426.html
https://www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/business-laws-and-regulations/overview-key-federal-environmental-laws.html
PA Act 359 - Oil and Gas Conservation Law (PDF)
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Energy/OilandGasPrograms/OilandGasMgmt/pages/laws,-regulations-and-guidelines.aspx
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https://www.facebook.com/BucksCountyCCAP
Reflection on the 2020 Election by PA Green Party Candidate Michael Bagdes-Canning

Bagdes-Canning: Thank you, Chris. It has been little more than a month since Election Day. I am still processing what happened. One thing is obvious, I did not get elected. In a highly charged election cycle, I received 20% of the vote.
However, because of the way the district is drawn, my part of Butler County is a small appendage of PA District 64, but it is a very Republican stronghold. Most of the district is in Venango County, well outside my wheelhouse. Even in Butler County, even in Cherry Valley, this election was different. Voters were focused on the Presidential race, and many people voted only for Republicans. In the past, for my two higher profile races, I won Cherry Valley and did relatively well in other Butler County precincts. This time, it was a dead heat in Cherry Valley. In Butler County, I got a lower percentage of the vote than I did in Venango County (but better than my last runs).
Bagdes-Canning: Well, Chris, we were able to raise a significant amount of money, seven times what the incumbent raised in the cycle and more than all of his previous challengers combined. We ran a spirited campaign, had a robust web presence, and a surprisingly good ground game and phone banking operation.
Second, we reached new people. We developed a productive relationship with a couple groups of young people, students from local high schools and twenty-somethings organized into the Oil Region DSA. The former were a huge part of our local ground game. The latter were part of a direct action we pulled off at my opponent’s local office.
Bagdes-Canning: No matter what, I would recommend starting right now. Start reaching out to the people you need to staff your campaign. Start raising awareness. Build your network. Build enthusiasm. Identify important people. Do not wait.
Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/mike4pa64/;
Twitter, https://mobile.twitter.com/bagdescanning;
Facebook, https://m.facebook.com/mikebagdescanning; and his
website, https://www.mikeforpa64.com/.
PA Should Follow Oregon and Decriminalize Drug Use


PHILADELPHIA – Fifteen states have now legalized the adult use of cannabis (aka marijuana, ganja, reefer, weed, etc.). While you were occupied with the November 3 election, four states, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota legalized cannabis, joining the other eleven states and two U.S. territories where it was already legal.
Voters in Oregon State, where cannabis was legalized in 2015, went a step further and decriminalized heroin, cocaine, and "all drugs," a sentiment clearly stated in the Green Party platform. For many years the Green Party has called to "implement a step-by-step program to decriminalize all drugs in the United States."
Green Party of Pennsylvania
www.gpofpa.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
CONTACT:
Tre Schumacher, [email protected]
Chris Robinson, Communication Team, [email protected]
"Drug legalization exhibits respect for the individual, fiscal responsibility on the part of the government, and progressive criminal justice reform," explained Tre Schumacher (Philadelphia), member of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) steering committee. "Legalizing drugs means less crowded jails and more free citizens contributing to society. It means fewer tax dollars spent on police raids, legal expenses, incarceration expenses, and other expenses associated with enforcing drug criminalization. Legalization means more investments, consumer spending, and tax revenue." Schumacher continued, "Although drug legalization is not police reform, it is policing reform. Drug legalization advances the way we define, think and treat law, crime, and the 'criminal mind.'"
"If drug use is a free choice, the state should have no right to encroach on individual liberty. If drug use results in addiction or destructive behavior, it should then be addressed by medical professionals, not by the state in the form of incarceration," said Tina Olson (Hellertown), organizer for the Lehigh Valley Green Party. "From the perspective of mental health professionals, the question of whether addiction is a moral debate or medical issue has been resolved. As addiction is now listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), we have to look at it as an ongoing health condition. Jailing addicts and addicts-in-recovery is akin to imprisoning someone with schizophrenia. As we know from the history of mental institutions, that method is cruel and inhumane."
Chris Robinson (Philadelphia), co-leader of GPPA's communication team, said, "The voting public overwhelmingly agrees with the Green Party. A supermajority of U.S. voters (68 percent) said they supported legalization of cannabis in a Gallup poll in October 2020. A Harper Poll in May 2020, showed that 62 percent of PA voters supported legalization of cannabis, with majorities from conservatives, centrists and liberals. It is time for the PA General Assembly to act."
The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) is an independent political party that stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party's Four Pillars: ecological wisdom, grassroots democracy, nonviolence, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please visit www.gpofpa.org. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
For more information, please see:
Platform, Green Party of the U.S., II. Social Justice, H. Criminal Justice, Green Solutions, End the War on Drugs,
https://www.gp.org/social_justice/#sjCriminalJustice;
"National Poll Finds Overwhelming Support for Legalization" by Marie Edinger, December 1, 2020,
https://www.wikileaf.com/thestash/national-poll-finds-overwhelming-support-for-legalization/;
"Pennsylvania: Poll Shows Broad Support for Legalization," August 25, 2020,
https://www.mpp.org/states/pennsylvania/;
"PA Cannabis Coalition Calls for Principle-Based Approach to Adult-Use Marojuana," June 14, 2020,
https://www.pcanna.org/recentnews.
January 2020 Green Star
January 2020
Working toward a future where people and planet are valued, and our government represents all of us.
Planet Over Money in 2020... and Beyond
by GPPA Co-chair Alan Smith
As Australia and New Zealand celebrate a new year before the rest of the world, one begs the question, are they living in the future? No, they are just on a different part of the planet. Time is something we have constructed to represent the movement of this planet on its axis and its movement around the sun. This construct, this tool, however has been used to subjugate, exploit and destroy people and planet.
From obsessions with deadlines to obsessions with efficiency, our species has reeked havoc on itself and the planet as a whole. Yet, the idea of having reverence for this planet is timeless. As we celebrate a new year, a new decade, I encourage us to think about engaging in timeless activities, and living timeless lives. The new year will be full of deadlines, and all sorts of other ways in which this construct of time will used to rule our lives. Yet, I encourage us to be more focused on LIFElines, to help each other, and rescue this planet from our destructive ways. It is also important to cherish each moment. I know this all too well as this time last year I was mourning the passing of my mother.
The past and the future live in our minds as constructs. How we chose to think about the past and future greatly effects what we do in the present. Shared here is a drawing of mine inspired by a West African symbol called the "Sankofa bird." It is a bird with its feet pointed toward the future, but with its neck craned back. It represents taking what is good from the past and bringing it into the future, learning from the past.
The future can look bleak or bright. When I look at this past decade I am encouraged. One of highlights of these past 10 years was born out of the bleakest moments. The Occupy Movement of 2011 a response to the financial crash of 2008-9. It ushered in an awakening worldwide that the planet was more important than profit, that glacier ice sheets were more important than financial spreadsheets. Since then there's been a increase in worldwide attention to and activism against the economic, social, and environmental injustices wrought by capitalism, militarism, and other -isms.
As an educator, I know that changes can take years or they can take only seconds. There's no simple formula for having the light bulb going off in students' heads. Our constructs of time have no bearing on the changes we seek. Change is not bound by time. The 4 pillars and 10 Key Values that we hold dear as Greens are timeless and my commitment to them is likewise. My new year message: Planet over money in 2020....and beyond.
GPPA News Highlights
edited by Chris Robinson
PA Greens support formation of Federal Renewable Energy Commission (FREC)
On December 1, the Steering Committee of the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) endorsed the formation of a Federal Renewable Energy Commission (FREC). This newly created national agency would have the mission of organizing the Green New Deal and creating a sustainable energy structure for the U.S. (show all)
Jill Stein Sues to Reopen PA Election Security Case
PHILADELPHIA - Jill Stein and the 2016 recount team filed a motion [on 11/26] in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of PA to enforce the settlement agreement in Stein v. Cortés by ordering the PA Department of State to immediately decertify the ES&S ExpressVote XL voting machine. Leading election integrity experts including Dr. J. Alex Halderman agree that the deeply flawed ExpressVote XL violates the 2018 settlement of the Stein recount lawsuit guaranteeing all PA voters the right to voter-verifiable, auditable paper ballots by the 2020 election. “After the ExpressVote XL’s disastrous debut on election night, when it was observed reporting incorrect vote totals in Northampton County, we offered the state one last chance to do right by voters by voluntarily decertifying the machine,” said Stein. “It’s even more troubling to consider that these flawed machines could swing elections to the wrong winners in less obvious ways that observers might not even notice.” The ExpressVote XL was used in Philadelphia and Northampton counties on November 5 and has been selected by Cumberland County. Please read more here, (show all)
Members of the Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) formed three working groups at their November general assembly: the Clean Energy/Anti-Nuclear Working Group; the Anti-Fracking and Anti-Petrochemical Working Group; and the Anti-War Working Group. Volunteers for each working group will meet outside of the general assembly to determine a plan of action for GPOAC in 2020. Working groups can decide the best way to work together, which may be in-person meetings, phone conferences, or other methods convenient for its members. If you’re interested in joining any working group, please contact the GPOAC executive committee at [email protected] (show all)
Greens Table at Lancaster Pride
Photo shows (left to right) Tim Runkle, Nick Prete and Alex Noyle.
Campaign Updates
edited by Sheri Miller
Green Party of PA candidates for State Treasurer, Auditor General, and/or Attorney General will be selected at the GPPA January Webconference. Come join us and share in the excitement as we kick off of a great campaigning year - 2020!
National Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
“The Green New Deal will convert the old, gray economy into a new, sustainable economy that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible. It seeks to solve the climate crisis by combining quick action to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2030 along with an ‘Economic Bill of Rights’ – the right to single-payer healthcare, a guaranteed job at a living wage, affordable housing and free college education.” (show all)
Big Green Project!! Or is it? Bonus: Discussion of RCV Green Party calls for authorities to kill $1 billion hydropower project.(show all)
GREENS ARE ONE
In light of the recent propensity in the U.S. to divide ourselves on one side or another, creating a contentious us vs them atmosphere that appears to permeate every facet of our lives, I have set out this month to highlight how Greens are truly of one mind all over the world. We need to remind ourselves of this occasionally to stay grounded.
One young Green candidate, encouraging others.
Even though he is Canadian, he has an inspiring story of what to expect and how to grow, while remaining persistent, good advice to any U.S. Green candidate. (show all)
Why older people everywhere should vote Green.
Greens will write-off student debt. (show all)
Global Green News
edited by Gayle Morrow
Sometimes it is good to go back to your roots to be informed of your history and to get grounded. For example, did you know that the first Green Parties were established in 1972 in Tasmania and New Zealand? Thought it was the U.S., didn’t you? Read more about the organizational history of the Global Greens. (show all)
Green Party Climate & Energy “Platform” The UK had another election December 12, called by Boris Johnson. The parties published their manifestos [platform] before the day of the election. Here are the UK Green Party climate and energy policies, which speak of funding the changes needed, somewhat different from the U.S. GP that seems to set goals but leaves the mention of funding to individual candidates. (show all)
Green Party [UK] piled on more votes than any other party in climate election with a 60% surge. (show all)
Seems the U.S. isn’t the only place the Family Sanders puts forth a candidate. Larry Sanders, UK Greens spokesperson for health & social care, and the brother of U.S. Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, attended a pre-election event on the Isle of Wight. (show all)
GPPA Coming Events
edited by Chris Robinson
Green Party events are in GREEN. Other Movement events are in RED.
January 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 11:30 pm
Climate Crisis Awareness Rally
Lincoln Square in Gettysburg (York Street crossing)
Hosted by Adams County Green Party in solidarity with Greta Thunburg's worldwide climate awareness movement.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2206600726129147/
January 3, 11:00 am
Stop Banking the Bomb
PNC Tower, 300 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County: [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/715856215568533/
January 6, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Virtual Meeting
Interested parties should contact [email protected]
January 6, 7:30 pm
Tara Yaney Swearing-in Ceremony
Edgewood Borough Office, 2 Race Street, Swissvale, PA
More information from [email protected]
January 7, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from [email protected]
January 12, noon
GPPA Delegates Virtual Meeting
Delegates will elect GPPA officers for 2020. All interested members of the public may attend to learn more about the Green Party.
Please register in advance at: https://www.gpofpa.org/2020_01_conf
January 13, 6:00 pm
Meet Councilperson Tara Yaney
The Loft, 1118 South Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh. Meet newly elected Tara and share ideas.
Sponsored by the Green Party of Allegheny County: [email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/2521938821387018/
January 18, 11:00 am
Stop Banking the Bomb
PNC, 236 Shiloh Street, Pittsburgh, PA.
Endorsed by the Green Party of Allegheny County:
[email protected]
https://www.facebook.com/events/2820693631287817/
January 20
Martin Luther King Day of Action
8:00 am, Philadelphia, Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Lincoln Drive.
12:00 Noon, King of Prussia, Brandywine Peace Nonviolent Action, Lockheed Martin, 230 Mall Boulevard.
January 20, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
More information from [email protected]
January 25, 9:00 am
Green Party of Lancaster County Meeting
Folklore Coffee Company, One North Market Street, Elizabethtown.
More information from [email protected]
Please RSVP at https://www.gpofpa.org/2019_jan_lancaster
January 28, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
For the location, please contact [email protected]
February 3, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Chester County Meeting
Interested parties should contact [email protected]
February 4, 6:00 pm
Green Party of Allegheny County General Assembly
Panera Bread, 3401 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA
More information from [email protected]
February 17, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Montgomery County Meeting
501 South Easton Road, Wyncote, PA.
More information from [email protected]
February 25, 7:00 pm
Green Party of Philadelphia Membership Meeting
For the location, please contact [email protected]
GPPA Meeting Dates for 2020:
- January Webconference (online, officer elections, 2020 state candidate selection) - Sunday January 12, 12:00 noon - 4:00 pm
- Spring Conference and Presidential Forum (in-person two-day conference), March 21-22 - Harrisburg, PA
- Summer Webconference (online) - Sunday June 7
- Fall Conference & Retreat (in-person) - Saturday/Sunday September 12/13
- Year-End Webconference, Post-Election Day (online) - Sunday November 15
Web Conferences are online - RSVP to get connection information. . Visit the GPPA events calendar to RSVP. The locations for in-person conferences are to be determined. In-person conferences can be hosted by counties, county groups or regions. These events are fundraisers. When hosted locally, the host group receives back half of the revenue after expenses. To apply for hosting, submit your info to our Application for Local Hosting of GPPA State Meetings or GPPA-Sponsored Events. We strive for geographic diversity in reviewing applications, however, all submissions are considered.
Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team & Media Committee
Issue Credits:
EDITORS: Chris Robinson, Gayle Morrow, & Sheri Miller
CONTRIBUTORS: Alan Smith
LAYOUT: Sheri Miller & Dannee Schoepfer
GRAPHIC ARTS: Kevin Richardson
ILLUSTRATIONS: Alan Smith
Everything we do is based on our Four Pillars and Ten Key Values. If you find that you share these ideals, come and join the movement.
You can support the Green Party in many ways; however, a monthly sustaining donation helps to fund a solid infrastructure to help local chapters coordinate candidates and provide resources to make their campaigns successful. As little as $3 per month can have a significant impact!
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Join us and help bring about a future where people and planet are valued over profits. We have a new, tiered membership structure that allows you to determine your level of commitment and support. And if you want to get more directly involved, consider joining an action team. Work with other committed progressives and activists in activities such as planning events, developing media content, or helping with campaigns. Let's join together to make 2020 the year of progressives!
The Green Star is an official publication of the Green Party of Pennsylvania Communications Team * 2020
The Real Green New Deal and Our National Well-Being
-- By Neal Gale.
- (H) overhauling transportation systems in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector as much as is technologically feasible, including through investment in—
- (F) spurring massive growth in clean manufacturing in the United States and removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry as much as is technologically feasible, including by expanding renewable energy manufacturing and investing in existing manufacturing and industry;
- (G) working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible, including—
- (i) by eliminating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as much as technologically feasible;
- (iv) by ensuring that any infrastructure bill considered by Congress addresses climate change;
GPPA welcomes Pope Francis to Pennsylvania
For Immediate Release
September 25, 2015
Contacts:
Jay Sweeney [email protected]
570-587-3603
David F. Ochmanowicz Jr. [email protected]
GPPA welcomes Pope Francis to Pennsylvania
The Green Party of Pennsylvania welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis to our beloved Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His much-anticipated visit to Philadelphia is a joy to so many.
In Pope Francis’s recent encyclical about climate change and the environment, Laudato Si’ (Praise Be to You), he has shown his passion to live up to his adopted papal name Francis, after the Christian patron saint of animals and the environment.
“Pope Francis shares many of the The Green Party of Pennsylvania’s values.” said GPPA Chair Jay Sweeney. “He is outspoken on social justice, environmental and economic issues that our party has been equally outraged over”, Sweeney concluded.
“Pope Francis’s encouraging words and efforts to address climate change, his implicit opposition to fracking, his care and respect for people of all nations and his criticism of the ‘cheerful recklessness’ of pure unregulated capitalism show that we share mutual goals in these important areas”, said GPPA Steering Committee member David Ochmanowicz Jr.
The Green Party of Pennsylvania is an independent political party that stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. The Green Party of Pennsylvania stands for grassroots democracy, social justice, non-violence and ecological wisdom.