Featured
Deluzio Announces $200,000 Investment for Beaver County Solar Power Project
Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the Beaver County “Rural Innovation Though Solar Empowerment” Project, or RISE Project, is a winner of the Department of Energy’s Phase Two $200,000 Energizing Rural Communities Prize.
Featured
Community Matters: Energy innovation as tool for growing agency over Beaver County
Those of you who follow along with the work of RiverWise, the nonprofit organization I have the privilege of leading, may have heard that we recently received a second round of funding from the US Department of Energy.
New Incubator Launches Environmental Justice Projects
Pittsburgh is home to a vibrant community of people working to improve our environment and the spaces where we live. A new initiative is helping transform their visions into reality.
A Guide to Community Benefits in Southwestern Pennsylvania
This document reflects over a year of dedicated community work by Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services and RiverWise, with support from New Sun Rising. It explores the implications of Executive Order 14008 and the Justice 40 Initiative, highlighting their transformative potential for disadvantaged communities. The guide emphasizes the need for genuine community engagement and cautions against oversimplified solutions, recognizing the inherent complexity of effective community benefits planning. Key principles include balancing urgency with care, understanding the limits of community benefits plans, and acknowledging potential unintended consequences. The document aims to provide actionable insights for stakeholders, inviting corporate and governmental entities to understand and respond to community perspectives.
Meeting the moment: Federal funds foster solar adoption in Beaver County
Through The RISE Project, which leverages federal funds to enhance solar adoption, four projects in Beaver County are saving money by adding solar.
Democratizing solar energy in Pennsylvania
There’s a movement happening across the state to expand community solar. Supporters say it will allow for a reduction in electricity bills, lower maintenance costs, diversify a community’s energy portfolio, and create a more resilient region.
Planned food hub gets grant funding
Nonprofit RiverWise received a $49,000 state grant to move forward with the planning and design of a community food hub in Beaver County. The funding, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture through the Pennsylvania Farm Bill's Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program, is centered on expanding the supply of fresh food in underserved areas.
RiverWise, New Sun Rising to host workshop addressing Justice 40 Initiative opportunities
BEAVER FALLS ― Community members and local leaders are being invited to attend a workshop focused on developing environmental justice projects in the region.
$5M in environmental project funding up for grabs in Beaver County
BEAVER COUNTY, Pa. — Millions of dollars earmarked for environmental projects in Beaver County are up for grabs. The money comes from part of a settlement with Shell over violations from its Monaca Cracker Plant. The $5 million fund is one of the biggest of its kind in state history, according to the Department of Environmental Protection.
East Palestine train derailment topic of screening & discussion in Beaver Falls
BEAVER FALLS — The East Palestine train derailment and its aftermath will be analyzed April 13 at a special event at The Baby Bello community center in Beaver Falls.
Articles
Deluzio Announces $200,000 Investment for Beaver County Solar Power Project
Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that the Beaver County “Rural Innovation Though Solar Empowerment” Project, or RISE Project, is a winner of the Department of Energy’s Phase Two $200,000 Energizing Rural Communities Prize.
RiverWise receives more federal funding to support solar power in Beaver County
Some of Beaver County's rural communities may soon see the effects of solar power investments in their area.
Community Matters: A code of ethics for community benefits processes
In my last column, I introduced readers to a recently released document produced by me and a handful of other regional leaders titled “A Guide to Community Benefits in Southwestern Pennsylvania.”
Community Matters: Announcing 'A Guide to Community Benefits in Southwestern Pennsylvania'
Whether readers of this column realize it or not, humanity is currently engaged in a global transformation related to the production and consumption of energy. And, that transition could – if properly understood and wisely leveraged – have significant implications for life here in Beaver County.
Community Matters: The value of taking a break
Hello again, friends!
If you have been a diligent reader of this column over the years, you may have noticed I have not produced a new article in some time now. After nearly four years of writing two columns a month, and in the face of an unusually busy season at RiverWise, I decided to take a break from writing over the last 10 weeks.
Building resilience in Beaver County
The Keystone State has the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines in the nation, and more than 7,000 streams statewide are affected by acid mine drainage from these former mining sites. Cleaning up toxic brownfields for solar development could be a “win-win,” speakers said in June at a Greene Township solar facility.
Community Matters: Why RiverWise did not pursue Shell mitigation funds
On May 15, nearly $5 million in awards were announced to various Beaver County community projects as the result of an environmental mitigation fund established to hold Shell accountable for ongoing environmental violations at their facility in Monaca.
Community Matters: Why RiverWise is paying high school students to learn about county
During six weeks in July and August, Beaver County high school students will have the opportunity to earn a $250 stipend for completing this year’s Summer Sustainability Institute.
Regional leaders, residents receive support to access environmental justice funding
The Millvale Food Energy Hub was a conduit for Allegheny County residents and local leaders seeking support for their community projects on May 2, preparing them to access federal funding through the Justice 40 Initiative.
Community Matters: Five provocative questions about community
This past Thursday, I turned 47.
When I was in high school, I can remember having a teacher who was turning 50 years old. Nearly 30 years later, I recall how old that felt to me at the time. Fifty! Half a century! I can still remember wondering what it could possibly feel like to be that old.
Community Matters: An invitation to learn from East Palestine
In the course of history, some things happen that are nearly impossible to explain in fullness. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
Beaver County Farmers Markets return: Here's what's new and who's returning
Fresh-picked and succulent fruits, nutritious vegetables, artisan baked breads, homemade honey and other edible treats await as the Beaver County Farmers Markets return for the season, starting April 27.
Community Matters: The value of community wondering
Every once in a while, I am confronted with the potent combination of wisdom and clarity, reacquainting me with things I once knew, but that I now generally permit myself to forget.
Community Matters: Who makes community thriving possible?
Healthy communities do not happen accidentally. They are cultivated, resourced, strategized, and even pruned from time to time.
Community Matters: A challenge to demonstrate a different kind of leadership
On Tuesday, a kind of public discourse was on full display at the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce’s annual “State of the County” address.
Penn State-Beaver hosting public discussion on regional development
CENTER TWP. ― An open discussion that will be focused on regional development in Beaver County is coming to Penn State-Beaver later this month.