Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future
Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) is a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States. As of 2021, the organization has five offices across Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Mt. Pocono and Erie. History PennFuture was founded in 1998 with the mission to work to "create a just future where nature, communities and the economy thrive. We enforce environmental laws and advocate for the transformation of public policy, public opinion and the marketplace to restore and protect the environment and safeguard public health. PennFuture advances effective solutions for the problems of pollution, sprawl and global warming; mobilizes citizens; crafts compelling communications; and provides excellent legal services and policy analysis." In February 2008, Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future announced that Teresa Heinz, Chair of The Heinz Endowments, Rebecca Rimel, President of The Pew Charitable Trusts, and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore would speak at the organization's 10th Anniversary Gala in Philadelphia. In July 2022, Patrick McDonnell assumed the role of president and CEO of PennFuture. He replaced former president and CEO, Jacquelyn Bonomo. Issue stances Some of the policies endorsed by PennFuture include clean energy, air quality, and water quality, and mining. According to PennFuture, "air pollution is shortening lives, contaminating fish, killing streams and forests, and inexorably warming the global climate. Watersheds are thoughtlessly being undermined and paved over, and good water quality is becoming a rare commodity. Thousands of acres of land are defiled by past coal mining, and communities, streams, and families still suffer from destructive mining techniques." To achieve success in their mission, the organization is "working to replace old outdated dirty sources of power with clean renewable Pennsylvania-made electricity, fighting factory farm pollution, helping to stop damage from mining, protecting watersheds from sprawl and pollution, reducing global warming pollution, watchdogging state government, and providing $2 million per year of free legal services to protect the environment." Additional Accomplishments PennFuture has been involved in the passage of the $625 million Growing Greener Bond in 2005, the enactment of the state's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard mandates, and the enactment of state rules to cut mercury pollution and ease the purchase of "clean" cars. PennFuture also holds frequent campaigns to contact legislators about specific legislation, hosting "Lobbying Days" in the Capitol, and providing pre-written letters for its grassroots activists to send to lawmakers. PennFuture has received more than $900,000 from alternative energy companies during the past five years, much of which the eco-activist group has used to lobby for tax breaks, subsidies and mandates for the wind and solar industries. Foundations led by the Heinz and Haas families have donated generously. Press 1 February 2007 PennFuture Files Endangered Species Act Petition Against Bush Administration 22 May 2007 PennFuture, Environmental Integrity Project Launch Legal Action to Stop Massive Air Pollution from Bruce Mansfield Power Plant 18 June 2007 New Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Energy Independence 8 February 2008 PennFuture Lauds Court Decision Striking Down Federal Mercury Rule 12 February 2008 PennFuture praises state House for moving Pennsylvania into national