Bob's Blog
Protecting Our Forests
Implementing beneficial conservation practices in our great forests is very important to me. Not only do forests provide spaces for outdoor recreation and tourism, they also create thousands of jobs and a variety of economic opportunities. I believe that in Pennsylvania, once known as “Penn’s Woods” for its lush and beautiful forests, we have an opportunity to strengthen and develop our forestry conservation programs. That is why I sent a letter to Chief Dave White of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today regarding forest conservation in Pennsylvania. In this letter, I highlighted a few ideas aimed at making participation in forestry conservation programs easier for Pennsylvanians. By enhancing its collaboration with the State forestry agency staff and through streamlining its technical service provider (TSP) certification process, NRCS can increase Pennsylvanians’ access to forestry expertise. As the 2012 Farm Bill process moves forward, I will continue to keep the interests of Pennsylvanian foresters in mind.
New green business in Philadelphia makes the case for smart, green jobs
After graduating from the Wharton School, Gabriel Mandujano used his dual degree in business and urban studies to help Mexico with its efforts to create a sustainable transit system. While there, he discovered that laundry, with its heavy use of water, electricity, and chemical cleaners, has a significant environmental impact. He also thought it could be big business.
Using an SBA micro-loan he founded Wash Cycle Laundry, an innovative new business that provides sustainable laundry service to homes and businesses around Philadelphia. The name of the company has a dual meaning- he offers laundering service with delivery by bike. Gabriel’s fleet of bicycles, which can each pull up to 200 lbs. of laundry, pick up laundry and drive it to a laundromat that uses highly efficient machines that save energy and water and uses eco-friendly detergents that lessen the environmental impact of everyday laundry use.
Gabriel currently has 75 clients including private companies that contract their laundering to Wash Cycle Laundry and he is looking to expand in cities across the nation. Using several federal jobs programs, he has been able to hire new workers and is looking to expand over the next two years.
I commend Gabriel on his entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to the city of Philadelphia. I hope that others can be inspired by his non-traditional business approach and work to develop businesses that enhance our communities.
Raising Pipeline Awareness: Find Out What’s Below
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently announced a campaign to encourage safe digging across the country. Their slogan “Call before You Dig,” encourages excavators and those doing home maintenance projects to contact 811 call centers before beginning digging. Pipeline accidents often result from failure to contact 811 call centers, which work with pipeline operators and utility companies to mark pipelines before digging projects begin. PHMSA has introduced several initiatives in support of this campaign including partnerships with national organizations, such as the Common Ground Alliance, as well as safety groups, public advocacy groups and trade organizations.
I have worked to increase pipeline safety in the past and am a co-sponsor of S. 275, the Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011. S. 275 would enhance existing safety and environmental regulations in pipeline transportation, particularly the transportation of energy products. Most importantly, this legislation would penalize those who fail to contact 811 call centers before beginning digging projects by levying large fines on any person found to have committed a major violation of a pipeline marking or excavation notification requirement, pipeline safety standard or regulation.
I encourage you to learn more about the importance of pipeline safety by visiting PHMSA’s website.
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