News and

Information for
Members of
Clean Air Council

July 2006
Number 2

In this issue:
Smoke-free Workplaces Bill Passes!
1
Smoke-Free
Workplace Bill On June 15, Philadelphia City Council passed the Smoke-free
Passes Workplaces Bill. After years of heated debate and tireless efforts by
Clean Air Council and other organizations to convince City Council

1
Victory Over
Power Plant
to adopt smoke-free legislation, the Bill is set to take effect in
January 2007, upon approval by Mayor Street. Prior to the passage of
the Bill, Clean Air Council held a press conference in April bringing
Pollution
restaurant and bar workers together at Fork Restaurant in the Old

1
5K Run Silver
Anniversary
City neighborhood of Philadelphia. The press conference gave
workers an opportunity to talk about their personal experiences with
secondhand smoke and their reasons for wanting to work in a

2
Diesel Reduction
smoke-free environment. To learn more about the Council’s city and
statewide campaigns for smoke-free legislation, and to get involved
in the movement to make all workplaces, including restaurants and Restaurant workers spoke out in favor of their rights to a smoke-free workplace at a

2
Schuylkill River
Clean-up
bars, smoke-free, visit www.cleanair.org. Council-organized press conference at Fork Restaurant. Bartenders, servers, and
kitchen staff shared their experiences of working in an industry notorious for its
secondhand smoke.

2
Support for Cleaner
Vehicles Major Victory over Power Plant Pollution
3
Donor Recognition Clean Air Council won a major federal court victory this spring
that will reduce pollution at old, dirty coal-fired power plants across
air pollution in the country. The unanimous court decision in the
Council’s favor helps to close that loophole, with the potential to

3
First Mid Atlantic
Port Workshop
the nation. Many of the power plants still in operation today were
built during the 1940s and ’50s and have never had to install modern
pollution control, making the electricity sector the leading source of
improve air quality in Pennsylvania, Delaware and beyond. For more
information, contact Arthur Stamoulis at 215.567.4004, ext. 107
or astamoulis@cleanair.org.

Silver Anniversary 5K Run for Clean Air Breaks All Records

O ver 1,300 runners, hundreds of volunteers and
spectators, and more than 70 local and national
sponsors joined together on a beautiful April
morning for the 25th Annual 5K Run for Clean
Air and region’s grandest Earth Day celebration.
As temperatures soared into the low eighties,
the largest group of runners in the history of the
event sprinted their way to the finish line on
Martin Luther King Drive. There, runners were
joined by their friends and family to take part in
the Council’s traditional Earth Day Celebration,
featuring music, raffle prizes, and a colorful dis-
play of organic produce and free samples. An out-
pouring of support from local green-friendly busi-
nesses made the day extra special. This year, the
continued on page 2

The silver anniversary of the 5K Run for Clean Air was

one for the record books, as over 1,300 runners
crossed the finish line on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard – the largest turnout in the twenty-five-year
history of the event.
 2

Clean Air Council, REI, and Fairmount Park Commission joined forces

on Earth Day to clean up a cluttered section of the Schuylkill River.

Despite pouring rain and muddy conditions, the three organizations

rallied nearly twenty volunteers for the event and removed over

one hundred bags of trash from the canal located behind Lloyd Hall

along Boathouse Row in Philadelphia. Riddled with large debris,

trash, pressure-treated wood, and boat parts, the canal had become

an eyesore and potential health hazard. By the end of the day, the

canal was cleared of all trash and bottles and cans were taken to

recycling facilities. Thanks to REI and Fairmount Park Commission

for co-organizing and sponsoring the clean-up event.

AsthmaBUS, SPC Corporation Recognized for Help in Diesel Reductions

Philadelphia’s AsthmaBUS Program and SPC
Corporation were publicly recognized at the Council’s 25th
Anniversary 5K Run for Clean Air for their outstanding
efforts to help reduce diesel pollution in the community.
The honors were bestowed through the Council’s Diesel
Difference Working Group, a program coordinated with
Philadelphia’s Air Management Services to help build a
coalition of diverse partners with a mutual interest in
reducing air pollution from diesel engines.
Developed by Jefferson Medical College, AsthamBUS,
and its colorful cast of cartoon characters - The
AsthmaBUSters - take its education exhibit on the road to
teach the community about asthma, the most common
chronic respiratory disease of children throughout the
world. The AsthmaBUSters, in their bright red, double-
decker bus, can be seen at middle schools, health fairs,
and medical centers around Philadelphia.
SPC Corporation, and its parent
company, Camden Iron & Metal, Inc.,
is one of the nation’s largest metals
recyclers and has been in operation
for nearly a century. With the help
of Clean Air Council, SPC has
installed diesel oxidation catalysts
on both of its fleets to decrease
diesel emissions. Furthermore, SPC
has replaced eight of its older
vehicles with cleaner 2005 trucks
and has reduced smog and soot-forming emissions For more information, contact Eric Cheung at
by a combined 30 percent. 215.567.4004, ext. 114 or echeung@cleanair.org.

Overwhelming Support for Cleaner Vehicles 5K Run continued

Clean Air Council thanks its over 1,250 members who contacted the Pennsylvania Council offered a discount to runners who and creation of the 5K Run brochure.
Environmental Quality Board to voice their support for the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles purchased PECO Wind, a clean energy choice For information about the 5K Run for
Program, a strong tailpipe emissions policy designed to reduce pollution from passenger available to PECO electric customers. Clean Air, contact Sean Jacobs at
vehicles, while also protecting consumer choice. The program will improve air quality Congratulations to all runners, and espe- 215.567.4004, ext. 102, or
throughout Pennsylvania and is expected to increase gas mileage of new cars and trucks cially to this year’s winners, Joshua Kemei of sjacobs@cleanair.org.
by nearly 30 percent, saving motorists considerable money at the gas pump. The program West Chester, PA, shattering previous records
is now being considered by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Visit www.cleanair.org for the event with a time of 14:30.6 and Kate
for the latest information and take action to protect air quality by submitting your support Fonshell of Ardmore, PA, finishing with a
for the Pennsylvania Clean Vehicles Program. time of 17:23.7. Results and photos from the
event can be found on the Council’s website at
www.cleanair.org. Thanks to all the sponsors
New & Improved Use it Again, PA! Website and everyone who helped make the Silver
Anniversary of the 5K Run a smashing suc-
This spring, Clean Air Council rent, repair, and/or sell used products. cess! The Council is especially grateful to
updated the Use it Again, PA! website Reusing products, rather than throwing graphic artist, Jack Armstrong, a volunteer
(www.useitagainpa.org) to include new them in the trash, not who donates his time each year to the design
business listings and new information only reduces the envi-
on reuse and recycling across the State ronmental impacts of
of Pennsylvania. landfills and incinera- More than 60 student runners from North
Philadelphia, East Falls, and Haddington ran in the
Use it Again, PA! is tors, but also can save Council’s 5K Run for Clean Air through STUDENTS
an online searchable you money. To search RUN Philly Style, the only program in Philadelphia
guide to businesses for businesses that rent, repair, and/or that offers marathon training to young people by
connecting students with adult mentors who help
located in sell used products near you, visit them imagine and accomplish goals beyond their
Pennsylvania that www.useitagainpa.org. dreams.
 3

Donor Recognition
Clean Air Council is grateful for contributions of every size from its wide
circle of friends and supporters. Here, the Council acknowledges significant
gifts made by corporations, foundations, and organizations in 2005.

$25,000 and greater $1,500 and greater

Beneficia Foundation AirTran Airways*
National Environmental Trust Air Quality Partnership*
PA Department of Conservation Clif Bar*
and Natural Resources
PA Department of Environmental
Protection
Daffy’s*
Elliot’s Amazing Beverage*
Environmental Resources Management*
Can Delaware say
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
William Penn Foundation
Eviama Life Spa*
Florida Power & Light*
General Motors Alternative Fuels*
“Yes” to Recycling?
GMAC Mortgage*
$5,000 and greater Glaceau Vitamin Water*
Arcadia Foundation GreenWatch Institute
Saddled with a trash volume 18 per- David McBride, and passed by the
Claneil Foundation cent higher than four years ago and a State Senate on a landslide vote of 20-
Joe Coffee Bar*
Community Energy, Inc.* residential recycling rate of four percent 1 on June 10. Though not perfect, the
Johnson Matthey*
John C. Haas – well below the national average – can bill represents a historic step forward
Kimberly-Clark Corporation*
National Wildlife Federation the Delaware House of Representatives for commonsense solid waste manage-
Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP*
PECO Wind* see the state’s solid waste crisis in time ment in Delaware. Now, however, the
MWW Group*
SEPTA* to save Wilmington from the shadow future of recycling moves to the
Organica*
Sustainable Development Fund of the ever-expanding Cherry Island House, where it faces an uncertain
Pennsylvania Health & Fitness Magazine*
Sustainable Energy Fund of Central Landfill? Clean Air Council is working future. Delaware State House
Philadelphia Runner*
Eastern PA to make it happen and help Delaware Majority Leader, Representative
REI*
make history for itself by adopting the Wayne Smith believes that
Runner’s World*
$3,000 and greater state’s first curbside recycling program. Delawareans neither want nor need
Stonyfield Farm*
Environmental Support Center Clean Air Council, working with universal curbside recycling and will
Teller Chiropractic of Center City*
Modell’s* the Citizens’ Solid Waste Solutions not introduce the Senate bill. Citizen
Torreo Coffee*
Pennsylvania Department of Community Commission, recently drafted an inte- pressure may change his mind, and the
Wawa*
and Economic Development grated solid waste management plan Council has been working with mem-
Whole Foods*
Philadelphia City Paper* for the State of Delaware. Much of this bers and citizens to put pressure on
WYBE Public Television* * denotes Clean Air Council 5K Run for plan was incorporated into a recycling Representative Smith. Visit
Yoga Living* Clean Air Sponsors bill (SB 225), introduced by Senator www.cleanair.org to help Delaware
say “yes” to recycling.

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Since 1967, Protecting Everyone’s Right to Breathe Clean Air
Philadelphia Office
135 S. 19th Street, Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.567.4004
Fax: 215.567.5791
Harrisburg Office
107 N. Front Street, Suite 113
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.230.8806
Fax: 717.230.8808
Wilmington Office
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 106
Wilmington, DE 19801
302.691.0112
Fax: 302.691.0124
For nearly four decades, members
of Clean Air Council have helped
improve environmental quality in
Pennsylvania, allowing everyone to
breathe a little easier. Members
receive quarterly issues of Fresh Air,
the Council’s membership newsletter,
as well as environmental updates,
action alerts, and invitations to the
annual 5K Run and other events.
Please send your comments and
inquiries to Maurine Devine, Editor
and Membership Director.
On May 10, the first-ever Mid
Atlantic Port Workshop was
hosted by Clean Air Council
at the Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia.
The day-long workshop brought together
more than 150 port operators, consult-
ants, organizations, and stakeholders
from the port community to discuss the
environmental impact of ports and to net-
work on solutions to reduce emissions.
Workshop presentations may be viewed
at www.cleanair.org. Sponsors for the
event will be recognized in a special
issue of Fresh Air this fall.
NONPROFIT
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PHILADELPHIA, PA
PERMIT NO. 6602
Executive Director
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.
Staff
Thurm Brendlinger
Michael Burri
Eric Cheung, Esq.
Maurine Devine
Sean Jacobs
Tim Kelly
Emily Linn
Ryan Pollock
Ryan Schneider
Arthur Stamoulis
Canvass Staff
Robert J. Acheson, Jr.
Freyda Black
Jim Black
Heather Dudek
Alec Garvey
Becky Golpe
Al Haynes
Dorothy Ann Hyman
Ed Larsen
Bernard McPherson
Nannette Pote
James Robinson
Seth Samson
James Woodend
Brian Zeck
Volunteers, Interns & Part-time Staff
Paul DesRocher
Katie M. Edwards
Norman Feldman
Katrin Jones
Justin Nachod
Elissa Ruse
HOW I SEE IT: JOE’S CORNER
Clean Air Council and the Philadelphia Port System
Unite to Beat Diesel Emissions
In spring 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a
detailed study of emissions from marine ports along the Delaware River. The
results were clear: Diesel emissions from Philadelphia ports and the large
marine vessels that frequent them were a major contributor to the Philadelphia
area’s particulate pollution problem. Ports are key players in the economy of
the region – providing jobs and revenue for businesses in the community. The
effects caused by particulate emissions, however, are detrimental to public
health. Premature death, heart disease, and asthma, especially among the elder-
ly and young children, are just a few of the problems caused by high levels of particulate pollution.
By volume, the Philadelphia Port System is the second largest in the North Atlantic and ranks
among the top five in the country. With U.S. international waterborne freight expected to double by
2020, the Philadelphia Port system is proposing to expand to accommodate this enormous growth.
Clean Air Council recognizes this development as an opportunity to incorporate increased environmen-
tal planning into the master business plan for port expansion and is working to reduce net emissions
even as activity grows. To make the most of this important opportunity, the Council has forged a terrif-
ic new partnership with the Philadelphia Port system and, with its partner, is leading the way towards
reducing diesel emissions in region.
Building on the success of its Philadelphia Diesel Difference Working Group, the Council has
launched the Port Environmental Task Force, a coalition of port operators, ship pilots, government offi-
Clean Air Council’s Executive Director,
cials, clean technology vendors, community activists, and environmentalists to discuss the best methods
Joseph O. Minott and Port Project for voluntary improvements of water and air quality surrounding ports. Today, the Council is looking
Coordinator, Sean Jacobs, were pleased for opportunities to clean up older diesel engines by equipping them with pollution-reducing retrofits.
to welcome Executive Director of the This spring, the Council, together with EPA, hosted the first-ever Mid Atlantic Clean Ports work-
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, shop. This workshop acted as an educational and networking opportunity for the entire marine and
James T. McDermott Jr., at the Mid
Atlantic Port Workshop. The Philadelphia
port industry, allowing stakeholders and consultants to share ideas about the general trend in the indus-
Regional Port Authority is a key stake- try to be more “green.” The workshop highlighted case studies of successful environmental projects and
holder in the Council’s work to reduce policies at other ports and clean technology options for port operators. It is the Council’s hope that
emissions at ports. through its partnerships and hard work to implement a strong plan to reduce particulate matter, the
Port of Philadelphia will become one of the cleanest port operations in the country.
For more information on the Council’s port outreach, please visit the Council’s website at
www.cleanair.org or contact Sean Jacobs at 215.567.4004, Ext. 102 or sjacobs@cleanair.org.
Joe Minott is the Executive Director of Clean Air Council