PennFuture announced its Green in ’18” campaign,  grassroots movement that aims to spur the gubernatorial candidates to prioritize environmental issues.

Leading a coalition of 25 unified state environmental groups, PennFuture also created the first-ever Pennsylvania Common Conservation Agenda Pennsylvania Common Conservation Agenda, outlining popular, fiscally responsible policy solutions to existing environmental challenges. Included in the initiatives are addressing PA’s 19,000 (!) miles of unusable streams and river, poor air quality, and working towards a clean energy economy.

Regardless of who wins the next seat as PA governor in November, coalition members will take this essential environmental agenda to candidates to enact on policy solutions. Leading these efforts is Campaign Manager Saleem Chapman, formerly of SBN (and SustainPHL 2016 Local Advocate award recipient).

As Chapman says,

 “The Pennsylvania Constitution states that we, the people, have a right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment. The actions taken by the governor over the next four years will determine whether or not our citizens enjoy the benefits of that Constitutional right.”

The 25 environment organizations responsible for the creation of the Pennsylvania Common Conservation Agenda include: Audubon Society, Center for Coalfield Justice, Clean Air Council, Clean Water Action, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, Environmental Defense Fund, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Green Building Alliance, Green Building United, Lacawac Sanctuary, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, National Parks Conservation Association, National Wildlife Federation, Natural Lands, Natural Resources Defense Council, The Nature Conservancy – Pennsylvania Chapter, PennEnvironment, PennFuture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, Sierra Club Pennsylvania, Sustainable Pittsburgh, The Trust for Public Land, and Women for a Healthy Environment.

This isn’t Chapman’s first rodeo with government policy. He previously worked on the Green Economy Challenge, urging sustainability initiatives with PA mayoral candidates.

Saleem Chapman’s New Role: Prioritizing Sustainable Initiatives in state Government

Saleem Chapman presenting at SustainPHL 2017

“If you lead with passion, the opportunities will find you.” – Saleem Chapman

For those of you who were wondering what Saleem Chapman has been up to since he left the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) in December, he’s been leading the Green in ’18 efforts. After working at the intersection of social, environmental and economic issues during his career, he most recently conducted efforts that resulted in local tax incentives for mission-driven businesses at SBN.

As Chapman said in an interview, his work continues to make changes in politics from a nonprofit organization. Working with the government as a nonprofit has its own unique power.

“Nonprofits have the institutional resources and organizational influence that they can engage with the government in a way that historically marginalized communities may not (be able to).” 

Stay updated with Green in ’18

You can get involved with PennFuture’s Green in ’18.

• Sign up for alerts and/or volunteer.
• Be active on social media and engage with candidates and other voters using #GreenIn18.

Photo of Pennsylvania’s rolling hills by Johnny McClung on Unsplash

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher