Philadelphians have a right to solar power
By Dr. Pouné Saberi and Tonyehn Verkitus
Members of our public health group recently buttonholed passersby near City Hall and asked them, “How much solar power do you think PECO includes in your service plan?”
Many guessed 20%, 10% or even 5% solar. The answer? A tenth of that: PECO’s default service plan includes only half of 1 percent solar power. Naturally, no one guessed correctly. “You’re joking,” they said.
Every person we spoke to was incredulous.
In fact, Pennsylvania ranks 50th in renewable power growth, according to a 2023 report by PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center.
In our city with miles of sun-baked, flat roofs ready for solar panels, there are also thousands of people desperate for good, full-time jobs who could be installing them. Work is an important determinant of health, as it is associated with not just greater income but also healthcare access and in turn improved mental and physical well-being. In addition to providing skills for this rising industry, the recent heat wave reminds us that the health of our communities would benefit from reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change. PECO is missing an opportunity with multiple economic and public health benefits and Philadelphians are suffering.
Our city is the poorest of the 10 biggest cities in the United States, with many people living in deep poverty. According to Philabundance, 242,530 people in Philadelphia, over 15%, are suffering from food insecurity. A 2023 survey by the school district found that 27% of surveyed students reported going hungry in the previous month due to a lack of food at home.
Their parents need reliable, full-time jobs to put food on the table. An ambitious solar power plan could create thousands of those jobs. The solar energy business hires people who work in installation, monitoring, maintenance, project development, sales and many other jobs that cannot be outsourced.
While states like Massachusetts require that 25% of their electricity comes from solar power, we are stalled at the bare minimum: 0.5%. And if PECO gets its way, that won’t change until at least 2029.
The state Public Utility Commission is currently deliberating about the future of solar power in Philadelphia: the percentage of solar power it will allow in the default PECO service plan for the next five years. We hope that they will see our vision for a healthier, more prosperous Philadelphia and raise the roof on solar.
Meanwhile, the gas industry is polluting well water and spreading toxic waste across the state, poisoning thousands of unsuspecting Pennsylvanians. Recent studies by the University of Pittsburgh revealed that exposure to gas fracking is linked to childhood cancer and low birthweight babies.
Workers don’t have to tolerate risks to their health at the expense of good-paying jobs and we don’t have to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation.
In South Philadelphia alone, we’ve got thousands of unobstructed, sunny roofs – not to mention all the parking lots and bus stops that could be covered by solar panels. And lots of eager workers. We need to put Philadelphians, especially children, and their health above the interests of the gas industry.
It’s time to accelerate clean (and green) solar power in Philadelphia. Right now – not in five years. Massachusetts utilities are required by law to draw 25% of their electricity from renewable sources.
We’re just as good as they are – why can’t our electricity come from our own rooftops? ••
Dr. Pouné Saberi is a South Philadelphia resident. Tonyehn Verkitus is executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania.
Letters to the Editor
Gambone deserves the accolades
It was with great interest that I read the report in last week’s Review about one of the five finalists for the 2024 Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award (“South Philly’s Gambone up for top award,” July 10). This award goes to high-performing Junior Achievement presidents.
The selection went to Stephanie Gambone, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA. The report goes on to list her many accomplishments as the leader of JA SEPA. I was especially impressed by her partnership with the School District of Philadelphia Career Connected Learning System. As a retired Philly teacher and former adjunct assistant professor in Temple’s College of Education, I really appreciate hearing about programs like this that open real-world opportunities for students in business and financial exploration.
Of course Gambone gives high praise to her partners in JA SEPA for all their time and efforts to assist especially disadvantaged students to become economically successful beyond graduation. It really is a team effort. However, Stephanie Gambone appears to be a chief motivator for her fellow members. Am glad the South Philly Review recognizes and praises her strong efforts.
Let’s all root for her to receive this well-deserved award and to continue this heroic work with our youth.
Gloria C. Endres
