Environment Committee

Committee Overview

The Environmental Committee focuses on issues related to current and potential impacts to our region’s clean air, water, and soil. The committee’s work tackles a wide variety of issues, including shale gas development, developing a region energy strategy, and incorporating green infrastructure to address stormwater problems.

Memberships

The Environment Committee is chaired by:

  • Caren E. Glotfelty, Executive Director, Allegheny County Parks Foundation

Click here for a complete list of committee members.

The Environment Committee is carefully crafted to be balanced and represent a variety of stakeholders. However, we occasionally have spots available for members in certain sectors who may be underrepresented on the committee. Please contact Briana Mihok at 412-624-7792 or bnd2@pitt.edu if you have an interest in serving as a member.

Summary of Current Initiatives

If you are interested in serving on the Environment Committee, please contact Briana Mihok at bnd2@pitt.edu or 412-624-7792.

Ongoing and/or Completed Projects

Green Infrastructure

The Green Infrastructure report examines green infrastructure methods currently being deployed in Southwestern Pennsylvania. More specifically, it defines and explains green infrastructure, explores the benefits and challenges of its use, and offers several recommendations for potential future green infrastructure projects in our region.

Shale Gas

Between 2011 and 2013, the Economic Development Policy Committee, along with the Environment Policy Committee devoted its efforts to the work of the Shale Gas Roundtable. The Roundtable was comprised of a high-level, diverse membership including 26 individuals from relevant, interested constituencies throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. In August 2013, two years of study and dialogue culminated in the release of a report setting forth recommendations for the improvement of unconventional oil and gas development in Pennsylvania, including development in the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. The recommendations promote increased research, modernization of state regulations, and the building of relationships across sectors to support environmental protection, quality of life, and economic development goals for the region.

Read more about the work of the Shale Gas Roundtable

Publications

The following publications issued by the Institute are related to the focus areas of the Environment Committee: