My dad saved everything. When it came time to go through decades worth of what he’d collected, I held onto buttons of sentimental value, including some from World War II that read “Remember Pearl Harbor” and “Play Safe with Freedom.” Another button, “Join the Fight for Clean Water,” circa 1974, sparked childhood memories of growing up in Sutersville along the Yough River when it flowed with orange water from acid mine drainage and pollution from Mon Valley steel mills. These industries made their money and left, leaving residents to clean up.
While we’ve come a long way in cleaning up pollution, the fight for clean air and water continues to this day. The Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign, which recently launched in Westmoreland County, is fighting for a cleaner, healthier way to supply our country’s energy needs. Through a just transition process, 100% clean, renewable energy community-wide is possible.
Reaching this goal won’t happen overnight, but we must put in the work now. We are calling on community leaders to work with our team; to plan for the future, work toward long-term goals and to do what is best for future generations.
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they will not sit under” (Chinese proverb).
Terrie Balko
Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County