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Activists rallied in front of Congressman Tim Murphy’s office in Mount Lebanon today calling on him to better protect public health and end his foolish ties to the dirty coal industry. He has repeatedly voted against policies that would limit harmful air pollution from sources like coal plants, although his district suffers from some of the worst air pollution in the nation. Both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties have failing or near failing air quality, exceeding safe levels of soot and smog that can cause lung disease, heart attacks and severe asthma attacks. In fact, right outside his office, a full twelve percent of students in the Mount Lebanon school district suffer from asthma.

As the first day of spring arrives, symbolizing the beginning of a fruitful growing season for Pennsylvania farmers, more and more of the state’s residents are looking for ways to promote sustainable agriculture and healthy farming in their lives and through the political decisions they and their elected leaders make. To help guide the growing “Farm to Table” movement, PennEnvironment released a new study today that outlines how sustainable farming benefits our environment, economy, and public health--and offers a blueprint of state policies to improve our food system.