President Susan Bayne, James Jones, Casandra Jones and Scott Smith 2
Reinvesting in Urban Centers
Have you noticed over the past year a slight reversal in the decades-old trend
of urban sprawl? As subtle as it was initially, it has become more pronounced
since gasoline prices started to skyrocket. We read in the news, and witness
first hand, how developers are abandoning plans for new housing tracts in
the suburbs and opting instead for downtown areas and brownfield sites for development. Much of this
started for a different reason, but the rising cost of our daily commutes has certainly encouraged the
trend reversal.
Initially the focus was to revitalize the decayed downtown and industrial sections of our larger cities after
the collapse of heavy industries. For decades, people were moving to the suburbs, even if it meant a long
commute back to the urban centers where they worked. We were avoiding downtown neighborhoods and
business districts that were in desperate need of renovation.
However, more recently, regional planning commissions have collaborated with developers, state and
local officials to rebuild the decayed inner cities into more upscale, residential sections to encourage
people to relocate there. They aim to rebuild the business, cultural and historic districts as well. As just
one example, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission kicked off its Classic Towns of Greater
Philadelphia marketing program on July 28. Similar revitalization programs are underway in Pittsburgh,
Allentown, Lancaster and Harrisburg to name a few.
Just as commuting costs are getting out of hand, many of the downtown areas are ready for the residents
to move back closer to their jobs. Residents are responsively (and responsibly, no less) moving back
into the cities where their needs and interests can be met with less travel. Theyre searching for walkable
communities and learning to use alternative transportation.
By returning to the reinvested urban centers, were supporting sustainable development, conserving
energy, preserving green space, recycling brownfields, reducing transportation related air pollution,
spending less time in traffic and, perhaps, using the time we save to enjoy life a little more. Maybe the
silver lining (if there is one) in the dark energy cloud is the lifestyle changes were being forced to make.
Certainly our natural resources stand to benefit as well.
Letter from the Executive
Director
Board Officers
President:
Robert Jondreau -
UNISYS Corporation
Vice Presidents:
Diane Alwine -
The Hershey Company
Judy Archibald -
Waste Management, Inc.
Tomlinson Fort -
Apex Companies, LLC
Secretary:
David E. Hess - Crisci Associates
Treasurer:
Fred Wood - Wawa, Inc.
Newsletter Staff
Executive Director:
Larry D. Myers
Western Regional
Director:
David Mazza
Eastern Regional
Director:
Mario Cimino
Writers:
Sarah Alessio, Carol Butler, Gene
Capaldi, Siobhan Lynam, Nancy Martin-
Silber and Michael Stepaniak
PRC LAUNCHES NEW BUSINESS: STEEL CITY BIOFUELS
Steel City Biofuels (SCB) was established in 2005 as a non-profit organization with a mission to develop the awareness, technology, policy, and infrastructure
necessary for the sustainable production and use of biofuels in Southwestern PA. Since that time SCB has pursued this mission through the development of
innovative educational programs for schools, communities, businesses & institutions, collaborative research projects, deployment of biofuel conversion and
related technologies, and active participation in efforts to develop biofuels policies at the local, state and federal levels.
In 2006 SCB became a project of the PA Resources Council (PRC). The partnership with PRC was critical to SCBs success, since it enabled
SCB to stabilize its operations, secure critical funding, and develop a strong portfolio of programs and services.
This year SCB is formally merging with The Pennsylvania State University (PSU). The merger of SCB with PSU presents a number of
significant benefits and opportunities for all parties involved: SCB, PRC, PSU and the region. Specifically, SCB will continue to work with
PRC to develop and deploy educational programming. SCBs transition comes at a time of significant PSU investments in the Pittsburgh
Region. In September the PSU Biomass Energy Center will open a Western Regional Office at SCBs newly renovated offices inside of
Construction Junction (another organization started by PRC).
PRC is proud to have been part of SCBs development and wishes the organization much success as it grows to meet the regions demand
for alternative energy. 3
PRC CONSULTING SERVICES AVAILABLE TO
BUSINESSES AND MUNICIPALITIES
A renewed interest in environmental sustainability has inspired
many businesses and municipalities to seek initiatives to reduce
wasted energy and recycle waste material in their operations.

However, implementing such initiatives can be a scary proposition
for managers and municipal officials lacking in-house expertise on
resource conservation.
Fortunately, PRC offers consulting services ranging from setup and
training to monitoring and regulatory compliance to assist business
and municipalities.
Since introducing consulting services in 2001, PRC has performed
waste assessments for more than 400 businesses in the greater
Pittsburgh area, according to Dave Mazza, PRCs Western Regional
Director. PRC can offer everything from waste assessments to
employee training and design of recycling systems. PRCs western
office is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to go green and
lessen their environmental footprint.
This fall, PRC will introduce consulting services in the greater
Philadelphia area under the guidance of new Eastern Regional
Director Mario Cimino, who offers eight years experience in consulting
and a background in Environmental Science.
With the emerging consensus that green technology is good business
and the increased focus on recycling compliance in Philadelphia and
other municipalities in the area, we believe that PRCs longstanding
expertise in recycling and sustainability issues is an increasingly
valuable commodity throughout Pennsylvania, said Cimino.
PRC offers technical expertise to determine a clients needs and
develop an efficient plan for waste reduction and energy conservation
at the business or municipal level, Cimino said. Also, we provide
a teaching staff who can educate employees and residents on the
benefits of participation.
When your business or neighborhood is ready to go green, PRC is
ready to help make the transition a smooth and rewarding experience.
For more information, contact PRCs western office at (412) 488-7490
and PRCs eastern office at (610) 353-1555.
PRC WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBERS
In May, Mario Cimino joined the PRC
staff as Eastern Regional Director. He
will oversee operations in the greater
Philadelphia area and manage staff and
volunteers. After receiving degrees in
Environmental Science and Economics
from Susquehanna University, Mario
spent eight years consulting with
an engineering firm. Additional
professional experience includes founding a non-profit organization
and coordinating volunteers for a congressional campaign.
Its very exciting to come on board at this time and be able to move
forward with so many great projects, from our education program
that will reach over 15,000 children and adults this year, to the
revitalization of our Environmental Living Demonstration Center at
the Ridley Creek facility, which will be a great place for families to
see how they can incorporate green
technologies in their own homes.
Siobhan Lynam also joined PRCs
eastern office. As Manager of
Environmental Education and
Outreach, Siobhan will coordinate
all aspects of education programs
and supervise staff. She holds
degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from
LaSalle University and is schooled in Conservation Education:
Effective Program Design from George Mason University. Prior to
joining PRC, Siobhan managed teacher workshops, summer camps
and home school programs at the Philadelphia Zoo.
I am honored to be working in the field of environmental education.
It is here that I am able to provide entertaining lessons that advance
discovery, understanding and stewardship of the natural world.
Across the state, Grace Lloyd joined
the staff of PRCs western office as an
Environmental Program Coordinator.

Her primary responsibilities include
helping organizations to minimize
waste streams and increase recycling
rates. Grace received a degree in
Environmental Science and Ecology
from Wheaton College. Her professional
experience includes positions in both
research and teaching.
My interest in the environment has been a constant in my life. I
appreciate the useful work PRC is doing in Western Pennsylvania
and look forward to working for such a vital and productive
organization. 4
SUMMER CAMPS STILL ROCKIN
For a third year PRC partnered with the PA American Water Company
(PAWC) to offer the Wonderful World of Water Day Camp in July. Green
Tree Borough (Allegheny County), Jennings Environmental Education
Center (Butler County) and Coatesville Recreation Department
(Chester County) generously provided beautiful settings for camps
funded by PAWC.
Each location offered two fun-filled days of outdoor fun and education
around water issues. The campers, age