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Josephs to receive Environmental Leadership Award on Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA, July 30 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., has been named the recipient of the Environmental Leadership Award for her dedication to environmental issues. The Clean Air Council will present Josephs with the award Tuesday.

"I am honored to be receiving this award," Josephs said. "Preserving our environment should be important to all people because of what it means for the future of our planet and our quality of life today, and that is why I am involved. It is crucial to spread the message that there are many little things that everyone can do to make our world cleaner and greener."

"Many of our political leaders have learned to say what they think voters want to hear about the environment," said Joseph Otis Minott, Clean Air Council executive director. "As a founder of an urban composting program, a committed recycler, and someone who actually rides mass transit, Babette Josephs lives according to the environmental principles she speaks for. I can think of no better recipient for this award."

Indeed, Josephs is the only member of the General Assembly who utilizes public transportation regularly; she does not drive nor even own a car. She also began a backyard composting program in her neighborhood a number of years ago, which has since been expanded citywide. She is frequently involved in her local communities' efforts to improve area parks and expand green space throughout the city.

At the state level, Josephs has championed numerous environmental initiatives, from fighting against global warming to urging the federal government to ban the sale and distribution of mercury in the United States. Josephs is a long-time leader in the effort to ban smoking in public indoor venues. She vows to continue that struggle.

Josephs is proud of the fact that the House did not follow the Senate to make the largest cut in conservation funding in the state's history by diverting money from two important environmental programs, Growing Greener II and the Keystone Fund, to finance hazardous site cleanup. She is committed to making sure that resources to investigate and clean up these polluted sites is found in the fall when the legislature reconvenes.

For more information on Josephs' environmental efforts, please visit www.babette.org.