Letters: State College supports Ukraine; IRA is big step forward in climate change fight

State College supports Ukraine

Have you walked downtown recently? I did this morning. Sunflowers bloom in the windows of local businesses. It warms my heart to see so much support for Ukraine, fighting for its independence against the second largest army in the world. The Highlands neighborhood has also expressed its support in a unique way. It hopes to establish a sister-city relationship with the Ukrainian city of Nizhyn – comparable in size to State College, and home to Gogol State University. We got in touch with the Mayor of Nizhyn and its council. They were thrilled to hear about our intention. After some research and many hours of work, we prepared a sister city agreement based on others drafted by larger American cities. We are now asking Mayor Ezra Nanes to sign this agreement. Our residents are anxious to help this Ukrainian city. It was bombed and shelled by Russian invaders, severely damaging schools, medical centers, and residential buildings. But the worst destruction is the loss of the central boiler station along with hot water pipes delivering heat to the city residents. With a little help from our residents, Nizhyn might be able to survive this winter. Wednesday was the 31st anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. We hope that with support it will survive to celebrate many more Independence Days. It would be great to know that State College, PA played a part. Will it?

IRA is big step forward in climate change fight

During the hottest summer in recent memory, it has become clearer than ever that we need action to rein in climate change. And it’s not just the heat: here in Centre County, residents are already feeling the direct impacts of climate change with more frequent and intense downpours.

Yet with the Inflation Reduction Act, Congress and President Biden have taken a huge step forward in the fight against global warming by passing the largest investment to address climate change and promote clean energy in U.S. history.

The Inflation Reduction Act will make energy efficient appliances and electric vehicles more affordable for Pennsylvanians, in turn reducing climate emissions and helping our health, our wallets, and the planet. Local leaders can opt for electric school buses and garbage trucks through the new law, cleaning up our air and building cleaner communities. The Inflation Reduction Act also prioritizes forest restoration, land conservation, and urban tree planting to protect and rebuild Pennsylvania’s natural resources, as well as supporting farmers in implementing climate-smart agriculture practices. All of this can help the nation tackle the climate crisis like never before.

By helping to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, Senator Casey cast a historic vote in support of clean air and a livable climate, and future generations of Pennsylvanians will thank them.

American rule of law?

A great many in the Republican party think the American rule of law is that if Donald Trump did it, then it is not a crime.