Guide to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Collection, 1970-1998 AIS.1999.18
Arrangement
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Collection
Creator
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
Collection Number
AIS.1999.18
Extent
78.75 Linear Feet(33 boxes)
Date
1970-1999
Abstract
Founded in 1969, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) become a group dedicated to legislative action regarding the environment and amassed a large amount of material pertaining to environmental issues. The collection contains information acquired by the PEC throughout the 1970s-1990s on issues relevant to their policies and actions (i.e., acid rain, air pollution, energy, hazardous materials, land, pesticides, transportation, water, and the wetlands). The information collected by PEC takes the form of news clippings, articles, correspondence, publications and pamphlets. PEC also published their own newsletters relevant to ongoing legislation regarding environmental issues. The PEC remains an active organization today.
Language
English
.
Author
Shelley Byron.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
History
The environmental movement in the United States took hold during the 1960s at a time when college campuses across the country were taking part in Earth Day celebrations. There was a renewed focus on the issues and the current state of the environment. In 1969, a small number of conservationists joined together to take action on behalf of the environment in Pennsylvania. This group saw the need for a statewide citizen's organization that had the capability to link activities of prior organizations including watershed associations, Audubon societies, garden clubs and conservancies, Trout Unlimited, the Sierra Club, the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, and the League of Women Voters. This organization was named the Pennsylvania Environmental Coordinating Council and was later changed to the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).
In October 1969, it was decided that the Pennsylvania Environmental Council was to become the group dedicated to legislative action. The PEC incorporated into their mission a lobbying group for environmental protection legislation and regulations. Their counterpart, the Environmental Planning and Information Center (EPIC), was to serve as more of a tax exempt research/information group. At the time of this split, both groups were incorporated into the Pennsylvania system in January 1970.
Although PEC and EPIC existed as separate entities, they worked closely together on various issues. The physical separation only existed for the purpose of cooperating with federal tax laws. PEC and EPIC worked out of the same office and slowly grew as an organization.
PEC used lobbying techniques to pass environmental legislation through the Pennsylvania government. In addition, the PEC also published their own newsletters such as, News and Views, which alerted citizens of upcoming environmental meetings and current legislative issues of environmental concern. PEC and EPIC also presented conferences on environmental policies and issues to relay information to the people on the current state of affairs. The information portrayed at the conferences included the environmental issues dealing with air, water, solid waste, land protection, education, population, growth, surface mining, and toxic waste.
PEC successfully expanded as an organization throughout the 1970s through the presentation of these conferences, newsletters, lobbying, and seminars. In 1973, EPIC was renamed the Pennsylvania Environmental Research Foundation. Then, in the mid-1980s, the Pennsylvania Environmental Research Foundation merged into the PEC and the two groups became known simply as the PEC. The merging of these two sections of Pennsylvania's environmental organizations created the version of the PEC as it functions today "joining policy work with on-the-ground education projects" (PEC).
Throughout the 1970s and into the beginning of the 1980s, PEC had a number of primary activities. PEC aimed to bring all environmental issues to the surface in Pennsylvania and address them each accordingly. Once an environmental issue was surfaced, PEC aimed for the passage of legislation and regulation for that issue. Legislation, such as the Flood Plain Control Act passed in October 1978, was passed successfully because of consistent lobbying on behalf of PEC.
PEC has not changed its approach to environmental issues. PEC has become an informational source on environmental issues and policy. Today, PEC provides various informative programs. In addition, the organization has grown from one original office to five and is now staffed by 33 members.
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) collection details the environmental movement and its impact in Pennsylvania throughout the 1970s and 1990s. A large segment of the materials in the collection are information files that have been gathered by members of the PEC on issues pertinent to Pennsylvania areas. Some of these issues include acid rain, air pollution, energy, hazardous materials, land, pesticides, transportation, waste, water, and the wetlands. Within each of these issues, the PEC collected documentation to detail how some materials were detrimental to the stability of the Pennsylvania environment. In addition, the PEC often published their own newsletters, handbooks, pamphlets, and articles to educate the public on legislative issues.
Today the PEC is still an effective lobbying organization often involved with legislative affairs. In 1999 the Archives Service Center received the PEC's earliest records documenting their activities from 1970 through the 1990s. In its entirety, this collection is full of research in the background of environmental issues and the active role the PEC has played in Pennsylvania's environmental movement.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Previous Citation
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Collection, 1970-1998, AIS.1999.18, Archives Service Center, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
Pennsylvania Environmental Council Collection, 1970-1998, AIS.1999.18, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Shelley Byron in October 2009. The AV material was added in August 2013.
Copyright
The University of Pittsburgh holds the property rights to the material in this collection, but the copyright may still be held by the original creator/author. Researchers are therefore advised to follow the regulations set forth in the U.S. Copyright Code when publishing, quoting, or reproducing material from this collection without the consent of the creator/author or that go beyond what is allowed by fair use.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into the following nine series:
Series I. Environmental Concerns
Series II. Workshops
Series III. Meetings/Conferences
Series IV. Legislation
Series V. Environmental Activities/Projects
Series VI. Department of Environmental Resources
Series VII. Handbooks/Policies
Series VIII. Publications
Series IX. Videotapes
Acquisition Information
Gift of Andrew McElvaine in August 1999.
Subjects
Corporate Names
Pennsylvania. Department of Environmental Protection
Pennsylvania. Department of Environmental Resources
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) is an active organization. Not only do they lobby for legislation in the Pennsylvania legislature, but they reach out to the public in informative sessions about environmental topics. The goals of these sessions are to gain support for the environmental legislation, and to educate the public on numerous environmental issues. Some of the sessions are administered by the PEC while other sessions are attended by PEC members. A majority of these sessions were held in cooperation with the Institute for Cooperation in Environmental Management (ICEM). This series is arranged alphabetically by subject.
Containers
box 13, folder 6
Containers
box 13, folder 7
Containers
box 13, folder 8
Containers
box 13, folder 9
Containers
box 13, folder 10
Containers
box 13, folder 11
Containers
box 13, folder 12
Containers
box 13, folder 13
Containers
box 13, folder 14
Containers
box 13, folder 15
Containers
box 13, folder 16
Containers
box 13, folder 17
Containers
box 13, folder 18
Containers
box 13, folder 19
Containers
box 13, folder 20
Containers
box 13, folder 21
Containers
box 13, folder 22
Containers
box 13, folder 23
Containers
box 13, folder 24
Containers
box 14, folder 1
Containers
box 14, folder 2
Containers
box 14, folder 3
Containers
box 14, folder 4
Containers
box 14, folder 5
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) convenes several meetings or conferences each year to discuss issues pertinent to their organization. During these semi-annual or annual meetings, the organization discusses their objectives for the year. These objectives include, but are not limited to, dinners, educational activities, media, computers, conferences, task forces and proposed programs. The board members are also responsible for discussing minutes and financials at these events. This series is arranged chronologically.
Containers
box 14, folder 6
Containers
box 14, folder 7
Containers
box 14, folder 8
Containers
box 14, folder 9
Containers
box 14, folder 10
Containers
box 14, folder 11
Containers
box 14, folder 12
Containers
box 14, folder 13
Containers
box 14, folder 14
Containers
box 14, folder 15
Containers
box 14, folder 16
Containers
box 14, folder 17
Containers
box 14, folder 18
Containers
box 14, folder 19
Containers
box 14, folder 20
Containers
box 14, folder 21
Containers
box 14, folder 22
Containers
box 14, folder 23
Containers
box 14, folder 24
Containers
box 14, folder 25
Containers
box 14, folder 26
Containers
box 14, folder 27
Containers
box 14, folder 28
Containers
box 14, folder 29
Containers
box 14, folder 30
Containers
box 14, folder 31
Containers
box 14, folder 32
Containers
box 14, folder 33
Containers
box 14, folder 34
Containers
box 14, folder 35
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) became a lobbying organization early in its existence. With the help of lawyers like Robert Sugarman, PEC was able to pressure Congress and the Pennsylvania legislature for legislation on environmental issues. A large percentage of the legislation PEC concerned themselves with parallels the environmental issues the organization most adamantly spoke about, such as clean air, clean water, issues with waste, pesticides and chemicals. In addition to lobbying efforts in Congress, the organization also produced "Legislative Updates" to keep the public informed on the status of important bills in both the House and the Senate. This series is arranged alphabetically by subject.
Containers
box 14, folder 36
Containers
box 14, folder 37
Containers
box 14, folder 38
Containers
box 14, folder 39
Containers
box 14, folder 40
Containers
box 15, folder 1
Containers
box 15, folder 2
Containers
box 15, folder 3
Containers
box 15, folder 4
Containers
box 15, folder 5
Containers
box 15, folder 6
Containers
box 15, folder 7
Containers
box 15, folder 8
Containers
box 15, folder 9
Containers
box 15, folder 10
Containers
box 15, folder 11
Containers
box 15, folder 12
Containers
box 15, folder 13
Containers
box 15, folder 14
Containers
box 15, folder 15
Containers
box 15, folder 16
Containers
box 15, folder 17
Containers
box 15, folder 18
Containers
box 15, folder 20
Containers
box 15, folder 19
Containers
box 15, folder 21
Containers
box 15, folder 22
Containers
box 15, folder 23
Containers
box 15, folder 24
Containers
box 15, folder 25
Containers
box 15, folder 26
Containers
box 15, folder 27
Containers
box 16, folder 1
Containers
box 16, folder 2
Containers
box 16, folder 3
Containers
box 16, folder 4
Containers
box 16, folder 5
Containers
box 16, folder 6
Containers
box 16, folder 7
Containers
box 16, folder 8
Containers
box 16, folder 9
Containers
box 16, folder 10
Containers
box 16, folder 11
Containers
box 16, folder 12
Containers
box 16, folder 13
Containers
box 16, folder 14
Containers
box 16, folder 15
Containers
box 16, folder 16
Containers
box 16, folder 16
Containers
box 16, folder 17
Containers
box 16, folder 18
Containers
box 16, folder 19
Containers
box 16, folder 20
Containers
box 16, folder 21
Containers
box 16, folder 22
Containers
box 16, folder 23
Containers
box 16, folder 24
Containers
box 16, folder 25
Containers
box 16, folder 26
Containers
box 16, folder 27
Containers
box 16, folder 28
Containers
box 16, folder 29
Containers
box 16, folder 30
Containers
box 16, folder 31
Containers
box 16, folder 32
Containers
box 16, folder 33
Containers
box 16, folder 34
Containers
box 16, folder 35
Containers
box 17, folder 1
Containers
box 17, folder 2
Containers
box 17, folder 3
Containers
box 17, folder 4
Containers
box 17, folder 5
Containers
box 17, folder 6
Containers
box 17, folder 7
Containers
box 17, folder 8
Containers
box 17, folder 9
Containers
box 17, folder 10
Containers
box 17, folder 11
Containers
box 17, folder 12
Containers
box 17, folder 13
Containers
box 17, folder 14
Containers
box 17, folder 15
Containers
box 17, folder 16
Containers
box 17, folder 17
Containers
box 17, folder 18
Containers
box 17, folder 19
Containers
box 17, folder 20
Containers
box 17, folder 21
Containers
box 17, folder 22
Containers
box 17, folder 23
Containers
box 17, folder 24
Containers
box 17, folder 25
Containers
box 17, folder 26
Containers
box 17, folder 27
Containers
box 17, folder 28
Containers
box 18, folder 1
Containers
box 18, folder 2
Containers
box 18, folder 3
Containers
box 18, folder 4
Containers
box 18, folder 5
Containers
box 18, folder 6
Containers
box 18, folder 7
Containers
box 18, folder 8
Containers
box 18, folder 9
Containers
box 18, folder 10
Containers
box 18, folder 11
Containers
box 18, folder 12
Containers
box 18, folder 13
Containers
box 18, folder 14
Containers
box 18, folder 15
Containers
box 18, folder 16
Containers
box 18, folder 17
Containers
box 18, folder 18
Containers
box 18, folder 19
Containers
box 18, folder 20
Containers
box 18, folder 21
Containers
box 18, folder 22
Containers
box 18, folder 23
Containers
box 18, folder 24
Containers
box 18, folder 25
Containers
box 18, folder 26
Containers
box 18, folder 27
Containers
box 18, folder 28
Containers
box 18, folder 29
Containers
box 18, folder 30
Containers
box 18, folder 31
Containers
box 18, folder 32
Containers
box 18, folder 33
Containers
box 18, folder 34
Containers
box 18, folder 35
Containers
box 18, folder 36
Containers
box 18, folder 37
Containers
box 18, folder 38
Containers
box 18, folder 39
Containers
box 18, folder 40
Containers
box 18, folder 41
Containers
box 18, folder 42
Containers
box 18, folder 43
Containers
box 19, folder 1
Containers
box 19, folder 2
Containers
box 19, folder 3
Containers
box 19, folder 4
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) has effectively reached out to the public through educational events and policy. Particularly in the early 1990s, PEC held Earthday and Earthweek events emphasizing the importance of the environment. The organization was able to assemble large crowds and conduct small workshops and educational events at this larger gathering. This series is arranged alphabetically by subject.
On a more policy related note, PEC has used their environmental emphasis to put into effect certain programs. An example of one of these policies or programs is the Green Resources Initiative by PEC. PEC hoped to bring an environmental project (Green Resources) into Pennsylvania communities. "Its purpose is to identify open space and environmental resources throughout Pennsylvania and to stimulate their protection and enhancement through a hands-on, community participation and mapping process" (Green Resources Initiative).
Containers
box 19, folder 5
Containers
box 19, folder 6
Containers
box 19, folder 7
Containers
box 19, folder 8
Containers
box 19, folder 9
Containers
box 19, folder 10
Containers
box 19, folder 11
Containers
box 19, folder 12
Containers
box 19, folder 13
Containers
box 19, folder 14
Containers
box 19, folder 15
Containers
box 19, folder 16
Containers
box 19, folder 17
Containers
box 19, folder 18
Containers
box 19, folder 19
Containers
box 19, folder 20
Containers
box 19, folder 21
Containers
box 19, folder 22
Containers
box 19, folder 23
Containers
box 19, folder 24
Containers
box 19, folder 25
Containers
box 19, folder 26
Containers
box 19, folder 27
Containers
box 19, folder 28
Containers
box 19, folder 29
Containers
map-case 9, drawer 3
Containers
map-case 9, drawer 3
Containers
map-case 9, folder 30
Containers
map-case 9, folder 31
Containers
map-case 9, folder 32
Containers
map-case 9, folder 33
Containers
map-case 9, folder 34
Containers
map-case 9, folder 35
Containers
map-case 9, folder 36
Containers
map-case 9, folder 37
Containers
map-case 9, folder 38
Containers
map-case 9, folder 39
Containers
map-case 9, folder 40
Containers
map-case 9, folder 41
Containers
map-case 9, folder 42
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) contacted the Department of Environmental Resources to receive information regarding particular environmental legislation. This series contains the information received by the PEC and is arranged subject specific to their particular interests on environmental issues. The organization gathered this information to further their knowledge on the legislative issues and to ensure processes were being carried out properly.
Containers
map-case 9, folder 43
Containers
map-case 9, folder 44
Containers
map-case 9, folder 45
Containers
map-case 9, folder 46
Containers
map-case 9, folder 47
Containers
box 20, folder 1
Containers
box 20, folder 2
Containers
box 20, folder 3
Containers
box 20, folder 4
Containers
box 20, folder 5
Containers
box 20, folder 6
Containers
box 20, folder 7
Containers
box 20, folder 8
Containers
box 20, folder 9
Containers
box 20, folder 10
Containers
box 20, folder 11
Containers
box 20, folder 12
Containers
box 20, folder 13
Containers
box 20, folder 14
Containers
box 20, folder 15
Containers
box 20, folder 16
Containers
box 20, folder 17
Containers
box 20, folder 18
Containers
box 20, folder 19
Containers
box 20, folder 20
Containers
box 20, folder 21
Containers
box 21, folder 1
Containers
box 21, folder 2
Containers
box 21, folder 3
Containers
box 21, folder 4
Containers
box 21, folder 5
Containers
box 21, folder 6
Containers
box 21, folder 7
Containers
box 21, folder 8
Containers
box 21, folder 9
Containers
box 21, folder 10
Containers
box 21, folder 11
Containers
box 21, folder 12
Containers
box 21, folder 13
Scope and Content Notes
The collection includes two large handbooks created by the PEC: the Environmental Management Handbook and the Growth Management Handbook. The Environmental Management Handbook goes into detail about dealing with environmental issues. The environmental issues included in the handbook are those that the PEC has collected large amounts of information about (water, waste, insecticides, etc). The environmental management handbook also includes information about environmental issues and local government and the comprehensive planning required to promote these issues.
The second handbook included in the collection is the Growth Management Handbook. This handbook is a guide to build better communities in an attempt to protect the Pennsylvania countryside. The Growth Management handbook includes advice on how each Pennsylvania municipality can implement a plan to successfully fulfill to steps the PEC has suggested.
Containers
box 21, folder 14
Containers
box 21, folder 15
Containers
box 21, folder 16
Containers
box 21, folder 17
Containers
box 21, folder 18
Containers
box 21, folder 19
Containers
box 21, folder 19
Containers
box 21, folder 20
Containers
box 21, folder 21
Containers
box 21, folder 22
Scope and Content Notes
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) produces numerous publications throughout the year regarding various environmental issues. The first of these publications is Forum, a newsletter produced by PEC three times per year that includes information on environmental policies, projects, and events. The second form of publication produced by PEC is News and Views, which contains information similar to Forum. Also included in the News and Views publications are summaries of conferences and events as well as legislative processes. This series also contains publications made by PEC on Pennsylvania's environmental laws and guidelines.
Containers
box 22, folder 1
Containers
box 22, folder 2
Containers
box 22, folder 3
Containers
box 22, folder 4
Containers
box 22, folder 5
Containers
box 22, folder 6
Containers
box 22, folder 7
Containers
box 22, folder 8
Containers
box 22, folder 9
Containers
box 22, folder 10
Containers
box 22, folder 11
Containers
box 22, folder 12
Containers
box 22, folder 13
Containers
box 22, folder 14
Containers
box 22, folder 14
Containers
box 22, folder 15
Containers
box 22, folder 17
Containers
box 22, folder 18
Containers
box 22, folder 19
Containers
box 22, folder 20
Containers
box 22, folder 21
Containers
box 22, folder 22
Containers
box 22, folder 23
Containers
box 22, folder 24
Containers
box 22, folder 25
Containers
box 22, folder 26
Containers
box 22, folder 27
Containers
box 22, folder 28
Containers
box 22, folder 29
Containers
box 22, folder 30
Containers
box 22, folder 31
Extent
11 boxes
Scope and Content Notes
Added to the collection in August 2013, these 354 videotapes were shot between 1994-2001 as part of the Three Rivers Environmental Awards, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Duquesne Light Company. They depict a broad spectrum of environmental topics, including community projects, regional history, recreation, environmental science, as well as scenic footage of the Western Pennsylvania environment not found elsewhere. The collection consists of raw footage as well as edited tape in a variety of video formats, including high definition. This material was used at the annual Three Rivers Environmental Awards dinner which showcased the work of as many as 30 local projects each year as well as several segments of an environmental theme. A complete inventory of the video is available in the archives.