On January 19th, 2006, the Forum held its first event - Session 1 of the Forum, " Life and Breath in the Big City: Philadelphia's Air in the 21st Century".

Guest speakers included keynote speaker Brian Castelli from the Alliance to Save Energy; and speakers Joe Minott from the Clean Air Action; Morris Fine from the City's Air Management Division; and Penn transportation engineering professor Dr. Vukan Vuchic.

Brian gave us an overall picture of the links between air, energy and transportation worldwide; and how current policies and proposed changes would affect our future. Joe gave an impassioned plea for a change in policies. Morris described the current condition of the air quality in Philadelphia, and the measures currently being implemented to bring the City into attainment for the 2 pollutants in non-attainment status: ozone and PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter). Finally, Dr. Vuchic showed how our transportation policy affects air, energy usage, and most importantly our quality of life. He also showed alternatives that have been successful in other parts of the world, from Portland, Oregon; to New York City; to Germany and Japan.

For more details, please see their bios and powerpoint presentations at our website: http://www.sustainablephiladelphia.com/forums/jan19.html

Now, we want to hear from YOU !!!

What did you think? Did you agree or completely disagree with some of the suggestions our panelists had? And, perhaps most important, what should the Forum select as its # 1 Priority in the arena of Air, Energy, and Transportation?

Please let us know! (And please be civil in your responses)