The Pennsylvania Environmental Assistance Network, a partnership of 24 public and private business-assistance organizations, assists small and medium-sized businesses in the identification and implementation of cost-saving pollution prevention and energy efficiency techniques. Introduced in 1997, the network delivers technical assistance across the Commonwealth.

Larger businesses often have the internal resources to quickly become aware of the benefits of pollution prevention and energy efficiency and many had already implemented the concept, resulting in considerable cost savings, reduced pollution and fewer permit requirements. The network creates those same opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. It operates very simply. First, outreach efforts by network organizations inform potential clients of the services of the network. Clients then contact those network members directly, which provide specific information or services needed.

OETD and the Office of Workforce and Technology Development in the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development are the sole state agencies involved in the network. Other members include The National Federation of Independent Businesses, the Ben Franklin Technology centers, the Industrial Resource Center Network, PENNTAP, Local Development Districts, the Small Business Development centers, the Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. OETD has provided specialized training for network members on strategic environmental management, life cycle costing, environmental accounting and ISO 14001.