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WHEREAS, the scientific consensus confirms that human activity-especially coal, oil, and gas use- is the primary cause of climate change, threatening global ecosystems and human wellbeing; and,
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WHEREAS, Pittsburgh’s industrial past fueled national progress but also left behind pollution economic hardship, and health disparities in many neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has repeatedly reinvented itself, now standing as a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and resilience; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has already experienced the effects of climate change, including more frequent and severe flooding, extreme heat events, air quality degradation, and impacts to local ecosystems and biodiversity; and,
WHEREAS, new fossil fuel infrastructure worsens pollution in frontline communities, compounding environmental and health inequalities; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh communities bear disproportionate health risks from fossil fuel pollution, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other respiratory illnesses that increase healthcare costs and reduce quality of life for residents; and,
WHEREAS, fossil fuel dependence exposes residents to high and unstable energy costs, straining household budgets; and,
WHEREAS, transitioning to clean energy offers economic, environmental, and public health benefits that far outweigh continued fossil fuel use; and,
WHEREAS, a just energy transition must prioritize investments in communities hit hardest by disinvestment and pollution, ensuring good jobs and equitable benefits; and,
WHEREAS, Pittsburgh has shown leadership through Climate Action Plans and renewable energy goals, but recognized the need to address fossil fuel sources directly; and,
WHEREAS, residents continue to call for stronger action on pollution, public health, and environmental justice; and,
WHEREAS, this Will of Council affirms Pittsburgh’s opposition to any rollback of climate and environmental protections and recognizes that the City must act bold to protect current and future generations; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh affirms its commitment to the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and endorses the global call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council urges the federal government of the United States to join international negotiations toward a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh commits to prioritizing policies and local initiatives that limit fossil fuel infrastructure expansion, address the cumulative health and environmental burdens of fossil fuels, reduce energy costs for residents, and invest in a fair and community-led transition that rebuilds blighted communities, creates good jobs, and delivers clean air, healthy neighborhoods, and climate resilience for all Pittsburghers- continuing Pittsburgh’s proud legacy of innovation and leadership for cities worldwide.