Presenter
Presented by Mr. Peduto
Body
WHEREAS, there is a growing broad-based coalition emerging in the state of Pennsylvania voicing opposition to drilling in the arctic national wildlife refuge; and
WHEREAS, the energy security and out-of-pocket gasoline costs for Pennsylvanians and other Americans would not be improved upon by drilling in the arctic national wildlife refuge as evidenced by statistics from the United States Department of Energy which predict opening up the coastal plain to drilling will reduce the United States' oil import dependence by only four percent in twenty years; and
WHEREAS, up to 20 species of birds in the state of Pennsylvania, important to our state's ecosystem, depend on the arctic refuge's tundra and coastal lagoons for nesting, molting and/or feeding during the arctic summers before returning to Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the opening up of the arctic refuge to oil drilling is currently being considered for inclusion in the federal budget - where less debate is possible on an issue too important to future generations of Pennsylvanians - a procedural process which does not allow Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation the opportunity for full debate and discussion on an issue important to many of its constituents.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh call upon Pennsylvania's Senators and Members of Congress, to prevent drilling in the arctic national wildlife refuge from becoming part of the federal budget and instead will urge our state's entire federal delegation to advocate for legislation and funding for more secure, renewable and sustainable energy sources.