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WHEREAS, climate change poses a serious threat to the environment, public health and the economy of the City of Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is committed to protecting its citizens from the effects of climate change and air pollution; and
WHEREAS, as a result of climate change, the Northeast region of the United States is experiencing warmer temperatures and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme and dangerous rainfall events resulting in increased flooding and landslides which threaten essential infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, more frequent heat waves in the Northeast region are expected to increasingly threaten human health through more heat stress and air pollution, as well as by reducing agricultural yields, which threatens the regional economy; and
WHEREAS, the U. S. Congress has the responsibility to act swiftly and meaningfully on the issue of climate change with legislation that should not economically burden the City of Pittsburgh or its residents; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2019, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 was a bill that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 763; and
WHEREAS, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 includes the Carbon Fee and Dividend Policy that is supported by the nonpartisan grassroots Citizens' Climate Lobby to fight climate change and promote a net economic boost to residents of cities like Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS, the Carbon Fee and Dividend Policy supported by Citizens’ Climate Lobby is attached hereto as “Exhibit A;" and
WHEREAS, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 imposes an annually rising national carbon fee on fossil fuels assessed at the source of production or import, based on the amount of CO2 the fuel will emit when burned; and
WHEREAS, the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2019 protects U.S. workers and industries by assessing a border carbon adjustment; and
WHEREAS, goods exported from the United States will receive a refund under this policy; and
WHEREAS, the carbon fees collected will be deposited into a Carbon Dividend Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, the Carbon Dividend Trust Fund will protect U.S. middle and low income households from any rising energy costs through monthly dividend payments; and
WHEREAS, the carbon fee will motivate and incentivize conservation while encouraging investment in, and expanded use of renewable energy sources and storage; and
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh supports the efforts of U.S. Congress to enact the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R.763) of 2019.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor, City Controller and other appropriate City officials are authorized and directed to take any steps necessary to further effectuate the purpose of this Resolution.