Title
Resolution directing the City/Equipment Leasing Authority to create a "10 Year Clean Diesel Policy" and setting forth target dates for conversion of diesel powered vehicles and the adoption of standards for Best Available Retrofit Technology.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh ranks among the worst cities in the nation for short-term particulate matter and ozone pollution and for year-round particulate pollution; and
WHEREAS, clear linkages exist between environmental pollutants and serious chronic health problems such as heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses; and
WHEREAS, the Pittsburgh region ranks at the bottom in air quality, which negatively impacts overall public health, increases healthcare costs, and can dissuade new businesses and residents from locating here; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that 25% of the diesel particulate matter in the region is produced by diesel construction vehicles; and
WHEREAS, technology is available to dramatically reduce this pollution from mobile sources by more than 85%; and
WHEREAS, City Council is also passing the Clean Air Act to minimize human exposure and health risks from diesel particulate emissions and to reduce the health costs, missed school days, lost worker productivity and premature mortality linked to exposure to diesel particulate matter (PM) and other diesel pollutants.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. The City/Equipment Leasing Authority is hereby directed to create a "10 Year Clean Diesel Policy.
Section 2. The "10 year Clean Diesel Policy" shall require that by January 1, 2022 the City shall not operate any diesel vehicles unless that vehicle has installed Best Available Retrofit Technology that is properly maintained and operational and shall not purchase any vehicles that do not meet the standards of Best Available Retrofit Technology.