We’re not gonna sugar coat it - things didn't go our way last night: Allegheny County Council on Tuesday again punted the proposal to fully fund our Air Quality Program through increasing certain fees imposed on polluters.
Following more than an hour of public comment - all in favor of the proposal - Health and Human Services Committee Chair Paul Klein thanked all of those in attendance for their comments but said he believed the permit fee schedule increase was supported by just eight members of council. At least 10 votes are needed for this proposal to succeed.
Saying he “feared it would face a certain death” if voted on Tuesday, he asked Council President Pat Catena to send it back to committee for further discussion instead - a request that was granted.
“It is outrageous that this common-sense proposal - one that was fully vetted and had robust support from residents, nonprofits, and elected officials - is taking this long to get approved,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “And we - the public - still have no idea why there are seven members of council who oppose this true no-brainer solution to an anticipated $1.8 million budget shortfall because they haven’t said much in that public sphere.”
He continued:
“We cannot make it easy for members of council to vote no on a proposal that impacts the public health of us all - especially if it’s special interests that are fueling their stances. We need council to call a working session of all members, so the public understands why there is this shadowy opposition.”
GASP again wants to note that an overwhelming number of everyday folks reached out to their county reps - and many attended and spoke out at the meeting last night. By contrast, not one business owner or individual spoke out against the proposal.
Campbell was among them. Here's what he told County Council:
Good afternoon. I'm Patrick Campbell, executive director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution, a non-profit advocating for clean air since 1969.
Today, you have the power to make a significant impact on our region's air quality. You'll be voting on a revised permit fee schedule proposed by ACHD to fully fund its Air Quality Program.
This proposal has the overwhelming support of the public, including residents, elected officials, and environmental groups. It's a critical step to strengthen enforcement and compliance, ensuring we continue to improve our air quality.
By voting YES, you're:
● Upholding federal law: ACHD has been delegated the authority to enforce both federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the control of air pollution in Allegheny County and the federal Clean Air Act requires that ACHD have adequate funding and personnel to carry out that authority. The Clean Air Act also requires that ACHD’s program for Title V facilities charge fees that are sufficient to cover the cost of administering the program.
● Investing in our health: Supporting front-line communities burdened by industrial pollution - we know you’ve heard from many of your constituents in these neighborhoods as you’ve mulled the merits of this proposal.
● Empowering ACHD staff: It’s imperative to provide the men and women who work in ACHD’s Air Quality Program with the tools they need to do their jobs. Not only is it required by the Clean Air Act, it will undoubtedly help with staff retention, talent acquisition, and morale.
Again, this is the final stop for a vetted, robustly supported proposal that has real human impacts. Please seize this opportunity to create a cleaner, healthier future for all. Vote YES for clean air!
Editor’s Note: GASP continues to follow this issue closely, is reaching out to officials, and will keep you posted.