Title
Authorizing City Council's Committee on the Environment to hold public hearings to investigate the current and future state of Philadelphia's environment.
Body
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Constitution includes, "a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic values of the environment"; and
WHEREAS, It is important to reaffirm the census of the environmental community that the mission to protect and preserve the environment is one of vital importance; and
WHEREAS, Global warming and climate change affects everyone and everything on the planet. The United Nations Climate Change Conference reported in 2009, that carbon dioxide emissions have increased to a record 31.5 billion metric tons, resulting in 40% above levels since 1990; and
WHEREAS, The Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") reports that the U.S. accounts for 5% of the world's population and 22% of the world's carbon emission that contributes to the Greenhouse Effect; and
WHEREAS, The EPA also reports that every year America creates 258 million tons of trash and 169 million tons end up in landfills and incinerators that also contributes to the growing concern of climate change; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia continues to strive to be a leader in environment and sustainability initiatives that will contribute to a healthier and efficient environment; and
WHEREAS, The Kenney administration has made the environment and sustainability a key part in its approach in developing Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The Kenney administration introduced its "Greenworks" initiative that envisions a sustainable City where all Philadelphians: will have access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food and drinking water; breathe healthy air inside and outside; efficiently use clean energy that they can afford; are prepared for climate change and reduce in carbon pollution; benefit from parks, trees, stormwater management, and healthy waterways; have...
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