Title
Authorizing the Committee on the Environment to Hold Hearings on The State of the Environment in 2018.
Body
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, neighborhood coalitions, and everyday citizens have worked tirelessly in 2018 to advance causes related to the environment. Much of this incredible work happens behind the scenes by individuals who passionately believe in leaving a healthier and more sustainable world for future generations of Philadelphians that will be forced to deal with the consequences of choices made in this year; and
WHEREAS, Environmental advocacy has been especially critical in 2018 as the Trump Administration has signaled its clear intention to roll back regulations designed to protect the environment. The Trump administration has chosen to ignore both the science around climate change and reporting by its own Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which concedes that the United States accounts for 22% of the world’s carbon emissions while only holding 5% of the world’s population. In 2018, the Trump administration proposed cutting the budget to the EPA by over 25% and issued or promulgated rules that will impact negatively the everything from the cars we drive to the sources of power we use. Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp offered a view shared by many when he stated, “the Trump Administration’s budget is a blueprint for a less healthy, more polluted America.” To combat regressive policies at the federal level, Philadelphia must continue to be a leader in environment and sustainability initiatives; and
WHEREAS, Environmental policy for the City of Philadelphia is directed by the Office of Sustainability (OOS), which has eight long-term priorities for making Philadelphia sustainable for all citizens. These include: accessible food and drinking water; healthy outdoor and indoor air; clean and efficient energy; climate prepared and carbon neutral communities; quality natural resources; accessible, affordable, and safe transportation; zero waste; and engaged students, stewards, and workers. In their 2018 Greenworks report published in February of this year, OOS highlighted some the actions the City has taken to reduce its carbon footprint, and move towards a future of 100% clean energy. OOS’s Municipal Energy Master Plan offers a roadmap for Philadelphia to reduce the causes of climate change by cutting energy use and costs, making operations more efficient, investing in renewable energy, and advancing environmental stewardship. OOS also collaborated with residents and experts in Powering Our Future, which conceptualizes a Philadelphia where carbon levels are reduced by 80% in 2050, a vision shared by Mayor Kenney; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) seeks to both promote and create energy efficiency and clean energy projects within Philadelphia. PEA partners with other City agencies to complete its mission, as well as helps City leaders understand complex environmental issues. This year, PEA has focused on the completion of its Solarize Philly campaign, which aims to help 500 homeowners install solar panels on their rooftops; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia and its citizens are indebted to organizations and groups that go to extraordinary lengths to serve the environmental interests of the city and its citizens. These organizations include, but are not limited to: PennEnvironment, Clean Air Council, Green Building United, the Sustainable Business Network, Clean Water Action, the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club, 0Mom’s Clean Air Force, 350Philly, The Philly Healthy Schools Initiative, PHL Droplet, Physicians for Social Responsibility Philadelphia, Philadelphia Climate Works, Defend Our Future Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light, POWER, Trust for Public Land, Energy Coordinating Agency, Philly Thrive, and countless others; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, that we hereby authorize the Committee on the Environment to hold hearings on the state of the environment in the City of Philadelphia in 2018.
End
Blondell Reynolds Brown
Councilwoman At-Large
June 21, 2018