Friends, we have excellent news to report: Last night, Allegheny County Council’s Committee on Health and Human Services voted to affirmatively recommend a proposal to fully fund our Air Quality Program through increasing certain permitting fees imposed on polluters.
“We want to send a big thank you to the committee,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We also want to thank everyone who took a few minutes out of their day to contact their council rep and explain how important - and personal - this issue is to them.”
But we want to remind everyone that we don’t have this thing over the proverbial goal line yet. The final stop? The permit fee increases ensuring ACHD has the resources/staffing it needs to properly run its Air Quality Program will be up for a vote at Allegheny County Council’s Dec. 17 meeting.
And it will take more than a simple majority to get this thing passed - 10 of 15 council members need to vote YES.
That’s why we’re gearing up for one final call to action. And we’re hoping that you will once again help us send a message to council to let them know how much public support there is for a fully funded air quality program.
Please Contact your Allegheny County Council representative and tell them:
You're concerned about air quality in Allegheny County (and share a personal story about how air pollution impacts you personally if you have one!)
Residents deserve a fully funded Air Quality Program to enforce clean air laws.
That you are urging them to vote YES on the proposal to fully fund the ACHD Air Quality Program.
Making your voice heard is super simple! You don't need to be an expert. For real. You just send a quick message introducing yourself, explain how air quality impacts you, and emphasize the importance of a fully funded program. Here’s the link to the form to reach all of council: Contact County Council - Allegheny County, PA
Rather make a quick call? You can reach County Council at 412-350-6490. Need a little help or more info? No problem! Just email our communications manager Amanda Gillooly at amanda@gasp-pgh.org.