Pittsburgh mayor issues executive order committing to uphold Paris climate agreement
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto (D) issued an executive order Friday reaffirming the city’s compliance with the Paris climate change agreement despite President Trump’s decision to remove the United States from the deal.
“For decades Pittsburgh has been rebuilding its economy based on hopes for our people and our future, not on outdated fantasies about our past. The City and its many partners will continue to do the same, despite the President’s imprudent announcements yesterday,” Peduto said in a statement.
The order commits the city to working with dozens of other cities across America to meet the goal of reducing global temperatures by 1.5 degrees Celsius. It also pushes the city government toward using 100 percent renewable electricity and a fossil-fuel-free fleet of city vehicles.
Peduto’s order also aims to advance carbon-neutrality goals throughout the city, including adopting energy-efficiency standards for buildings, using renewable-energy sources for public transportation and increased land conservation and urban agriculture efforts.
On Thursday, Peduto blasted Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the deal, saying, “It’s now up to cities to lead.”
The United States joins Syria, Nicaragua & Russia in deciding not to participate with world’s Paris Agreement. It’s now up to cities to lead
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
Trump referenced Pittsburgh in his speech announcing the decision, declaring, “I was elected to represent the citizens of Pittsburgh, not Paris.”
Peduto fired back on Twitter, saying: “Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world and will follow Paris Agreement.”
Fact: Hillary Clinton received 80% of the vote in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh stands with the world & will follow Paris Agreement @HillaryClinton https://t.co/cibJyT7MAK
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
As the Mayor of Pittsburgh, I can assure you that we will follow the guidelines of the Paris Agreement for our people, our economy & future. https://t.co/3znXGTcd8C
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) June 1, 2017
Source: The Hill