Pittsburgh City Council Approves Clean Air Act

Via press release from Councilman Peduto's office:

CLEAN AIR NOW
City Council Approves Clean Air Act
PITTSBURGH – Today, Pittsburgh City Council approved two pieces of legislation sponsored by Councilman William Peduto that will dramatically reduce harmful diesel emissions to improve air quality throughout the City. The first requires publicly subsidized developments to retrofit construction equipment with the best-available technology to limit their impact on the City’s air quality. The second puts in place a 10-year plan for the City to retrofit all of their diesel vehicles.

Pittsburgh ranks among the worst cities in the nation for short-term particulate matter and ozone pollution and for year-round particulate pollution. Clear linkages exist between these environmental pollutants and serious chronic health problems such as heart disease, asthma, and other respiratory illnesses.

It is estimated the 25% of the City’s diesel particulate pollution originates from diesel construction vehicles and the technology exists today to reduce this pollution by more than 85%.

The Clean Air Act was supported by a strong coalition of labor unions, environmental organizations, faith-based groups, and community organizations. The coalition stood together on the principle that Pittsburgh cannot compete for jobs, residents, and businesses unless we commit to environmental quality and sustainability.

“Today is a critical step forward in the City’s battle to improve air quality for all residents and visitors in the City of Pittsburgh,” said Councilman Peduto. “The passage of this bill, along with the prevailing wage legislation and Clean Water Act previously passed by City Council is part of a new policy of triple bottom line economic development that City Council supports. This policy recognizes that all development should have a positive economic, social, and environmental impact.”

This was a preliminary vote and it passed 8-0.

Peduto's response to Burgess’ legislation to rescind the City’s campaign finance reform laws

I receivied the following statement from Pittsburgh City Councilman Bill Peduto today regarding Councilman Ricky Burgess’ legislation to rescind the City’s campaign finance reform laws:

“In 2009, City Council passed campaign finance reform legislation - a reform that was long overdue for the City of Pittsburgh. It is disappointing to learn that Councilman Burgess would bow to the pressure of big money interests and reverse the reforms that Pittsburgh fought so hard to enact. Councilman Burgess’ attacks against the law are hollow and wrong. He is simply giving in to special interests and working to hide who is funding his campaign. The voters deserve to know who is pay-rolling this effort before they vote – and state law requires he tell them.

The City’s laws on acceptance and disclosure of contributions follow the federal rules and this was clearly discussed during Council’s debate in 2009. These efforts to rewrite history and create turmoil for political gain right before an election are being done at the expense of good government and transparency.

I look forward to the debate on this issue. It is further regrettable that Councilman Burgess would try to waive the rules of Council to vote on this bill tomorrow even further taking away the public’s ability to voice their position on this matter. I am dismayed that Council Members Lavelle, Dowd and Smith would support the waiver of rules to bring this up for a vote before the public has an opportunity to comment.

The people of Pittsburgh should be vigilant. Those who favor a "pay to play" government have given their orders and Councilman Burgess is working to deliver a gift for them – at the public’s expense.”

EVENTS!

December 1, 2010

Unemployment Benefits Lapse Protest

WHERE: Your local congressperson's office/senator's office.
WHEN: Now
WHAT: Via Susie Madrak @ Crooks And Liars: "Here's what I suggest for anyone who's losing their unemployment payments this week: Grab a blanket and a pillow, and head on over to your local congressperson's office -- or, if you live in a big city, go to your senator's office. Tell them you can't afford to turn on the heat, and you're going to camp out in their waiting room until the congressman or senator has time to talk to you. And since you don't have money for food, either, I suggest you loudly solicit the staff and incoming visitors for cash.

Because I am so goddamned sick of these bastards and the protected little bubbles in which they live. It's time we did what we could to remind them of the consequences of everything they've done -- or failed to do."

(OK, not an actual event, but it should be.)


December 2, 2010

No Millionaire Bailout

WHERE: Downtown, 425 Sixth Avenue (Map) Pittsburgh, PA 15219
WHEN: Thursday, December 2nd, 12:00 PM
WHAT: Via MoveOn: "All across the country, we're organizing "No Millionaire Bailout" speak-outs on Thursday, December 2. We'll all share our own reasons for opposing the extension of the Bush tax breaks for the rich, and then ask our members of Congress to tell us where they stand.

[snip]

"In fact, two million jobless Americans will lose unemployment between Thanksgiving and Christmas unless Congress renews the program.1 So much for "Happy Holidays."

It's just plain immoral to cut off people in need while handing out tax breaks for the rich. And it's especially heartless this time of year."

R.S.V.P. HERE


Councilman Peduto’s Third Annual Holiday Fête


WHERE: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Fifth & Shady Avenues (Map)
WHEN: Thursday, December 2, 2010, V.I.P Reception: 7:00PM - 8:00PM, Holiday Party: 8:00PM - 10:30PM
WHAT: V.I.P Reception: Live Music by The Joe Negri Trio, Performance by The Renaissance City Choirs, Complimentary Valet Parking, Full Open Bar, A Taste of Pittsburgh Featuring The East End's Best Restaurants And More! Suggested Contribution: $250 per person.

Holiday Party: Performances by The Deryck Tines Gospel Singers, Live Music by The Old E. Allstars, Dancing with D.J. Doug Marshall, Local Brews, Wine & Snacks. Suggested Contribution: $50 per person.

More details here. Pay at the door (cash or check) or via card here.
(Disclaimer: Yes, I am a member of Peduto's cyber staff.)


UPDATE:

December 5, 2010

Chevy Road to the Playoffs Steelers Tailgate Party/Holiday Drive for CHS

WHEN: Sunday, December 5, 2010 6-10pm, 6pm: Tailgate Party Starts, 8:20: Kick Off Steelers Vs. Ravens
WHERE: Double Wide Grill, East Carson and 24th Streets, South Side, Pittsburgh 15203
WHAT: "Come down to Double Wide Grill to watch the Steelers game, test drive Chevy vehicles, donate gift cards to CHS and win prizes

Please consider bringing an extra gift card to donate to the CHS Holiday Drive (http://www.chscorp.org//Holiday%20Giving.htm ) Scroll down for additional gift card info.
Everyone who attends will receive an entry to the raffle for Steeler’s Gift BAskets and Double Wide Gift Certificates. For each $5 in gift cards donated your will receive another raffle entry."

RSVP @ Facebook here.


December 12, 2010

Rock for Anne Feeney: Benefit Concert & Tribute at Mr. Smalls

WHERE: Mr. Smalls, 400 Lincoln Ave, Millvale,
WHEN: Dec. 12, doors open 6 PM. $20 donation
WHAT: "Anne Feeney, a stalwart of Pittsburgh Folk Music, has been touring relentlessly for close to a decade, spreading her gospel of peace, love and justice. Now Anne has been stricken with small-cell cancer on her lungs and heart. She not only has no stable source of income, but has an avalanche of medical bills her insurance does not cover. Come together for a diverse night of music to help support Anne Feeney in her time of need. Friends and bands are donating all of their services and Mr. Smalls Theatre is donating their music venue so all proceeds will benefit Anne Feeney.

See an All-star cast of Pittsburgh Musicians in a Tribute to Anne Feeney. Featuring Billy Price, Joe Grushecky, Liz Berlin of Rusted Root, Justin Sane of Anti-Flag, Hermie Granati, Mike Stout and the Human Union, Newlanders, Tres Lads, Joe Munroe. Special guest appearance by Anne Feeney, and many who have accompanied her."

Tickets Online: www.ticketweb.com/mrsmalls • Charge by phone: 866.468.3401. Tickets can also be purchased by contacting Senator Jim Ferlo/Mikhail Pappas. For more information: 412.621.3006 or senatorferlo@gmail.com
.