In a recent government meeting, officials highlighted the urgent need for action to address climate emissions in Allegheny County, which accounts for a staggering 40% of all climate emissions in the ten-county region. According to the SPC priority climate plan, the industrial sector is responsible for nearly half of the region's emissions, with stationary sources contributing 52% of the total.

The discussion underscored the severe health impacts of industrial pollution, particularly in the Mon Valley, where air quality ranks worse than 93% of the nation for fine particulate matter. This pollution is linked to significant health risks, with Allegheny County being in the top 1% of U.S. counties for cancer risk from point source air toxic emissions. Notably, integrated steel facilities, such as the Mon Valley Works, are responsible for 90% of this risk and emit 62% of all carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities in the county.

Recent studies reveal alarming mortality rates associated with air pollution, estimating that between 640 to 1,730 deaths occur annually due to particle pollution in Allegheny County, which is 3.7 to 7 times higher than deaths attributed to COVID-19. The impact is disproportionately felt in low-income and communities of color, where mortality rates from PM 2.5 pollution are significantly elevated.

The meeting also referenced a study by NYU School of Public Health, which documented health improvements in communities near the former Shenango Coke Works after its closure in 2016, noting a 42% decrease in emergency department visits for heart-related issues.

Officials emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive climate policy to reduce emissions and improve public health. They called for investments in alternative technologies to phase out outdated fossil fuel-dependent practices, aiming to enhance the region's health and environmental sustainability.