During a recent government meeting, community leaders and advocates voiced urgent concerns regarding environmental justice and the impacts of fracking in Allegheny County. Helen Gerhardt, a representative from Pittsburgh, emphasized the necessity of including vulnerable populations in climate action plans, warning that neglecting these communities puts everyone at risk.

Gerhardt highlighted the detrimental effects of fracking, particularly its contribution to methane emissions, which are significantly more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide. She pointed out that studies from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicate that methane leakage exacerbates climate pollution, undermining claims that natural gas is a viable solution to climate change. The health risks associated with fracking, including increased carcinogenic exposure, particularly affect marginalized communities, including Black and Indigenous populations.

The call for a comprehensive climate action plan (CAP) was a central theme, with Gerhardt advocating for the establishment of a community task force. This task force would ensure that the voices of those most impacted by climate change are included in the planning and implementation processes. She stressed the importance of embedding environmental justice into every aspect of the CAP, from public input to budget allocations.

Gerhardt concluded by urging the county to create financial incentives that support a transition to renewable energy sources, emphasizing the need for a robust and inclusive approach to environmental policy that addresses systemic discrimination and promotes community resilience. The meeting underscored a collective commitment to fostering a sustainable future for all residents of Allegheny County.