A columnist says Pittsburgh's goal to run its government entirely on renewable energy by 2030 is like Trump's Wall: Not gonna happen.
Brian O'Neill doesn't have a problem with the goal of trying to run cleaner engines to clean the air and reduce carbon footprints, but skepticism at the attainability of the goal inspires this column.
O'Neill speaks with Grant Ervin, the city’s chief resilience officer, to discuss the idea of setting lofty, perhaps impossible goals (the example of Vision Zero comes to mind). To justify the city's lofty goal setting, Ervin presented two analogies, both referencing local institutions—the Bloomfield Bridge Tavern and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Bloomfield Bridge Tavern used to have a sign that read "The Worst form of failure is the Failure to Try" (capitalization from the original). The general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates entered the current season predicting a .500 team—mediocrity at best. "'What type of team goes on the field without trying to win the championship?' Mr. Ervin asked. The goal of 100 percent renewable energy in 12 years 'creates a North Star.'"
FULL STORY: Brian O'Neill: Pittsburgh's version of Trump's Wall will keep out the dirty air
The 'Marshall Plan for Middle America' Plans $600 Million in Clean Energy Investments
A coalition of leaders in the Appalachian region recently released the "Marshall Plan for Middle America" to create jobs and transition the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky away from fossil fuels.
Climate Mayors Make Their Case to Climate Senators at their First Hearing
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Advocates Press for Harder Questions While Pittsburgh Experiments With Self-Driving Cars
Five self-driving car companies are currently operating in Pittsburgh, without much critical rigor in asking about the consequences of the technology to the city.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
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Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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