12-19-2023
Dear Corey:
I am writing to you as a constituent of yours when you represented Squirrel Hill in Pittsburgh’s City Council, and now as Allegheny County Controller.
As you may recall, I am the founder and convener of East End Neighbors: fight air pollution, and Southwest Pa Grassroots Resident-Led Air Quality Town Halls. As such, we have a strong interest in your announced plan to audit the ACHD Clean Air Fund.
At our last Town Hall on October 10, 2023, during which Sara Innamorato presented, we also focused on the failure of the Allegheny County Health Department to utilize the Clean Air Fund to protect residents. Those living in environmental justice communities, closest to the worst point-sources of pollution, bear the brunt of living in one of the very worst counties in America for cancers, heart and lung diseases related to air pollution.
The last distributions from the Clean Air Fund prove the point, during which $2.2 million was distributed, most of which went to 11 Mon-Valley communities to pay for 11 electric street sweepers, an electric refuse hauler and two electric trucks, all of which will make a minimal difference in our overall toxic environment. The urgent plea of residents for home air filters and monitors; for a community center to deliver health services, and other ways to mitigate the devastating effects of the pollution that has undermined their health and well-being have been ignored.
We urge you to consider the reality that the pay-to-pollute system which benefits the worst polluters, has incentivized ACHD to amass an $11-12 million fund, because Article 21 permits 5% of that fund each year, approximately $600,000 to support ACHD’s budget. As you know, there was a failed attempt by ACHD to raise that to 25% a year. This diversion of funds is inconsistent with the purpose of the CAF.
I would welcome a chance to discuss this with you at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Howard M Rieger
Founder and Convener,
East End Neighbors: fight air pollution
SWPATHS.org
Hmrieger@gmail.com
412-303-4942