STATEMENT: Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato Announces her “All In Allegheny Action Plan”

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive (ACE) Sara Innamorato unveiled her “All in Allegheny Action Plan” including steps the County will take to protect the environment and public health. PennEnvironment’s Deputy Director, Ashleigh Deemer, served as a co-chair of the “All In Allegheny” Transition Team on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and Green Jobs. This plan is a product of the transition process and a survey of more than 19,000 county residents.

ACE Innamorato’s plan includes commitments to reduce exposure to toxic air pollution and to “embed a climate lens” in everything the County does. Citing the region’s outsized exposure to cancer-causing air pollutants, County Executive Innamorato said that the Allegheny County Health Department’s director search and role in regulating polluters will be top of mind for the administration. She also announced that the administration will soon embark on the county’s first ever climate action planning process to make the county’s infrastructure and vehicle fleet more climate friendly. Other commitments include expanding access to Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s service by reducing fares for low income residents, expanding the County’s lead-safe homes program, and supporting water authorities in drawing down all available state and federal funds to replace lead service lines. 

In response, Ashleigh Deemer, PennEnvironment Deputy Director released the following statement: 

“PennEnvironment is excited to see that climate action and clean air are core values embedded in the plan unveiled today by County Executive Innamorato. Prioritizing policies that will protect public health and our planet will make Allegheny County an environmental leader and improve our quality of life. 

“County Executive Innamorato’s commitment to strong enforcement of Clean Air Act standards will no doubt reduce pollution and help those living near industrial polluters breathe a little easier. 

“PennEnvironment also applauds County Executive Innamorato’s commitment to weave climate action into all county programs and pursue the county’s first ever climate action plan. Doing so will set the stage for Allegheny County to be a statewide leader on reducing climate pollution. Given Allegheny County’s recent unprecedented downpours and flash floods, the timing for this announcement couldn’t be more fitting. 

“PennEnvironment gives County Executive Innamorato and her team a big thumbs up for this bold, thoughtful and actionable plan to protect Allegheny County’s environment and public health. Our region prides itself on our grit, determination, and resilience, and we should never settle for anything less than clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and a healthy planet. PennEnvironment looks forward to working with the administration and supporting the implementation of this plan to build a clean and healthy future for all Allegheny County residents.” 

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PennEnvironment is a statewide citizen-based non-profit environmental advocacy organization working to promote clean air, clean water, and protect our open spaces. To learn more about our work on this or other issues, please visit www.PennEnvironment.org.