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Janet Lunde @janetlunde.bsky.social · 30/04/2025

Pittsburgh got slammed by a vicious storm last night, reminding us the dynamic climate change has teeth. Seems relevant to review what Mayor Gainey accomplished in his 1st term, and plans for his 2nd! gaineyformayor.com/priorities/

CLIMATE RESILIENCE: When Mayor Gainey took office, he pledged to make Pittsburgh a city that prioritizes environmental health and provides clean air and water to its residents. In 2021 prior to Mayor Gainey’s election, all energy for City facilities came from fossil fuels. Four years into the Mayor’s administration, he has cut that percentage nearly in half.
As Mayor, Ed has:
- Shifted 45% of total electricity for city facilities to wind, decreasing dependency on fossil fuels.
- Invested in electrifying the city’s fleet.
- Committed to the Climate Action Plan Goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
- Secured over $2 million for public electric vehicle charging within the city of Pittsburgh and ensured an equitable distribution across the city.
- Led the campaign for Pittsburgh to be selected as one of 25 cities for the Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities program, designed to drive progress on clean energy job creation, climate resiliency, and clean air and water for working class communities and communities of color.

In the next four years, Ed will:
- Supercharge Pittsburgh’s position in clean energy innovation, creating thousands of good-paying union jobs and driving further investment in Pittsburgh’s tech hub.
- Reduce taxpayer burden by purchasing more clean, American-made energy to meet the Climate Action Plan goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030.
- Secure a solar farm developer and a contract to purchase the power it generates.
- Commission a study, restoration plan, and maintenance program for retaining walls and slopes, protecting homes, small businesses, and communities against damage from flooding and other extreme weather events.
- Create a hazard mitigation plan that guides investments to help Pittsburgh prepare for continuing extreme weather events caused by climate change.