With projects in the works like a $50 million hydropower plant in Emsworth to supply electricity for county buildings, Allegheny County Councilwoman Anita Prizio said the county is “taking steps in the right directions” when it comes to enacting environmentally-friendly policies.
The county council took another step in that direction Thursday, as council President Pat Catena named Prizio to lead a new, seven-member council committee on sustainability and green initiatives.
“I believe this group will bring diverse perspectives on an issue that is vitally important to our county and the region,” Catena said.
In addition to Prizio, Catena named Tom Baker (District 1), Olivia Bennett (District 13), Tom Duerr (District 5), Cindy Kirk (District 2), Paul Klein (District 11) and Bob Macey (District 9) to serve on the new committee, which council approved forming last month.
“I think there’s a lot of interest” in sustainability and the environment, Prizio said, noting the unanimous vote of council to form the committee.
Prizio’s district includes West Deer, Millvale, Sharpsburg, Aspinwall, Reserve, Etna, O’Hara, Fox Chapel, Shaler, Hampton and Indiana. She lives in O’Hara.
The committee should help bring a “focus” to the county’s green programs, she said. “It’s a way to amplify the sustainable practices the county’s doing.”
She cited the hydropower plant, announced Jan. 28, as one of the county’s big green initiatives. When operational in 2023, it will provide power for the courthouse, jail and other county buildings.
The committee will look into other sustainability issues and will study if the county’s greenhouse gas assessment or sustainability plan need to be updated, Prizio said.
“I think the time is right, right now,” she said.
