Danyelle Blackwell, Councilwoman, Upper Darby Township, District 4 PA goes for a test drive in an EV during EOPA’s United for Health and Energy Security Tour, (Lauren Urbiztondo)
Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Service
Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy.
The group Elected Officials to Protect America said in 2022, electric vehicle registrations increased by about 82% from the previous year.
Jake Pawlak, deputy mayor and director of the Office of Management and Budget for the City of Pittsburgh, said the city will invest $15 million in EVs for its fleet this year with federal help. He added Pittsburgh is working with organizations on a new program to help low-income residents cut energy costs with more electric appliances, weatherization and solar installation.
“Our goal is to have significantly reduced the energy burden for 100 City of Pittsburgh residents by the end of this year,” Pawlak explained. “And in the next six years, do so for 10,000 residents across the southwestern Pennsylvania region.”
Pittsburgh’s goal of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 is the same target President Joe Biden set for the country. Pawlak notes Pittsburgh is leveraging its designation as a federal workforce hub, working with businesses, unions and government to create training programs for clean energy jobs.
Khari Mosley, a Pittsburgh city council member, said Pennsylvania’s transition to clean energy is an opportunity to revitalize the city and become a leader in a new, sustainable economy. He added it includes improving infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and affect the economy and environment.
“Pittsburgh can truly be a leader for the country,” Mosley contended. “As we invest in these new technologies that not only are going to create economic prosperity, but again, make our cities more resilient as we fight climate change and ensure that this next generation of Americans will truly be the environmental stewards that set our country on the right path.”
Brittany Prischak, deputy director of sustainability for Allegheny County, said the county has invested in electric vehicles since 2020. She added Pennsylvania is also deploying infrastructure for charging stations, which is now standard on all new construction projects and renovations.
“We’ve had great partnerships — Duquesne Light Company and West Penn Power — that operate within Allegheny County,” Prischak emphasized. “They’ve assisted us in infrastructure or electric upgrades to our facilities so that we can put in charging stations, make sure our vehicles can make it to their destinations.”
Pennsylvania has seen a significant increase in EV purchases. As of December, there were more than 47,000 electric vehicles registered in the state.