Allegheny County seeks input from Tarentum residents on climate action plan

Allegheny County representatives will be in Tarentum on Thursday seeking input on the county’s recently launched climate action plan.

“We’re trying to meet folks where they are and get their thoughts on the vision and value of the plan,” said Brittany Prischak, director of the county’s Department of Sustainability.

The county will have a booth at the Tarentum Summer Concert Series, which features the Cool Change Band at the Riverview Memorial Park amphitheater.

People are invited to help shape the future of the county’s first climate plan by completing a brief survey.

“We want to know how we can become a great sustainable county and what the priorities are when we get there — job creation, utility bill cost reduction,” she said. “We’re having folks fill out the framework of the bigger picture.”

County Executive Sara Innamorato announced the official start of the public engagement phase for the climate action plan earlier this month.

Representatives hope to visit 30 municipalities by the end of the summer to seek input.

Upcoming visits include Swissvale, Wilkinsburg and Monroeville.

As proposed, the action plan will include ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Strategies might range from low-carbon operations in county buildings and vehicle fleets to communitywide programs that reduce household energy costs and support local clean-tech businesses.

The initiative aims to help lower energy bills, protect parks and improve quality of life, Prischak said.

“I hope people stop by and see what it’s all about,” said Carrie Fox, Tarentum recreation board president.

“It gives the public the chance to speak on behalf of a cleaner, greener community. Anytime the public can give their opinion, it can only be beneficial.”

The county plans to work through next July to create the plan. It will engage residents, local organizations, business owners and government agencies.

Prischak said it will be informed by community input and robust data analysis.

Since April, about 900 people have responded to the survey.

For a list of community engagement spots, or to complete a public survey online, visit alleghenycounty.us/climateactionplan.