Pittsburgh's strong ties to fossil fuel lobbying revealed by new report

A recent study by F Minus highlights Pittsburgh's unique and deep connections to fossil fuel lobbyists, posing challenges to local and state environmental goals.

Audrey Carleton reports for Capital & Main.



In short:

  • The Pittsburgh Foundation funded environmental causes but also hired a firm representing fossil fuel interests.
  • Five powerful lobbying firms in Pennsylvania serve conflicting clients, including environmental groups and fossil fuel companies.
  • This situation compromises Pittsburgh's climate initiatives and state greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

Key quote:

"Fossil fuel companies have far more money and clout and gravity and so the magnets are always going to move in their direction."

— James Browning, Founder of F Minus

Visit EHN's energy section for more top news about energy, climate and health.

A pathway made from overlapping cement arches

The circular chemistry that could make cement carbon-negative

By closing the loop on the same reaction that makes cement, researchers say plants could capture more CO2 than they release.
A blue satellite dish in a snowy landscape pointed at the sky

The government killed a beloved El Niño blog. Former employees are bringing it back

The ENSO Blog tracked all things El Niño and La Niña, offering newly available data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the public in digestible language.

A horizontal view of the motors at the bottom of a rocket

'Starwashing': The new space race has an environmental problem

Billionaire-backed space companies like Blue Origin say their goal is to make life better on Earth. Here's what they're not talking about.
A Black woman sitting on a sofa with a blue hand fan

As Texans’ electricity costs soar and temperatures rise, a public health crisis brews

This is the first installment of “Powerless,” a series from Public Health Watch examining how rising temperatures and skyrocketing electricity costs are placing Texans in danger.
A glacial lake surrounded by snow capped mountains

'Visual symbol of climate change': Mount Robson's Berg Glacier no longer reaches lake

One of the most picturesque sights in British Columbia is changing — as Mount Robson's Berg Glacier has retreated so far back that it no longer touches the water of Berg Lake.
A man in front of a flowering tree blowing his nose

Georgia allergy season lasts longer as climate change boosts pollen

Climate change is making allergy season in Georgia longer and more intense, creating new challenges for sufferers.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.