The Metropolis of Pittsburgh wins first place on the US Mayors’ Convention Local weather Safety Awards – CBS Pittsburgh

By: KDKA-TV News Staff

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – You can add one more first place to Pittsburgh’s trophy case.

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and the city received first place for the US Mayors’ Conference’s 14th Annual Climate Change Award.

The award recognizes cities of all sizes that are addressing the effects of climate change and how their mayors have worked to protect the environment for future generations.

Pittsburgh and Mayor Peduto received the Grand Prize for their leadership and program at the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium among major cities, that is, cities of 100,000 or more people.

WPEC was launched by the city in 2008 as an innovative power buying platform that helped cut costs for members. WPEC is expected to save its 32 members, which include some of the largest institutions in Pittsburgh, an estimated $ 700,000 in energy bills this year.

In early 2020, WPEC partnered with Direct Energy to use 100% locally produced renewable energy for all major city facilities.

“The really exciting part of the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium is that it has brought together a critical mass of energy consumers to reshape the energy future of our region,” said William Peduto, Pittsburgh Mayor. “This broad partnership saves money for our taxpayers, creates jobs for clean energy locally and reduces our carbon consumption today and in the future.”

With the awards sponsored by the Walmart Foundation, ONEPGH will receive $ 25,000 for energy-related investments.

“We commend these Mayors and all of the award winners for continuing their climate change efforts and commitments in this challenging year,” said Amy Hill, senior director, Walmart. “Amid this pandemic and all of its disruptions and multiple impacts, the successful efforts of these mayors are even more impressive given the many challenges facing their cities, including climate change.”

Pittsburgh knocked out cities like Cincinnati, Hartford, Phoenix, and Tucson.

The full description of the event and all other award winners can be found on their website.