PHILADELPHIA, 26 September,  2024 - The Philadelphia City Council voted unanimously by consensus today to formally endorse the call for the negotiation of a Fossil Fuel Treaty, a global, legally binding agreement to equitably phase out oil, gas and coal extraction, and to implement a fast and fair energy transition. With the passing of a resolution, Philadelphia becomes the second major US city after Los Angeles, to officially call for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

The resolution was introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke and co-sponsored by seven City Council members including City Council President Kenyatta Johnson thanks to almost two years of advocacy by members of Fridays For Future Philadelphia –the local chapter of a global youth-led movement urging governments to take greater action on the climate crisis.

The Resolution No. 24076600 not only reaffirms the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and “to prioritising a fair and equitable clean energy transition” but also urges the federal government to enter “into treaty discussions.”

Philadelphia joins a growing list of US cities endorsing a Fossil Fuel Treaty, including Austin and Portland, Maine, as well as three US states: California, Maine, and Hawaii. Internationally, the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal has also been endorsed by major cities like Paris, Kolkata, Copenhagen, and many others.

The vote happens on the heels of the United Nations Summit of the Future and Climate Week in New York City, where heads of states urged other nations like the US to take greater climate action.  Advocates from frontline communities around the world have called on developed nations who consume the most fossil fuels—including the United States—to take the lead on making a fossil-free world possible. The Philadelphia City Council is the latest addition to a growing coalition of 13 countries, over a hundred cities and subnational governments, many elected officials, individuals and civil society organisations.

The approved resolution is a powerful sign of growing momentum for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, the third largest producer of energy from fossil fuels in the United States. The state of Pennsylvania is also the second most gas-producing state after Texas. It comes at a moment when expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure within the city of Philadelphia remains a problem, and this endorsement signals a greater willingness to shift away from fossil fuels from the city government.

Philadelphia City Council’s Minority Whip, Honourable Reverend Nicolas O’Rourke, said: “The movement to end the climate crisis is rightfully global, proudly multigenerational, and necessarily disruptive. Fossil fuel non-proliferation is part of that necessary disruption and I'm proud to advocate for it alongside Philly activists.”

Lucas Snaije, Cities & Subnational Campaign Coordinator said: "Cities have immense influence in moving the needle towards international negotiations because of the economic power they possess and the large populations they represent. This resolution is a step forward towards the needed climate action. Philadelphia is no stranger to extreme weather events such as floods and high temperatures impacting all its residents but especially underserved Black and Brown communities who are bearing the brunt of climate change. I hope that the approval of this resolution is a sign of the direction the entire state of Pennsylvania is headed.“

Eireann Young, Philadelphia resident and organiser with Fridays For Future Philadelphia said: “This resolution illustrates Philadelphia’s commitment to climate justice, and calls for international action. Beyond local policy initiatives, we need global cooperation that is binding and substantial. We need a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty!.”

Nathan Taft, Senior Campaigner for SAFE Cities with Stand.earth, a leading organisation campaigning for a Treaty in North America said: "By endorsing the call for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Philadelphia is joining more than 100 other municipalities around the globe that understand the scale and urgency of the climate crisis. True change starts from the bottom up, and it's essential that -- in addition to calling for a Treaty -- cities like Philadelphia continue to take concrete actions to stop the proliferation of fossil fuels on our streets and in our homes."