Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 28 August  2025 - The City of Pittsburgh has unanimously passed a Will of Council endorsing the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, becoming the second city in Pennsylvania, a historically fossil-fuel-producing state, to demand a fair and fast energy transition through the negotiation of an international treaty. The resolution responds to the demands of Pittsburgh residents, who are concerned about compounding health inequalities and environmental degradation due to air pollution, threats to local biodiversity, and other problems caused by climate change. 

Councilwoman Erika Strassburger celebrated the news:

"Clean air and climate justice are a human right, and an equitable phase out of fossil fuels is essential to ensuring that all Pittsburghers have access to clean air and water, good jobs, and a healthy environmental future. I’m proud to advocate for a Fossil Fuel Treaty alongside youth and environmental leaders in Pittsburgh and beyond."

Pittsburgh’s support for the Fossil Fuel Treaty proposal is particularly significant given that the city was historically the site of the world’s first ‘oil rush’ in 1859, becoming a major refining hub and energy exchange center. It later became a hub for coal and fossil gas, and many petrochemical companies still have roots in the region. The City’s Will of Council calls attention to the historical harms the city has faced due to fossil fuel production, including health harms from air pollution, high and unstable energy costs, severe flooding, and extreme heat.

By calling for governments to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty and committing to an equitable energy transition, Pittsburgh is once again leading the world into a new energy age, this time characterized by clean air, good jobs, healthy neighborhoods, and climate resilience for all. This endorsement continues Pittsburgh’s proud legacy of innovation and leadership for cities worldwide.

The Will of Council was introduced by Councilmember Erika Strassburger and co-sponsored by all members. It passed unanimously thanks to the advocacy work of Matthew Shorraw, Policy and Program Coordinator at Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. 

Matthew Shorraw said:

"By endorsing the proposal for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, Pittsburgh is taking a stand for public health, environmental justice, and a livable future. This action sends a clear message: our communities deserve clean air, safe neighborhoods, and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We applaud Pittsburgh City Council for joining a growing global movement to stop the expansion of fossil fuels, acknowledge cumulative impacts of pollution, and invest in the health and resilience of frontline communities.”

The Fossil Fuel Treaty initiative is gaining rapid momentum globally. 17 nation-states are participating in the process to negotiate a Fossil Fuel Treaty, with the proposal being formally endorsed by  135+ cities and subnational governments around the world, who agree a binding agreement is necessary to stop the expansion of oil, gas, and coal in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.