To commemorate Earth Day, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) unveiled the agency's first climate action plan to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve the overall health of residents across Allegheny County.

PRT's climate action plan is the agency's first roadmap to a zero-emissions future. It identifies short- and long-term steps PRT can take to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, production of greenhouse gases, and the negative environmental impacts they create.

"Public transit plays an essential role in building a more sustainable and equitable Allegheny County," said PRT CEO Katharine Kelleman. "We are extremely excited to join many of our peer agencies across the country in recognizing the growing impact of climate change and to cultivate new partnerships locally as we improve the health and wellbeing of residents across Southwestern Pennsylvania."

PRT’s ‘Blueprint for the Future’

Growing ridership, reducing diesel emissions by switching to zero-emissions vehicles, and reducing building energy usage are among the three most impactful steps PRT can take to reduce its carbon footprint, according to the plan.

PRT has committed to operating a zero-emissions fleet by 2045.

"This is not just about embracing cleaner technology; this is a blueprint for our future," Kelleman said.

To help coordinate, execute, and evaluate the success of PRT’s efforts, the agency will soon hire a sustainability director whose goal will be to help usher the climate action plan forward. That position, which will report to PRT's deputy chief of strategic initiatives, was included in the agency's 2023-24 budget.