Philadelphia's Trash Incineration Bill Put On Hold as Councilmember Jamie Gauthier Backs Down
The city council meeting on Thursday was supposed to be a contentious one, with dozens of residents weighing in on a proposed bill that would ban Philadelphia from contracting companies that burn solid waste and recycling. The Stop Trashing Our Air Act, championed by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, aimed to redirect the 37% of Philly's trash burned at incinerators like Reworld, located just outside the city limits in Chester, Delaware County.
Gauthier argued that the move would not only improve air quality but also protect public health from asthma and lung cancer. She claimed that companies like Reworld prioritize profits over people, with many residents testifying about their own families' struggles with pollution-related illnesses.
However, the bill's chances of passing seemed all but certain as Councilmember Jamie Gauthier pulled it at the last minute. Chester Mayor Stefan Roots had previously disputed the notion that his city was disproportionately affected by the incinerator, pointing out that a staggering 90% of the trash burned there comes from outside his jurisdiction.
Reeworld representatives countered that the plant provides jobs and economic benefits to the community. Alyssa Wilds, senior director of corporate relations at Reworld, described her own family's relationship with the facility as "collaborative and transparent," citing no health problems due to exposure to pollution.
As the bill was pulled from consideration, Councilmember Gauthier remained resolute in her commitment to seeing it through. She argued that the decision to postpone a vote would only delay a necessary change for the city's residents, who are disproportionately affected by air pollution. "People over profit, people over polluters," she declared, signaling her unwavering dedication to this critical cause.
The city council meeting on Thursday was supposed to be a contentious one, with dozens of residents weighing in on a proposed bill that would ban Philadelphia from contracting companies that burn solid waste and recycling. The Stop Trashing Our Air Act, championed by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, aimed to redirect the 37% of Philly's trash burned at incinerators like Reworld, located just outside the city limits in Chester, Delaware County.
Gauthier argued that the move would not only improve air quality but also protect public health from asthma and lung cancer. She claimed that companies like Reworld prioritize profits over people, with many residents testifying about their own families' struggles with pollution-related illnesses.
However, the bill's chances of passing seemed all but certain as Councilmember Jamie Gauthier pulled it at the last minute. Chester Mayor Stefan Roots had previously disputed the notion that his city was disproportionately affected by the incinerator, pointing out that a staggering 90% of the trash burned there comes from outside his jurisdiction.
Reeworld representatives countered that the plant provides jobs and economic benefits to the community. Alyssa Wilds, senior director of corporate relations at Reworld, described her own family's relationship with the facility as "collaborative and transparent," citing no health problems due to exposure to pollution.
As the bill was pulled from consideration, Councilmember Gauthier remained resolute in her commitment to seeing it through. She argued that the decision to postpone a vote would only delay a necessary change for the city's residents, who are disproportionately affected by air pollution. "People over profit, people over polluters," she declared, signaling her unwavering dedication to this critical cause.
I'm so done with these council members playing politics over people's lives 
. Can't they see that this bill is about saving actual human lives? 
My heart goes out to the residents of Philly who are fighting for clean air and a healthier community 
. It's not just about jobs and profits, it's about basic human rights! 
The fact that Councilmember Gauthier was willing to stand up for what she believes in, even when it meant going against her own colleagues, is truly inspiring 
. Let's keep the pressure on and make sure this bill gets the attention it deserves 
#CleanAirMatters
. I mean, come on, if 90% of their waste comes from outside Philly, what's the real motive here? Are they trying to cover up some dirty secret about their plant? 
And don't even get me started on Alyssa Wilds' claim that her family has no health problems due to pollution. That just sounds like a load of BS 
. I think this whole thing is being used as a smokescreen to distract us from the real issues at hand. Mark my words, this bill was never meant to pass because it would have blown the lid off some shady dealings in that community 
.
OMG, just saw that Philly's trash incineration bill got put on hold 
Can't believe it! So what does the data say? 
According to EPA stats, air pollution from waste burning is a major contributor to respiratory problems in the US. Like, 13% of asthma cases and 22% of lung cancer deaths are linked to outdoor air pollution 
Meanwhile, studies show that Philly's residents are exposed to way more particulate matter than the national average 
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots said 90% of trash burned at Reworld comes from outside his jurisdiction, which is crazy! 
Councilmember Gauthier's stance was "people over profit, people over polluters"... so true! 
. it's about taking responsibility for your actions and prioritizing the greater good over profits 
.
just when you think progress is being made on reducing Philly's air pollution, it gets put on hold again. I mean, come on Councilmember Gauthier, you can't give up now! 
) and it's just so frustrating. The numbers don't lie - 90% of that trash comes from outside the city limits? That's a problem, not a justification for Reworld's operations! 
I can feel how frustrated you must be hearing that bill get put on hold again 
Councilmember Gauthier's passion for protecting public health is totally understandable, and it's not like she's giving up 
I mean, can you blame them for wanting better air quality and cleaner living spaces? 
Let's keep supporting Councilmember Gauthier in her fight for what's right! 