A coalition of labor, environmental, community and religious groups gathered before Pittsburgh Council Chamber today to push for legislation mandating new environmental and community development standards for city-backed development.

One piece would require that contractors on city-aided construction projects use ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel in their diesel-powered vehicles, starting next year. By 2014, they would have to have the best available emissions reduction technology on vehicles on subsidized development sites.

"I just want clean air, not just for my grandchildren, but for everybody," said Shirley Rucker, a volunteer for many organizations who lives in Manchester. She often takes care of her three grandchildren, who life in Brighton Heights, and who all receive medical treatment for asthma.

Ms. Rucker said she lives close to North Shore development sites, and her 13-year-old grandson is particularly affected by pollution, needing an atomizer, pills, and breathing treatments to lead an active life that includes football and basketball.

That legislation also would require stormwater runoff mitigation on applicable sites.

The other piece would set new rules for public comment on development, requiring, among other things, better public notification of the agendas and decisions of the city Planning Commission. It also would require that the commission, before approving a development, weigh the balance of positive and negative impacts on the surrounding community.

"If we are going to invest public dollars in private projects, those dollars should do more than go into developers' pockets," said Councilman William Peduto, one of the sponsors of the legislation.

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