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With what could be a veto-proof majority, Pittsburgh City Council today cleared the way for a referendum on natural gas production. Councilman Doug Shields proposed giving voters the opportunity to incorporate council's eight-month-old ban on gas production into the city's home-rule charter.
Incorporating the ban into the charter would make it more difficult for future councils to rescind the prohibition.
Opponents have questioned the legality of the language Mr. Shields proposed for the referendum, and the city law department warned of a possible legal challenge.
The ballot question would ask voters whether they want to amend the charter to adopt a "community bill of rights" that asserts residents' natural rights to clean water and self-government. It says gas production permits issued by the state and federal governments will not be recognized in the city.
Voting for the referendum were Mr. Shields, council President Darlene Harris and members Ricky Burgess, Bruce Kraus, Natalia Rudiak and Bill Peduto, all of whom have expressed concern about the environmental impact of gas production.
"This one is for the children," Mrs. Harris said. "It's their future, and we have to get it right."
Voting no were Patrick Dowd, Theresa Kail-Smith and R. Daniel Lavelle.
"We know the language in this document goes so far beyond simply banning drilling in the city of Pittsburgh," Mr. Dowd said.
While five votes are needed to pass legislation, six are needed to override a veto.
Council members called on Mr. Ravenstahl to take action on the bill -- by signing, vetoing it or returning it unsigned -- as soon as possible.
"I will review the legislation, taking into consideration its potential implications for Pittsburgh and the region. I also plan to speak with legal counsel, City Council members, experts and citizens, in order to make the most informed and responsible decision possible," Mr. Ravenstahl said in a statement, without indicating how soon he would act on the bill.
Mr. Ravenstahl has 10 days, beginning tomorrow, to act.
But if he waits the full 10 days, council members said, they won't get the referendum to the Allegheny County elections office in time to be on the November ballot. Council members said legislation authorizing the referendum must be at the elections office Aug. 9, eight days from today.
Mr. Ravenstahl opposed the council-enacted ban last fall. If he does veto it, Mr. Shields would have to work to keep one of his five colleagues from changing positions on an override vote.
Mr. Burgess said he was "deeply conflicted" about the bill but voted for it because of a longstanding belief in the people's right to be heard through ballot questions. He often is at odds with the other five members who voted for the legislation.
