Introductory Comments for Upper Dublin Township

Introduced by Brian Hill (Pennsylvania Environmental Council)

Across Pennsylvania, municipalities are solving environmental issues that affect their communities.  Many municipalities have created Environmental Advisory Councils – more than 100 across the state.  Nearly one-third of municipalities in the Southeastern PA region have EACs.  Established by ordinance, EACs are made up of 3-7 community residents appointed by local elected officials.  EACs advise the local planning commission, park and recreation board and elected officials on the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has supported and promoted EACs for 15 years through our EAC Network.  The Council knows firsthand that EACs work.  That’s why it gives me great pleasure to introduce our next awardee.  This awardee demonstrates the rich partnership between elected leaders and citizens that EACs make feasible.  They have been ahead of the curve since they started the Environmental Protection Advisory Board in 1979.

This township deals with the challenges that many suburban areas face, where sprawl has already devoured most of their land. In many of these communities, there is no town center and transportation depends on automobiles.

All that hasn’t stopped this community from implementing sustainability initiatives.

Over the past few years the township has strengthened its subdivision and site plan requirements to include stringent stormwater management requirements, a steep slope ordinance, and tree replacement requirements. Last year it passed a 30 million dollar Open Space Bond Referendum to preserve open space and create a trail network.

In 2006, the township committed to offsetting 20% of its electricity usage with clean energy sources, and this year, has raised the bar to supplying 100% of its electricity usage with clean energy sources.  The township uses its leadership to encourage businesses and residents to follow.

Recently, the township strengthened its 20-year long curbside recycling program by partnering with RecycleBank to reward recycling, and now it now recycles more than 30% of its total trash.

They have also instituted an Integrated Pest Management Policy, which has improved the indoor environment in all Township and School District buildings by reducing the use of pesticides.

This township serves as a model for others to follow when it comes to sustainable communities in the suburbs.  They’ve accomplished what many others are still talking about doing.