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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bob Freeman |
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Freeman bill to protect the Appalachian Trail approved in House
HARRISBURG, Dec. 13 – The state House of Representatives this week passed Rep. Bob Freeman’s legislation that would require municipalities that border the Appalachian Trail to adopt, implement and enforce zoning ordinances as part of their responsibility to protect the trail.
“State law enacted in 1978 requires municipalities that border the trail to protect it as a state scenic, historic and esthetic treasure, but municipalities were not required to enact ordinances to do so,” said Freeman, D-Northampton. “My legislation would make sure the Appalachian Trail is appropriately protected from development that could detract from the trail’s natural beauty.”
Freeman said the legislation was suggested by Easton environmental attorney Chot Elliot and was the result of a situation in Monroe County where a developer purchased land near the Appalachian Trail with the intent of constructing a private automobile racing club. Since the township where this development was being proposed had no zoning in place, there was little that could be done to block the inappropriate use. The development would have brought noise and other developmental problems to the area, disrupting the pristine setting of the trail.
The legislation (H.B. 1281) now heads to the Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Ruth A. Myers |