|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Greg Vitali |
|
Haverford Township releases greenhouse gas emissions report, hosts panel discussion
HARRISBURG, April 10 – The Township of Haverford today released a report detailing the energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in 2005 from township and community operations, according to state Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware.
The report outlines energy consumption from township buildings, fleets and streetlights, while also looking at energy consumption in the residential, commercial, transportation and waste sectors. The emissions inventory was conducted by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability -- with support from the township, and funded by a Community Revitalization Grant sponsored by Vitali.
"I have been a proponent for more action on climate protection within the Commonwealth and am happy to see Haverford playing a leading role through the completion of their greenhouse gas emissions inventory," Vitali said.
ICLEI is a membership association of local governments committed to achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing community sustainability. Haverford Township joined ICLEI in June 2007 and is one of 400 ICLEI local government members in the United States.
"Taking action on climate protection is a priority for the township, and by joining ICLEI we now have access to tools, technical support and a vast network that will guide us in this endeavor," said Township Manager Lawrence Gentile.
The report represents the completion of the first step in ICLEI’s Five Milestone process, which the township is following to address climate change. The next two steps are to establish a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target and develop a local climate action plan. Township officials will engage in multi-stakeholder dialogues to identify the best ways to reduce energy consumption and its associated greenhouse gas emissions from municipal operations as well as within the community as a whole. Next, township officials and community members will work with ICLEI to create a Climate Action Plan detailing how the township and its residents can work to reduce energy consumption and costs.
The public release of the township’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report was followed up by a panel discussion highlighting the actions that the Commonwealth, the Township of Haverford, and individual residents can take to reduce their energy consumption. Presenters include George Rementer, finance director for the township, and Vitali, representing the 166th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
The panel discussion paved the way into the next phase of the township’s project, to develop a Local Climate Action Plan. It is expected that this plan will be completed and available for public viewing by fall 2008.
For more information, please contact Annie Strickler, director of communications, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, 436 14th St., Suite 1520, Oakland, CA 94612; e-mail annie.strickler@iclei.org; or call 510-844-0699 extension 328.
###jma/2008/mjh l:'print'releases' greenhousegasreport.166