NEWS
MONTGOMERY COUNTY OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
COURT HOUSE, NORRISTOWN, PA., BOX 311, 19404-0311
PHONE (610) 278-3061 FAX 278-5943
COMMISSIONERS:
THOMAS JAY ELLIS, ESQ. Chairman, JAMES R. MATTHEWS , RUTH S. DAMSKER
RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY 01/05/07 PR#07-01
MONTCO COMMISSIONERS INITIATE EFFORT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GASES
NORRISTOWN — The Montgomery County Commissioners voted recently to form a task force that will create a plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the County. This is the first such effort at the county level in this region.
Greenhouse gases are created naturally and by manmade activities such as driving automobiles, tree loss and energy consumption. Once created, these gases trap the sun’s energy in our atmosphere and increase average temperatures. This results in a number of environmental problems including sea level change, increased flood severity, changing crop productivity patterns, melting ice caps and changes in the range of animals and plants. Reducing these emissions can reduce these problems.
In acting on this topic, the Commissioners recognized that although climate change is a very large subject, it can be addressed through local action.
“Climate change is a global problem, but solving it can start in our own neighborhood” Commissioners Chairman Thomas Jay Ellis said.
Reducing greenhouse gases also dovetails with other County programs and initiatives including open space preservation, support of public transit and revitalizing our older towns. Moreover, by reducing energy consumption, the county can also reduce county expenditures.
“Conserving energy conserves tax dollars” Commissioner James R. Matthews said.
The task force is made up of representatives from the business community, clean air advocates, government, transportation sector and researchers. The Task Force will have six months to formulate an action plan that they will present to the Commissioners. It will meet in late January to start their effort – a review of a plan done last year that documented the issue in the county and suggested broad ideas on how to reduce emissions. The Task Force will also be asked to assist in gathering public input on this topic and will hold a public workshop in May.
For additional information, contact Deputy Chief Operating Office Steve Nelson at 610-278-1462
