Healthly County Environment and Preserving Open Space

By Ann M. O'Keefe

Encouraging energy efficient living helps our county's environment. Preserving open space and restoring green areas in older communities is essential for all County residents.

It is important that residents of Delaware County + "think green" and "live green". It is also essential that our county government works with its residents, local businesses and environmental leaders to ensure that the quality of life in Delaware County is as good as it can be.

With Pennsylvania producing about 1% of the world's man-made greenhouse gases, Delaware County needs to do its part to decrease these emissions. Neighboring counties are studying ways and introducing programs to help reduce greenhouse gases. County Council can make positive steps by investing in clean, efficient vehicles (i.e. hybrid and alternate fuel cars) reviewing and improving energy efficiency in county buildings, and requiring new buildings to meet energy efficient standards. County government should also be reviewing and investing in alternate energy sources. Purchasing a higher volume of energy from renewable sources is a sound investment not only for the environment but also for the taxpayer.

By taking these positive environmental steps now, our County would save taxpayers money while helping our environment.

Saving open space requires environmental planning and civic cooperation between our municipalities and county government. The key to protecting and preserving space is to re-direct developers from open land construction to new projects that revitalize older communities. Targeting projects that revitalize older areas and modernize existing infrastructure helps "eastern" municipalities regain viability while "western" municipalities work toward preservation. New development requires building more infrastructure (roadways, stores, schools), adding more sprawl. Planned development in areas with existing roadways/train lines will help alleviate some congestion. Federal, state and foundation funds should be pursued as well as an open space referendum.