EACs are officially constituted municipal boards created to advise local governments on environmental issues and policies. We work at the local level to:
* Help officials to make sound environmental policy decisions.
* Educate the public on natural resource protection and other environmental issues.
* Plan and implement projects. Specific Powers
* Identify environmental issues and recommend pla
ns and programs to the appropriate municipal agencies for the promotion and conservation of natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within its territorial limits;
* Make recommendations for the possible use of open land areas;
* Promote a community environmental program;
* Keep an index of all open space, publicly or privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of those areas;
* Advise the appropriate local government agencies, including the planning commission and recreation and park board and the elected governing body, on the acquisition of property, both real and personal. Authority for Creation of an EAC
In 1973, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Act 148 authorizing any municipality or group of municipalities to establish, by ordinance, an EAC. In 1996, Act 177 was passed, which amended Act 148. This State enabling statute, Act 148 of 1973, as amended in 1996 by Act 177, is included in Appendix I. Used with permission of the PA EAC Network and the EAC Handbook.
