EAC Introduction
What is an EAC? An Environmental Advisory Council is a group of 3-7 community residents, appointed by local elected officials, that advises the local planning commission, park and recreation board and elected officials on the protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources within its territorial limits. Municipalities are authorized to establish EACs through Act 177 of 1996, originally Act 148 of 1973.
EAC members devote time and energy to assist elected and appointed officials in protecting the environment. They can act on a municipal or multi-municipal level.
Why are EACs a Priority for Pennsylvania?
Through the legislature, Pennsylvania has chosen to delegate much of its power to regulate land to the local government. As a result, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has 2,572 local governing bodies. The decisions these governing bodies make on a variety of issues, from land use designations to stream corridor protection, have direct impacts on natural resources within individual municipalities and beyond. EACs, as part of local government, work directly with municipal officials to help them make environmentally sound decisions – and protect the health and quality of life of our communities.
Where are EACs in Pennsylvania?
There are over one hundred EACs in Pennsylvania and they are continuously being formed. Look at our interactive map to locate EACs across the state!
What Do EACs Do?
In accordance with Act 177, EACs are authorized to:
- Identify environmental problems and recommend plans and programs to protect and improve the quality of the environment;
- Make recommendations about the use of open land;
- Promote a community environmental program;
- Keep an index of all open space areas to determine the proper use of such areas;
- Review plans, conduct site visits, and prepare reports for municipal officials; and
- Advise local government agencies about the acquisition of property.
What Don’t EACs Do?
- EACs do not regulate; they are advisory only.
- EACs do not take the place of or compete with planning commissions or park and recreation boards; they augment and work closely with them.
- EACs are not activist or extremist environmental groups- they are part of the local government and accomplish the most when they work well with local officials.
- EACs do not compete with local grass-roots organizations, such as watershed associations.
- They are contact points and local government liaisons for these groups.
- EACs do not add bureaucracy to the local government- they have an organized procedure for participating in land use decisions.
Why Start an EAC?
- While municipal officials have a high demand for their time and attention, an EAC can devote their full attention to environmental protection. EACs help municipal officials make environmentally sound decisions.
- EACs serve as liaisons to represent both the community and decision makers.
- EACs are a focal point for funding and raise money for projects.
- EACs engage residents, community volunteers, and the private sector in natural resource protection.
- EACs work on a multi-municipal level to reflect natural rather than artificial municipal boundaries.
For more information on how to start an EAC in your area, see our related Creating an EAC page.
