Establishing an EAC
You can help establish an EAC in your community. Here you will find all the information you need to do it.
Here are some steps we recommend:
- Read the EAC handbook.
- Attend municipal meetings, introduce yourself and get a sense of how your local officials view environmental issues.
- Talk to friends, neighbors and other acquaintances about an EAC and make a list of people who are interested in serving on one.
- Talk to your governing body members informally about EACs, explain what they are, suggest project an EAC might undertake, and ask for their suggestions on steps you can take to promote the idea of establishing a council. It might be helpful to identify in advance residents who are interested in serving on an EAC.
- Emphasize that EAC members are appointed by and advisory to the governing body.
- The EAC should be established by your elected officials through an ordinance, in accordance with Act 177 of 1996, originally 148 of 1973.
- Contact the EAC Network for assistance.
Who are EAC Members?
- Anyone can apply to serve as a member of their town’s EAC.
- Members are interested in environmental issues, local government, and the welfare of their community.
- Act 177 does not require that members have a particular area of expertise.
- According to Act 177, “whenever possible, one member of the EAC shall also be a member of the municipal planning commission.”
How Do I Learn More about EACs?
The EAC Network at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is available to help you through the process of establishing an EAC in your community. If you would like assistance or more information about EACs, please contact us:
Pennsylvania Environmental Council
EAC Network
123 Chestnut Street, Suite 401
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 592-7020
info@eacnetwork.org
