The story is told of a man standing on a train track, unaware that a train is heading toward him. Passersby try to warn him, but he claims no interest, that the train is too far away to affect him. So he walks away from the track. He is unaware that his granddaughter was standing behind him, closer to the approaching train.
What will the seventh generation after us be experiencing because of decisions we make today? Can we work together in preserving land, in reducing our carbon footprints, and in saving resources for the common good instead of for the good of the few?
Not too long ago, scientists believed that it would take 1000 years for the ice of Greenland and West Shelf of Antarctica to melt. But melting is happening faster than anticipated. Now the figure is moved up to 200 years for the ice to melt. Although of course there is much that we cannot predict, a melt of that vast amount of ice means that we could expect a 2-foot rise in sealevel every decade for the next 200 years. We might not have the chance now to prevent a 2-degree rise in temperature, but we can still prevent a 9-degree rise. If we don't act fast, we could well be facing catastrophe.
Here are some areas for involvement:
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Will all the farms have been sold for housing developments?
- Visit www.conserveland.org. Search by county for local land trust organizations. There are various organizations working on land preservation, such as PA Conservancy, PA Land Trust Association, Watershed Association, Lancaster Conservancy.
- PA has no statewide planning department and no statewide requirement for planning. PA has 2500 different political subdivisions. Statewide planning exists for water, watersheds, and transportation.
- Governor Rendell reactivated a state planning board which was inactive for 30 years, but it has no authority.
- For those wishing to conserve all or part of their farmland or forests, work with an organization that has a conservation mission. Legally, conservation easements preserve land and habitats. Avoid deed restrictions, which rarely work.
- Land trusts accept donations. Counties also purchase farmland for close to market value, or a percentage of market value. There is a good federal tax deduction equal to what the land loses in value for the easement, but this deduction is set to expire at the end of 2007.
- Look into volunteer opportunities at a land trust association.
- Lancaster PA is a model county for citizen-supported preservation of farmland (Lancaster Farmland Trust; Lancaster County Conservancy). 3000 acres have been preserved since 1969, and there are 24 preserves.
Their regional plans are available for review. Innovative arrangements aim for fairness to owners of farmland. Check out the Lancaster County Commission for Smart Growth. Lancaster has 60 municipalities, with the majority working together on planning.
- 10,000 acres a year are being protected annually in PA. This includes about 160 conservation agreements or easements per year.
- Lancaster County has accepted restricted zoning for cluster housing, with an anticipated need for an additional 50,000 homes in the future.
- The state of Vermont is also known for innovative land conservation and affordable housing programs.
How can we work locally to stop sprawl?
- Make zoning more restrictive.
- Downzone - such as from one acre plots to five acre plots
- Apply an earned income tax to conserve land
Legislative advocacy needed now:
- "Keystone 93," which is the bread and butter of the conservation program in the state, providing a 50/50 match, is in danger of being cut by the legislature. Contact the state senate, representatives, and governor's office.
Population
- Even if illegal immigration ceased tomorrow, we still face a 30% increase in population in the US by 2050. The subject of population growth is infrequently mentioned in relation to the need to drastically cut back on fossil fuel use.
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Energy Audits
- Within two years, when the caps on electricity come off and electric bills rise substantially, people will be looking to save on energy. Energy audits will be in demand.
Former Governor Ridge presided over the deregulation of electricity and natural gas. He placed a 10-year cap on rate hikes. A "cap" is an artificial freeze. Now those ten years are about up. Some areas already have experienced price hikes of up to 70%.
- The energy audit should include assessment with the pressurized Minnesota Blower Door Test to identify leaks and backdrafting, as well as with an infrared camera thermography. Surprising gaps, such as in kneewalls and at band joists, often are found. The average energy audit cost is between $300 and $500.
With the newer cameras, you need only a 2-3 degree temperature differential. An energy audit can be done any time of the year.
The "band joist" is the area between the top of the soil and the bottom of the first floor in the basement. This area should be insulated but usually isn't.
- There are two training providers and sources for finding an accredited energy auditor:
- www.bpi.org (or www.vpi.org)
- www.resnet.org (or www.ressnet.org)
What else can we do?
States can support a Systems Benefits Fund, whereby a small amount is collected with your utilities payment as a fund to support conservation programs. For example, rebates can be given for solar. The public will turn against such a fund if it is presented as a "tax." It's not a tax. It's a fund to support conservation.
Check these websites:
- Explore the website, www.usgbc.org. This stands for the U.S. Green Building Council, promoter of LEEDS standards for sustainable building, as well as being administrators of LEEDS certifications for practitioners and buildings.
- www.gggc.state.pa.us xxx
- www.energystar.gov xxx. Check into the Energy Star Home Program.
- WAP - Weatherization Assistance Program. For an average cost of $2500-$3000, a homeowner typically would get a 25% reduction in energy costs at an existing house.
PA is a Commonwealth
- A "commonwealth" means that the state does not do enforcement. Local municipalities have jurisdiction and are charged with enforecement. They interpret and administer the laws. This can make for opportunities and foot-dragging.
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Mold and other environmental inspections available in
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Updated 6-23-07 |
