This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting.
Link to Full Meeting
The Northampton County Council convened on July 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments in regional climate action and community engagement initiatives. The meeting highlighted two major components of the Greater Lehigh Valley Regional Climate Action Plan, prepared by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) during 2024.
The first component discussed was the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP), which focuses on transportation decarbonization. The primary goal of this plan is to reduce regional greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging alternatives to car travel. Strategies include promoting walking, biking, rolling, and public transit, utilizing technology to alleviate congestion, and advocating for electric and other alternatively fueled vehicles. The PCAP was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in February 2024.
The second component is the Greater Lehigh Valley Greenhouse Gas Inventory, released in September 2024. This inventory assesses carbon emissions across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon County, and Warren County, New Jersey, covering seven main emission sectors. Notably, the industrial and transportation sectors contribute approximately 64% of the region's emissions. The data collected will inform policies and reduction goals as the regional climate action plan continues to develop. Funding for these initiatives is provided through the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.
Additionally, the LVPC has initiated the Lehigh Valley Watersheds Assessment, an Act 167 ordinance project aimed at updating stormwater management plans for all 62 municipalities in the region. This two-year project seeks to create a consistent stormwater management ordinance, which will help reduce pollution in local waterways and assist municipalities in meeting their separate storm sewer system (MS4) requirements.
The meeting also addressed community engagement efforts through the Lehigh Valley Government Academy. This program has trained 93 appointed officials in local government classes, enhancing their understanding of zoning, planning, and council responsibilities. Furthermore, 196 local government officials and municipal road crews have participated in a local technical assistance program to improve their operational capabilities.
In conclusion, the Northampton County Council's meeting underscored the region's commitment to addressing climate change and fostering community leadership through education and engagement initiatives. The council plans to continue monitoring the progress of these projects and their impact on the local environment and governance.
Converted from July 3rd, Northampton County Council meeting on July 03, 2025
Link to Full Meeting