Environmental Advisory Council updates Erie Council on climate, plastics and bird-safety priorities

The Environmental Advisory Council updated Erie City Council on July 16 about three priorities: a local climate action plan, a plastic-waste reduction initiative and measures to reduce bird–window collisions and light pollution.

Matthew Puz, chair of the Environmental Advisory Council, told the council the EAC formed in February 2023 and has been working since late 2023 on environmental issues. “The development of a local climate action plan or LCAP … is the next step in the process where the city analyzes the data collected and makes recommendations for future actions to diminish or prevent negative impacts on the environment,” Puz said, describing a greenhouse-gas inventory prepared in partnership with Penn State students.

Puz said the greenhouse-gas inventory used data from utility companies and city authorities to estimate emissions from residential, commercial, industrial and transportation sources. On plastic waste, the EAC warned of threats to wildlife, human health and stormwater infrastructure from single-use plastics, including bags and food and drink containers, and said it is reviewing ways to reduce reliance on disposable items.

The council also heard about efforts to reduce bird collisions with buildings by improving glass visibility and to reduce light pollution. Puz said the EAC can provide more detail in a study session and that members are available to brief the council on these initiatives.

Council members thanked Puz for the update and did not take formal action at the meeting; several expressed interest in a study session to explore the EAC’s recommendations further.