Borough pushes ‘go-green’ effort

Council OKs move for 100 percent clean energy

WEST CHESTER » The borough is getting greener.

Council voted unanimously at Wednesday’s meeting to go green. The move comes after the mayor endorsed the plan and a 2015 voter referendum backed “clean air, pure water and sustainable energy.”

With support of the Sierra Club, the borough is committed to transitioning to 100 percent clean, renewable energy by 2035, and for all transportation and heating by 2050.

Mayor Jordan Norley recently endorsed the transition to clean renewable energy from sources including, wind, solar and smallscale hydro power sources.

Along with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Norley is one of more than 150 mayors who endorsed the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 Campaign.

“West Chester Borough has a

long record of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to prepare for the impacts of climate change, and now we are ready to do much more,” Norley said. “The actions we will take to conserve energy and transition to renewable energy will also bring a multitude of benefits to our residents, economy and environment.”

Council President Diane LeBold also supports the clean energy resolution.

“September gave us a glimpse of what the future will be like if climate change continues – and it doesn’t look good,” LeBold said. “West Chester’s commitment to a bold blueprint for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is just what is needed.”

Dianne Herrin is a longtime supporter of clean energy, a Sierra Club member and is running for mayor in the November election. She said the borough’s Sustainability Advisory Committee worked hard to initiate the resolution.

“The people of West Chester have said loud and clear they want clean energy, because we care about our health, sustainable jobs, and our children’s future,” Herrin said. “In West Chester, we are doing our part to shift the tide toward a clean and livable future.”

Paula Kline, Sierra Club/ Ready For 100 Chester County volunteer, leader is pleased with the tally.

“This vote puts West Chester on the right side of history,” Kline said. “Our local leaders see the urgency of stabilizing the climate for our own well-being and that of our neighbors near and far. Every member of borough council can look their children and grandchildren in the eye and say that they did everything they could to protect their future.”

Janet Cleaver, board member of the local nonprofit Chester County Citizens for Climate Protection summarized the resolution.

“West Chester’s vote demonstrates the importance of local leadership,” she said. “The target of 100 percent is challenging, but it is achievable.”

Council or a contractor will create a detailed transition plan by Earth Day 2019, according to the referendum.

Last week, Phoenixville Borough Council also voted unanimously to go greener. West Chester is the 45th municipality in the U.S. and second in Pennsylvania to endorse the resolution.

JORDAN NORLEY