Eight years ago, Hopewell Township revised its municipal Master Plan to preserve its water supply and its rural character. It worked. The township’s water supply is now well protected, and the number of homes being built has been significantly reduced. The plan became one of the most progressive in the state.
Now, the township is considering another improvement to its plan — sustainable development. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development focuses on improving the quality of life for all of the Earth’s citizens without increasing the use of natural resources beyond the capacity of the environment to supply them indefinitely. It requires an understanding that inaction has consequences, and that we must find innovative ways to change institutional structures and influence individual behavior. It is about taking action, changing policy and practice at all levels, from the individual to the international.
A meeting was held on Jan. 16 to present some of the ideas being considered and take comments from the public. Based on the presentation made, it appears that the focus will be on new bike trails, bicycle-friendly parking, impervious driveways, energy efficient lighting, and (only) the encouragement of solar energy systems. While these are steps in the right direction, I was expecting more, especially with energy conservation mandates. Based on the forward-thinking revision to the plan eight years ago, I was hoping that we would once again “push the envelope.”
Communities across the country are making solar energy systems a standard in new construction. In these communities, all new homes and businesses are required (to the extent practical) to rely on their own entirely self-contained solar energy systems to meet their heating and cooling needs and to power their electrical appliances. Some communities are also adopting policies where loans are provided to existing homeowners so that too they may install solar systems. To attract homeowner, the loans are paid back as part of the homeowner’s quarterly taxes, and are equivalent to the amount of money saved quarterly by installing these systems. If Hopewell Township were to adopt similar initiatives, it would achieve many objectives:
Save money — Solar systems will save the homeowner money on their fuel and utility bills. Think of these savings as tax-free income or yield on a homeowner’s investment. In many cases, the yield is better than many conventional investments. Solar systems increase the value of property long into the future. New federal and state incentives make solar systems more affordable than ever before.
Save energy — Due to increasing international demand for energy, costs are trending up. Most energy scientists agree that our peak energy production is coming to an end in the near future. Developing countries such as China and India will increasingly compete for these dwindling energy supplies.
Help save the environment — Solar energy systems produce no pollutants. It is critical that we reduce the pollutants that cause adverse health effects such as asthma, skin cancer and global warming.
It’s patriotic — The more energy we save at home means greater national security. In some cases, the money we use to purchase foreign oil is the same money that the terrorists are using to attack us! The more energy we save at home helps to reduce our trade deficit and keep our cash in our economy.
Secure your own future — Whether you are retiring in a few years or a few decades, think ahead to what energy may cost in your golden years. A clean energy system will help protect you from inflation when you are on a fixed income.
Energy independence — If we all implement clean energy measures, we can become much less dependent on foreign energy sources. It is up to us as Americans to take the lead toward energy freedom.
I challenge Hopewell Township to join the growing communities across America that are taking bold steps toward sustainability.
Robert Kecskes
Hopewell Township
