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State Rep. Kate Harper represents Montgomery County’s 61st legislative district and
played an integral role in the passage of the Growing Greener II legislation. She serves
on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and has been involved in
numerous open space protection initiatives in Montgomery County.
Was their a particular project that triggered your advocacy and activism in protecting Pennsylvania’s environment?
The one project that I will always be most proud of was my role as Chairman of the Lower Gwynedd Township Board of Supervisors in providing for the protection of 77 acres known as The Penllyn Woods. It was a seven year court battle with the developer who envisioned it as 108 houses, but we finally purchased it with the help of the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association for open space and parkland. As I predicted, today it is the most beautiful municipal park with 22 acres of active recreation ball fields, picnic areas and trails, and 55 acres of natural woodlands along the Wissahickon Creek.
You played an important role in the passage of Growing Greener II. How will it benefit the state?
I believe that any attractive, well-run community has parks, trails and play areas for its inhabitants. I further believe the natural wonders and environmental features of significant value in the Commonwealth must be preserved and protected. Making funding available to buy the places that should be protected is an important part of the strategy. However, I also recognize that sometimes the best preservation plan is a sensitive development plan that preserves the natural features while developing other parts of the land.
What do you believe should be the next big environmental issue that the state legislature needs to tackle?
Handling storm water run-off and consequent degradation of our waterways will be the next big issue for the developed and developing portions of our state. I also favor amendments to the Municipalities Planning Code to allow townships to slow down and pause to get their Comprehensive Plans, zoning and land development ordinances in place before they are overwhelmed with development. I think the state and counties should act as a resource with sample ordinances and expert planning help.
What role do you see organizations like PennEnvironment playing in the
political process?
I think PennEnvironment plays an important educational and advocacy role in Pennsylvania government, providing timely information with a real passion for the environment to the legislative debate.
What role do you see concerned citizens playing in the future to help ensure the passage of further environmental protections like Growing Greener II in upcoming years?
The referendum clearly shows legislators that the citizens of Pennsylvania know what they want and know what they like—and that preserved farmlands, verdant forests, clean water, places to play and hike, and places of natural beauty are things they are willing to vote for and pay for. Reminding legislators of the overwhelming grassroots support that bond referendum received is a powerful antidote to some powerful economic forces that always manage to have their point of view heard in Harrisburg. |
