Good evening everyone. I want thank all of you for coming out tonight. I see a lot of passionate people are here and I hope we can make history together on an important issue- our environment.

Tonight, Cherry Hill is taking a progressive and ambitious step forward to preserve our society. Everyone here understands the importance of a clean and sustainable community and we are taking real action.

Tonight, I have introduced a Green Action Plan to Town Council. This plan is a byproduct of residents working together with Town Hall. Collectively we have created a comprehensive approach to energy conservation and shrinking our carbon footprint.

It’s clear to me and Town Council that now is the time to act.

It is an indisputable fact that our most precious resource - the earth - is under constant assault, with our wildlife becoming increasingly endangered and our air and waterways growing more and more polluted.

The evidence does not lie, and the news continues to get worse.

Even over this weekend we found large amounts of our country’s water supply, including Philadelphia’s, is tainted with pharmaceutical byproducts.

This is yet another example of government ineffectiveness to deal with pollution. For far too long we have waited for other government agencies to act on these issues.

We have waited and only heard silence. Based on that ominous silence this elected body will act to provide leadership, guidance and immediate action.

Moving forward, Cherry Hill’s green plan will counteract our current climate crisis.
We will adopt renewable energy resources, conserve energy use through new technology and increase our recycling rates.
And while some of these programs will come at a cost, they will save taxpayers money and create new streams of revenue. This plan represents clarity and vision, and will deliver real change and hope for our future.

In January, I said that the environmental initiatives would play a critical role for my administration.

Although this plan outlines great goals I want everyone to know that nothing will be easy.

This plan is a call to action and a strong environmental commitment to our community.
Only by all of us working together for a common goal can we make real change happen in Cherry Hill.

Sustainable Cherry Hill will be the bedrock of public service and civic engagement. Anyone interested in improving the environment in Cherry Hill can sign up for this group tonight.

So now we will look to the future and build a movement to improve the quality of life for all of us. Again I want thank everyone for coming out tonight.