EAC continues work on single‑use plastics and dark‑sky efforts; Erie Coke subcommittee to reconvene

The Erie City Environmental Advisory Council on April 20 heard updates on several ongoing projects, including a single‑use plastics ordinance review, dark‑sky drafting work and the Erie Coke site subcommittee.

A subcommittee member reported the group continues to "conduct interviews and bring in data as we determine whether or not we are going to move forward with the proposed ordinance." Members raised festival vendor packaging and single‑use water bottles as particular use cases they want the ordinance to address.

Dark‑sky advocates on the council said they are comparing model ordinances and will meet with experts; members highlighted a City Council special meeting on April 30 where the Marriott’s outdoor lighting and a 50‑foot illuminated sign at the New Market House will be considered and noted those as opportunities for related public comment.

On the Erie Coke site, members said Mike Patton and others were not able to meet in the past month but expect to bring a draft plan back to the EAC in May for further discussion.

No formal policy votes or ordinance readings took place at the meeting; the council continued to collect information and prepare materials for future consideration.