A handful of township residents at the June 15 supervisors meeting urged the board to go on record in support of the Paris Climate Accord. Numerous municipalities throughout the country have taken such action in the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the accord.

Supervisors Chairman George DeVault’s motion to take such action failed for lack of a second. Supervisor Robert Sentner argued the accord has become too politicized, and the township shouldn’t get involved in a national issue. “This is something that’s completely out of our wheelhouse,” he said. Supervisor Daniel Mohr was absent.

After some discussion, DeVault made a motion stating that Upper Milford will remain committed to doing better than the Paris Climate Accord’s mandate. Sentner seconded that motion and it was approved.

Both supervisors said the township is already taking numerous actions to protect the environment, including the vote in last year’s election in favor of a small tax increase to fund land preservation.

In making the original motion to support the Paris Accord, DeVault said it was “a way to think globally and act locally.”

Residents Margaret Smith, Aidan Levinson and Jim Moreno urged supervisors to support the accord, but resident Phil Casey agreed with Sentner, saying “Paris is all political.”

Township Manager Daniel DeLong commented, “If you want to support the Paris Accord, you should pass a no open burning ordinance right now,” saying open burning is one of the biggest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions.

Sentner responded, “I tried that once and got crucified.”