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Update on Single-Use Plastic in Centre Region, Ferguson Township

A study is being conducted by Penn State Law students on regional management of single-use plastics in various municipalities.
Posted on: March 17, 2022 - 3:32pm
Update on Single-Use Plastic in Centre Region, Ferguson Township
Update on Single-Use Plastic in Centre Region, Ferguson Township

Ferguson Township, Patton Township, and State College Borough are taking a regional approach to consider the management of single use plastics.

Beginning in 2019, the aforementioned municipalities aimed to take action on single-use plastic, but were halted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly's moratorium on local action for single-use plastics. 

In late 2021 and early 2022, both Ferguson Township and the Borough of State College passed a resolution requesting staff to draft an ordinance on single use plastic management. In December 2021, the statewide moratorium on local action expired, and Ferguson Township passed the following resolution: https://www.twp.ferguson.pa.us/home/files/single-use-plastic-resolution-imageIn January 2021, the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors requested an update of the work conducted in 2019 and a more regional approach to the issue. The Borough of State College and Patton Township representatives also agreed to a more regional approach, with other local jurisdictions welcome to participate if interested.

As part of Penn State Law’s Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Design Course, a group of Penn State Law students, guided by Dr. Lara B. Fowler of Penn State Institutes of Energy & the Environment, have engaged in a study since 2019 which aims to conduct interviews and provide community feedback on the proposed management of single-use plastics in the region. Their study is ongoing, and further findings are expected to be presented in April of 2022.