The PA Environmental Council published this remembrance of Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) who passed away on January 8 at the age of 80.
Former state Senator Edwin “Ted” Erickson passed away earlier this week, leaving behind a tremendous environmental legacy. His professional career reflected strong dedication to the residents of Delaware County and the Commonwealth.
In addition to his tenure with the General Assembly, Ted Erickson’s career included serving as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Director of Public Health and Chief Administrator for Upper Darby Township, and as a member of Delaware County Council.
Of particular importance in 2019, Senator Erickson was the primary sponsor of the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act of 2008 – a landmark bill that directed the Commonwealth to account for greenhouse gas emissions, identify strategies to reduce those emissions, and assess the potential impacts of climate change.
This work continues today through the Department of Environmental Protection’s Climate Action Planning process, as well as the Pennsylvania Climate Impact Assessment.
In 2004, Senator Erickson was the prime sponsor of the legislation that enacted Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards requiring electric distribution companies to buy 18 percent of their electricity from solar, wind and other renewable sources by 2021.
Today, 14.7 percent of the electricity used in Pennsylvania is from renewable sources and the AEPS has become a critical part of the Commonwealth’s greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Also of note, Senator Erickson was the primary sponsor of Act 123 of 2014, which authorized municipalities to establish authorities for the purpose of implementing stormwater pollution prevention programs.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council was fortunate to work with the Senator on these legislative initiatives, and we had the privilege of honoring him with the Curtin Windsor Award in 2014.
His leadership and character will be greatly missed.
Former DEP Secretary David Hess added this praise--
Former DEP Secretary David Hess added this praise--
“Sen. Erickson was a gentleman in every sense of the word and his professional career spanned everything from research into frogs in tropical climates, where he discovered a new species that today bares his name, to overseeing the operation of a major EPA Regional Office, to representing the people of Delaware County at both the state Senate and county and local government.
“He knew his craft from the ground up and has done his community and Pennsylvania proud. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
“He knew his craft from the ground up and has done his community and Pennsylvania proud. It was a pleasure to work with him.”
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