Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 72.96
Liaison Audrey McSain
Submission Date Feb. 16, 2022

STARS v2.2

Lehigh University
EN-14: Participation in Public Policy

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.33 / 2.00 Jeannie Morris
Associate Director
Office of Government Relations
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Local advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the municipal/local level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the municipal/local level:
Lehigh University was involved in public policy advocacy for the pilot closure of Packer Ave to convert it to a pedestrian promenade. The University engaged the Bethlehem Mayor and advocated for the pedestrian promenade on Packer Ave to both improve the pedestrian experience on campus and for the local community. This policy was put to a vote and approved by the Bethlehem City Council. This advocacy and policy was supported by Lehigh University's senior leadership. This pilot also included input from community members in a public meeting and was done in an effort to advance community sustainability. Although approved, the closure of Packer Ave was delayed due to COVID-19, but is expected to happen in the coming months.

Regional advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the state/provincial/regional level:
---

National advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the national level?:
Yes

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the national level:
In 2021, staff from the Lehigh Office of Sustainability and Lehigh Government Relations had an advocacy meeting on Capitol Hill with Congresswoman Susan Wild's Office. They talked about key campus sustainability priorities such as Lehigh's Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 and Climate Action Strategy. They discussed how Congresswoman Wild could help advocate and support funding for energy efficiency projects, central plant upgrades, EV transportation infrastructure etc. They also discussed grant applications. Sustainability is a strategic initiative at Lehigh.

International advocacy

Does the institution advocate for public policies that support campus sustainability or that otherwise advance sustainability at the international level?:
No

A brief description of how the institution engages in public policy advocacy for sustainability at the international level:
---

Optional Fields 

A brief description of other political positions the institution has taken during the previous three years (if applicable):
---

None
A brief description of political donations the institution made during the previous three years (if applicable):
---

Website URL where information about the institution’s sustainability advocacy efforts is available:
---

Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Participation in public policy was not impacted by COVID-19 and therefore is representative of a normal year.

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.