GOVERNOR PATERSON ANNOUNCES 31 COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE PLEDGE TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Climate Smart Communities, a New York State Program to Reduce Carbon Footprint, Encourages Local Governments to Help Fight Global Warming
Governor David A. Paterson today announced that more than 30 communities across the State have made the Climate Smart Communities Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Smart Communities program partners the State with local governments in an effort to reduce communities’ carbon footprint. As of Earth Day 2009, just two months after the program’s launch, 31 local governments have pledged to the follow the plan and assist in the fight against global climate change.
“Global warming is one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time and it demands the attention and action of every government body, every business and every citizen,” Governor Paterson said. “The 31 communities that quickly adopted the Climate Smart Communities Pledge demonstrate how committed our local leaders are to decreasing energy use and waste, increasing recycling and supporting a green economy. By doing so, they are working to improve our natural environment and to ensure a sustainable future for New York.”
The Climate Smart Communities program outlines a 10-point plan to help guide communities in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and their adaptation to the changing climate. The program, launched in February by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), provides resources to municipalities that have pledged make greener practices a part of their community operations. The DEC, in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York Public Service Commission (PSC), and Department of State (DOS), developed the Climate Smart Communities Guide to help communities identify and implement cost-effective measures that reduce emissions.
| City of Cohoes | Town of DeWitt | Town of Saugerties |
City of Ithaca| Town of Hunter | Town of Smithtown |
|
| City of New Rochelle | Town of Irondequoit | Village of Croton-on-Hudson |
| City of Rensselaer | Town of Islip | Village of Larchmont |
| City of Syracuse | Town of Ithaca | Village of Port Jefferson |
| City of Yonkers | Town of Jewett | Village of Skaneateles |
| Town of Babylon | Town of New Castle | Village West Carthage |
| Town of Bethlehem | Town of North Castle | Village of Woodsburgh |
| Town of Brookhaven | Town on North Hempstead | Onondaga County |
| Town of Cazenovia | Town of Pound Ridge | Schenectady County |
| Tompkins County |
Climate Smart Communities have incorporated a variety of strategies in their greening programs, including: establishing baselines for emission reduction targets in municipal facilities, fleets and operations; promoting efficient technologies through use of high-efficiency lighting, variable-speed pumps at water treatment plants and the purchase of hybrid vehicles; organizing electronic waste and household chemical clean-up days; and educating community members on how to make their homes and businesses more efficient. Communities have also made reduction strategies a part of their land use plans, zoning and building codes.
The 10-point Climate Smart Communities Pledge and Guide are available online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/50845.html. Information on the financial incentives for efficiency and renewable energy is available at http://www.nyserda.org/municipalities/default.asp.
DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said: “The Climate Smart Communities program complements Governor Paterson’s comprehensive green agenda by giving local governments a road map for participating in the fight against global warming. In a relatively short time, we have found that many municipalities are hungry for information and assistance on how they can take action on a local level. We encourage other municipalities to join the fight.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Francis J. Murray, Jr. said: “The Climate Smart Communities program is helping municipal officials develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gases that are emitted from our homes, businesses and automobiles. We encourage these municipalities to take full advantage of the financial incentives offered by NYSERDA for energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies, as part of a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction strategy.”
PSC Chairman Garry Brown said: “The Commission has long-been been a primary sponsor of the development of renewable energy resources and critically important energy efficiency programs. This initiative helps ensure that we maintain our goal of developing and funding clean energy programs that will lead to a reduction of our carbon footprint.”
Governor Paterson continues to demonstrate a commitment to clean air, clean water, healthy communities, fighting climate change, and promoting renewable energy policies. The Governor led New York in its historic participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and broke a nine-year legislative impasse to enact the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. Governor Paterson initiated a “45 by 15” clean energy goal to draw 45 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable sources by 2015, and has set the State on a path to become a global leader in the clean energy economy through investing in green jobs training and creation.
The following quotes were provided in support of Climate Smart Communities:
Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney said: “It is great to see the DEC actively engaging communities and municipalities throughout the State in the fight against global warming. Here in Onondaga County we are already doing many things to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable, the biggest of which are the green approach we have taken to clean the lake, and our ‘save the rain campaign’ to address combined storm water and sewer overflows. We will continue to seek ways to lessen our energy consumption and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Albany Mayor Gerald D. Jennings said: “The City of Albany’s commitment to sustainability and addressing climate change began in 2005, when I signed the U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. I fully endorse the Climate Smart Community Pledge and I believe that it will reinforce the programs and initiatives that we have already implemented with our City's Go Clean - Go Green program, and continue to guide City operations into the 21st Century.”
Cohoes Mayor John T. McDonald III said: “The City of Cohoes is pleased to join with other communities across New York State as a Climate Smart Community. Thanks to the support of the Common Council and the leadership of Governor Paterson and DEC Commissioner Grannis, the City has pledged to act responsibly, both to our taxpayers and our environment, to address the growing concerns in regards to climate change. Awareness and action cannot start soon enough in this effort and we look forward to working with our workforce, school district, public housing authority, business council and the residents as a whole to make Cohoes an active Climate Smart Community.”
Larchmont Mayor Elizabeth Feld said: “Through legislation, education and community participation the Village of Larchmont is committed to doing its part to address global climate change. We have adopted anti-idling legislation, refrained from using pesticides in our Village parks on our playing fields, built a new environmental nature area; put solar panels on our DPW building to fuel a Global Electric Motors (GEM) truck increased our recycling tonnage and mounted a citizen information campaign which has raised awareness of the issues surrounding global warming for all of our residents.”
Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone said: “Babylon was proud to be among the first to join New York State’s innovative new Climate Smart Communities initiative. In Babylon, we have completed our climate inventory, adopted a comprehensive green building code and launched the nation’s first municipally sponsored energy efficiency program called Long Island Green Homes. We applaud Governor Paterson and Commissioner Grannis for their leadership in encouraging local communities to get on board with the fight against global warming.”
Bethlehem Town Supervisor Jack Cunningham said: “The Town of Bethlehem commends Governor Paterson for his leadership on this issue and we are proud to be a Climate Smart Community, passing this historic resolution on Earth Day by a 4-1 margin. We are now ready to participate in this visionary initiative which will help us to better focus our efforts on protecting our environment and reducing green house gasses while making our municipal operations more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.”
Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan said: “The Climate Smart resolution we passed on April 14th is a significant continuation in the steps we have already taken to accept that we all have a role in climate change and that it is crucial to find a sustainable solution. Islip Town was the first municipality on Long Island to create a residential wind turbine code and the first in New York State to institute an e-waste curbside pick-up program. I have full confidence that Islip Town, other Long Island municipalities and New York State will all find success in working together in coming up with solutions to these problems.”
New Castle Town Supervisor Barbara S. Gerrard said: “The Climate Smart Communities Pledge has provided us with a road map of initiatives we can use to accomplish our goals of reducing our carbon footprint and encouraging conservation and use of alternative fuels. We have been privileged to have the resources of the DEC available for advice, guidance and support. It’s the `smart' thing to do.”
Saugerties Town Supervisor Greg Helsmoortel said: “The Town of Saugerties recognizes that there is an immediacy to the global warming problem that requires all of us to be innovative and proactive and take responsibility for our actions. It requires us to think globally, but act locally. We are proud to work in partnership with New York State and communities across our State to reduce emissions of global warming pollution and plan for an energy sustainable future.”
Yonkers City Council President Chuck Lesnick said: “Over the last two years since we voted on Earth Day to support the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, we have taken some of the steps proposed by Governor Paterson and Commissioner Grannis including, approving measures to limit school bus emissions and idling, passing an ordinance that limits the use of gas powered leaf blowers, and creating recycling programs in our schools. We are now studying ordinances pertaining green buildings. We thank Governor Paterson and Commissioner Grannis for their leadership, direction and moral imperative that has guided us to build a livable energy independent community.”
Tompkins County Public Works Administrator and Sustainability Team Chair Cheryl Nelson said: “We are pleased and proud to endorse the Climate Smart Communities Pledge, formally adopted by the Tompkins County Legislature on April 21.The pledge supports the leadership role our County has taken over the past decade to actively address the problem of global warming and climate change. Tompkins County has committed to reducing its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050, achieving a 10 percent reduction over the next five years. We commend New York State for offering the Climate Smart Communities Pledge and look forward to sharing our success with other communities across the State.”
Adam Markham, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Air-Cool Planet, a science-based, non-profit organization dedicated to solving the global warming problem through civic engagement, education and effective policy, said: “We are excited to contribute to the development of the Climate Smart Communities Guide though our Clean Air-Cool Planet Fellowship program. Creating model programs to help communities cut greenhouse gas emissions is one of Clean Air-Cool Planet's most important endeavors. This was a great opportunity to enhance that work with New York State, which has been a national leader on climate action.”