Five years ago, Orange became the first New York State county certified under the state's Climate Smart Community program and is now the first to be recertified.
Orange County has once again been recognized as a Climate Smart Community (CSC) by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Five years ago, Orange became the first New York State county certified under the CSC program and is now the first to be recertified.
“The Climate Smart Community program provides a wonderful example of what we can do to foster smart local climate action, while saving local governments and residents money on their energy bills, while creating local jobs,” County Executive Steve Neuhaus said.
Sixteen local governments were recognized for successfully meeting Climate Smart criteria as climate leaders after more than 445 action submissions were received from communities across the state. This supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, part of the state’s Green New Deal to achieve a carbon-free electricity system by 2040, and 85 percent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Started in 2009, the CSC program provides guidance and technical support to local governments to take locally driven climate action. The program was launched in 2014 to document and celebrate the accomplishments of leading communities. Since 2014, New York State has designated 37 certified Climate Smart Communities.
- Nancy Kriz