Environment DEC
From the June 2009 issue
Communities Across the State Pledge to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Governor David A. Paterson recently announced that more than 30 communities across the state have made the Climate Smart Communities Pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Local governments participating in the Climate Smart Communities program partner with the state to reduce each community's carbon footprint. The local governments that have pledged to follow the plan were announced on Earth Day 2009, just two months after the program's launch.
Plan to Reduce Emissions and Adapt to Climate Change
Beacon, N.Y., is one of the most recent communities to take the Climate Smart pledge.(Photo Robert Rodriguez Jr.)
"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 more than 30 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 reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the changing climate. The program, launched in February by DEC, provides resources to municipalities that have pledged to make greener practices a part of their community operations. DEC, in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York Public Service Commission and the Department of State, developed the Climate Smart Communities Guide to help communities identify and implement cost-effective measures that reduce emissions.
See the Climate Smart Communities web page for the list of municipalities that have adopted the Climate Smart Communities Pledge.
