DEC certifies additional Climate Smart Communities

ALBANY | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton has announced that a total of 26 communities are newly certified under New York State's Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program for helping to save energy, reduce flood risk, address extreme heat, and develop other plans to demonstrate climate leadership. The announcement was held in the City of Kingston, one of seven municipalities achieving the program's highest level—the most communities certified silver in a single round in the program's history. "Certified Climate Smart Communities across the state are essential partners in implementing Governor Kathy Hochul's resiliency and sustainability initiatives and achieving New York's clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and climate mitigation goals," said Commissioner Lefton. "As New York and other states face more extreme weather and costly damages due to climate change, communities representing more than 92 percent of all New Yorkers recognize the importance of taking smart actions for a stronger, safer, more resilient future." Lake George Shares Honors In Warren County, the Town and Village of Lake George were recertified as Climate Smart Communities and are two of more than 460 certified Climate Smart Communities across the state. Communities certified as part of the CSC certification program accumulate points for planning and implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience. CSC Program Launched in 2014, the CSC Certification program recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of communities advancing climate projects. The first step to becoming a certified Climate Smart Community is to register by pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. To date, 460 local governments representing nearly 17.9 million New Yorkers have adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge. To achieve certification, communities must demonstrate an active task force of residents and municipal representatives advancing local climate action. Most certified communities complete greenhouse gas inventories that calculate emissions at the local level and identify actions to help New York State achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Prior to this round, 148 communities were certified bronze, and 21 communities were certified silver. For a full list of actions completed by these and other certified communities, visit the online certification reports found on the Climate Smart Communities website.

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DEC certifies additional Climate Smart Communities

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