Climate Smart Communities
What does this measure?
The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program began in 2009 as an interagency initiative of New York State. The program is jointly sponsored by the following New York State agencies: Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA); Department of Public Service (DPS); Department of State (DOS); Department of Transportation (DOT); Department of Health (DOH); Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR); and the Power Authority (NYPA). DEC acts as the main administrator of the program.
The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program provides local governments with a robust framework to guide their climate action and recognizes high performing communities for their leadership. Participation is free and voluntary. Designed around the ten CSC pledge elements, the certification program recognizes communities for their accomplishments through a rating system leading to three levels of award: bronze, silver, and gold. (The gold level is currently under development.) Municipalities may be eligible for additional governmental grant funding based on their levels.
Summary Statement
Westchester County has the largest number of Climate Smart Communities (CSC) followed by Dutchess (25) and Orange (19) counties, respectively. Within Orange County, three of the 19 CSC communities are at the Bronze level – the Town of Highlands, Village of Warwick, and the Village of Woodbury. The County is also Bronze certified.
Source
https://hudsonvalleyregionalcouncil.org/regional-initiatives/clean-energy-sustainability/