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The other New York state community recently recognized by DEC officials for energy savings including reduction of Ggreenhouse gas emissions was Ulster County.
In a news release, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Across the state, New York communities are already experiencing the effects of climate change, ranging from extreme storms like Sandy and Irene to rising sea levels. . . . I applaud Ulster County and the Town of Mamaroneck’s commitment to reducing energy use in government operations.
Mamaroneck Supervisor Nancy Seligson, said, "I’m proud to say that the Town of Mamaroneck has been a leader in environmental initiatives for many years."
In 2014, Seligson said the town entered into an Energy Performance Contract renovating Hommocks Ice Rink, Town Center and a Fire House --- which included slashing energy use and costs.
"We’re lucky to live in a state where reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is a priority," Seligson said.
During a Thursday news conference at Mamaroneck’s Hommocks Conservation Area, DEC Acting Regional Director Kelly Turturro congratulated Seligson and presented her with street signs declaring Mamaroneck a Certified Climate Smart Community.
Joining Turturro and Seligson at Thursday's event were Town Councilwoman Jaine Elkind Eney, Deputy Town Supervisor Ernie Odierna and Sustainability Collaborative members George Roniger and Marc Karell.
Turturro said Mamaroneck is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by using software to closely track emissions from municipal operations, upgrading lighting in municipal buildings and has converted all of its streetlights to LED technology.
In addition, the town’s land-use policies protect local trees, wetlands and waterways, according to DEC officials. Mamaroneck also was praised for its creative solutions to reduce greenhouse gases, including running the town’s sanitation trucks on vegetable oil collected from local restaurants.
New York state's Climate Smart Communities program, launched in 2009, provides guidance and technical support to communities to take locally-driven climate action.
Two other Westchester communities previously were certified as "Climate Smart Communities:" the Village of Dobbs Ferry and the Town of Cortlandt.
For more details, click here for the DEC website and Climate Smart Communities Guide. .
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