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Lewis County Achieves NYS Climate Smart Communities
Bronze Certification
Published: October 05, 2023
at 11:30 a.m.
By: Press Release from Lewis County Planning and
Community Development Office
Lewis County Achieves NYS Climate Smart Communities
Bronze Certification
On October 2, 2023 Governor Kathy Hochul
unveiled the most recent group of communities that have earned
certification through New York State's Climate Smart Communities Program.
This initiative backs local endeavors to address the economic, social, and
environmental challenges stemming from climate change. We are thrilled to
share that Lewis County has been granted this prestigious designation.
Lewis County has
made substantial strides in addressing climate change and fostering
sustainability within the community. This certification underscores our
dedication to creating a more resilient and sustainable future. Among the
23 local governments in the state achieving bronze certification for the
first time, we are proud to be one of only two from the North Country
Region.
Lewis County
Legislator Tom Osborne said, “Recognizing the increasing threat of
climate change on both local and global scales, Lewis County is proud to
achieve the NYS Climate Smart Communities Bronze Certification. Our
response to this challenge presents a distinct chance to achieve cost
savings and promote thriving communities with durable, long-lasting
infrastructure for future generations.”
Carlie Leary from
Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) said, "Lewis
County is setting an example for local governments within their county
boundaries as well as neighboring counties that climate work is possible,
and crucial, for the North County. The Climate Smart Communities (CSC)
Program encourages local governments to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to
climate change, but it also helps municipalities recognize that some of the
work that they have already been doing is climate work. Lewis County has
been working on projects that benefit the environment for years and has now
received state recognition for the actions it has taken. I am proud of
Lewis County for becoming the first county government in the North County
to receive this certification and I hope it encourages others to follow
suit."
The NYS Climate
Smart Communities Program recognizes municipalities for their efforts in
reducing greenhouse gas emissions and taking steps to adapt to the impacts
of climate change. The bronze certification is awarded to municipalities
that have successfully implemented a range of sustainable practices,
policies, and initiatives.
Lewis County
received its designation as a Climate Smart Community for 28 actions
already taken over the years from 9 different categories. Some of those
actions include:
·
Government Operations GHG Inventory
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Interior Lighting Upgrades
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Benchmarking – Municipal Building
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Access to Public Transit
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Climate Resilient Hazard Mitigation Plan
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Solar Energy Installation
For more
information about New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Program,
please visit https://climatesmart.ny.gov/. We invite interested parties to follow
Lewis County’s Climate Smart Communities Initiatives through our
Sustainably Lewis consortium. Information and updates can be found on our
website at lewiscountyny.gov/departments/planning-and-community-development/sustainably-lewis/
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