Clean Energy Climate Smart Communities
 CLIMATE SMART COMMUNITIES (CSC)Town of Queensbury Resolution 71, 2019 (April 15, 2019) The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program is 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; Department of State; Department of Transportation; Department of Health 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. The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program is one of the Clean Energy Communities (CEC) High Impact Actions. In addition, the CSC has its own point system designed around 10 pledge elements (PE). This certification program recognizes high-performing communities for their leadership in reducing emissions and adapting to a changing climate. Using the 10 pledge elements, the CSC Certification program honors communities for their accomplishments through a rating system leading to four levels of CSC Certification: Certified, Bronze, Silver, and Gold (with the gold level currently under development). Actions (ny.gov) LEARN MORE |  CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITIES (CEC)Town of Queensbury Resolution 231, 2017 (August 7, 2017) Across the State, local governments are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment by investing in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community, while encouraging residents and businesses to do the same. NYSERDA’s new Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round includes a list of 13 High Impact Actions that local governments can complete to save energy, reduce costs and earn designation. A municipality must successfully complete four High Impact Actions to become a designated Clean Energy Community. In 2017, the Town of Queensbury completed four High Impact Actions and received $50,000 to invest in energy saving projects (used for LED conversion of decorative streetlights and the purchase of an electric vehicle). The new NYSERDA CEC program assigns points to each High Impact Action. To receive points for completing these Actions, municipalities must submit documentation that verifies all requirements have been met. The points you earn count toward unlocking access to point-based grant funding. High Impact Action Items - NYSERDA The Town of Queensbury’s Clean Energy Community (CEC) Committee coordinated a Solarize campaign under the title Southern Adirondacks for Solar (SAS). This 2018 program promoted investing in solar power, with installation easier and more affordable for local residents and businesses. The CEC invited Warren County municipalities to join SAS to promote a regional Solarize campaign. The following municipalities committed to the endeavor: City of Glens Falls; Towns of Hague, Bolton, Lake George, Horicon, Warrensburg, Chester; and the Village of Lake George. LEARN MORE |