Warren County’s efforts to reduce contributions of greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change have resulted in new recognition by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Warren County was notified in May that it has been designated a “Certified Bronze Climate Smart Community” by the DEC.
This recognition comes after the county earned the designation of "Clean Energy Community" by NYSERDA in March, for having completed 4 out of 10 high impact actions that support efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve energy.
The “certified bronze” designation last week occurred as a result of Warren County:
- Installing electric vehicle charging stations at the Warren County Municipal Center.
- Developing “Climate Vulnerability Assessment/Adaptation Strategies.”
- Adopting the New York State Unified Solar Permit to speed approval for solar energy projects.
- Restoring riparian buffers along West Brook in Lake George.
- Establishing a financing project for building energy efficiency.
The designation is awarded to communities that complete the requisite number of actions taken to locally respond to the global climate crisis.
Certified Bronze Climate Smart Communities are given advantage on funding applications, which can be used to adapt local infrastructure to anticipated extreme weather events and implement practices that reduce energy use.
“This title serves as representation of the hard work done in Warren County to advance actions that promote our environment, our most valuable resource,” said Chris Belden, an Assistant County Planner with Warren County Planning who has coordinated the effort.
A 17-person committee made up of county legislators, county employees and representatives of other local municipalities and organizations has met periodically to discuss goals and actions for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's “Climate Smart Communities Program.”
"I’m proud to lead the Board of Supervisors in this endeavor, and I’m grateful for all of the staff who are working on these efforts, to make Warren County a DEC-Certified Bronze Climate Smart Community,” said Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Claudia Braymer. “We have more to do, but this is a great way to help with reducing pollution and protecting the entire Lake George region."
Future goals for the Climate Smart Task Force include development of a greenhouse gas inventory, climate action plan, and development of a natural resources inventory.
For more information, go to www.warrencountyny.gov/climate/.