New York Power Authority Joins Climate Smart Communities

Date
02/05/2020

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The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has joined the Climate Smart Communities program, an interagency effort to encourage and assist local governments in taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change. A total of 291 local governments around New York State have joined the program since its inception in 2009, adopting resolutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The program supports the goals of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the most aggressive climate change law in the nation.

Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said, “For decades, the Power Authority has been partnering with state and local governments through the implementation of energy efficiency technology and other measures to curb emissions and reduce the state’s carbon footprint. NYPA is now taking another step in the fight against climate change as a proud member of the Climate Smart Communities program. We are eager to further collaborate with our fellow state agencies and authorities, and to engage with the nearly 300 local communities around New York that have committed to this important effort.”

The Climate Smart Communities program, administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), aims to support New York State communities in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change, and thrive in a green economy while creating attractive, healthful and equitable places to live, work and play throughout the state.

Communities interested in participating in the program must make a commitment to address these ten areas:

  • Build a climate-smart community
  • Inventory emissions, set goals, and plan for climate action
  • Decrease energy use
  • Shift to clean, renewable energy
  • Implement climate-smart land use
  • Enhance community resilience to climate change
  • Support a green innovation economy
  • Inform and inspire the public
  • Engage in an evolving process of climate action

NYPA offers a comprehensive array of energy solutions for its customers, including design-build project services, digital energy management, and demand response capabilities. NYPA joins several other state entities in sponsoring the program, including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Department of Public Service, Department of State, Department of Transportation and Department of Health.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Climate change is the defining issue of our generation. On behalf of the New York State agencies sponsoring the Climate Smart Communities program, we are proud to now have NYPA join us as a partner in our continued work to tackle the challenges of climate change in a collaborative and proactive way.”

For more information visit www.nypa.gov

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