Communities in Tompkins County recognized for climate action initiatives

TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recognized six communities for their actions to address climate change.

Among the communities recognized were two from Tompkins County, the Town of Dryden and the Village of Lansing.

The communities also received certification from New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Certification program.

Through the program, certified communities accumulate points for planning and implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resilience.

Dryden Town Supervisor Jason Leifer said, “Achieving New York State Silver Climate Smart Community Certification is a proud moment for the Town of Dryden, which has a long history of environmental advocacy.”

To achieve certification, communities must demonstrate an active task force of residents and municipal representatives advancing local climate action.

Certified communities complete greenhouse gas inventories that calculate emissions at a local level and identify actions to help the state achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Lefton explained why these initiatives are so important.

“New York’s more than 160 certified Climate Smart Communities are essential partners in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and helping boost resilience as our state faces more and more extreme weather and the costly climate impacts amidst proposals to slash environmental protections at the federal level,” said Lefton

Also recognized this week were the Village of Clayton, Warren County, the Town of Bethlehem, and the Village of Nyack.

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