DEC recertifies Hamilton town, village as Climate Smart

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has re-certified the village of Hamilton and the town of Hamilton under New York State’s Climate Smart Communities Certification program.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced a total of 23 municipalities have demonstrated climate leadership by taking actions to reduce flood risk, address extreme heat, invest in clean energy, improve infrastructure, reduce air pollution and increase resilience across the state.

“Local governments certified through Climate Smart Communities certification program are essential partners in advancing Governor Hochul’s climate, resilience, and sustainability initiatives helping to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change we’re seeing across the State at the local level,” Lefton said.

New York City was newly certified silver, the highest level under the CSC program, for the city’s strong commitment and continued efforts to decrease emissions, particularly in historically overburdened areas, and protect the health and quality of life of residents. Erie County was recertified silver this CSC round, in recognition of the county’s continued leadership through sustained action following their initial silver certification in 2021.

Communities certified as part of the CSC certification program accumulate points for putting plans into place and implementing actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve local resilience. As each certification is valid for five years and communities must demonstrate continued and sustained action to maintain their status as bronze or silver.

The DEC has certified a total of 21 communities, including 11 new communities, as bronze as part of this round of certification. They are part of a total of 185 certified Climate Smart Communities across the state, including 25 silver certified communities.

“At a time when the federal government is rolling back climate investments and policies, New York State is taking the lead to address the costly damages due to climate change to help ensure affordability and protect our environment for residents and the planet,” Lefton said.

Launched in 2014, the CSC Certification program recognizes the leadership and accomplishments of communities advancing climate projects. The first step to becoming a certified Climate Smart Community is to register by pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. To date, 472 local governments representing nearly 18 million New Yorkers have adopted the Climate Smart Communities pledge.

To achieve certification, communities must demonstrate an active task force of residents and municipal representatives advancing local climate action. Most certified communities complete greenhouse gas inventories that calculate emissions at the local level and identify actions to help New York State achieve its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

For a full list of actions completed by these and other certified communities, visit the online certification reports found on the Climate Smart Communities website at https://climatesmart.ny.gov/actions-certification/participating-communities/.