New York Climate Smart Communities: A Guide for Local Officials

David A. Paterson, Pete Grannis, Francis Murray, Lorrain Cortes-Vazquez, Garry Brown
Posted on: 9/14/2021 - Updated on: 10/01/2021

Posted by

Kathryn Braddock

Published

Abstract

This document summarizes some of the information that will be found in the Climate Smart Communities Guide. It discusses the first steps to becoming a Climate-Smart Community: pledging to combat climate change and inventorying the community’s GHG emissions. It also outlines the role of community planning in reducing GHG emissions and adapting to climate change.

Affiliated Organizations

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a public benefit corporation created in 1975 under Article 8, Title 9 of the State Public Authorities Law through the reconstitution of the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority. NYSERDA’s earliest efforts focused solely on research and development with the goal of reducing the State’s petroleum consumption. Today, NYSERDA’s aim is to help New York meet its energy goals: reducing energy consumption, promoting the use of renewable energy sources, and protecting the environment.

The Department of State, one of the oldest and most diverse agencies in state government, works to make New York a more welcoming, equitable, and prosperous place for all who call it home. By the broad nature of its work, the agency touches the lives of nearly every person living and working in the Empire State.

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service is to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, while protecting the natural environment. The Department also seeks to stimulate effective competitive markets that benefit New York consumers through strategic investments, as well as product and service innovations.