The Town of Orangetown has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), recognizing its leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy development locally. Achievements by Clean Energy Communities help support New York’s nation-leading climate and clean energy goals as outlined under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.Supervisor Teresa M. Kenny says, “The Town of Orangetown is committed to helping combat climate change by reducing energy use, encouraging clean energy alternatives, and implementing sustainable development projects.”
The Town of Orangetown received the designation for completing four high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. To date, the Town of Orangetown has completed the following high-impact actions:
- Streamlined the local approval processes for solar projects through adoption of the New York State Unified Solar Permit.
- Completed energy code enforcement training on best practices in energy code enforcement for the municipal code enforcement officer.
- Installed electric vehicle charging stations in the community
- Converted cobra head-style streetlights to energy efficient LED technology
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said, “It takes all of us to meet the challenge of climate change, and we congratulate the Town of Orangetown for this recognition and for joining the hundreds of communities across the state leading by example in these efforts. The Town has demonstrated a commitment to clean energy and energy efficiency, and it is on the path to building a more sustainable future.”Communities that complete at least four NYSERDA-identified high-impact actions are designated Clean Energy Communities and are eligible for a Designation Grant of $5,000. This grant is just one of the many exciting grant opportunities offered through the Clean Energy Communities Leadership Round.