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After weeks of deliberation, the North Tonawanda Common Council passed a resolution proposed by Alderman-at-Large Austin Tylec to take the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) pledge and create a Climate Smart Task Force.
This task force is a part of a New York state program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to a changing climate, and facilitate grant opportunities through the New York state consolidated funding application.
CSC began in 2009 as an interagency initiative of New York state. The program is sponsored jointly by agencies such as The Department of Environmental Conservation and The Energy Research and Development Authority.
“Communities throughout NYS are taking advantage of available state funding that provides opportunities for city projects that would pave the way for future economic development, all while addressing climate concerns,” Tylec said.
This committee, which will be made up of members of the community, as well as stakeholders, would provide specific guidance on legislative actions that support clean energy initiatives and greener opportunities for the community. The committee would work alongside regional “climate smart” coordinators to achieve their goals, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improving community public health and safety, and efficiently saving taxpayers’ dollars, all the while economic development in North Tonawanda.
“The mayor and I are working together to get this committee off the ground, accepting and processing applications from those who want to be a part of this initiative,” Tylec said.
The task force would embrace public participation and have several members appointed by the city to assist in the development and implementation of energy policy.
Tylec and Mayor Arthur Pappas will be working together to identify partners to participate in the committee. For more information, visit www.climatesmart.ny.gov/.