East Hampton, NY - April 27, 2016 - DEC is pleased to announce that the Town of East Hampton has achieved certification under the Climate Smart Communities program. This is a tremendous milestone as East Hampton is the first community to achieve certification outside the 2013-2014 pilot program. East Hampton is also the first local government on Long Island to succeed in being designated as a certified Climate Smart Community.
Acting DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “East Hampton’s leadership in acting on climate change is exemplary. Achieving status as a certified Climate Smart Community means the town has implemented a wide range of actions that both reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and help protect the town from extreme weather. I applaud East Hampton’s commitment to preserving natural resources and utilizing renewable energy, and I encourage more communities across New York State to follow its example.”
How is being designated as a certified Climate Smart Community different from being a registered Climate Smart Community?
The Town of East Hampton became a registered Climate Smart Community (CSC) several years ago by taking the CSC Pledge. There are currently 175 registered Climate Smart Communities in New York State that have adopted the CSC Pledge as a formal municipal resolution.
The East Hampton Department of Natural Resources led the town's recent efforts to go beyond the CSC Pledge and seek certification through documenting the town's accomplishments. The town's Climate Smart Coordinator, John Sousa-Botos, stated, “The town’s documentation process was greatly assisted by volunteers from the town’s Energy & Sustainability Committee.” Natural Resources Director Kimberly Shaw added, “The department is undertaking a number of projects to enhance the town’s sustainability and resiliency efforts. This achievement of certification only adds to the town’s ability to implement improvements throughout East Hampton.” Implementing and documenting concrete climate actions are what distinguish East Hampton as a certified CSC.
East Hampton has established itself as a local climate action leader.
Supervisor Larry Cantwell said, “As a coastal community, the Town of East Hampton is on the front lines from the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise. We are honored to be recognized as a certified Climate Smart Community and will continue our work to achieve 100% renewable energy, coastal resiliency, and sustainability. Our future as a community depends on it.”