In February of 2016, the Ancram Town Board resolved to be a Climate Smart Community, becoming part of a state-wide effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. The Climate Smart Community Task Force (CSCTF) was created by the Town to help it meet its commitments as a participant in this program, and, in general, to explore ways for the entire community to reduce its carbon footprint and improve its climate resiliency. After completing four high-impact actions, the town became a Clean Energy Community in January of 2018.
Here’s who we are and some of the projects that we’ve undertaken:
Members
- Suzan Flamm (Chair)
- Susan Arterian
- Scott Benedict
- Doug Brenner
- Bonnie Hundt
- Madeleine Israel
- Colleen Lutz
- Jeffrey Mousseau
- Derek Porter
- Cathy Redlich
Community Solar for Ancram
Residents of Ancram can join a local solar farm, support renewable energy in our community, and enjoy 10% savings on your electric costs with no installation or upfront payment required. The Solarize Ancram campaign, in partnership with Solstice, is available to all Central Hudson customers in Ancram. Contact Solstice for more details. (866) 826-1997. Website: Solstice for Ancram
Ancram Seeks Bronze Level Certification
Across the State, local governments are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment by investing in future-focused clean energy solutions for their community, while at the same time facing unprecedented societal and financial challenge. To that end, the Climate Smart Communities Program has developed a list of high-impact actions that local governments can take to save energy, cut costs and earn Climate Smart Certification. Ancram is well on its way to bronze certification!
Ancram Residents Receive Free LED Lightbulbs
Fires in California. Severe weather events. Environmental migrants. Climate change is here and having an impact throughout our country. To address the challenge on a local level, Ancram established a Climate Smart Communities Task Force (CSCTF) in 2015, with the mission of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience in our town. As one of its first initiatives, CTCTF was awarded a $80,000 grant from NYSERDA to help the town move closer to its goals. A portion of that funding was used in 2019 to distribute free LED bulbs to all interested residents, and more free bulbs will be given out at the upcoming Columbia County Climate Carnival to take place summer 2022 (details to follow). Quality LED lightbulbs use 75 percent less energy, and last longer – up to 25 times as long. Read more!
Some Additional High Impact Actions Taken by Ancram
- Electric vehicle charging station at town hall
- Adoption of Uniform Solar Permitting Process
- Energy Code Enforcement Training for building inspectors
- Benchmarking of energy use at town hall [Add link to reports
- Replacement of propane fueled HVAC system with air source heat pumps (in process)
- Conversion of all town streetlights to high-efficiency LED bulbs
- Conversion of lights in town hall and garage to LED bulbs