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 improve climate resilience.  The Climate Smart Communities Program is directed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).  The Task Force 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.

Grant funds are available from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), through its Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Program, to help communities become reduce energy use and promote the use of renewable energy.  The Task Force will assist the Town in applying for these funds.  To qualify,  the Town must complete at least four of ten actions that NYSERDA has designated as high impact.  To that end, the Town: adopted a policy to annually report its energy use in municipal buildings; adopted a unified solar permit; commenced energy code training for town officials; and, approved the installation of an electric vehicle charging station.  Kyle Lougheed and his family are donating the station and installation to the Town.  The Task Force is currently working on additional high impact actions, such as bringing affordable solar energy options to Ancram.

Assistance in meeting its goals is provided to the Task Force by a CEC Coordinator from the Capital District Regional Planning Commission.

Members

• Suzan Flamm (Chair)
• Doug Brenner
• David Dembo
• Madeleine Israel
• Nancy Kuster
• Colleen Lutz
• Bob Moss
• Jeffrey Mousseau
• Derek Porter
• Cathy Redlich
• Paul Ricciardi

Links

Ancram’s Bright Idea – Information and Climate Smart Initiatives
https://www.ancramsbrightidea.org/

NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities Program:
 https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Clean-Energy-Communities

DEC’s Climate Smart Communities:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/50845.html

Documents: