Sea Cliff Earns ‘Climate Smart Community’ Honors: A Step Towards Sustainability

The Village of Sea Cliff has made impressive strides in environmental advocacy, recently earning a bronze medal in New York’s Climate Smart Communities Program. This initiative honors communities committed to climate action.

Deputy Mayor Nick Pinto, part of the Environmental Conservation Commission, expressed enthusiasm about the program, noting it provides valuable guidance and opportunities. The Climate Smart program supports towns and cities aiming to protect the environment through energy conservation and addressing issues like extreme weather. Municipalities participating can access grants, technical support, and recognition for their efforts.

On September 19, Sea Cliff announced its bronze status, marking significant progress since it pledged to reduce carbon emissions in 2019. The village has transitioned to LED lighting in all its facilities and closely monitors greenhouse gas emissions.

Pinto highlighted ongoing assessments of the village’s outdated HVAC system, emphasizing the challenges posed by the historic nature of some buildings. Achieving Climate Smart status will also enhance the village’s chances of obtaining future grants and support.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation notes that there are 144 bronze-status communities, including other Long Island areas like North Hempstead and Huntington. Notably, Sea Cliff stands out as one of the smallest municipalities recognized in this program.

The village’s location near the water drives efforts to educate residents on climate action and managing stormwater runoff. Pinto emphasizes the collective impact of individual actions, stating, “If everyone does it, every little bit helps.”

Recent studies show that local efforts in sustainability are gaining traction nationwide. For instance, a 2023 report by the National League of Cities found that 66% of local governments are prioritizing climate action, up from 52% just five years ago.

As Sea Cliff moves forward, community involvement remains crucial. Engaging residents in sustainability practices may create a ripple effect, fostering a culture that values and prioritizes environmental stewardship.

For more details on the Climate Smart Communities initiative, visit the New York State DEC website.

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