Climate Smart Communities
On June 11th, 2020 the Town of Newfield adopted the Climate Smart Communities Pledge recognizing that climate change can endanger many aspects of our community’s environment, health, infrastructure and economy and that our community is set to take deliberate actions in response to this challenge. Newfield joins over 300 municipalities in New York State registered with the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, including eleven in Tompkins County.
Climate Smart Communities (CSC) is a free and voluntary program that helps local governments take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. It offers free technical assistance, grants, and a checklist of action items to use as a framework to build a sustainable, climate action plan. By participating in the CSC program, Newfield can access resources, training, tools and expert guidance to help navigate a local approach to climate change. Networking with other CSC communities is an invaluable source of ideas, modeling, and support.
Newfield has already taken several actions including an approved lighting upgrade for the Town Barn, Town Hall, and the Pine Circle well water distribution. The Newfield Town Board has also greenlighted an LED street light program as well as the Unified Solar Permit.
Climate Smart Communities Task Force
Formed in November 2020, the Task Force is a citizen organization that promotes and supports climate action within our community. It serves as an advisory committee, working jointly with the Town of Newfield government to achieve the goals of the CSC Certification program.
The Task Force is drafting a List of Priorities that focuses on 20 different actions the town can consider taking. Important among them is informing and communicating with neighbors about things they can do. Watch for upcoming public events like community organizing, HeatSmart Tompkins workshops and other opportunities to get involved and make a difference in our Climate Smart Community.
Task Force Members:
Kitty Gifford (Task Force Coordinator), Michele Henry, Heather McCarty, Casey Powers, Leo Tidd, Martha Gold
Resources
CCE Climate Stewards Volunteers
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
Southern Tier Clean Energy Webinars
Tompkins County Natural Resources Inventory
The Summer 2021 NYS Southern Tier Clean Energy newsletter featured the Town of Newfield’s Clean Energy Communities (CEC) and Climate Smart Communities (CSC) programs.