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 (CSC) Actions
Clean Energy Communities (CEC) Actions
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, Cornell Cooperative Extension and HeatSmart Tompkins workshops, and other opportunities to get involved and make a difference in our Climate Smart Community.
2023 Task Force Members:
Community members (all are Town of Newfield residents):
Kitty Gifford (Task Force Coordinator)
Martha Gold
Deb Eichten
Town Government members:
Heather McCarty (town board member)
Casey Powers (town board member)
Leo Tidd (planning board member and chair)
👏🏽 We thank our task force alumni for their service: Community members Heidi Eckerson and Michele Henry
Concerned about Climate Change?
The Town of Newfield adopted the Climate Smart Communities Pledge on 2020. Community members are encouraged to apply for membership in Newfield’s Climate Smart Communities task force. The CSC task force serves as a central body of leadership that promotes and supports climate mitigation and adaptation in the community. The CSC task force acts as an advisory committee that advises and collaborates with the Town government to accomplish plans, programs, and activities that are part of the CSC Certification program.
The Town Board’s intent is to include community members, business owners, elected officials, students, and leaders of community organizations who have a passion for sustainability and concern about climate change and how it will affect our community. It is essential to have a wide range of perspectives to address this complicated issue.
Applicants must have the time and energy to contribute.
To learn more, please contact Heather McCarty: hmccarty@newfieldny.org or Kitty Gifford: kathleen.gifford@gmail.com
Resources for Community Members
Information and Initiatives
CCE Climate Stewards Volunteers
Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
Southern Tier Clean Energy Webinars
Tompkins County Natural Resources Inventory
Want to reduce carbon emissions, save lots of resources, water, and energy? Buy used when you can!
Visit these local efforts that help to re-direct materials from the waste stream into productive new uses:
- Mimi’s Attic
- Petrune
- Mary Durham Boutique
- Ithaca ReUse Center & Ithaca ReUse MegaCenter
- Found In Ithaca
- Sheldon Hill Vintage Jewelry
- Pastimes Antiques
- Salvation Army
- Thrifty shopper
- Significant Elements
In the News
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.
Town of Newfield News Items
08/09/2022: Demand Response Community Campaign – Smart Savings Rewards
05/19/2022: Newfield Taking Action to Reduce Climate Impact
04/07/2022: Update on Clean Energy Community Actions
Tompkins Weekly Articles
09/07/2022: Demand response promotes less energy use
08/24/2022: PowerHouse educates Newfield residents on sustainability
10/10/2020: Newfield joins Climate Smart Communities