Albany, NY - August 8, 2016 - Governor Cuomo recently announced the launch of Clean Energy Communities, a $16-million initiative to help local governments across the state reduce energy consumption and drive clean energy use in their communities. Local governments that complete four out of ten identified High Impact Actions will earn the Clean Energy Community designation and access to grant funding to implement additional clean energy projects. To learn more, visit here.
Complementary Programs: Clean Energy Communities & Climate Smart Communities
Clean Energy Communities and Climate Smart Communities are complementary programs that work together to recognize and reward local governments for their leadership.
Clean Energy Communities provides direct technical support and recognition to local governments that demonstrate leadership in the area of clean energy. Climate Smart Communities is a comprehensive climate action program that covers greenhouse gas mitigation and climate change adaptation, as well as sustainable economic development. Contact here with questions about the Climate Smart Communities Certification program.
Achieving CSC Certification is one of ten High Impact Actions local governments can complete to earn the Clean Energy Communities designation. Local governments that complete any of the CEC High Impact Actions are encouraged to apply for points under the related CSC Certification actions. Most of the ten Clean Energy Communities High Impact Actions correspond to at least one Climate Smart Communities Certification action. See file here for a complete list of the corresponding program actions.
Clean Energy Communities Regional Coordinators
Through the Clean Energy Communities program, locally based outreach and implementation coordinators will provide free, on-demand technical assistance, including step-by-step guidance, case studies, and template contracts to help municipalities implement clean energy actions. To engage a Clean Energy Communities Coordinator, send an email.
