Submitted by CSC Chair Steve Powers
Small but mighty New Lebanon continues to power its way toward achieving maximum climate change mitigation and resilience. It is the first in its region to achieve 5000 points in New York State Energy Research and Development Administration’s (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Communities program resulting in a $70,000 grant for energy upgrades.
The Town, with a population of 2305 people, was also the first in Columbia County to achieve Bronze Certification from the Climate Smart Communities program, which awards points for the completion of tasks taken to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
The Town Board has voted to use the latest grant for solar panels on the Town Hall.
Work that the Town had already done in Town Hall, such as a clean energy upgrade and the installation of heat pumps, constituted some of the high impact actions that earned the additional points needed to win the grant.
When asked why New Lebanon was able to punch so far above its weight in completing the actions necessary to meet NYSERDA’s challenges, Chair Steve Powers attributed it to the motivation and dedication of the CSC Taskforce.
Its members have found a variety of practical ways to achieve climate goals, such as restoring and distributing old bikes, running repair cafes, collecting food scraps from local restaurants, and keeping an informational table at the Town’s farmers’ market. The cooperation and support of Town officials, led by Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling, has also been key.