NEW CASTLE (February 11, 2008) New Castle will be among the first municipalities in the state to adopt a new resolution pledging to reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to a changing climate. The resolution is on the agenda for tomorrow night’s Town Board meeting at 7:45 p.m. in the Town Hall Assembly Room.

In crafting this resolution, the Town worked with Governor Spitzer's new Office of Climate Change housed at the Department of Environmental Conservation and the DEC regional office staff.

The 10 measures in the resolution include a commitment to encourage renewable energy; realizing the benefits of recycling; and incorporate climate change, sustainability, and environmental goods and services into any economic development plans the Town may adopt.

“We need to adopt measures to help our community adapt to the changes we are seeing already and we need to enact policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Supervisor Barbara Gerrard.

Going forward, New Castle will work closely with the state's Office of Climate Change which has pledged to support to keep the costs of this effort to a minimum. “We are fortunate that they have a whole section that is dedicated to assisting communities like New Castle as we grapple with the causes and effects of climate change,” Gerrard said.

By partnering with the state, New Castle will have access to the Office of Climate Change's technical staff of engineers, economists, and researchers. They’ll help assist the Town through the process, and possibly help secure funding necessary for the measures the Town commits to adopt.

Gerrard is looking forward to all residents taking part in this initiative, commenting, “We have the political will to tackle global climate change. As the scientists remind us every day, there is not a moment to waste. Let's take advantage of the state's resources and let's get to work.”

Climate Smart Community Pledge

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of New Castle believes that climate change poses a real and increasing threat to our local and global environments and that it is primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels; and

WHEREAS, we believe that climate change may endanger our economy and livelihoods, harm our farms, orchards, forests and fisheries, spread invasive species and exotic diseases, reduce drinking water supplies, and pose health threats to our citizens; and

WHEREAS, we believe that our response to climate change provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to build livable, energy- independent and secure communities, vibrant innovation economies, healthy and safe schools, and resilient infrastructures; and

WHEREAS, we believe the scale of greenhouse gas emissions reductions required for climate stabilization will require sustained and substantial efforts; and

WHEREAS, we believe that even were emissions dramatically reduced today, communities would still be required to adapt to the effects of climate change for decades to come,

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Town of New Castle pledges to pursue the following measures in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate:

Pledge to Combat Climate Change

1. Establish a task force of Town and other local officials and community members to review the issues and create a plan of action. Designate a point person who will oversee climate change initiatives and publicly report on progress in twelve months. Encourage the Town's task force to work cooperatively with similar task forces in neighboring communities to ensure that the Town's and the neighboring communities' efforts complement and reinforce one another and to extend the reach of successful practices. As an official signal of commitment and for access to resources, sign on to a widespread climate campaign such a Cities for Climate Protection Campaign U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement Inventory Emissions, Set Goals, and Move to Action Gather data, inventory greenhouse gas emissions, and establish baselines. Develop short- and medium-term targets to achieve long-term goals and propose a schedule to successfully meet those objectives.

2. Develop an explicit long-term financing strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by a specified date. Include opportunities for stakeholder and public input and include the other elements of this agenda in the action plan. Report emissions to The Climate Registry, which is developing a standardized method for energy inventories, and use the tools provided to track and evaluate progress. Celebrate progress.

3. Decrease Energy Demand in Municipal Operations

Strive to reduce electricity use by 15 percent from projected levels no later than 2015, the current New York State government goal.

A. Existing Public Facilities Inventory current building usage and identify opportunities for conservation and efficiency retrofits. Perform energy audits with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) or other professional assistance. Consider actions such as purchasing only Energy Star equipment and appliances to the extent consistent with General Municipal Law §103; improving lighting, heating, and cooling efficiency; setting thermostats for maximum energy conservation; and increasing pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems.

B. New Public Buildings Achieve minimum U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards (LEED Silver) for all new Town buildings.

C. Vehicle Fleet and Commuting Improve the average fuel efficiency of Town fleet vehicles. Consider reducing the number of vehicles; discouraging vehicle idling; converting fleet vehicles to sustainably sourced alternative fuels; using electric vehicles where possible; and encouraging bicycling, car-pooling and public transit for employees, and bussing for school children.

4. Encourage Renewable Energy

To the extent feasible and consistent with law, supply as much of the Town's power needs as possible from solar, wind, and small hydro through direct generation or purchase and evaluate benefits of investing in 'green tags' or carbon offsets for that portion of municipal power coming from nonrenewable sources. Set a goal of 25 percent of public energy use from renewable sources by 2013, the current New York State government goal. Work with State agencies and our elected representatives to facilitate the Town's purchase of renewable energy consistent with General Municipal Law §103 and to authorize the Town to invest in a 'green tags' or carbon offsets consistent with Article III, §1 of the State Constitution. Consider facilitating renewable power development.

5. Realize Benefits of Recycling

Expand the 'reduce, reuse and recycle' approach to waste management in Town operations and the whole community. Reduce the amount of solid waste generated. Consider actions such as instituting a volume-based municipal solid waste management system, providing adequate recycling receptacles in all Town buildings and outdoor spaces, implementing a municipal organic waste composting program for yard and food waste, requiring duplex printing in Town offices, and adopting a comprehensive green purchasing program to the extent feasible and consistent with law.

6. Integrate Climate Protection into Community Planning

In any update of land use policies, building codes or community plans, include provisions to combat climate change, while also reducing sprawl, preserving and protecting open space, biodiversity, aquifers and historic buildings, and creating compact, walkable communities. Maintain or establish healthy community forests, promote best management practices and encourage tree planting, especially along waterways, to increase shading and to absorb CO2. Begin conversion of Town grounds to sustainable landscapes.

7. Support a Green Innovation Economy

Identify opportunities to incorporate climate protection, sustainability and environmental goods and service industries, which are growing parts of the global economy, into any economic development plans, the Town might adopt.

8. Inform and Inspire the Public

Lead by example. Highlight Town commitment to reducing energy use, saving tax dollars, and adapting to changing conditions. Demonstrate the benefits of energy savings, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects. This could include hosting open houses; distributing fliers; holding town meetings; working with local school districts, colleges, and universities to develop climate change curricula and programs; engaging faith-based communities in climate protection; and regularly communicating community goals and progress to constituents.

9. Evaluate Risks and Plan for Adaptation

Identify climate change impacts that could affect the community, including flooding, drought, and extreme temperatures. Identify areas such as water supply and sewer infrastructure that may be at risk due to sea-level rise and future changes in climate. Factor risks into long-term investments and decision making. Execute climate change adaptation and preparedness measures through Town government planning, development and operations, and prioritization of the most vulnerable local areas.

10. Commit to an Evolving Process

Acknowledge that research and policy on climate protection are constantly improving and evolving. Be willing to consider new ideas and innovations and commit to adapt plans and policies as needed. Compare successes and cooperate with neighboring communities to redirect less-effective actions and amplify positive results.