Rockland County is calling for nominations to its newly established Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Task Force, a pivotal group tasked with advancing the County’s climate goals. County Executive Ed Day, County Legislator and Environmental Committee Chair Beth Davidson, and the Rockland County Department of Planning are leading the initiative as part of the state’s Climate Smart Communities Program.
The CSC Program, a New York State initiative, assists local governments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change. Rockland County aims to secure Climate Smart Certification, a designation essential for unlocking state and federal grant funding to support sustainability priorities.
“Our participation in the Climate Smart Communities Program will enable us to protect the environment and taxpayer wallets simultaneously by identifying and implementing infrastructure and technology upgrades that reduce costs,” said County Executive Ed Day.
Role of the CSC Task Force
The CSC Task Force will play a critical role in achieving the County’s climate objectives. Its responsibilities include:
- Advising the County Executive and Legislature on climate-related initiatives.
- Collaborating with the Sustainability Coordinator to establish and meet climate-smart goals.
- Documenting actions required for Climate Smart Certification.
- Promoting initiatives such as energy-efficient building upgrades, renewable energy projects, and strategies to mitigate climate risks.
“The more climate-smart goals we achieve, the more grant funding we become eligible for, paving the way for green investments without burdening local taxpayers,” added Day.
Beyond achieving certification, the Task Force will drive green economic growth by fostering job creation, promoting innovation, and building partnerships with local businesses.
“Rockland County boasts leaders from every sector who have been pretty smart on climate issues for a long time,” said Legislator Beth Davidson. “By harnessing the knowledge and creativity of its members, this Task Force will help the County secure the funding and direction we need to build climate resilience, especially in vulnerable river towns and low-lying neighborhoods.”
Invitation to Apply
Rockland County invites applications from a diverse pool of candidates, including government officials, community members, climate and sustainability experts, business leaders, and representatives from underserved communities.
Appointments to the Task Force will be made by the County Executive and approved by the County Legislature. Meetings will initially be held quarterly, with schedules to be announced.
Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by February 18, 2024, by submitting a resume and a brief cover letter detailing their interest to sustainability@co.rockland.ny.us.
