Although it is a global problem requiring large-scale solutions, we as Long Islanders cannot afford to ignore the climate crisis. We are blessed to live on a beautiful island, but it is up to us to ensure we preserve it as a sustainable community for generations to come. That’s why I was proud to stand with Senator Todd Kaminsky recently to announce that Nassau County has just joined New York’s Climate Smart Communities Program, which will help us adopt a series of “Climate Smart” goals and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment.
This is an opportunity for Nassau County. Supporting the green innovation economy won’t just help keep our water and air clean – it will save our taxpayers money while providing exciting and good-paying jobs for our residents.
The Climate Smart Communities program helps local governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions through free technical assistance and grants for sustainability efforts, including rebates for electric vehicles. As a member of this program, we will now take an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions to establish concrete reduction goals for County government operations. This will help us keep the momentum in our comprehensive effort to build a sustainable Long Island. Our pledge will result in reduced energy usage overall, which also means savings for taxpayers.
Efficiency is our goal, and so we will seek to meet or exceed LEED standards for new County facilities. My proposed 2020 Capital Plan includes a feasibility study to install solar generation on County properties and buildings to increase our use of renewable energy and wane our demand for fossil fuels.
We’re looking at ways to promote greener transportation options, including reducing single-occupancy vehicle travel, supporting emerging technology and renewable fuel vehicles.
Nassau County’s Department of Public Works is working to provide electric vehicle charging stations at County buildings and properties for public use. The 2020 Capital Plan will help us determine whether to convert several county fleets to electric vehicles in an effort to curb our emissions.
The County will also reevaluate our open spaces to ensure we’re doing everything possible to protect water quality and biodiversity. We will begin investing in green infrastructure, whether it’s for parks, pools, beaches, boating, bike paths or golf courses.
We need an all-of-the-above approach. The safety of our residents is my first priority, and after Sandy’s aftermath, Long Islanders don’t need another reminder of the danger extreme weather can cause. We’re taking flood-risk mitigation seriously. Across the board, my Administration is working to increase coastal resiliency and improve key infrastructure in vulnerable areas. In support of this goal, the County’s Office of Emergency Management has kicked off a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan five-year update to protect our most vulnerable areas.
We will continue promoting the efficiency of reuse and recycling, as well as developing new ways to reduce solid waste generation. The County also plans to establish public awareness campaigns about its green initiatives and encourage residents to be more environmentally responsible.
Above all, we must see being “Climate Smart” as an opportunity for Nassau County. We’re investing more than ever in the green innovation economy, as Long Island has become the epicenter of the research and development dedicated to solving pressing environmental challenges at home and abroad. That means more good-paying jobs in sustainable industries for our residents, and cleaner water and cleaner air for generations to come. We will continue to strive towards this critical goal, and being “Climate Smart” will ensure we keep our momentum going.
Laura Curran
Nassau County Executive
