MAMARONECK, NY (September 23, 2025) — The Town of Mamaroneck has earned silver certification under New York State’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, joining 26 other communities recognized for their efforts to combat climate change, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced Monday during Climate Week.
The announcement, held in Kingston, highlighted seven municipalities achieving the program’s highest silver certification level, the most in a single round in the program’s history. Mamaroneck, along with Austerlitz, Montour Falls, and Rhinebeck, secured silver status for the first time, while Beacon, Hastings-on-Hudson, and Kingston were recertified at the silver level. Nineteen other communities earned bronze certification, including nine new additions.
“Certified Climate Smart Communities across the state are essential partners in implementing Governor Kathy Hochul’s resiliency and sustainability initiatives and achieving New York’s clean air, clean water, environmental justice, and climate mitigation goals,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “As New York and other states face more extreme weather and costly damages due to climate change, communities representing more than 92 percent of all New Yorkers recognize the importance of taking smart actions for a stronger, safer, more resilient future.”
Mamaroneck’s silver certification reflects its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving community resilience through actions like energy-saving initiatives and flood risk reduction. The CSC program awards points for planning and implementing such measures, with silver status marking a significant milestone for local climate leadership.
Other Westchester County communities also shone in this round, with Hastings-on-Hudson recertified as silver, and Ardsley, Pound Ridge, Sleepy Hollow, and Yonkers recertified as bronze. The village of Sea Cliff in Nassau County earned new bronze certification.
Kingston, a recertified silver community, has leveraged CSC grants for projects like $1 million for green infrastructure at Dietz Stadium, $850,000 for “complete streets” elements on Broadway, and $750,000 for Franklin Street improvements, including new sidewalks and bike lanes. “We are honored to be re-certified as a Silver Climate Smart Community,” said Kingston Mayor Steve Noble. “This program has unlocked grant funding and technical assistance that has helped us pursue many of our climate-related goals.”
Across the state, certified communities are advancing climate justice, with significant portions of Beacon (73%), Sleepy Hollow (69%), Yonkers (79%), and all of New Paltz designated as disadvantaged communities by the New York State Climate Justice Working Group. These areas benefit from local climate actions, such as Rhinebeck’s municipal compost facility and Austerlitz’s documentary, “Voices of Austerlitz,” which engaged residents on climate challenges.
The CSC program, established in 2009, supports local governments with guidance and funding through partnerships with agencies like the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). “Congratulations to these 26 municipalities that are striving to create a healthy and sustainable environment,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris.
DEC also announced proposed amendments to CSC project regulations, open for public comment from Oct. 1 to Dec. 9, 2025, to expand eligibility and align with state environmental laws. A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 2, 2025, at 2 p.m.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.