Erie County and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) have announced the development of a Climate Action and Sustainability Plan for internal county operations which is expected to save more than $700,000 in energy costs and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 5,300 metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2020, equivalent to taking 925 cars off the road.

The project advances Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (“REV”) strategy to build an energy system that is clean, resilient and affordable for all New Yorkers, and includes the State's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. This project also supports New York's Clean Energy Standard, an aggressive, nation-leading mandate to obtain 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy resources by 2030. As energy use is reduced in buildings, fewer renewable energy resources will be needed to reach the 50 percent goal.

To meet its sustainability goals, Erie County has developed a "Green Team" comprised of representatives from various county departments to identify energy conservation and waste reduction projects and to closely track energy use and cost savings resulting from environmentally friendly practices. Through the Green Team, the county has already begun implementing cost- and energy-saving measures such as a paper reduction contest and recycling expansion throughout county buildings.

"The Climate Action and Sustainability Plan is a sensible step forward for our county and will help to reduce our energy usage and costs along with also reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. "The Erie County Green team, representing all branches of county government as well as every county department, has been at the forefront of a complete overhaul of county energy issues as we develop a future energy plan that is sustainable, effective, and conservation-minded."

NYSERDA provided $250,000 from the Cleaner, Greener Communities initiative to support the training of the "Green Team" and to develop the county sustainability plan. Cleaner, Greener Communities is a major statewide initiative encouraging communities to incorporate sustainability goals and principles into local decision-making and then form partnerships to transform these goals into economic development projects.

"Although the Green Team was championed by County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz in his Initiatives for a Smart Economy, all county offices have been invited to participate - including the Sheriff, Clerk, District Attorney and Legislature. The commitment and enthusiasm from the Green Team members has been remarkable," said Erie County Commissioner of Environment and Planning Thomas R. Hersey Jr.

"Erie County's development of a comprehensive Climate Action and Sustainability Plan will help create a pathway to energy savings that reduce costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and create jobs," said NYSERDA President and CEO John Rhodes. "Sustainable communities are essential to meeting Governor Cuomo's energy goals and to growing New York's clean energy economy."

To build on the Cleaner, Greener Communities initiative, Governor Cuomo in August announced the Clean Energy Communities program with $16 million available to help local governments implement clean energy actions, save energy costs, create jobs and improve the environment. For more information, see Clean Energy Communities.

The final Erie County plan will summarize results of greenhouse gas emission inventories, set short-term and long-term energy goals, define new operations policies and changes to existing policies, identify implementation strategies and projects, present a detailed timeline for implementation and identify funding opportunities. Once the plan is completed, it will be submitted to the Erie County Legislature for incorporation into the Framework for Regional Growth, which serves as the County's Comprehensive Plan.

For more information:

On the Erie County Department of Environment and planning, visit http://www2.erie.gov/environment/

About NYSERDA:

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. About Reforming the Energy Vision: Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York's Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50% of the state's electricity needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600% growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.