East Hudson Valley News

Dutchess County has been awarded New York State’s highest Climate Smart Community honor for its efforts in environmental preservation and climate action. Earlier this month, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) certified Dutchess County as a “Silver” Climate Smart Community (CSC), the highest-level award available. Only 17 communities statewide, including just six counties, have earned the Silver distinction.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino commented on the achievement: “Earning this Silver Certification is a significant milestone that demonstrates Dutchess County’s commitment to a cleaner and greener community for this and future generations. This was achieved by developing practical goals and executing action plans that deliver real results. We are grateful to all who have helped Dutchess County earn this recognition – our County employees, our dedicated Climate Smart Task Force volunteers, and of course, our residents – together, we are continuing to make our environment healthy for our children and their children.”

To qualify for Silver Certification, a local government must complete a minimum of six “priority actions” and earn at least 300 points. Dutchess County’s application exceeded these requirements by achieving 10 priority actions and 326 points.

Recent accomplishments contributing to this certification include launching the County’s Natural Resources Inventory website and Environmental Mapper application earlier this year to support land-use planning and conservation efforts; publishing the County’s first greenhouse gas emissions inventory report; and adopting a climate action plan for County Government operations.

These newer initiatives complement established efforts such as triannual Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling collection events, environmental education programs, ongoing energy efficiency upgrades, and installations like a 1.6-megawatt solar array at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport and electric vehicle charging stations throughout the county.

Dutchess County’s environmental commitment continues with several recent initiatives under its newly adopted Climate Action Plan. These include:

- A methane emissions study at the closed municipal landfill at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger. If appropriate, biofilters will be installed to significantly reduce methane emissions. This project is funded by a $3 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Climate Pollution Reduction” grant recently awarded to the Hudson Valley Regional Council.

- A composting program grant supporting local municipalities and public school districts in providing composting opportunities for residents with funding toward purchasing an in-vessel composting machine or establishing a food scrap drop-off site program.

The county has collaborated with local organizations such as the Hudson Valley Regional Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County on many of these projects.

Devin Rigolino, Dutchess County’s Environmental Program Director and Climate Smart Coordinator, said: “Dutchess County’s longstanding commitment to environmental preservation has evolved into a comprehensive strategy for climate adaptation and mitigation. We have established a strong cohort model with our community partners – enabling us to take on large projects like our Natural Resources Inventory and the methane emissions study/biofilter project. While Silver certification is the highest level awarded, we will keep the bar set high and continue our collective efforts to advance and achieve the county’s sustainability goals.”

Local residents are encouraged to participate in environmental protection efforts through various county programs such as safe disposal of hazardous household materials at upcoming events or participating in art challenges aimed at recycling.

For more information on Dutchess County’s environmental initiatives, visit the county's Environment webpage.