New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced a total of 26 communities are newly certified under New York State’s Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program for helping to save energy, reduce flood risk, address extreme heat, and develop other plans to demonstrate climate leadership.

“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 Commissioner 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.”