{"id":81727,"date":"2017-06-13T03:28:12","date_gmt":"2017-06-13T07:28:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=81727"},"modified":"2017-06-12T20:38:32","modified_gmt":"2017-06-13T00:38:32","slug":"madison-county-earns-clean-energy-community-designation-for-commitment-to-cut-costs-reduce-energy-consumption","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=81727","title":{"rendered":"Madison County earns Clean Energy Community designation for commitment to cut costs, reduce energy consumption"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Madison County today announced\u00a0it has been designated a Clean Energy Community by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, recognizing its leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy locally.<\/p>\n

Announced by Governor Cuomo in August, the $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative supports local government leaders across the State to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. Clean Energy Communities advances the Governor\u2019s Reforming the Energy strategy by demonstrating the importance of communities in helping New York reach its Clean Energy Standard of 50 percent of the state\u2019s electricity coming from renewable energy resources by 2030.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Madison County received the designation for completing 4 of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. In addition, the designation gives Madison County an opportunity to apply for up to $250,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadison County serves as an important role model for other local governments across the state that want to reduce energy costs and take control of their clean energy future,\u201d said John B. Rhodes, President and CEO, NYSERDA. \u201cCommunities play an essential role in achieving Governor Cuomo\u2019s clean energy strategy by reducing their carbon footprint and encouraging energy efficiency throughout their building stock.\u201d<\/p>\n

John Salka, Chairman of the Madison County Public Utility Service Committee said: \u201cMadison County has long prided itself as a leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency.\u00a0 The Clean Energy Communities Designation is the result of a number of Madison County departments working cooperatively to implement actions and strategies that have a positive impact on the environment.\u00a0 Designation through NYSERDA\u2019s Clean Energy Communities Program is an honor and Madison County is proud to be one of only a handful of entities in Central New York to receive this designation.\u201d<\/p>\n

John M. Becker, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors said: \u201cStewardship of our beautiful landscape and abundant natural resources has always been a focus in Madison County. We are proud to be designated as one of the first Clean Energy Communities in Central New York because it acknowledges the hard work, innovative thinking, and collaboration amongst County staff, partner agencies and residents. This designation reflects our deep commitment to environmental stewardship for generations to come\u201d<\/p>\n

To earn the Clean Energy Community designation, Madison County completed the following high-impact clean energy actions:<\/p>\n