Welcome

to the Tompkins County Climate Protection Initiative

First County in the Southern Tier

Tompkins County has been recognized for its commitment to reduce energy consumption, cut costs and drive clean energy in its communities.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority has designated Tompkins County a Clean Energy Community, the first county in the Southern Tier to earn the title.

Tompkins County now has an opportunity to apply for up to $250,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share. The county received the designation for completing four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative.

The $16 million Clean Energy Communities initiative was launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo the past August and supports local government leaders across the state to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable development projects in their communities. The Clean Energy Standard mandate requires 50 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable energy resources by 2030.

Tompkins County received the designation for completing four of 10 high-impact clean energy actions identified by NYSERDA as part of the Clean Energy Communities initiative. In addition, the designation gives Tompkins County an opportunity to apply for up to $250,000 toward additional clean energy projects, with no local cost share.

Tompkins County completed the following high-impact clean energy actions:
  • Established an Energize NY Finance Program that enables long-term, affordable Property Assessed Clean Energy financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at commercial buildings and not-for-profits
  • Purchased five plug-in hybrid vehicles to use as part of the county fleet
  • Earned Climate Smart Communities Certification through the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for developing a comprehensive program to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the environment
  • Established a community-based Solarize campaign to reduce solar project costs through joint purchasing. The campaign resulted in 355 installations.


- Matt Weinstein, Ithaca Journal, 4/20/17

Tompkins Named Clean Energy Community

309 North Aurora Street | Ithaca, NY 14850 | info@tccpi.org