Niskayuna will focus on becoming a greener community as plans to install solar panels townwide start to take shape.
At a Tuesday, July 26, Town Board meeting, a resolution adopting the Climate Smart Communities Pledge was unanimously approved. The pledge states the local government believes climate change is a real and increasing threat to the environment. The focus of the pledge is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to stabilize the climate. Following the green pledge was a resolution to authorize Supervisor Joe Landry to enter into an agreement with Monolith Solar Associates, LLC, for installation of solar panels throughout the town at no cost to taxpayers.
Mary Werner, chair of the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council, said at the meeting that similar pledges have been adopted by almost 100 communities across the state. The Schenectady County Legislature adopted the pledge in April 2009, and Werner said since then the county has taken major steps toward green initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. SCEAC’s report last year focused on climate change, which Werner said was evident.
“We did find significant evidence that [climate change] is in fact happening,” said Werner. “We look forward to having you as a partner in the Climate Smart Communities program.”
Councilwoman Denise Murphy McGraw sponsored the resolution to take the pledge, and she said she appreciated members of the public coming to show their support.
“To have the support of the community members who came out tonight to give up an evening to talk about it, it means the world to me,” said McGraw. “I know that this is a very important measure for our community and for our town. I am looking forward to working on this for a long time to come.”
Landry said the pledge is something the Department of Environmental Conservation is urging municipalities to adopt, and Werner has encouraged the town to sign on.
“I encourage you now to go to the other towns,” said Landry to Werner.
The town has made a good start on its pledge by teaming up with Monolith for solar panel installation.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is being sought to fund the solar power equipment through the Solar Electric Incentive Program. In order for the town to proceed, the project must be approved by NYSERDA for funding. Then Monolith would install the solar equipment and maintain it, and the town would receive 20 percent of the power generated. The remaining 80 percent would go to Monolith.
“We don’t have any financial obligation. They will be paying for everything,” said Landry. “This will be at no cost to the town, and we will be saving energy.”
Monolith approached the town with the proposal, and Landry said the town is always looking at alternative energy options. Also, Landry said the representatives from Monolith he’s been working with are also town residents.
“They are very excited they can work with their hometown to do this project,” he said.
After submitting a grant application to NYSERDA, it takes around 30 to 45 days to get a response, said Landry. If it is approved, Landry said, the panels would probably be installed throughout town in a couple of months. The exact locations are still being discussed, but Town Hall is one proposed area.