Sustainability
Nyack's Commitment to Sustainability
Nyack is a local leader on climate action and is committed to protecting the environment through planning, policy, and practice. The Village established the role of Sustainability Coordinator and joined the Climate Smart Communities program in 2013 to organize these efforts, and since then, dedicated volunteers and Village staff have worked together to address climate change and other environmental challenges through local action. These municipally-led efforts support and complement private efforts by households and businesses – installing solar panels, LED lights and energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling, backyard composting, curbside recycling, planting trees and much more.
Nyack 2030 is an initiative of the Village of Nyack and community partners, addressing the climate crisis locally and forging a path to a resilient and sustainable future. With support from, the schools, library, businesses, houses of worship, civic organizations, nonprofits and individuals we will reduce greenhouse emissions 75% from our 2018 emissions by 2030 and create a foundation for a sustainable future. Visit the Nyack 2030 website here!
Current Projects
Click on a project for a link to more information
Installation of New Municipal EV Charging Stations
Nyack 2030 Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Inventories
With extensive input from across the community and Village of Nyack staff, Nyack developed a detailed, user-friendly roadmap for climate action in 2023, with a set of goals and milestones for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change by 2030. The emissions reductions goals are based on greenhouse gas inventories for government operations and the community.
The inventories of greenhouse gas emissions from the community and government operations provide the benchmarks by which we can measure our progress reducing emissions via the Nyack 2030 Climate Action Plan. Click HERE to read the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report.
This $30,000 project was funded in part by The Climate Smart Community Grant Program, Title 15 of the Environmental Protection Fund through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
The Nyack Climate Smart Committee organizes the Village's participation in NYS programs and other initiatives. The committee’s leaders coordinate collaboration among Village officials, departments, boards, committee and community groups to advance the Village's sustainability agenda. Working Groups on Energy, Transportation, Waste, and Natural Resources plan and implement projects following the action agenda laid out in the Nyack 2030 Climate Action Plan.
The Village made the pledge to become a Climate Smart Community in 2013. Nyack was the first community in Rockland County to achieve Bronze certification in the program and the first to be designated a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community. The Village recently received the Climate Stalwart Award from the Hudson Valley Regional Council for its longstanding commitment to sustainability work.
To learn more see the project website and Facebook pages (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) and to get involved contact co-chairs:
Marcy Denker 845-709-9869 mbdenker@gmail.com
Steve Cea (973) 670-2696 scea2014@gmail.com
Accomplishments
Climate Smart Communities Bronze Certification 2019. Recertified April 2024.
Nyack 2030 Climate Action Plan (Adopted January 2024)
Climate Stalwart Award from Hudson Valley Regional Council 2023
100% Renewable Energy for Residents and Small Businesses with Rockland Community Power
100% Renewable Energy Contract signed for 2023-2024 for Village owned and operated buildings.
Leaf Blower Ordinance: The law initiated a permanent year-round ban as of 2024.
NY Stretch Code Adoption 2022: Ensures new construction in Nyack complies with energy efficiency standards
Nyack Tree Project
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$40,000 in donations for tree plantings
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$60,000 grant for professional tree inventory and maintenance
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400 street trees planted since 2016
Nyack Pollinator Pathway: Nyack supports the Nyack Pollinator Pathways in planting of pollinator-friendly planting beds in the downtown area, Memorial Park and Nyack Marina.
Food Scrap Recycling: Nyack established a satellite drop-off location at Nyack DPW for the Orangetown Food Scrap Recycling Program.
LED Streetlight Conversion: Nyack converted all its streetlights to LEDs to save on energy costs and consumption, and therefore GHG emissions.
Interior LED Lights at Nyack Water Treatment Plant, DPW and most of Village Hall
Low-Carbon Concrete included in bid request for Burd Street and Broadway sidewalk projects scheduled for 2023.
Designated member of NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities since 2019
Sustainability Update to Comprehensive Master Plan 2016
Sustainable Nyack Action Plan 2015-16
Flextech Study of Village Hall and Nyack Water Plant
Curbside Recycling Program – in partnership with Rockland Green and Capasso Carting
Leaf Pickup – all leaves and green waste composted at Rockland Green
Nyack 2030 Climate Action Plan click here
Nyack Climate Smart Committee Members
Marcy Denker and Steve Cea, Co-Chairs
Andrew Goodwillie
Andy Stewart
Christina Leano
Doug Kaufman
Frankie Lede
Glenn Sungela
Harry Vetter
Ian Graham
Jim Wilcox
Joel Newton
John Cavuoto
Kathy Galione
Kathy Schwarz
Kier Levesque
Liz McGrory
Maegan Ciolino
Pearl Gray
Peggy Kurtz
Rachel Lovell
Rosemary Farrell
Shelley Kaufman
Taylor Mandelbaum
Tristan Schwartzman
Yvonne Rode
Climate Smart Committee Meeting Minutes