The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced six new certified Climate Smart Communities, with three earning the program’s highest “silver” designation for their efforts to combat climate change.

The town of Bethlehem, town of Dryden, and village of Nyack were newly certified at the silver level, joining just 18 other communities across the state with that distinction. Meanwhile, the village of Clayton, village of Lansing, and Warren County received bronze certification.

“These communities are essential partners in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and helping boost resilience as our state faces more and more extreme weather,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program was established in 2009 to help local governments take measurable action against climate change. To earn certification, communities must form task forces, complete greenhouse gas inventories, and implement mitigation and adaptation strategies.

More than 445 local governments have taken the initial pledge to join the CSC program. Of those, 148 have reached bronze status and 21 are now silver certified.

DEC and NYSERDA, through their Clean Energy Communities program, continue to support municipalities with grants, training, and tools to help reduce emissions and strengthen infrastructure.

“This recognition underscores the importance of our ambitious sustainability efforts,” said Bethlehem Town Supervisor David VanLuven. “Climate change is affecting all of our lives, and we need to work together both to adapt to it and to take substantive actions to reduce it.”

Applications for the current round of CSC grants, which offer $22 million in funding for projects like flood reduction and electric vehicle infrastructure, are open through July 31.

Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad).