ALBANY — The Town of Bethlehem has achieved silver certification in New York State’s Climate Smart Communities program, the highest level of recognition awarded by the state to municipalities advancing comprehensive climate action.
The announcement, made Wednesday by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, places Bethlehem among just 21 communities statewide to earn silver status since the program’s certification initiative began in 2014. The town joins Dryden in Tompkins County and the Village of Nyack in Rockland County as the latest municipalities to receive this designation.
“The Climate Smart Communities Silver Certification underscores the importance of our ambitious sustainability efforts,” said 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. Clearly, Bethlehem has been a leader of both fronts, and we are committed to continuing this important work.”
The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program, established in 2009 and led by DEC with support from state agencies including NYSERDA and the Department of State, encourages local governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and build resilience to climate impacts. Communities accumulate points toward certification by completing a range of actions, such as developing greenhouse gas inventories, adopting clean energy practices, and implementing sustainability policies.
Bethlehem’s certification recognizes a wide range of initiatives, including its expanded municipal composting operation, creation of a native plant demonstration garden, and investments in energy-efficient infrastructure and sustainable land use planning. The active Climate Smart task force, comprised of staff and community volunteers, has helped guide and implement many of these actions.
“Earning status as a Silver Certified Climate Smart Community demonstrates that when the Town of Bethlehem commits to climate action, we deliver – thanks to the unstoppable dedication of our volunteers and staff,” said Town Board member Maureen Cunningham. “We’re not stopping here – we’re ready to keep raising the bar for a more sustainable future.”
To date, 445 municipalities across New York have pledged to become Climate Smart Communities, with 148 certified bronze and only 21 achieving silver status. Certification is supported by state programs such as NYSERDA’s Clean Energy Communities initiative and DEC’s Climate Smart Communities Grant Program, which offer technical guidance, financial assistance, and recognition for environmental leadership.
Town Board member David DeCancio emphasized the long-term importance of Bethlehem’s actions. “The actions we take today shape the world our children and grandchildren will call home,” he said. “Creating a sustainable community isn’t just a goal—it’s a promise to future generations and our shared responsibility.”
In May, DEC announced $22 million in new grants to support local climate action projects, including flood mitigation, food waste reduction, and zero-emission infrastructure. Applications for this funding round are due by Thursday, July 31.
Bethlehem’s silver certification affirms its role as a regional leader in sustainability and underscores its commitment to addressing the climate crisis through local, measurable action.
