Town Of Mamaroneck Declares Climate Emergency

MAMARONECK, NY — The Town of Mamaroneck has declared a climate emergency, just weeks after historic flooding wreaked havoc in the region.

On November 17, the Mamaroneck Town Board adopted a Climate Emergency Declaration, following the lead of Westchester County and the City of New Rochelle. New Rochelle and Westchester County officials adopted similar declarations earlier this year.

The emergency actions call for "an immediate emergency mobilization to restore a safe climate."

The Town of Mamaroneck has been a leader on this front for a number of years. The town has been certified by New York State as a Climate Smart Community and a Clean Energy Community. Earlier this year, the Town of Mamaroneck opened enrollment in a one-of-a-kind community solar farm on the roof of the Hommocks Rink.

"Town of Mamaroneck recognizes the local adverse impacts of climate change, most recently from the widespread, large-scale and costly damages due to storms Henri and Ida, and the need for local action to reduce flooding, extreme heat health risks, greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, sewer system ground water infiltration, waste management emissions and costs, residential insurance costs and to improve air quality and Clean Emergency Power Production," the declaration reads, in part.

Larchmont now joins 2,043 jurisdictions in 37 countries who have also declared a climate emergency. The declaration calls for Mamaroneck to examine all laws, budgets and planned activities with the climate crisis in mind.

"It's important for local governments to recognize our responsibility and opportunity to combat climate change to protect our communities," Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson said in a statement announcing the emergency declaration. "We look to improve community outreach and education and look to secure funding sources to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Town of Mamaroneck."

Seligson thanked the Town’s environmental committee and the Sustainability Collaborative. The town supervisor singled out committee member Beth Radow, for bringing this declaration to the attention of the town board.

"Preserving earth’s habitats calls on all of us to act with purpose," Radow said lauding the board's adoption of the emergency declaration. "Our local government, by enacting this legislation, has demonstrated the responsible leadership needed to take effective action."

The Town of Mamaroneck Climate Crisis Declaration calls on government officials, the private sector and residents to take specific steps to help stave off and prepare for climate disaster. The full resolution can be found here.

"The Sustainability Collaborative wrote the first Sustainability and Resiliency Plan for the Town and looks forward to updating the plan to reflect the growing crisis and assisting the Board in formulating the Town’s Climate Emergency Response," Sustainability Collaborative Chair Mitch Green said.

More information about the Sustainability Collaborative which advises the Town on environmental issues, can be found here.

SEE ALSO:

• Solar Panels For Mamaroneck Apartments Will Use Hockey Rink Roof
• Adjust Antenna For The Mamaroneck HS Bee Team's Broadcast Debut
• Solar Grid On Hommocks Hockey Rink Expands To Include More Homes
• New Rochelle Officially Declares Climate Emergency
• S. Westchester Flood Crisis Stretches First Responders: Photos