BETHEL — During his presentation at the July 24 Bethel Town Board meeting, Chair of the Sustainable Bethel Committee Jeff Allison, with the aid of charts and a brochure, explained the initiatives taken by the town to address the climate crisis. Initially designed by the Town Supervisor, it led to the adoption of the Climate Smart Community (CSC) pledge in 2013, and within five years, CSC initiatives achieved a Bronze Star certification in 2018.

The committee is composed of Moreen Lerner as Climate Smart Community coordinator, Roger Broome, Vicky Simpson, Jen Young and Michael Chojnicki. In the past 11 years it has focused on the municipal government’s portion of its mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which led to a full transition to LED street lights (2021), energy audits to assess the town’s use of energy, the building of and full subscription to a solar array (initiated in 2017), installation of an EV charging station (2017), and adoption of green building standards for government buildings. It designed the new town hall to passive house standards and designed a new highway barn to energy efficient standards. It also adopted the NYS Stretch Code, which created zoning codes to protect natural resource areas.

Now, in 2024, the committee is focusing on helping Bethel residents reduce emissions, primarily in the categories of transportation and in homes. Studies show that these sectors emit the greatest portion of our GHG (Greenhouse gases), at 51 percent and 26 percent, respectively. The data, which also showed that the commercial sector’s emissions were nine percent and agriculture’s six percent, was derived by the Hudson Valley Regional Council using measurements of metric tons of carbon dioxide calculated in 2021, the most accurate data thus far, found in source documents. 

Current goals are ambitious; seeking 160 solar sign-ups, 35 clean heating installations and the purchase of 70 electric vehicles. Other plans involve working with the Comprehensive Plan Committee to include sustainable elements, the creation of a Green Building Ordinance and assessing and adapting to climate vulnerability.

Future goals include more EV charging stations, regulations on multifamily dwellings, increased public transportation, improvements to walking and biking paths, encouragement of carpooling, heating and cooling efficiencies for homes and businesses and the possibilities of geothermal energy.

Zoning improvements include the goal of a watershed plan to mitigate flooding, and a complete inventory of the watershed area. Water sources will be assessed and protection plans for fresh water implemented.

Sustainable landscape design using native plants, a natural resources inventory and zoning to protect riparian buffers are also projected. Composting, waste recycling and a community repair program are considerations as well.

The committee has received grants of $10,000 from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) to fully subscribe the solar array. (Future subscriptions by residents will be allocated among available local sources of solar energy.) NYSERDA grants of $15,000-$97,000 are part of the committee’s current aspirations. 

A Community Action Plan includes presence at the Saturday Farmers’ Market in Kauneonga Lake to gather public interest and supply residents with information about how they can participate.