Written by Deputy County Executive Lisa Chimera
April 22 is Earth Day, a reminder that we all have the ability to make positive changes for our environment and the planet we call home. Erie County has made a commitment to addressing climate change and creating a more sustainable region. This work is anchored by the Community Climate Action Plan (“CCAP”), which was implemented two years ago this March.
Since implementation, the CCAP has been a vital tool in establishing the county’s path toward cutting climate-harming emissions while strengthening community resilience. As we celebrate the second anniversary of the CCAP, I want to share some of the accomplishments and benefits outlined in the annual climate action update.
- Erie County Low Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) is making electric bills more affordable for over 2,300 low-income households through community solar. Over the 25-year life span of these solar projects, the subscribers enrolled last year are projected to save $7.6 million while avoiding 68,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
- The county has implemented 160 building performance projects and $16 million in investments to improve energy performance of the County’s buildings. These modernizations do more than just lower emissions; they address critical maintenance issues while significantly improving comfort and health for both employees and the public.
- The compost site established at the Alden Correctional Facility saves the Sheriff’s Office $20,000 annually by reducing waste pickups. It has now expanded to include food waste collection from other county buildings and partnerships with municipalities to collect residential food waste.
- Using federal funding, the Parks Department developed a salvage nursery with 500 trees and partnered with the Sheriff’s Office to provide tree care training to incarcerated individuals. This project also involves partnerships with several community organizations to plant trees in our urban communities.
These initiatives have also helped the county realize financial benefits, achieving $7.5 million in cost savings, $1.2 million in awards, $1 million in rebates and $23.6 million in competitive state and federal grants since 2020. To read the full report, visit: https://www3.erie.gov/environment/climate-action-and-sustainability.
The spring season also brings the return of Erie County’s rain barrel and compost bin sale. In partnership with the Western New York Stormwater Coalition, we encourage households to reduce their environmental footprint through water conservation and reduced fertilizer use. For details and ordering information please visit: www.erie.compostersale.com.
The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning will hold a paint collection event in the City of Buffalo on Saturday, April 18. This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and get a jump-start on spring cleaning. Registration can be completed online at www.erie.gov/recycling or by calling (716) 858-6800. Appointments are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
As we head into spring, I invite everyone to get out and enjoy our Erie County Parks. As always, our Park Rangers have been hard at work planning adventures and activities for residents of all ages. I wish everyone a great start to spring and a very Happy Earth Day!
