DRYDEN, NY (607NewsNow) – The state has recognized two Tompkins County municipalities.

On July 10, the DEC announced that the Town of Dryden is one of three to achieve a silver-level Climate Smart Community certification, which is the highest. Dryden is just one of 21 municipalities to reach silver-level status across the state.

“Achieving New York State Silver Climate Smart Community Certification is a proud moment for the Town of Dryden, which has a long history of environmental advocacy,” stated Town Supervisor Jason Leifer. “We thank our Climate Smart Coordinator and the volunteers on the Climate Smart Task Force, and all the town staff who worked on the high-impact actions that have helped our town reduce its carbon footprint and prepare for the effects of climate change.”

In this round of certification, the Village of Lansing was one of three new municipalities in New York to achieve bronze-level status, totaling 148.

“I applaud the commitment and accomplishments of the newest six certified Climate Smart Communities as they work to inspire others across the state to take action to mitigate and adapt to climate change at the local level,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “New York’s more than 160 certified Climate Smart 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 and the costly climate impacts amidst proposals to slash environmental protections at the federal level.”

The state’s interagency Climate Smart program recognizes actions that demonstrate active advancements of local climate action. Certified communities that successfully work to reach New York’s climate goals have a competitive edge when applying for climate change mitigation funding.

At the county level, Tompkins County is certified silver.

Find out more about the program here.