The impact of human actions on the global climate is now past debate. New evidence of a warming climate emerges with regularity, and the effects of these changes are potentially catastrophic. Encouraging smart growth policies and improving mass transit will have a positive impact on controlling climate change.

However, municipalities can directly act to control climate change by improving energy efficiency both in buildings and vehicles. Americans consume enormous amounts of energy, with consumption projected to increase in the future at an unsustainable rate.

Reducing energy use will control greenhouse gases and greatly improve our environment. Local governments can take the lead in reducing energy usage by encouraging conservation both within their own facilities and in private homes and businesses.

NYLCVEF encourages the city of Yonkers to take clear steps to reduce its carbon footprint:

• Develop clear and attainable targets for reducing the city's energy usage and carbon footprint. This action plan should be developed within the next year and should include reasonable deadlines and comprehensive metrics that will allow the public to measure the city's progress towards achieving its goals. Key components of the plan should include:
• Adopt necessary local ordinances to require a reduction in municipal energy usage.
• Develop a mechanism for regular reporting on the progress of the city's efforts to reduce its own energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• Conduct energy audits of municipal facilities and municipal agencies no later than December 2009 and make the findings public.
• Conduct a citywide carbon survey no later than December 2009 and make the results public.
• Require all new vehicles purchased by the city after December 31, 2008 to be hybrids.
• Purchase only Energy-Star rated equipment.
• Adopt green building standards for all new construction projects and create incentives for the construction of energy efficient and environmentally friendly private homes and commercial properties. Specifically, the city should:
• Update city building and electrical codes to require energy efficient appliances and construction techniques.
• Incorporate a review of proposed projects' energy consumption into the land use approval process.
• Create and fund a city office devoted to encouraging homeowners to make their homes environmentally friendly.

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