RBA Presents Green Council Award To Clarkstown

The Rockland Business Association (RBA) presented its 2012 Green Council Award in the Government/Education category to Clarkstown on Thursday.  The Town Board accepted the award at the RBA general membership luncheon at the Comfort Inn and Suites Regency Ballroom in Nanuet. 

“I am so proud to be recognized for our efforts to make the Town more environmentally responsible,” said Supervisor Alex Gromack.  

Since 2000, Clarkstown's environmental initiatives included purchasing environmentally sound products and vehicles, partnering with environmental organizations and entering into agreements to reduce carbon emissions.  In addition to the 2011 Clarkstown Environmental Summit, the town participated in the 2012 Farm to Family Fest.    

Officials said in addition to decreasing waste and increasing efficiency of buildings and equipment, Clarkstown purchases efficient materials and products for public infrastructure projects and adopted legislative measures and programs to promote environmental stewardship and conservation.  those include its $22 million open space acquisition program and laws requiring new single family and multi-family homes be built to NYS Energy Star standards.  

In 2009, Clarkstown adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, which serves as a guide for land use decisions and policy.  The plan sets goals for open space acquisition, critical environmental areas, ridgeline protection, green building codes and water and air quality monitoring and protection.  Clarkstown received the Pace Land Use Law Center’s Founders Award for the Comprehensive Plan. 

In May of 2012, the Town received the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority’s Rockland Recycles Award in recognition of garbage and recycling program.  Currently, work is also underway to have a two mega watt solar field developed on a portion of the capped landfill in West Nyack.  

“As the future brings new environmental challenges, we will continue to work to meet them and maintain our role as a leader of environmental sustainability,” said Gromack. 

The other RBA Green Council winners were: Blue Hill Plaza for Large Company, BioHitech America for Small Company and United Hospice of Rockland for Not-For-Profit. The event was sponosred by the  Committee to Promote Volunteerism in Rockland County Emergency Services.