NYS Climate Smart Community Logo
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The following is a chronology of Philmont’s participation in both programs (dates are approximate):

  • March 2019 – Designated Clean Energy Community candidate identifying four of ten “high impact actions” as: (1) Unified Solar Permit, (2) Energy Code Enforcement Training, (3) Benchmarking Municipal Buildings, and (4) Clean Energy Upgrade and associated $35,000 NY State grant. 
  • October 2019 – Climate Smart Community pledge by Village Trustees
  • March 2021 – Climate Smart Community Committee established by Village Trustees
  • September 2021 – Completed installation of two electric vehicle charging stations located in the public library parking lot.
  • October 2021 – Completed installation of LED change-out for 100% of Village streetlighting, resulting in an estimated $4,800 per year reduction in energy costs.
  • November 2021 – Official adoption of NYS Energy Stretch Code, making the Village the only municipality in Columbia County that requires further reduction in energy use beyond code requirement for all building permits.
  • November 2021 – Completion of a lighting upgrade, including fixture change-out, fixture layout, and controls of the sewage treatment plant, resulting in a remarkable 80% reduction in energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.  

As a result of achieving the above goals and milestones, the Village will receive additional grants for the purpose of continuing and expanding CSC activities to encourage further greenhouse gas reductions and ultimately to become a net-zero community.