.png)
-4.jpeg)
Overview
In May 2018, the Board of Trustees adopted the New York State Climate Smart Communities pledge. Through this commitment, the Village pledged to inventory its greenhouse gas emissions, set goals, and develop a comprehensive plan for climate action; reduce energy use; transition to clean, renewable energy sources; implement climate-smart land use practices; and support a green innovation economy. The Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the pledge.
Since that time, the Village has achieved recognition as a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community—the first in the North Country to receive certification—and was also the first community in Franklin and Essex Counties to enter the program.
The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Certification program provides local governments with a strong framework to guide climate action while recognizing leadership aligned with community goals. The Village of Saranac Lake is among more than 300 participating communities across New York State working to engage residents and local governments in best practices for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
In March 2026, the Climate Smart Communities Task Force transitioned into the Climate Action Advisory Board. This evolution reflects a continued commitment to strengthening local climate initiatives, enhancing coordination, and supporting the Village’s long-term sustainability goals.
The goals of the CSC program are to educate and engage local governments, provide a structured framework for climate action, and recognize progress and achievements. Participation in the program is free and voluntary, with no associated fees or legal requirements. It is designed to encourage ongoing implementation of actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Read more about the CSC program here.
Meeting Information
The Climate Action Advisory Board meets once a month. Check the calendar for the next meeting date and time. Meetings typically last an hour.
If you want to be on the agenda for any upcoming meeting, contact the Village of Saranac Lake Community Development Department at (518) 891-4150 ext. 234 or email [email protected].
Advisory Board Members
The Board consists of nine volunteer members, appointed by the Board of Trustees.
| Board Member | Term Expiration |
|---|---|
| Garrett Marino, Chair | March 23, 2028 |
| Diane Strablow, Co-Secretary | March 23, 2028 |
| Caroline Dodd, Co-Secretary | March 23, 2028 |
| Sunita Halasz | March 23, 2027 |
| Erin Griffin | March 23, 2027 |
| Steve Halasz | March 23, 2027 |
| Becca Halter | March 23, 2027 |
Current Initiatives
We are working on an education campaign to help inform Saranac Lake residents and business owners on the benefits of cold climate air source and ground source heat pumps. Find out more on the HeatSmart Campaign Page!
The board has drafted a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to help guide the Village on climate-smart initiatives for years to come. The Task Force recently sent out a survey to community members, their feedback will be used to re-evaluate and enhance elements of the draft plan. The tabulated results will also become part of the plan, showing residents’ support of the various initiatives.
Notable Achievements:
- 2018: $50,000 grant for LED street lights and plug-in hybrid EV
- 2020: Bronze Certification
- 2024: Bronze Recertification
- 2024: $275,000 CEC grant
- 2025: $482,164 CSC EV Charger Grant
- 2026: Climate Action Advisory Board created
Get Involved
Follow our progress on the climatesmartsl Instagram page.
