Orangetown Environmental Committee

Orangetown Environmental Committee:

The Orangetown Environmental Committee (OEC) was formed in 2008 with the mission of protecting and improving our local environment for the health and well-being of all residents. The OEC is an advisory committee comprised of Town-appointed volunteers. The OEC works on a number of areas of environmental concern focusing on:

Energy

The committee’s goals are to reduce energy consumption in the Town and reduce energy costs, while decreasing pollution and climate impact.  The committee is updating a community-wide greenhouse gas inventory, including natural gas and electricity usage.  The committee supported the Community Choice Aggregation program (group purchasing of clean electricity).  OEC members helped in successfully applying for a NYSERDA Clean Energy Community grant.  We are also working with the Town on applying for NYSERDA Climate Smart Communities grants.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

The committee works towards reducing solid waste and improving recycling rates in businesses, schools, homes, and Town properties.  The Town’s  new food waste collection program is one of the programs the committee has actively promoted.  The OEC actively participates in Keep Rockland Beautiful cleanups and with other local groups.

Water

The OEC opposed the Suez desalination plant several years ago and is working with other environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club, to remove harmful chemicals from our water supplies. The OEC is working with other groups to help develop sustainable water management policies, green infrastructure techniques, and water conservation programs for Orangetown and Rockland County.

Land Use and Open Space

The goal is to promote environmentally sensitive use of our land and to increase open space and environmentally sensitive sites in Orangetown.  The OEC is currently involved in preserving open space at the Town-owned RPC property, especially the property adjacent to Lake Tappan.

Monthly Meetings

The OEC meets on the last Thursday of the month, usually via zoom.

The OEC welcomes interested and motivated new members and encourages you to bring any ideas, suggestions, or concerns to our attention.

Teresa M. Kenny, Town Board Liaison (supervisor@orangetown.com)