EVANS PLEDGES TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

The Town of Evans pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the November 9, 2011 Town Board meeting. Evans joined a handful of other communities in the region to adopt the Climate Smart Communities Pledge to reduce local energy use and take a bold step toward sustainability. The Town of Evans is the first community in Erie County to take the pledge.

"The Town of Evans is blessed with an abundance of natural resources such as 12-miles of lakefront, fresh-water streams, natural open spaces and viable agricultural land," said Pledge sponsor Town Councilman Paul Cooper. "These community assets are not only ecologically important, they are also vital to the local economy." he said.

In reading the pledge, it was clear that the Town of Evans is already engaged in sustainability efforts through several large projects including upgrades to the Town's water system, which will drastically reduce water loss due to leaks; and, construction of the Evans Lakeshore Pathway, which will preserve the environment by reducing vehicular traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution in the project area. There have also been several smaller projects to achieve energy efficiency throughout town-owned facilities to reduce energy costs and promote conservation. In addition to adopting the Pledge, the Town of Evans will participate in the Western New York Regional Sustainability Planning Consortium, which is seeking to prepare a sustainability plan for the region.

The next step in the process is to appoint a climate coordinator to assess local resources and issues, encourage community support and establish a plan of action.

For further information, please contact Lori Szewczyk at 716-549-3915.