A new database released by The Center for the New Energy Economy at Colorado State University and The Nature Conservancy contains a wealth of information on the varied energy policies adopted by 38 states, including New York.

The State Policy Opportunity Tracker (SPOT) for Clean Energy outlines state policies in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, financing, infrastructure and transportation.

You can view the New York profile here.

According to the Nature Conservancy, "The SPOT for Clean Energy is not a score card. Instead, it benchmarks clean energy policies, enabling the user to analyze both the status quo for a state and where there may be opportunities for growth in the future on clean energy. It draws from data sources of 18 organizations."

You Can Make a Difference!

Does all this information seem too wonkish and beyond your ability to take action? It shouldn't be! Each one of our individual actions can make a collective and significant contribution to helping reduce the carbon footprint of our community, state and nation. For some inspiration, read the recent New York Times article featuring a small village in England where residents banded together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (up to 40%) by doing simple things, such as using clotheslines, taking fewer flights, installing solar panels and glazing windows for insulation. If Ashton Hayes Village residents can do it, so can Rye!

For some tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint see our RSC Tips Page.

For more information about RSC's community greenhouse gas emissions audit, visit the Energy Section of our Rye Sustainability Plan.

Contact us if you'd like to get involved. We'd love to hear from you!