The following article is from the February 2007 issue of

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano has taken a significant step to address climate change with the creation of a new task force that will study ways to cut heat-trapping emissions. Spano announced the new task force [0] at the New York League of Conservation Voters Westchester County annual dinner in October.

The primary goal of the task force is to make recommendations for lowering greenhouse gas emissions, develop sustainability plans, promote responsible land use, and influence other counties across the nation to take on similar initiatives. As a first step, the task force will update a 2001 inventory of total greenhouse gas emissions from Westchester County and set a goal, as well as a strategy, for reduction of these emissions over the next decade. Members will also work on plans to reduce energy and water consumption, solid waste production, and the use of toxic materials.

The task force is comprised of representatives from government, business, schools, colleges, and the environmental community. North Castle Supervisor Reese Berman and Robert Funicello, Westchester County's environmental project director, are co-chairing the task force. Two NYLCV Westchester board members, Edna Sussman and Paul Gallay, serve on the task force.

The group met for the first time in the beginning of January. All of the meetings are open to the public.