Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media New Lebanon is the first town in Columbia County to become a bronze-certified Climate Smart Community. “This is a really exciting landmark for New Lebanon,” Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling said. “We are the only town in Columbia County to reach bronze status and we might be the quickest town to have ever done it.” Climate Smart Communities is a state program that supports local governments in leading their communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impact of climate change and thrive in a green economy. The Climate Smart Communities qualify for free technical assistance, access to grants and leadership recognition. Local governments can be designated as a registered Climate Smart Community after passing the Climate Smart Community Pledge as a formal resolution. Fifteen municipalities in Columbia County have registered. The program recognizes communities for their green accomplishments through a rating system leading to three levels of award: bronze, silver and gold. To become a bronze certified Climate Smart Community, a community must earn at least 120 points, complete at least one action under four different pledge elements, complete the two mandatory actions and complete three priority actions. New Lebanon is one of 58 municipalities in the state to reach bronze certification. The town passed in February 2020, a resolution taking the pledge and the town then established a task force in April and over the next eight months it earned enough points to become one of three communities to become bronze certified this month. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.