Model Legislation

Model Green Legislation

Last Updated on Wednesday, 15 August 2012 16:13

Municipalities throughout Westchester are taking concrete legislative steps to improve the environment. See examples below. Contact Scott Fernqvist at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to contribute to this growing list of replicable green legislation. For more information on these and other local laws in support of sustainable development, visit our Municipal Profiles section.    

Bedford

• In order to make energy efficiencyimprovements more affordable and to promote the installation and utilization of such improvements, the Town of Bedford requested and was granted legislation for an innovative home rule exemption to create a sustainable energy loan program.

Greenburgh

• The Greenburgh Town Board approved a groundbreaking Green Building law mandating that new commercial construction be energy efficient (meet LEED –NC rating standards). This will provide owners and occupants of new commercial and multi family buildings with the economic benefits of energy and water savings, good indoor air quality and healthy surroundings.
• Greenburgh was the first community in New York State and the second in the United States to mandate that residential buildings comply with energy star standards. The town mandated energy star in 2001. About 70 new homes have been built since 2001, complying with the energy STAR regulations.  

New Castle

• In 2009 the Town passed an amended Green Procurement Policy which will expand the use of recycled products, reduce the use of toxic chemicals and prevent pollution.
• The Town recently passed a resolution giving parking preference to cars that qualify for the New York State Clean Pass Program. Read the Clean Pass Law (19.94 kB). For more information, visit the Green in New Castle website. 

New Rochelle

• Adopted bicycle rack legislation: Section 331.126.1 of the New Rochelle Municipal Code enacted on June 23, 2009. To read the actual legislation, visit www.newrochelleny.com and click on "Municipal Code."  
• Adopted an Administrative Regulation to purchase 100% post-consumer recycled copying paper in 2009. 
• Read more about New Rochelle's sustainability efforts in this Westchester Commerce Magazine article.

Yonkers

• In November 2007, the Yonkers City Council voted unanimously to permanently renew a seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. This legislation was the first piece of clean air/public health legislation to come before the Yonkers City Council since the formation of the Yonkers Green Policy Task Force and the signing of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.   
• In Dec. 2009 the Yonkers City Council passed the "Sustainable Building Local Law," which requires about 90 percent of all structures in the city to meet a formally recognized and quantifiable standard.