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Rye Legislator Parker Says Board OKs Energy Director Office

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Legislator Catherine Parker (D-Rye), chair of the County Board of Legislators Energy and Environment Committee, announced that a bill to create a County Office of Energy Director has passed the Board of Legislators and is expected to be signed into law by County Executive Rob Astorino 

Legislator Catherine Parker

Legislator Catherine Parker

Photo Credit: File

Parker, who represents Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye, and part of Harrison and New Rochelle, introduced the legislation that was co-sponsored by Chairman Mike Kaplowitz, on May 5, 2014 and worked in a bipartisan fashion to save the taxpayers $1.8 million immediately. The savings are a result of the elimination of an outdated energy related layer of county government. 

The new Office of the Energy Director would be charged with finding opportunities for grants and funding for energy efficient upgrades to infrastructure and net significant savings in energy costs to the county incorporating technologies that would reduce dependence on carbon and in turn reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“This legislation, which will save taxpayers money and protect the environment, is a perfect example of how we can do more for Westchester taxpayers. Families across the county have taken steps to become more energy efficient and realize real savings every month as a result. It is long overdue that this county takes steps in the same direction,” explained Parker. 

The energy director will be a liaison to local governments, residents, businesses and community groups to identify and develop programs to direct and implement various energy conservation service programs that will save taxpayers money. As a result local governments will be able to share services more efficiently and save local taxpayers even more. 

“This legislation follows similar models of Energy Director positions in the region including Yonkers, New York City and Philadelphia. These individuals in other places have already saved taxpayers significant amounts of money by implementing cost-saving measures that are environmentally-focused; there is no reason Westchester County cannot realize these savings as well,” concluded Parker.

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