The City Council of Rye, in Westchester County, has adopted a sustainability plan to reduce its carbon footprint and address environmental concerns.

Rye City HallThe Rye Sustainability Plan outlines the short- and long-term environmental goals of the city, and enforces pre-existing regulations. The City Council has also approved the creation of a sustainability committee, which will incorporate input from various stakeholders, such as advocacy groups, garden clubs and environmental experts.

The City Council's action follows a report by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund that evaluated the progress that Westchester County and its 44 municipalities are taking to fight climate change. The report showed opportunities for progress in Rye that included green vehicle programs, green purchasing policies and an overhaul of its solid waste plan.

A report by Grassroots Environmental Education (GEE), offered additional steps that the city can take. Click here for more findings of GEE's How Green Is My Town? Westchester program.

The Environmental Advocacy Group of Rye, which is working on the plan, also set up this Facebook fan page.