The Hudson Valley region has a long history of environmental leadership, but progress has been uneven among towns and counties.Prompt action is required at every level of government to address the damaging effects of climate change. In the Hudson Valley, the predicted ill effects are stark, including short-term draughts, rising waters in the Hudson River, and periods of extreme precipitation.

Thankfully, the effort to enact solutions at the local level in the Hudson Valley region is well under way. County and town leaders across the Hudson Valley region, including those in Dutchess, Sullivan, and Rockland counties, have made climate change and sustainability initiatives the cornerstones of their political platforms.

Hudson Valley's elected leaders are taking on a combination of policy solutions that include energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart growth. These will go a long way in reducing the region's carbon footprint and in providing a model for other New York cities, towns, and counties.

NYLCV is looking to our localities to step up and lead the state in climate action. We will be taking advantage of our active base in the Hudson Valley to work side-by-side with leaders to continue to put climate protection at the top of their policy agendas.

To find additional biological information about the Hudson Valley community and the tools and techniques that local governments can use to conserve natural areas and wildlife, you can read the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's recently released guide.