Yonkers officials are hoping to paint the city green, by creating a new panel that will identify and assess pro-environment policies like sustainable building, emissions-free vehicles and alternative energy sources.

The Yonkers Green Policy Task Force is comprised of community representatives, local legislators and representatives of Mayor Philip Amicone. It hopes to build on recent successes like the city's ban on school buses idling for more than three minutes and a seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

The task force first convened in May, thanks largely to the efforts of City Council President Chuck Lesnick, his legislative aide Aaron Smith and other City Council members, who have been continually involved in mobilizing the efforts of the new group. Currently, about 20 members attend the weekly meetings. This number includes city officials, residents and occasional special guests.

The task force recently took steps to urge Mayor Amicone to sign the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, which calls for Yonkers to meet Kyoto Protocol standards on carbon emission reductions. Due to their efforts, Amicone agreed to sign on.

The members are currently working on a grant proposal for the Northeast Diesel Collaborative Emissions Reductions Grant Program, which would provide up to $300,000 to retrofit Yonkers school buses to reduce the risk of environmental and health concerns. At the past three meetings, the task force has welcomed experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, local hospitals and several bus company representatives to meetings for discussions about the project.

In addition, Yonkers' 2007-2008 budget calls for the hiring of a full-time environmental coordinator to oversee city policies. The position is expected to play a key role in the Yonkers' future, as it anticipates significant growth and development over the next few years.

Next on the task force's agenda? Charting steps Yonkers can take to become greener, expanding recycling efforts and using energy-saving fluorescent bulbs.

The Green Policy Task Force meets approximately every two weeks in the Council Conference Room on the fourth floor of Yonkers City Hall, and interested members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- June 2007