Two sustainable energy consortia in Westchester County have officially merged to form a new nonprofit called Sustainable Westchester.
The two former groups, the Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium and the Southern Westchester Energy Action Consortium, applied for approval to join forces in January, looking to improve operational efficiencies and to increase leverage in applying for state funding.
Nina Orville, director of the southern Westchester group, said in an announcement of the merger, “The new organization is launching from a position of strength, with most of Westchester”™s municipalities already signed up as members of the two combining groups.”
The northern Westchester group brings with it 18 member municipalities, while the southern group has 15 member municipalities. The consortia look to develop municipal sustainability programming and intermunicipal efforts. There are several municipalities in the county yet to join the group ”“ among them, Mount Vernon, Pelham and Harrison.
Herb Oringel, chairman of the northern Westchester consortium, said, “We have evolved in the last five years, from a good idea held by a few forward thinkers, to a large consortium working with some of the most talented and dedicated people in New York state.”
The new group is looking to hold its elections for its first combined board of directors this fall. It also is seeking financial support from businesses and individuals. For more information, visit sustainablewestchester.org.
