Governor David A. Paterson signed into law a bill (A.8862 Sweeney/S.6073 Johnson), which specifically authorizes towns across the state to create home energy efficiency programs modeled after Babylon’s nationally recognized Green Homes Program. The new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, Chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee, will give towns the authorization to establish programs to help residents improve the efficiency of their homes with little or no up front costs by using the energy savings to pay for the cost. Babylon Town residents can be proud; the new statewide program began here and was quickly recognized throughout New York as the best way of moving to greener communities. Babylon and its residents are now known as leaders in this important work. “Thisprogram will help homeowners to go green while saving green. Improving energy efficiency will not only reduce a homeowner’s energy bill, but it will minimize the use of fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Thisis a win for the pocketbook, the environment and job creation,” said Assemblyman Sweeney.

“Supervisor Bellone’s Babylon Green Homes Program is truly a successful and innovative program that promotes and encourages energy efficiency through retrofitting of residential homes in the Town of Babylon,” said Senator Owen Johnson. “Best of all, it provides homeowners with energy savings while generating local jobs. I am pleased that the Babylon Green Homes Program will now be used as a model by other towns throughout the state.” The Long Island Green Homes program has received national and international exposure through various vehicles. Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone has served as a presenter and keynote speaker on the Long Island Green Homes program at many conferences and symposiums across the United States. The Long Island Green Homes Program is the first municipally operated retrofit program in the country. And, it all started right here in Babylon.