Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In

Randolph Horner, renewable energy developer, on the roof of town hall

Mayor Bloomberg is not the only one going green. Woodstock, New York wants to be America's first carbon neutral city by 2017. The Telegraph reports:

Woodstock town hall's large flat roof is blotted out by 112 solar panels - an early manifestation of the town council's resolution last month to become the first American community to be "carbon neutral" - that is, to achieve no net emission of carbon dioxide - within a decade.

Down on the main street below, however, a steady trail of enormous sports utility vehicles and flat-bed trucks - at least 50 per cent of the morning traffic through the pretty little town in upstate New York - provides an obvious reality check on the optimism of America's environmental movement.

A particularly vast SUV rumbles past, its driver possibly off to do theweekly shop. "I agree that when we see a monster like that, it's fairto ask how we're ever going to offset all this consumption," he said. "Well, that's America's challenge."

Locals will be encouraged to do everything from fit energy efficient light bulbs and ride bicycles, to fit solar panels and take advantage of tax incentives to make their homes more energy efficient.

CNN added:

Residents can keep their cars as long as they produce enough clean power to offset their emissions.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

‘Blood On His Hands’: Cyclists Slam Eric Adams After Judge Lets Him Remove Brooklyn Bike Lane

Mayor Adams will have “blood on his hands” for his decision to rip up three blocks of the popular protected bike lane.

July 10, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Fourth of July Hangover Edition

That Fourth of July lasts longer for some than others. Plus more news.

July 10, 2025

Brooklyn Judge Lets Eric Adams Rip Up Bedford Avenue Protected Bike Lane

The mayor's move to rip up the bike lane did not require advanced notification, Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo ruled.

Universal Daylighting Has Majority Support on the City Council — Will Speaker Adams Give It a Vote?

Adrienne Adams is sitting on a landmark daylighting bill that could make every intersection safer for pedestrians.

July 9, 2025

‘Anti-Car Crusade’: Dinowitzes Slam Bronx Harlem River Greenway Bike Lane Touted by Mayor

The father-son duo are throwing a tantrum over the first leg of Mayor Adams's Harlem River Greenway.

July 8, 2025
See all posts