Town Marks Earth Day With Electric, Hybrid Car Expo

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A crowd turned out in Hampton Bays on Earth Day for an Electric and Hybrid Car Expo at Good Ground Park.

Young and old enjoyed viewing "some hot cars for a cooler tomorrow," town officials said.

The event included a display of environmentally friendly vehicles; those in attendance also had a chance to learn more about home energy efficiency and residential solar, participate in an electric landscape maintenance equipment demonstration and step inside a tiny house during the Earth Day celebration.

The event also included raffles, food trucks and face painting, town officials said.

“This was a great opportunity for everyone to envision the future with high tech environmentally friendly vehicles and energy efficient housing in one setting,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. "This was the perfect way for the whole family to celebrate Earth Day.”

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo lauded the town's efforts: “New York leads the nation in the fight against climate change by reducing our carbon footprint and investing in clean energy alternatives. I applaud the Town of Southampton for their efforts to reduce emissions, promote energy efficiency and increase access to electric vehicles."

Brian Foley, deputy regional director of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, presented the town with a proclamation signed by Cuomo.

Lynn Arthur, the event coordinator and a member of the Sustainable Southampton Committee, said the event raised awareness for many.

“It was good to talk about the thousands of dollars that can be saved by investing in rooftop solar, an energy efficient pool pump or an electric vehicle," she said.

Southampton Town Councilwoman Christine Scalera reminded that last spring, in partnership with Quiet Communities and the American Green Zone Alliance, the town established the first AGZA Green Zone on the East Coast; last week, she said, the town dedicated the second zone that brings electric powered equipment to its facilities.

“Alternative energies such as solar, hydroelectric, wind, biomass, geothermal and tidal power generation are the future of clean energy production and represent one of the fastest growing areas of our economy,” said Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier, who is the owner of two hybrid vehicles.

New York Assemblyman Fred Thiele said he sponsors and supports legislation in the Assembly to accelerate the use of electric vehicles; he commended the town for implementing energy efficient, renewable and sustainable development projects in the community.

“As a coastal community, it is critically important that we continue to advance sustainable and renewable energy resources and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, said Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming.

Patch courtesy photos.