Croton’s Sustainability Committee is eyeing a new way to fund green initiatives without relying on unpredictable government grants: leasing a small slice of village-owned land for a battery energy storage system. During the committee’s October 5 virtual meeting, Chair Lindsay Audin proposed leasing two small plots at the village’s Pumphouse Road water facility to a commercial BESS developer. A 2-4 MW system could generate roughly $100,000 a year under a 25-year contract. Half of that revenue would be earmarked specifically for future carbon-cutting projects in the village. “BESS occupy little space, may be placed anywhere, and sit on pads high enough to avoid flooding,” Audin noted, explaining why the site—which is partially shaded and prone to flooding—wouldn't work for solar panels but is ideal for batteries. Village Trustee Len Simon agreed to set up a meeting with Bryan Healy to formally review the option. The BESS discussion comes as the committee races to finish existing projects before federal and state incentives expire. The village is preparing to install 18 EV charging ports at the train station next month. The $300,000 project is fully funded by grants and contracted through Plug-In Stations Online (PISO), with completion eyed by the end of the year. Meanwhile, a separate $300,000 solar canopy project at the DPW is facing paperwork delays. Prior to a roughly $90,000 IRA rebate and other grants, the 59.4 kW project will cost the village nothing. On the operational side, Mayor Brian Pugh reported that the village’s renewable diesel pilot program, which launched in late September, is “so far, so good.” Three village vehicles—a sewer truck, landscaper, and street sweeper—are running on the fuel through January 2026 to cut CO2 emissions and soot. Residents should also note that the popular Food Scrap Recycling program is expanding. A larger scrap shed has been ordered and is expected to arrive before the committee's next meeting, allowing 20 to 25 additional families to join the program. The committee's next virtual meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 9 at 10:00 AM.