Here’s what we’re reading this week:
Green Tips: Eco-Friendly Campfires: While campfires add to the camping experience, it’s important to reduce environmental harm and stay safe. Check out this week’s Green Tips on eco-friendly campfires.
New York City Legalizes E-Bikes and E-Scooters: The New York City Council recently passed three pieces of micromobility legislation that will help to expand transportation options, decrease traffic congestion, and reduce emissions.
Parks Get a Boost Across New York State: In late July, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a series of upcoming actions that the state is taking to expand the protection and conservation of New York’s parks and open spaces.
News Roundup:
A New York State judge upheld the plastic bag ban that passed the State Legislature last year, which NYLCV spent years advocating for. Plastic bags pollute our waterways and streets, contribute to the solid waste crisis, and cost taxpayers money. (NY Daily News)
Read our full statement of support here.
New York State made it easier to vote by mail under legislation passed by the State Legislature and signed by Governor Cuomo. New Yorkers can now vote by absentee ballot in any election through January 1, 2022 due to concern over COVID. (Associated Press)
Advocates, including NYLCV, are calling for the temporary post-COVID street redesigns in New York City that allocate more space to pedestrians, street dining, and cyclists to become permanent. Reducing congestion from cars can also improve air quality and slash emissions. (New York Times)
Our partners at the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University released an update to their “Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States” project, a playbook of pathways for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Sabin Center Newsletter)
Governor Cuomo announced the 18 environmental justice organizations that will receive grants totaling $900,000 from the Environmental Justice Capacity Building Grant Program, which is administered by WE ACT for Environmental Justice. The groups will engage residents on environmental decision-making, create research initiatives, and improve environmental conditions in their neighborhoods. (Press Release)
The Queens Borough President’s Office and Queens Botanical Garden launched the “Queens Summer Seeds 2020” program, which will distribute seed planter sets to neighborhoods with active community gardens. (Queens Chronicle)
A pilot study of harmful algal blooms in Chautauqua Lake will test a new way of combating invasive species in the area. (Jamestown Post-Journal)
Sincerely,
New York League of Conservation Voters
.jpg)
