Yonkers Insider: New York League of Conservation Voters: Environmental News for January 11th.

 

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

 

Our Green Policy Priorities for 2021: We're excited to release our green policy priorities in our 2021 New York State Policy Agenda.  Our advocacy and programming efforts will be directed toward reducing emissions from the transportation sector, along with expanding renewable energy. 

 

One Step Closer to Zero-Emission School Buses: Governor Cuomo recently released a portion of the funding for various initiatives to electrify buses, including an initial installment of $2.5 million for school bus operators statewide to upgrade to cleaner, more sustainable vehicles. This is a step forward in our campaign for school bus electrification - Clean Buses for Healthy Niños.

News Roundup:

 

An analysis by the Copernicus Climate Change Service shows that 2020 was the hottest year on record, tying 2016. The report reiterates the importance of slashing emissions and implementing policies to combat climate change. (New York Times)

 

New Yorkers can now hike all the way from NYC to Buffalo on one trail - the newly completed Empire State Trail. The 750-mile trail will help New Yorkers  spend more time outdoors and connect with nature. (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) 

 

Transportation Alternatives released a report showing that New York City needs more bicycle parking.  Expanding access to secure bicycle parking along with protected bike lanes will encourage more families to travel by bike. Also, when more New Yorkers bike, we get less traffic congestion and we slash emissions from the transportation sector - our leading contributor to climate change.  (Streetsblog)

 

The Trump Administration issued its finalized so-called Science Transparency Rule, which will restrict the ability of the EPA to protect our environment. Attorney General Letitia James condemned the rule and stated that she is working with a coalition of other states and localities to overturn it. (Press Release)

 

In a step that will advance the state toward its goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030, the state Siting Board approved two solar farms in the Capital Region. One project in Albany County will generate 40 megawatts of electricity and the other project in Schoharie County will generate 50 megawatts of electricity. (Albany Times Union)

 

The EPA is conducting its fourth five-year review of the former Reynolds Metals Superfund upstate site to confirm that the cleanup continues to protect public health and the environment. They will inspect the technologies and review data. (Watertown Daily Times)

 

Sincerely,

New York League of Conservation Voters