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

 

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

Investing in Clean Energy Independence As oil and gas prices soar to record highs for everyday consumers to bear the brunt of the burden while big oil companies profit, it is becoming more evident with each growing day that energy security and independence should be of utmost concern.  Amidst the growing energy demand and the increasing greenhouse gas emissions, a recent Pew Research Center survey finds that around 7 out of 10 U.S adults believe that the country should prioritize the development of alternative energy sources, such as solar and hydropower, over expanding the production of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.  Read More

Advocate for the Curbside Composting Program Last month, Mayor Eric Adams released his Preliminary Budget for the upcoming NYC Fiscal Year 2023. Included in the proposed budget is a plan to suspend the expansion of the City’s composting program and cut funding for the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) by $47.8 million. The City Council opposed these cuts by calling on the Administration to restore funding to DSNY, and include an allocation of $18.2 million to invest in the composting pilot. NYLCV has been a firm supporter of the curbside composting pilot, and was disappointed to see the Mayor go back on his commitments to the program. Building out a comprehensive and eco-friendly waste management system is critical to improving public safety, health, and environmental sustainability in every neighborhood across the City.  Read More

NYLCV's Statement on the New York State Budget   New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe and Policy Director Patrick McClellan provide statements on the budget. A more detailed post about the budget will be included in next weeks newsletter!   (NYLCV.org)

Watch the press conference stream on Twitter here. Environmental advocates ask Public Service Commission to approve two clean-energy projects     Even though the city’s green goals are ambitious, about 85% of its electricity comes from burning fossil fuels in plants at the moment. To change that, two multi-billion-dollar projects promise to bring solar, wind and hydropower to New York City. “Upstate almost all of their energy is clean energy. In New York City, almost all of our energy is from fossil fuels. So we need to move quickly,” said Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. The Public Service Commission will have a vote on these projects next week.     (NY1)

Governor Hochul Announces $34 Million in Federal Funds to Improve Energy Efficiency for Over 1,000 Homes   Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $34 million in federal funding awards for over 1,000 homes to become more energy efficient and climate friendly. Awarded through the state’s Weatherization Stimulus Program, the funding will support electrification and electrification-ready upgrades that will lower energy costs and improve health outcomes for income-eligible renters and homeowners.    (NYS Governor)

Coming up on WCNY's The Capitol Pressroom   New York League of Conservation Voters President Julie Tighe explains the green investments in the state budget and identifies the unfinished business for environmentalists.   (The Capitol Pressroom)