Yonkers Insider: New York League of Conservation Voters: Environmental News for May 9th.

 

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

Upcoming State Policies: Reducing Emissions In Our Buildings The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), passed in 2019, established emission goals for New York to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses it puts by 85% by 2050. Now, elected officials are considering three bills that would allow New York to take the first steps towards these goals.  The All-Electric Building Act would switch the on-site heating and cooking in new buildings away from natural gas, propane, and oil heaters to zero on-site emission sources like heat pumps and induction stoves. Sponsored by  Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, this bill would put New York on a pathway to zero on-site emissions in new construction.  Read More

Green Tips: A Sustainable Summer As the weather is warming up, the sun-fueled fun of summer makes it one of the most anticipated seasons of the year. As you get ready for longer days and warmer nights, there are many ways to reduce your environmental impact to ensure you have an eco-friendly yet exciting summer.    Read More

City Council passes legislation to improve parks equity   The city’s green and open spaces have been a lifeline for New Yorkers seeking respite from their apartments during the pandemic. On Thursday, the City Council unanimously passed a bill requiring the the Department of Parks and Recreation use standards for inspecting the quality of various features of parks and playgrounds, then submit to City Hall a report on where improvements must be made. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said, “This is a first step that we’re taking towards addressing parks inequities in our city that too many New Yorkers endure, with harmful consequences to their health.”   (NY1)

City Launches Major Campaign to Tackle Traffic Violence: "Speeding Ruins Lives. Slow Down."   New York City launched a $4 million multi-platform, multilingual campaign to counter rising traffic violence and curb dangerous driving behaviors, like speeding, that have occurred at higher rates since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s largest and most concentrated investment in public awareness since the start of Vision Zero in 2014, the campaign — titled “Speeding Ruins Lives, Slow Down” — also represents the largest education effort targeted at community and ethnic media with a $1.5 million commitment, helping to reach a range of communities across the five boroughs, including communities of color that disproportionately suffer as a result of traffic violence. Video ads and other content will appear in a total of nine languages, including English and Spanish.   (New York City)

Senate Passes Bill Improving Environmental Enforcement   New York State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced on April 27 that the State Senate passed his legislation (S.1237) that would give the state additional tools to protect the environment, demanding polluters and others not just pay fines and fees but also put a stop to their destructive practices.  The bill would close a loophole in the Environmental Conservation Law by allowing the state to prevent environmental malfeasance by seeking more aggressive enforcement and injunctive relief.   "Holding polluters and those that damage the environment accountable is crucial for the state, and taking additional actions to prevent violations of the Environmental Conservation Law is critical,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “The New York League of Conservation Voters thanks Senator Gianaris for sponsoring this bill.”   (The National Herald)