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The New York HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for 1 in 4 energy-burdened New Yorkers. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

The New York HEAT Act might not make the final budget. The bill reduces the state's reliance on natural gas and cuts ratepayer costs by eliminating …

New York aims to create 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. By contrast, New Jersey is looking to create 11,000 megawatts by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Offshore wind does more than aid NY, NJ clean energy futures

Despite different outcomes - New York's first offshore wind farm came online and New Jersey had one canceled - both states are benefiting from offshor…

In the last 40 years, New York has endured at least 85 'billion-dollar disasters'. The most costly was Superstorm Sandy, with around $43 billion in damage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY bill can help climate-burdened communities

A new report shows the costs different regions of New York face from climate change. It says taxpayers were on the hook for more than $2 billion - …

A 2022 report finds failing to speed up transmission beyond the current pace will increase 2030 U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions by 800 million tons per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS bill could speed up electric transmission installation

New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Around 85% of textiles thrown away in the United States end up in landfills or are burned, including unsold clothes. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill holds fashion industry accountable for climate change effects

A New York bill aims to regulate the fashion industry's effects on climate change. The Fashion Act would hold clothing and footwear companies …

Agriculture has gone from being the second-largest source of emissions in the U.S. to being the lowest, according to Environmental Protection Agency data. (Adobe Stock)

Climate-friendly cafeterias help keep NYU emissions low

By Jack McGovan for Sentient.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

A report from Yale and George Mason universities finds 27% of Americans are

NY faith leaders help people address 'ecological grief'

As the impacts of climate change grow, New Yorkers and people across the country are grieving for the environment. Ecological grief, also known as …

Climate change infrastructure costs in New York could reach $10 billion annually by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill would make polluters pay for climate damage

A New York bill would make polluters pay for climate change damage the state endured. The Climate Change Superfund Act requires companies who've …

At a cost of $802 million, the Port of Albany offshore wind tower manufacturing facility will not be completed until 2026. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ offshore wind manufacturing grows, despite setbacks

Despite challenges, offshore wind in New York is thriving. In late 2023, the South Fork Wind Farm off Montauk's coast began producing 130 megawatts …

Rewiring America's Pace of Progress report found the U.S. was on track with sales of energy-efficient systems in the early 2020s but has since slowed progress, jeopardizing its ability to reach a national 2050 decarbonization goal. (Adobe Stock)

Online tool tracks NY communities’ renewable energy progress

A new online tool is tracking New York's progress in decarbonization. The Local Pace of Progress tool examines city, county, and state data to …

A Yale University report finds 81% of New York adults believe schools should teach about the causes, consequences and potential solutions to global warming. This is slightly higher than the national average of 75%. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill aims to educate kids about climate change

CLARIFICATION: The bill would not 'mandate' climate education, as indicated in a previous version of the story, and asks that the current standards …

The New York HEAT Act would eliminate a rule requiring utilities to connect new customers to a gas line for free based on how close their property is to an existing gas line. From 2017 to 2021, utilities shifted about $1 billion of costs onto about 170,000 new ratepayers. (Adobe Stock)

NY environmentalists push to pass HEAT Act in state budget

The New York HEAT Act is again making its way through the state Legislature. The bill aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances and gives the …

Since its launch, the EPA's Clean Bus Program has awarded more than $1.8 billion in grants to 652 school districts across the U.S. The money will help replace 5,103 diesel buses. (Adobe Stock)

Grants awarded to buy NY electric school buses

Federal funds have been awarded to New York applicants transitioning to electric school buses. The $69 million grant is part of the Environmental …

One element of dual-use solar is solar grazing, which means using livestock to tend land solar panels are on. This has proved beneficial, but a 2021 Cornell University study finds most New York farms have fewer than 25 sheep for solar grazing. (Adobe Stock)

Dual-use solar makes best use of renewable energy, farmland

New York is looking at different ways to make use of where to place solar panels. The practice of dual-use solar uses solar panels in a variety of …

After a devastating winter storm, Texas disability-rights advocates found between 75% and 80% of disabled people lost power and water. Some other challenges they faced were spoiled medications requiring refrigeration, and lack of access to critical in-home health-care assistance. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates provide winter weather tips

As winter approaches, New Yorkers with disabilities are preparing to tackle a tough time of the year. One of the biggest challenges is getting …

Tras una devastadora tormenta invernal, los defensores de los derechos de los discapacitados en Texas descubrieron que entre el 75% y el 80% de las personas discapacitadas se hab�an quedado sin electricidad ni agua. Algunos otros desaf�os que enfrentaron fueron los medicamentos en mal estado que requer�an refrigeraci�n y la falta de acceso a asistencia m�dica a domicilio. (Adobe Stock)

Defensores de discapacitados en NY dan consejos sobre clima invernal

A medida que se acerca el invierno, los neoyorquinos con discapacidades se preparan para afrontar una época difícil del año. Uno de …

Backers of offshore wind tout good jobs, fossil fuel independence

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy wants the state's Board of Public Utilities to initiate more bids for offshore wind projects in the New Year. The move …

New York State's climate goals would have the state using 70% renewable energy by 2030, and use zero-emission electricity by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Report: New York won’t meet its 2030 climate goals

Just as New York State prepares for its first offshore wind farm to come online, a new report predicted the state will not meet its climate goals…

Extremes of hot and cold weather have taken their toll on a concrete barrier along Binghamton's Riverwalk. Concrete crumbles between the stones of the wall in upstate New York. (Chet Wiker/Adobe Stock)

Will big oil companies cover climate change costs in NY?

Some state and local lawmakers are on a long list calling on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to require big oil companies to help offset the costs of …

The National Young Farmers Survey found 62% of Northeastern farmers attribute changes in weather events they are experiencing on their farms to climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Young NY farmers want Congress to help them withstand climate change

Young farmers in New York and across the country want Congress to help them deal with the effects of climate change. Bayer's Farmer Voice Survey …

A 2023 U.S. Department of Energy report finds that in 2022, the energy workforce added around 300,000 jobs to the energy-efficiency workforce, an almost 4% increase from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

State of NY makes massive investment in renewable-energy projects

New York has made a massive investment in renewable energy. The state is committing $300 million to create the nation's first offshore wind blade and …

Studies show scientists are aware numerous species of fungi are going extinct, but the missing research makes it challenging to know how many and how fast. (Adobe Stock)

Flora, fauna, and fungi

By Reina Gattuso for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Yes! Magazinea-Public News …

Decarbonization of buildings goes beyond environmental impacts. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported gas stoves can give off nitrogen dioxide, leading to issues for people with asthma and reduced lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (Adobe Stock)

NYS takes steps to keep decarbonization of buildings on track

The state of New York has taken steps to ensure its building decarbonization plan is on track, but more work needs to be done. Earlier this year…

Solar development has grown throughout New York City over the last decade. By summer 2022, 350 megawatts were installed, enough to power 90,000 households in New York City. (Adobe Stock)

New law expands NYC solar property-tax abatement

A recently signed law expands New York City's solar property tax abatement. This four year tax abatement allows for the construction of solar …

A 2019 law in New York City requires new buildings, new roofs from building enlargement and replacement of an existing building's roof requires installation of a

Proposed bill puts solar on NYC public building roofs

A proposed bill aims to have solar panels placed on the roofs of all public buildings in New York City. The bill's goal is 100 megawatts of solar on …

A new report found elderly Black New Yorkers are particularly vulnerable to health complications from air pollution, and would experience the greatest decrease in mortality rates, compared to Hispanic, Asian and white counterparts. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock) The report found elderly Black New Yorkers are particularly vulnerable to health complications from air pollution, and would experience the greatest decrease in mortality rates, compared to Hispanic, Asian and white counterparts. (Kirsten

Report compares ways NY can get cleaner air, help disadvantaged communities

A new report sheds light on the effects of local air quality policies on disadvantaged communities. As New York State works to meet the challenges …

A $27 billion fund managed by the Environmental Protection Agency is designed to help states and local communities construct sustainable green projects to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Elected officials seek to fight climate change in underserved NY communities

Elected officials in New York and across the country are urging state and local governments to use new funding available through the Environmental Pro…

Earlier this year, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators submitted a letter to President Joe Biden supporting the need for an international climate peace clause. (Adobe Stock)

NY Environmental Groups Seek Climate Peace Clause

New York environmental organizations are looking for a truce in the international trade wars. They're backing what they call a "climate peace …

The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act allocates $1.2 billion to a slew of climate-related measures, one of which is reducing flood risks, and helping communities brace for climate change-related flooding. (Adobe Stock)

NY Law Requires Disclosure of Property’s Flood Risk

New York is slated to become another state to require disclosing flood-risk information to prospective homeowners. The Legislature passed a law …

More than $29 billion in public and private investment has led to around 100 solar, wind and hydroelectric projects being built across New York State. (New Yorkers for Clean Power)

Conservation Groups Collaborate for NYS State Fair Booth

Amid the chocolate-covered cheesecake on a stick, the 4-H pavilion and the carnival rides, you'll find the Clean Energy Corner at this year's New …

The Inflation Reduction Act invests around $34 billion in New York for large-scale clean energy generation and storage between 2022 and 2023. (Adobe Stock)

NY's Elected Officials Celebrate Anniversary of Inflation Reduction Act

It's been one year since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law by President Joe Biden. The sweeping climate legislation has had vast …

An Accountability Framework Initiative and CDP report found 77% of companies surveyed do not have sufficient traceability across their supply chains to meet their climate accountability commitments. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Passes Tropical Deforestation Free Procurement Act

The New York state Legislature has passed the Tropical Deforestation-Free Procurement Act, which aims to hold companies contracting with the state …

According to 2021 data from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, 77.5% of people who work in Manhattan's Central Business District use public transportation to commute from New Jersey. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Congestion Pricing Plan to Receive Federal Approval

New York City's first-in-the-nation congestion pricing plan is slated to receive federal approval in the coming days. The plan calls for a toll on …

In 2009, the New York Transit Authority opened a new station at South Ferry costing $530 million. Much of the station was damaged in 2012 by Hurricane Sandy. After five years, it reopened. Reconstruction cost $344 million. (Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Patrick Cashin/Wikimedia Commons)

Cities Brace Public Transit for Climate Change Impacts

By Whitney Bauck for Next City and Nexus Media News.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises people to wear masks to help avoid wildfire smoke, and when driving, to close all vents and windows and run the air conditioner in 'recirculate' mode to reduce outside air intake. (Adobe Stock)

Canadian Wildfires Affect Health of Humans, Wildlife

As smoke from Canadian wildfires blankets New York and much of the East Coast, it's causing a wide range of health effects - and not just for people…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported the methane gas emitted in 2021 was the second-highest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the nation, behind carbon dioxide. (Adobe Stock)

NY Senate Passes HEAT Act, Assembly Poised to Take Up Bill

The New York State Senate has passed the HEAT Act, which now goes to the Assembly. The legislation aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances…

A United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization report estimates at least two billion people worldwide eat insects. Globally, more than 1,900 insect species are considered edible, particularly those in tropical countries. The most commonly eaten insect groups include beetles, caterpillars, bees, wasps, ants and grasshoppers. (Adobe Stock)

NY Chef Changing Minds on Eating Insects

By Whitney Bauck for The Guardian.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

A 2019 report from the New York State Comptroller's Office found almost 85% of green jobs were in increased demand. A 2022 report found there are 35,700 workers in New Jersey's green economy. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Grow Job Opportunities

Offshore wind in New York and New Jersey is becoming a large contributor to job growth. New York's offshore wind investments are slated to create …

In New York, the Inflation Reduction Act has helped grow manufacturing and jobs for numerous forms of clean energy. But the White House predicts a default would raise interest rates and lead to higher prices for these projects. (Adobe Stock)

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

The looming U.S. debt default could affect a host of programs across the country - and in New York, the list includes clean-energy investments…

In 2022, the Living Schoolyards Act was introduced in Congress, which would direct federal resources toward greening school grounds like those above. However, the bill failed to advance out of committee. (Adobe Stock)

Green Playgrounds Help NY Achieve Climate Goals

By Marianne Dhenin for Next City and Nexus Media News. .Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions …

According to the EPA, a supplemental proposal called the Super Emitter Reduction Program aims to reduce methane emissions from a bevy of sources by 87%, compared with 2005 levels. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Considers Bill to Align Climate, Public Utility Laws

New York State's Legislature is reviewing a bill to align the state's public utility law with its climate goals. The New York HEAT Act aims to get …

According to a 2022 report from NYSERDA, job increases in the clean energy sector made up 2% of total economy wide employment increases in New York. (Adobe Stock)

Green Economy Jobs Boom Across NY, US

By Michelle Ma for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

In 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $500 million investment in offshore wind to provide cleaner energy, part of a goal to have 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind developed by 2035. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Elected Officials Celebrate Offshore Wind During Earth Month

Throughout Earth Month, elected officials across the U.S. are celebrating renewable energy projects. In New York, several wind, solar and …

Along with a goal to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030, New York State is also aiming to have 100% zero emission electricity by 2040, a 40% reduction in statewide greenhouse-gas emissions from 1990 by 2030 which will be upped to 85% in 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

NY Renewable-Energy Projects Coming to Fruition

During Earth Week, several projects in New York to boost energy efficiency have been completed. These projects, which consist of wind, solar and …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, transportation contributes 27% of greenhouse-gas emissions across the nation. (e.v Energy)

New NY Program Provides Incentives for EV Charging

Orange and Rockland counties in New York are instituting a cash-incentive program for electric-vehicle owners. The SmartCharge New York program …

A report from Ernst & Young finds cost savings and efficiency are the top motivators for 61% of companies embarking on supply-chain sustainability. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Considers Supply-Chain Transparency Bills

New York State's Legislature is considering several bills to get the state to utilize ethical and sustainable supply chains. One piece of …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, adopting new standards for soot can help prevent up to 4,200 premature deaths per year and 270,000 lost workdays per year. It can also yield as much as $43 billion in net health benefits in 2032. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Soot Proposal Not Enough, NY Environmentalists Say

A New York environmental group feels the Environmental Protection Agency's latest regulations on soot in the air do not go far enough. The new …

According to a report from the Rainforest Action Network, 60 of the largest banks funneled a little over $185 Billion into 100 companies doing the most to expand fossil fuels like ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco. (Adobe Stock)

NY Environmentalists Protest Banks Invested in Fossil Fuels

New York environmentalists are protesting banks heavily invested in the fossil fuel industry as part of a national day of action today (Tuesday)…

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NY: Climate Change