Last year the NYC Clean School Bus Coalition stayed busy on the advocacy front, accomplishing their biggest goal when Intro-455A passed in the fall. Now, with a citywide mandate for all school buses to be electric by 2035, the coalition is shifting it’s work to focus on the next five years. 

The agenda highlights goals to support a swift transition to electric school buses, to facilitate equitable implementation, and to expand the coalition’s reach beyond New York City. The coalition will look at utility funding for EV charging stations and electric school buses, as well as researching different tools that can better facilitate deployment via financing, leasing models, and vehicle to grid technology. This will all be done with important stakeholders such as parents, bus companies and contractors.

The coalition will continue to center equitable implementation as essential to the transition. A big priority will be for electric school buses and their charging  infrastructure to be first implemented in areas that serve communities historically overburdened by poor air quality and environmental racism. 

The biggest shift in coalition work will be a broader focus on New York State as a whole. During her State of the State address earlier this year, Governor Hochul committed to a 100% zero emission school bus fleet by 2035, starting with all new school bus purchases being zero emission by 2027. The coalition will now be working to support the codification of this commitment into law, ensuring that equity and labor considerations remain at the forefront. 

Over the next five years we can expect to see major changes in the amount of electric school buses on the road in New York City. The coalition will stay active in this transition, while keeping its focus on labor and environmental justice, in order to support a smooth transition. This will go hand in hand with continued public engagement and education, to uplift electric school buses as a way to improve community health outcomes, climate justice, and support a just economy. 

Check out the new 2022-2027 coalition agenda here. 

We recently hosted a “Day on the Delaware” event with the Alliance for the Upper Delaware River Watershed, Friends of the Upper Delaware River, and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. The goal of the event was to connect elected officials, partners, and other stakeholders to each other and the river while elevating the need for funding for the Upper Delaware River Watershed. Speakers outlined below highlighted the ecological, recreational, and economic value of the region. 

Francis O’Shea, Project Manager at The Trust for Public Land highlighted the history of the property where the event was held. For many years it was a working agricultural land and in recent years was a campground. Unfortunately, floods in 2005 and 2006 degraded the land, but TPL approached the owner to purchase the land and create a public park. The project is a great example of collaboration between multiple groups and agencies to create more access to the river and recreational space for the community. 

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther emphasized the need for dedicated funding for the Upper Delaware River region. As a local resident, Assemblywoman Gunther is motivated by her love of the area and fond memories of growing up in the region. She plans to advocate for funding for the region in the upcoming budget cycle. She hopes to help preserve the land and river for generations to come.

New York State Senator Mike Martucci emphasized that he is working with Assemblywoman Gunther as a team to get dedicated funding from the State in the upcoming budget cycle. He referenced that there has been sustained funding at the federal level for the protection of the Upper Delaware River Watershed and voiced his belief that the State should commit investments as well.

NYLCVEF President Julie Tighe spoke on the importance of clean and protected waterways for activities like fly fishing and spoke about how the Upper Delaware River Watershed has been historically overlooked. While recreational opportunities and tourism generate approximately 3.5 billion dollars to the State’s economy, the area is still underfunded. Additionally, President Tighe spoke about the importance of properly protecting the Watershed, especially in the face of climate change.

Vincent Sapienza, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Environmental Protection shared the agency’s responsibility of managing flows from NYC reservoirs into the river system. He also recognized that the reservoirs not only provide NYC residents with clean water, but support a world-class fishery on the river as well as other recreational and tourism activities in the region. He expressed that DEP is proud to partner with the organizing groups to advance the Alliance’s goals. 

Together, NYLCV, FUDR, CDRW, the Alliance for the Upper Delaware River Watershed, and esteemed guests enjoyed a wonderful day soaking up all that the Delaware River has to offer and engaging with key stakeholders in the fight for dedicated funding for the Upper Delaware River Watershed.

For more information, please visit our campaign landing page.

By Kerry Ellis

As part of our public awareness campaign on electric vehicles, Plug It In, NY, we released the fourth in our series of fact sheets to encourage New Yorkers to make an EV their next vehicle. 

The fact sheet focuses on the costs, incentives, and funding opportunities associated with purchasing and owning an EV.

State, federal, and utility incentives help lower the cost of purchasing and owning electric vehicles. 

A federal tax credit for drivers purchasing new EVs ranges from $2,500  to $7,500. 

New York State offers a Drive Clean Rebate, which discounts the price of EVs for consumers by up to $2,000 at participating new car dealers. There are also discounts on tolls for electric vehicle drivers, including the Thruway Authority’s Green Pass  Discount Plan.

One commonly held misconception is that EVs are cost-prohibitive. While this may have been true decades ago, the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is becoming more competitive with that of its gasoline counterparts. 

Electric cars are also cheaper to fuel and maintain. 

EV owners will see savings as early as their first year. The average yearly cost of fueling an EV in New York is $708, while for a gas-powered car it's $1,200. EV maintenance costs are lower than conventional cars because they have fewer moving parts (e.g., belts, crankshaft, fuel pumps, pistons) so they have fewer mechanical failures. 

Additionally, a comprehensive study by NYSERDA found that increased adoption of EVs would economically benefit EV owners. Depending on their location within the state, owning an EV could net drivers savings of up to $3,857 over a vehicle’s lifespan. EV owners are not the only beneficiaries of increased EV adoption, either; moderate adoption of electric vehicles would result in a statewide net societal benefit of approximately $5.1 billion.

Read more in our fact sheet today!

Paul Dibenedetto, Long Island

Below is a photo of my car charging at home using the charger Ford gave with the car. It hooks up to a 120v outlet. In the summer the electric range is about 23-25 miles and in the winter, that drops to about 13-15 miles of range. Overall, the lifetime mpg is about 52 mpg and because the car shows how many miles are driven in electric versus gas, it’s about a 60/40 ratio of driving on electric/gas.

I bought the car with 19K miles in 2016 and now the car has 92K miles. My next car will most likely be fully electric.

Prof. Yelleshpur Dathatri and Geetha Dathatri, Medford

Vehicle: Hyundai Kona Electric
Year of Purchase: November 2019. Model year 2019
Purchase price: without rebates and credits: $39,000
New York State incentive at the dealership: $2,000
Federal Tax Credit: $7,500
High Speed home charger: Charge Point PSEG credit $500
Range on full charge: winter months around 250 to 280 miles
Summer months: 360 to 380 miles
PSEG Long Island energy incentive: 3 cents per KWh charged during off peak hours (11 pm to 6am)
Approximate savings compared to a gasoline vehicle: At least 50% in fuel costs.

For the past nearly 12 years we have been driving hybrid vehicles with gasoline back up. We wanted to try a pure electric vehicle and after some research on various factors, we pitched on the Hyundai Kona Electric model. The incentives and tax credits have been very attractive. The support by the local utility to pure electric vehicles is commendable.

We are extremely happy to be driving a clean vehicle which does not produce any pollution locally. We do not have to go for any oil change and such maintenance items.

The range on full charge has not been a constraint since we drive mostly locally. Options exist to charge the vehicle when driving a little farther distance. As more and more charging options increase on the highways, we believe, electric vehicles are the future of the automotive industry.

Portia Zwicker, Niskayuna

1. What first inspired your decision to buy an electric vehicle and what was it like to make this transition?

I'd been wanting to switch to electric for a couple years to get off gas. I'm a climate activist, and while I know major change has to come from higher up, I also make as many personal changes as I can. Being able to make this change was indeed a privilege.

2. Which electric vehicle do you own? Why did you choose this make and model?

We replaced my gas car with a 2020 Chevy Bolt LT that we are leasing. Two months later, we replaced my husband's gas car with a used 2017 Chevy Bolt Premier which we have bought. So we have two Bolts.

3. Have you found that you’ve saved money on fuel and maintenance costs by owning an electric vehicle compared to a conventional vehicle (if you owned a conventional vehicle in the past)?

Yes, absolutely. We have not bought any gas since obtaining these EVs, and of course, no oil changes, transmission issues...I did get a flat tire I had to replace but that was my fault haha.

4. Did you use any available EV funding sources to assist with your purchase? If so, which ones? Was the funding process difficult to navigate?

Unfortunately not since federal funding is no longer available for Chevrolet EVs. The 2020 car is a lease and we are not the original owners of the 2017 car.

5. Do you charge your car at home or use public chargers? Can you expand on your experience with charging at home and/or in public?

My husband charges on a level 2 for free at work. I work from home and don't drive much so I easily get by charging at home on a Level 1. However, I definitely take advantage of public charging when I'm out and about. Most public level 2 stations are free!

6. What would you say to an interested buyer with range anxiety and concerns about charging?

I have zero range anxiety with day-to-day around-town driving. If you have a typical or average commute, you can get all you need by charging overnight on level 1 (standard 120v outlet). We haven't done much long-range driving yet (thanks COVID), but our one trip to NYC and back was totally doable with two stops (one each way) at DC fast charging stations at rest stops.

Jeff Krenn, Queens

1. What first inspired your decision to buy an electric vehicle and what was it like to make this transition?

I am both a huge advocate of environmental sustainability and a huge bleeding edge tech nerd. When I first learned about Tesla, I became enthralled in the idea of one day owning what represented a physical manifestation of a perfect marriage of these two concepts. Transitioning from a gas car to an all-electric EV wasn't difficult but as I live in a downtown setting with no garage or driveway to park and charge in, I did rely on the ability to charge at work and publicly. This directly impacted my decisions around who I would and would not work for when I lived in an area of upstate new york that demanded I drive daily; now that I'm living in NYC it forced me to prioritize finding a parking garage with vehicle charging and negotiating a monthly parking rate that would include it.

2. Which electric vehicle do you own? Why did you choose this make and model?

2018 Tesla Model 3 (Long Range first production, RWD, with Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self Driving add-on packages). This was the first Tesla Model 3 variant available and I reserved it two years in advance, then took delivery in July of 2018. I chose this model since it was the first one available that was within a feasible purchase and ownership budget for me, and I chose the version I did because I wanted the longest range battery possible, along with all the upgraded tech options available at the time and for the foreseeable future via software updates.

3. Have you found that you’ve saved money on fuel and maintenance costs by owning an electric vehicle compared to a conventional vehicle (if you owned a conventional vehicle in the past)?

I've absolutely saved money on fuel and maintenance. In the first year alone my savings were many thousands of dollars, since there's been hardly any need to pay for charging except on long trips (supercharging is not free, but most public charging options are), and there's been zero maintenance outside of tire rotations and a few repairs which are covered by Tesla. Oil changes are a thing of the past!

4. Did you use any available EV funding sources to assist with your purchase? If so, which ones? Was the funding process difficult to navigate?

I took advantage of the full Federal Tax Credit incentive ($7500) and the NY Drive Clean instant rebate (I believe this was $2k or $3k, I can't recall now). The NY Rebate came off the purchase price instantly without my having to ask, and the tax credit was processed automatically as well. Both were simple and seamless processes that required minimal effort on my end to secure.

5. Do you charge your car at home or use public chargers? Can you expand on your experience with charging at home and/or in public?

As I mentioned above I do not own a property that affords me the ability to charge at home, so I am at the mercy of public charging infrastructure and availability. That said I mostly charged at work in 2018 and 2019 when I lived upstate, and upon moving to NYC, I now mostly charge at my parking garage, as I chose one that agreed to include it with my monthly fee. In advance of taking a drive I ping the garage and ask them to charge the car ahead of my pickup time, and everything goes pretty smoothly for me in that regard.

6. What would you say to an interested buyer with range anxiety and concerns about charging?

If you have range anxiety I cannot recommend Tesla enough since they are the only EV company that has prioritized creating a proprietary network of superchargers that keep you on the road with minimal delay. in fact I actually enjoy long trips more now, knowing there is a baked in break each 2.5-3 hours of driving, during which my fiancé and I will eat or take a bio break or just sit and read/scroll our phones for a bit, recharging our own batteries for the drive while the car recharges itself. I do not think I'd enjoy relying on public Level 2 charging for road trips since it is quite slow and availability is not reliable in many rural and less population-dense areas of the country.

Cynthia Braun, Westchester

“I love my EV! I was concerned initially that I would have “range anxiety” about running out of charge in an inconvenient location, but I have found chargers are plentiful and easy to access. Also, we installed a home charger so every morning I leave the house with 200 miles on my battery. It turns out that this is more than enough for my typical daily driving. Even on long trips, we’ve found it’s refreshing to stop for a half hour at a Super Charger site when needed. We stretch our legs, get a cup of coffee, and walk the dog. Traveling this way is surprisingly easy and pleasant! I also love never going to the gas station! EV’s need so little maintenance that we save money and time that way, too. We’ve been delighted with our EV & recommend one to everyone!” 

June and Jeffrey Stumpf, Westchester

Quote for carousel & landing page: “You can charge at home using a portable charging cord from a standard 120 volt standard home outlet or charge from a 240 volt outlet. A 240 volt charging station can be mounted outside your house (like ours) or in the garage. You can typically top off and charge at home overnight from 120 or 240 volt. I generally charge at night and have 100% charge the next day...Very long trips require planning, since the electric charging station infrastructure is not as built-out as the gas station infrastructure... There are apps that can help you find charging stations on the go…. The only thing I miss about gas stations are the snacks!” 

Mike Jaklitsch, Queens

The purchase process was simple compared to any past experience with ICE vehicles in the past. Driving an EV, especially a Tesla, is unlike any other driving experience. Plus my Model S improves with age via regular software updates. How many other cars can boast about that? 

Nicholas Palumbo, Long Island

The purchase process was simple compared to any past experience with ICE vehicles in the past. Driving an EV, especially a Tesla, is unlike any other driving experience. Plus my Model S improves with age via regular software updates. How many other cars can boast about that? 

Bobby Parchuri, Long Island

1. What first inspired your decision to buy an electric vehicle and what was it like to make this transition?

I was looking for something more environmentally friendly with better performance which is hard to find with traditional vehicles, it’s usually a compromise of one or the other. Making the switch was easy but I did do my research ahead of time to know what to expect. 

2. Which electric vehicle do you own? Why did you choose this make and model?

I own a 2018 Tesla Model 3. It was the only model on the market with 300 miles of range under $60,000. It also has the benefit of utilizing Tesla’s supercharger network for long distance travel. 

3. Have you found that you’ve saved money on fuel and maintenance costs by owning an electric vehicle compared to a conventional vehicle (if you owned a conventional vehicle in the past)?

I can say that I have saved money on maintenance and fuel but the amount is small considering the car is a depreciating asset and the money saved on fuel and maintenance is dwarfed by the depreciation of such an expensive car. 

Since PSEG launched Smart Charge Rewards which credits back $0.05 of the approximately $0.20 for each kWh used for charging overnight, charging the car has made the fuel cost more economical. 

https://www.psegliny.com/saveenergyandmoney/greenenergy/ev/smartchargerewards

4. Did you use any available EV funding sources to assist with your purchase? If so, which ones? Was the funding process difficult to navigate?

I used the federal EV rebate of $7500 which was available for Tesla’s at the time. It was easy to include in my tax return for that year and it got refunded when I received my tax refund. I was also able to use NY State Drive Clean Rebate which is a $2000 EV rebate and all the paperwork was handled by the seller and the amount was deducted from the final price of the car. 

5. Do you charge your car at home or use public chargers? Can you expand on your experience with charging at home and/or in public?

I charge both at public stations and at home.

At level 2 public stations, the ones you will find in parking lots of retailers or public buildings, the charge rate is relatively slow. If the car is charging for an hour or two, it can recoup the energy used to get there and back, useful for a plug in hybrid or a car with a smaller battery pack. With the Tesla, I usually have ample range to not have to worry about that. Oftentimes if there is a fee to use these chargers, it is not worthwhile as charging at home is much less expensive. 

At level 3 stations, such as the Tesla Supercharger network, I can stop for 20 minutes and get back 150 miles of range. I have used these many times when taking long trips on the interstate. The cost is fair considering the speed of charging and is still much less than the cost of gas. The car will use the navigation system to route you through the network to stop at appropriate charging locations, this is all done automatically. Many people see the 20 minute fueling stop as long, but unlike gasoline, all you need to do is plug it in and walk away. I find this time useful to use the restroom, get a snack or relax for a few minutes after driving for several hours. The car is usually ready to go before I am. 

Lastly, I do most of my charging at home. I purchased an EV charging station similar to a level 2 station you will find in public areas. PSEG has a $500 rebate which offsets most of the cost of the charger. Installation was simple as the charger plugs into a standard dryer/oven/RV receptacle which is common in many houses already or can be added in easily if the electric panel is nearby. 

Using this, the car will charge fully overnight. It is very convenient being able to arrive home, plug in, and be fully charged for the next drive. I don’t have to worry about fluctuating gas prices, or the need to go out of my way to stop at a gas station, waiting in line and at the pump before getting to my destination. 

6. What would you say to an interested buyer with range anxiety and concerns about charging?

A Tesla is a great choice for a primary car. It has the range for 99% of drives, and for the few times a year most people will take long road trips, the supercharger network acts just like gas stations along your route allowing you to recharge quickly and get back on the road. I never have to worry about range and the car is aware of its state of charge and helps navigate to charging locations if it becomes an issue. 

Charging at home is not a problem, even a regular outlet will charge the car and return about 50 miles of range overnight. When visiting other people, I have plugged into dryer outlets or standard receptacles and never had any problems. I like to remind people when charging infrastructure is questioned, even in the most remote areas, electric service is more common than a gas station. Nearly every building in this country has electric service so charging the car, although slowly, can happen almost anywhere. 

More planning would be needed for other electric cars as there are not as many level 3 charging stations available. These would still make great cars if you had another vehicle available to use for long drives. The cost to run and maintain a simple electric vehicle is orders of magnitude less than their gas counterparts. As the initial purchase price continues to decline or if you can buy an already depreciated used vehicle, it makes the financials much more attractive.

Andrea Shaye, Albany County

What first inspired your decision to buy an electric vehicle and what was it like to make this transition? 

My husband and I have been Toyota Prius owners since 2005, and we were excited about a new car that could further reduce our impact on the environment. At one point, he purchased a cheap used car that he was going to convert into an EV, but that plan never came to fruition. While working to complete my MBA, I completed a course which focused on business and the environment, and I wrote a paper about the Nissan Leaf. This was prior to the car's release as the first mass-produced EV for purchase. The transition to the Leaf was seamless for us. Initially, my husband commuted 80 minutes a day in it, and we continue to use it as our primary car for local errands and visits. 

Which electric vehicle do you own? Why did you choose this make and model? 

We own a 2013 Nissan Leaf. We appreciated that the car was built with the intent of creating an EV as opposed to those that companies had created as gas models with an EV option available. Although they weren't a big factor in our purchasing decision, we enjoy the heated seats and steering wheel and the quick pick-up.  At the time, I only remember Tesla as the other EV option on the market we would have considered, and there were none in our price range. 

Have you found that you’ve saved money on fuel and maintenance costs by owning an electric vehicle compared to a conventional vehicle (if you owned a conventional vehicle in the past)? 

We have absolutely saved money since we don't need any oil changes or upkeep on a gas engine. So far, maintenance costs have been minimal. We didn't notice a major difference in our electric bill, and we charge for free all over town.

Did you use any available EV funding sources to assist with your purchase? If so, which ones? Was the funding process difficult to navigate?  

Yes, we received the $7500 federal tax credit which was very simple to navigate. That was the most excited I've ever been to file my taxes. 

Do you charge your car at home or use public chargers? Can you expand on your experience with charging at home and/or in public? 

It is so awesome to be able to charge up right in our own home. We had a 220 charger installed, so we usually only need a few hours to get back to full after we've been out. The app makes it easy to check the charging status and start the climate control. When my husband was commuting 35 miles to work, he was able to charge up at his office, too. Our favorite grocery store has charging stations, so we fill up for free when we do our shopping trips. 

What would you say to an interested buyer with range anxiety and concerns about charging?  

In my 8 years of owning our Leaf, I've never been stranded. The gauge makes it very clear how much farther you can drive on the charge. And electricity is even easier to come by than a gas station if you're really in a pinch! With EVs available today, ranges are increasing. Charging stations are only going to become more plentiful as the current administration works to expand environmental protections and promote more sustainable automobiles.

In October of 2020, the NYC Clean School Bus Coalition officially launched, vowing to fight for the electrification of all NYC school buses.

At the launch, the coalition released its 2020–2021 Agenda, which includes implementation recommendations for a pilot program, as well as civic education and engagement. It also suggests that an equitable pilot program should prioritize students in environmental justice communities and those with disabilities. Environmental justice communities, often repressed by racial injustice and economic disparity, are disproportionately affected by environmental issues. In NYC, many school bus depots are located within these communities, heightening air pollution and diminishing air quality. Additionally, students with disabilities are generally more affected as they are on buses for long periods of time. The agenda ensures that these students will be prioritized for the pilot program.

Mayor de Blasio’s recent announcement about a commitment to school bus electrification is a monumental step towards our goal.  However, there is still more work to be done in order to ensure that this commitment is upheld by the next mayor and that it is codified into law.

The first part of de Blasio’s announcement was a commitment to the electrification of all NYCSBUS school buses by the year 2030.  NYCSBUS is a new independent, city-associated, non-profit that will take over Reliant Bus, operating roughly ten percent of the city’s school buses.  The Mayor pledged to purchase 75 electric buses for NYCSBUS over the next two years, and the numbers in his 10-year capital plan reflect funding to fully electrify the fleet by 2030.

The second part of the announcement was to electrify the rest of the school buses in NYC by the year 2035.  This commitment is incredibly important if we are to reach the city’s and the state’s emissions reduction targets but also is the first major commitment from our city to electrify our school buses.  This commitment is ambitious, and we will need consistent and widespread support from a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that we keep it.

The immediate next step is to get buy-in from the NYC Council.  Passing legislation that codifies the commitment into law will ensure that it is upheld through the next Mayoral and City Council terms.  Legislation already exists on school bus electrification, Intro 455 was introduced in 2018 and intends to require all new school buses to be electric by the year 2040.  This bill, sponsored by Council Member Dromm, can be amended to reflect the Mayor’s commitment and passed by the council to ensure the electrification of all school buses.

Funding for these school buses will also need to be secured, as electric school buses are currently more expensive upfront than diesel buses.  At the federal level, there is already a swath of funding options coming down the pipe, notably from President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and the Clean Commutes for Kids Act, originally championed by Vice President Harris.  It is worth noting that the health and environmental benefits of electric school buses make the investment worthwhile, and costs will eventually go down as we start to build a market for electric buses and demand rises.  

Going electric is one of the best ways New Yorkers can fight climate change.

As part of our public awareness campaign on electric vehicles, Plug It In, NY, we released the third in our series of fact sheets to encourage New Yorkers to make an EV their next vehicle. 

Our third fact sheet covers the environmental and public health benefits of EV adoption. 

Fossil-fuel-powered vehicles emit harmful pollutants, many of which have been linked to adverse health effects, and decreased air quality. 

Our fact sheet dives into the different pollutants found in diesel emissions and their effect on human health.

Particulate matter consists of small inhalable particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and come from a variety of sources, including combustion from vehicle engines. It is hazardous to human health because it can carry toxic pollutants deep into lower airways.

Lower-income communities and communities of color, especially in urban areas, face higher levels of exposure to diesel emissions. These groups also suffer from higher rates of negative health outcomes attributed to diesel.

The Union of Concerned Scientists published a report in 2019 that found that people of color in New York were exposed to significantly more PM2.5 emissions compared to white residents. 

Diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles release greenhouse gases, a leading cause of climate change. 

EV adoption can lower both pollution-related health outcomes and greenhouse gas emissions. EVs have a much smaller carbon footprint on average than conventional cars. As our power grid switches to renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydropower, EVs will become an even cleaner way to get around.

EVs are good for us and the planet!

We convened New York City Mayoral candidates to share their views on a variety of sustainability issues in a series of taped interviews. We asked questions on issues including air quality, water quality, parks and open space, public transportation, climate adaptation, composting, and green infrastructure. Watch the full video.

Event Recap

NYLCV President Julie Tight kicked off the webinar, saying that we cannot afford to wait anymore on climate change and must act. She added that we need to invest in resilient infrastructure, increase the amount of recycling we do, protect our water supply, invest in parks and green spaces, and green our transportation sector.

Kathryn Garcia

Kathryn Garcia, the former Sanitation Commissioner, said that we need to ensure that Local Law 97 is actually implemented and that we focus on actually decarbonizing the economy instead of fines and fees. She said that we should use a combination of Canadian hydropower and upstate solar, wind, and geothermal power to green our energy. She said that many communities, particularly those of color, have been overburdened by environmental nuisances. Garcia added that we need to ensure a green New Deal for NYCHA, including investing in geothermal energy and heat pumps. 

The need to electrify our school buses and entire city fleet were also talked about by Garcia. She stressed the need to build infrastructure to charge these vehicles. We need to think about a system that incorporates different modes of transportation, including bicycles. The pandemic showed the physical and mental health benefits of parks, says Garcia, who promised to increase the Parks Department share of the City budget to 1% by the end of her first term. Garcia said that we need to invest in communities that do not have parks, promising to build 10 new parks while creating “green boulevards” between our green spaces. She also suggested increasing public access to green spaces around NYCHA housing.

According to Garcia, we must bring back the city’s curbside composting program, expand it to everybody’s doorstep, and make it mandatory. Garcia also said that we need community composting facilities in every borough and that she has committed to a renewable Rikers Island. Under Garcia, Rikers would be used for making not only renewable power but also compost to be returned to our green spaces. She said that we need to make sure we do not site projects in communities that are already overburdened. Garcia said that we should invest money in our parks as well as in turning asphalt schoolyards into green areas. Garcia said we need to use our strong lead laws while also informing parents about the importance of getting their children tested. Agencies need to work together, and spot checks must be performed, especially on properties owned by repeat offender landlords. She added that training people now on how to design and maintain heating and hot water systems will improve equity. She will make sure that we use our CUNY system as well as our trade schools to achieve this. 

Ray McGuire

Businessman Ray McGuire called climate change an existential crisis with which he has lived his entire life, sharing his personal experience growing up across the street from a paper mill that emitted fumes so strong that the refrigerator needed to be open to breathe. He added that his plan looks to build on climate resiliency, focusing on both air and flooding. He said we need to execute our resiliency plan.

McGuire said that it is critical that we deal with congestion and that we should get at least to net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, he suggested the electrification of vehicles in the city, including public school buses. While we electrify our vehicles, we also need to make sure that the charging infrastructure is there, said McGuire. To reduce emissions, McGuire suggested congestion pricing and increased use of solar and wind power. Citing how outdoor experiences inspire our lives, McGuire said that we should open up bike lanes and parks. Lower-income communities have only half the park space that wealthier communities have, says McGuire, who added that all communities are deserving of great outdoor spaces. He added that we need to return to Gordon Davis’s vision of restructuring the parks, mentioning that outdoor spaces are key to the city’s revival.

McGuire added that we need to focus on composting. He also said that climate should be the highest priority and that we have no alternative. We need to start actually addressing the issue of mold in environmental justice communities, stressed McGuire. Buildings would be tested for lead and graded on a scorecard under McGuire, and immediate action would be taken to remediate problems where they are discovered. McGuire promised, if elected, to take every step available to him to immediately address lead poisoning when it is found.

Green jobs are part of McGuire’s infrastructure plan, and he said that he will make sure jobs are being created to address environmental issues. He said that it is important that we have workforce training for green jobs. 

Eric Adams

Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough President, said that we need to properly identify the sources of greenhouse gas emissions and use not only man- and womanpower, but also technology to solve the problem. He promised to attack greenhouse gas emissions with a force matching that with which the gases are attacking our planet. Adams wants to end the overconsumption of meat in the city, especially with government-supplied food. Meat isn’t only unhealthy but producing it can also create emissions. He wants to replace the peaker plants with the installation of battery storage and create a greenhouse bond program to put people back to work. Adams said that 1 out of 10 NYCHA developments is located in flood zones and that there is a need to rebuild our parkland.

Adams added that we need to expedite the electric bus rollout and do it based on health figures in communities. He said that he would keep the open streets program, reasoning that there is no need for cars on the streets in high-transit areas. He also promised to ensure a real rapid transit system. Adams also suggested the creation of safe passageways for children to ride their bikes to and from school, as well as bikeways. Adams said we must continue to understand the connection between our health and parks and open space, mentioning the need to make sure everybody is within 15 minutes of a park or open space. Specifically, Adams advocated for investment in spaces surrounding schools and the conversion of parking space to green space. Adams believes that we should allocate 10% of our park spaces to farming, which would help with food deserts and introduce children to healthy food habits at the same time.

Adams said that in addition to generating waste, we are also wasting money when we are shipping it out of the city to be processed. According to Adams, real savings will come from investing in long-term waste-processing infrastructure. He added that we need an organic waste collection program and that we should turn the waste over to GrowNYC. Adams said he will make sure every New Yorker participates in the organics program, starting with schools. We need to analyze waste treatment plants and what kinds of buses we are using in certain communities. There needs to be a partnership between the Department of Education and Health and Hospitals regarding dealing with lead, added Adams. When lead is found in clusters, teams should be brought in to do education and abatement. He added that he stood up when he heard about NYCHA’s lead failures. He will implement a Green Bond Act, which will turn the city into a green economy in which agriculture plays an important role. He will also open more CTE schools to turn the city into a pipeline for green jobs education and will ensure that the city’s children are the ones being educated to hold these new jobs. 

Scott Stringer

Scott Stringer, the current City Comptroller, emphasized the need to stop siting peaker plants and bus garages in communities of color, adding that COVID exposed the environmental racism of land-use decisions made over generations. He said that he will build a solar panel on every rooftop and an electric battery in every basement. Stringer added that we can retrofit all of the dirty buildings in the city and implement Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s NYCHA Green Plan by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. He plans to develop a talent pool in communities of color by accessing workforce development programs for CUNY students and making them free.

Stringer said we need decisive action on greening our buses and fleets. The city is made up of 80% sidewalks and streets, with cars controlling 70% of the latter, but Stringer mentioned alternative use for these areas, saying that we can park 20 bicycles in one parking space and create outdoor dining using just three spaces. Stringer plans to build 35 miles of bus lanes per year while keeping safety in mind. Stringer said that we need to think about a post-Robert Moses New York City, saying that highways such as the Cross-Bronx Expressway have polluted and split neighborhoods. He went on to express the need to invest in our parks, suggesting building 200 playgrounds for children in the next five years. He also shared his support for the LCV’s 1% for Parks proposal (which says that 1% of the city budget should be used for parks). Stringer said that we must implement Local Law 97 and invest in green infrastructure that actually cleans up buildings and streets, creating a green economy for working people.

Stringer also talked about the need to get trash off of our streets. He included an idea of using some parking space to place a dumpster instead. He said that we need to do better on composting as a city and that we should be leading the nation. According to Stringer, we must also think strategically and come up with new ideas about the separation of goods in the recycling process. Stringer also said that we need to stop putting dirty bus depots in disadvantaged communities. He said that the next mayor needs to step up and work with communities to solve health disparities. Stringer pointed out that it made no sense that when a child tests positive for lead in a building, we do not conduct a deeper investigation. He added that we need to appreciate that lead poisoning is something that stays with a child for life and that other agencies should work with NYCHA on lead. 

Shaun Donovan

Shaun Donovan, former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said he would make NYC the world’s leading city on climate change. He said we will partner with the rest of the country and world, and pointed to the 6000-word climate plan he outlined as part of his Plan for NYC. He added that he is the only candidate capable of making these connections, pointing to his experience in the federal government. He plans to accelerate the implementation of Local Law 97 and give buildings the tools they need to do so. Donovan added that he will make sure public housing is a worldwide model for sustainable green housing. Within his first 100 days, his government will issue an executive order on environmental justice, including increased mapping.

He said he will also appoint a chief equity officer to ensure that the burden of climate change is not unevenly felt. Our streets need to be reimagined, says Donovan, including through the addition of dedicated bus and bike lanes and by giving buses traffic signaling priority. Donovan said we need to make every public vehicle an EV, and suggested using them as a source of stored energy when our next climate disaster (e.g., a hurricane) arrives. Regarding parks, Donovan says his commitment starts at home, being that he is married to a landscape architect. He said that every New Yorker needs access to a park. Donovan said our lack of park space has to change, citing the fact that we have the least green space per person of any city in the country.

Regarding waste, Donovan said that New York City needs to lead the country in recycling by bringing back organics. He would also implement a serious construction waste recycling program. Donovan would measure the real impacts of climate change in every community. Under Donovan, the city would be planned around “fifteen-minute neighborhoods,” which would ensure people have everything they need to live a life of opportunity within 15 minutes of where they live. He said we need to make sure we do not put environmental hazards into communities of color. Donovan highlighted his prior work on lead poisoning, including implementing Local Law 1 and working on the Healthy Homes Initiative under President Obama. He said that he is the only candidate who knows how to work on the federal level to make sure New York is getting its fair share of federal resources. He will use that money to green the city and create jobs for people too often left behind. 

This event was held in partnership with the Alliance for a Greater New York, New Yorkers for Parks, the Riders Alliance, South Bronx Unite, Transportation Alternatives, The Trust for Public Land, Urban Green, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. A special thanks goes to our sponsor, National Grid.

The debut of candidate interviews was followed by commentary from a panel of experts. The commentary focused on the environmental issues explored during the candidate forum.

Adam Ganser is the Executive Director of New Yorkers for Parks (NY4P). He said that NY4P feels very optimistic about where the candidates are positioned on parks. Ganser added that NY4P is hoping for 1% of the city’s budget to be dedicated to parks, as part of the Play Fair campaign which we helped found. NY4P feels that parks are critical to the city’s economic recovery and should be treated like any other essential infrastructure. Ganser said that the Parks Department was gutted over the past year so we need a massive increase in staffing and permanent jobs. Maintenance, especially in underserved areas, will improve. Another platform of NY4P is to increase access to outdoor space within walking distance for New Yorkers. 

Michael Johnson is the co-founder of South Bronx Unite. He was happy to hear the emphasis on waste from candidates, including the overburdened communities in which waste is handled. However, he wishes they said more about listening to the community and working with the community to develop solutions. Johnson described open streets as a good opportunity to get people outside when they really needed to during the pandemic. He also said that the open streets initiative was not done equitably and that we need permeable surfaces. Johnson stressed the need for permeable surfaces to avoid the urban heat island effect and ensure that play spaces are not unbearably hot. Green spaces are also economic drivers and job creators, he said.

Danny Pearlstein is the Director of Policy and Communications at the Riders Alliance. He said that they are very happy to hear the priority given to buses by the candidates, as well as the fact that candidates are not attacking bike lanes. He said that we should roll out 30 miles of bus lanes per year. When city planners consult stakeholders on bus lanes, they consult bus riders from all along the route, so that changes are not based on parochial concerns. Pearlstein then stressed that 75% of bus riders are low-income New Yorkers of color, emphasizing the importance of buses to achieving equity. He also touched on the city’s emissions crisis and pointed out how improved transit leaves fewer cars on the road. Pearlstein said that open streets are incredibly important to our communities, but that we need a plan to make sure that they are distributed equitably. Pearlstein also mentioned the 25 X 25 plan, which would open 25% of city streets by 2025. However, he added that we need to involve the community in the decision-making process.

Chris Halfnight is the Associate Director of Policy at Urban Green Council. He said that nearly 70% of the city’s total emissions come from the energy used in buildings. Halfnight said that we heard from all the candidates that the buildings sector is a top priority. He discussed Local Law 97 and the work that needs to be done to ensure that the law is implemented correctly. He said that replacing peaker plants and retrofits to public housing are also good priorities which the candidates mentioned. Urban Green also has two other priorities which were not stressed: building electrification and strategy for reducing emissions from the city’s smaller buildings. Halfnight said that green jobs in the buildings sector are good, well-paid jobs. There is significant potential for jobs in the buildings sector, especially surrounding retrofits. Halfnight would like to see plans laid out for developing green jobs in the buildings sector. Over the next decade, energy efficiency will provide a $20 billion market opportunity and could stimulate 141,000 jobs.

Don’t forget to cast your vote on Primary Day, June 22nd! One of the most important ways to advocate for climate action is to elect people we know will commit to the environment. Click to see information about deadlines and location.

This year is the first time voters will participate in the city's new Ranked-Choice Voting system. That means instead of just picking one candidate for any given position, you will rank up to your top five choices. Learn more about rank choice voting at our webinar on June 3rd.

View the event slideshow here.

Full candidate interviews:
Eric Adams
Shaun Donovan
Kathryn Garcia
Ray McGuire
Scott Stringer
Maya Wiley
Andrew Yang

Going electric is one of the best ways New Yorkers can fight climate change.

As part of our public awareness campaign on electric vehicles, Plug It In, NY, we released the second in our series of fact sheets to encourage New Yorkers to make an EV their next vehicle. 

Our second fact sheet covers everything there is to know about charging an EV. 

Many drivers may shy away from EVs because they feel the charging process is overly complicated. As of January 2020, only 45,000 EVs had been purchased by New Yorkers.

However, as the fact sheet reveals, the notion that charging is difficult couldn’t be further from the truth. We go over the three types of chargers, (Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast), what plugs they use, and how fast they charge. Our fact sheet also covers the cost to install and use home chargers as well as the cost and payment options for public chargers. 

We hope to encourage more New Yorkers to make their next car an EV by clearing up the charging process. Read the full fact sheet here.

Japanese Knotweed is present everywhere along the Upper Delaware River and its tributaries. Left unmanaged it continues to spread along the river and everywhere it can find suitable conditions all the while crowding out native riparian vegetation leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and bank destabilization.

Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR) is undertaking research to document the extent of knotweed colonization and its impacts on soils and aquatic habitat. This year they are also establishing 3 demonstration sites where landowners can see different options for you to manage, control, or even eradicate knotweed using a variety of low-cost techniques. 

On January 28th, in partnership with FUDR, Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, and Shippensburg University’s Center for Land Use and Sustainability, we held an informational webinar on knotweed in the Upper Delaware River Watershed and the demonstration sites. You can view a recording of the webinar here.

During the forum, the audience had an opportunity to ask questions. For all the questions we couldn’t get to during the webinar, panelists Dr. Eric Burkhart of Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and Steve Schwartz, the Knotweed Project Consultant, have since weighed in. See below for their expert insight!

I'm above the Pepacton's Downsville Dam on the East Branch near Margaretville... I'd love any help I can get. Thanks for this.

Steve responds: Follow our website, www.fudr.org/knotweed and facebook page for more info on knotweed management and site demonstrations

Is digging and selling for resveratrol a possibility?

Steve responds that yes, there are herbal product companies that are purchasing knotweed rhizome.

How many years do you plan to follow the Skinners Falls site?

Steve responds: We have funding for one year. If we can raise additional funding the plan is for two or more years.

The test plots appear to be long and fairly narrow. How will you deal with drift from foliar herbicide application to adjoining test plots? Wouldn't it better to separate the herbicide plots from the others?

Steve answers: There will be a strip between each plot and foliar is sandwiched between injection and covering.

Landscape architect and riverfront land owner here with half of the property covered with knotweed. Are there partnerships or grants available for landowners to implement these management techniques? Are the products / service providers that were referenced (Geo textile, herbicide, goat rental, herbicide applicator?)

Steve responds: What state are you in? Some federal funding through NRCS may be available, through county conservation districts. Some state level funding is available from time to time though nothing right now. We will share suppliers once we get the project up and running

What about eradication possibilities on state lands, such as state forests, that border the Delaware in several places? Is the State onboard with this problem and trying to solve it?

Steve answers: We have support from NYS DEC for the Skinners Falls project. We suggest advocacy to the state agencies to better address the problem. In NY, CRISP is the agency most involved with knotweed. In PA, there is no equivalent organization.

Our property has a lot of knotweed. We are trying to get it under control by cutting it down constantly and letting our goats and sheep eat it. Is it good to cut down along the river bank as well?

Steve said “Yes!”

How about plowing it up and picking the roots out?

Steve responds: Plowing it might only spread it as the rhizomes are very durable and any rhizome fragments might propagate and then you have the problem of where and how to dispose of all of the rhizomes and root fragments you remove.

How effective is digging it out?

Steve responds: If you have isolated plants it is very effective. In a mature stand it is impossible to get all of the rhizomes and radial roots at one time so it will require repeated management and then you have the problem of disposing the rhizomes without further spreading the plant.

When you mention herbicide. Is there a brand? Or should we keep away from herbicides? (sic)

Steve responds: This glyphosate product is aquatic-labeled and available at Home Depot. It also gives specific instructions for knotweed on pages 9 and 13 of the label. But, it is very important that anyone using herbicide can properly understand and follow all instructions on the label. I haven't found aquatic-labeled glyphosate products that are ready-to-use (no mixing required).

https://www.homedepot.com/p/1-Gal-Aquatic-Herbicide-53-8-Glyphosate-Concentrate-75298/304755435

While I can see how roundup injection would be more effective than foliar applications, is it practical as a landowner to use a foliar application with a handheld tank sprayer right next to the stream? Doesn't seem environmentally sound unless one is a prescribed distance from the stream. In the alternative cutting and tarping right next to the stream seems like the most practical and safest practice (until I find a neighborly goat farmer)

Steve responds: Aquatic-labeled herbicide products can be used for foliar applications at the water's edge. The active ingredient glyphosate is very effective on knotweed.  However, the short answer is we are not promoting using it casually, only providing this an option with precautions and warnings that it should be applied by a licensed professional.

What keeps knotweed in check in its native habitat? Are there any biological controls? And is its original habitat only Japan or other regions of temperate Asia? On the west coast they are having success with biological control. Has it been evaluated here in the east?

Steve responds to both questions: There is a psylid from Japan that has been trialed in the US, UK, and Canada with little success. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPI8_ge8nO0

Do you restrict the goats to the knotweed area so they ONLY eat that? i.e., is knotweed something they eat only when everything else is already consumed?

Steve said: The goats will restricted to test plots which have mature stands of knotweed. Our goat farmer reports that they do eat knotweed and that they seem to like it as it is a novel food source for them. We will try to protect any trees and saplings growing in the plot so that the goats don't eat the leaves and bark of plants we want to see compete with knotweed.

Any research on planted or natural grass as a deterrent? I've seen where lawns grow strong and are absent of knotweed.

Steve replied: Repeated mowing of lawns will deter knotweed. We plan to try sowing various grasses and bushes/trees such as willows as well to see how they can compete.

We're on a mission to encourage New Yorkers to make their next car an electric vehicle (EV). Going electric is one of the best ways New Yorkers can fight climate change. 

As part of our public awareness campaign on EVs, Plug It In, NY, we released the first of a series of fact sheets to encourage New Yorkers to make an EV their next vehicle. This first fact sheet dispels myths about charging range which many associate with EVs, known as range anxiety. This fear that an EV will run out of charge before getting to a destination, leaving the driver stranded, may discourage New Yorkers from going electric. As of January 2020, only 45,000 EVs had been purchased by New Yorkers.

The fact sheet explains why EVs can be driven for days before needing to recharge, that charging can be quick and inexpensive, and that charging stations are becoming increasingly common. It also highlights a few testimonies from EV drivers about their range and charging experiences. Transportation is the leading contributor to climate change in the state and we are prioritizing policies that encourage low-emission transportation, like EVs, as a vital way to protect the environment. 

New York State also has a number of programs to encourage EV ownership through including Charge NY and EVolve. 

We hope to encourage more New Yorkers to make their next car an EV while allaying potential fears about range.

We are committed to educating, engaging, and empowering New Yorkers to be effective advocates for the environment. One of our top priorities is reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, New York’s largest source of emissions. Given that there are nearly 11.5 million vehicles registered in NYS, getting individual New Yorkers to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) will be key to cutting emissions from the transportation sector. Our Plug it in, NY! campaign seeks to empower New Yorkers to make an educated choice as to whether adopting an EV would be right for them, through our educational materials and testimonials from EV drivers.

Get the Facts on EVs

EV Make Ready Program

In January 2020, the Governor announced the EV Make Ready Program. The program will support the installation of charging infrastructure by providing funding for up to 90% of the costs to make a site “ready” for EV charging. The infrastructure is expected to provide more than $2.6 billion in consumer net benefits. The program will help the state reach its goal of having 850,000 EVs on the road by the end of 2025.

Charging Infrastructure 

There are currently 1,994 public charging stations in New York State, with many more on the way. New York State has made heavy investments in charging infrastructure, and several local utilities within the state are supporting the transition to electric vehicles with charging station installations. 

NYSERDA Charging Station Locator

Electrify America Charging Station Locator

Click here to propose a charging station in New York.

Testimonials 

Read testimonials from EV drivers across New York.

Together with Columbia University’s Sabin Center For Climate Change Law, we recently held the third virtual forum in our series on implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. This roundtable focused on reducing emissions from the transportation sector, which is the state’s largest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A recording of the forum is available here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9_YtVVLLLY

The forum featured discussions about two policies in particular: the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) and a Clean Fuels Standard (CFS). The forum was moderated by Nick Sifuentes, Executive Director of the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. It featured several expert speakers from the transportation and climate sectors: James Bradbury, Bruce Ho, Ben Mandel, Porie Saikia-Eapen, Kerene Tayloe, and Floyd Vergara.

James Bradbury is the Mitigation Program Director at the Georgetown Climate Center. During the roundtable, he spoke about how the Transportation and Climate Initiative would commit 12 Northeastern states to reduce emissions from regional transportation. The TCI proposes to cut down on the over 40% of carbon emissions that transportation is responsible for regionally through creating a multijurisdictional cap on carbon emissions. It proposes a 20-25% cut in carbon emissions from 2022-2032. It would also modestly raise prices at the pump and use the proceeds to fund research in and incentivize clean energy. The final memorandum of understanding for the TCI is on track to be released by the end of the year, with the policy set to go into effect in 2021. The TCI and its regional approach can get more done than if the states were to only act alone.

Bradbury also discussed the current federal political landscape. While he said that Congress is currently very unpredictable with funding, he stated that the Biden/Harris Administration will pursue climate-friendly initiatives such as setting federal vehicle emissions standards and restoring tax credits for electric vehicles. Because of uncertainty on the federal level, Bradbury contends that state and local leadership is critical to creating long-term climate programs. He said that a combination of bottom-up leadership from communities and state-level funding will be important.

Bruce Ho, Senior Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council, mentioned the need for an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to tackle the transportation sector’s pollution problem. He lauded the TCI’s enforceable declining cap on transportation emissions and $1.4 billion in annual funding it would create, citing its potential to save lives and prevent over 1,000 childhood asthma cases in New York every year. He mentioned the need to use TCI funds to support equitable solutions like mass transit. He also stated that it would be unacceptable if the TCI exacerbates existing disparities, and that the program will need to provide certainties and guarantees for health benefits for communities of color. Finally, Ho emphasized that no single policy is a silver bullet, and that it is essential for a clean fuels standard to work hand in hand with the TCI.

Ben Mandel, Northeast Regional Director for CALSTART, reiterated that while the TCI is imperative, we also need an all-hands-on-deck approach. A clean fuels standard would establish a declining standard for the carbon from fuels used in the state. It would create revenue to reinvest in the public transportation system and the development of low carbon fuels. He said that clean fuel standard bills have bipartisan support in the State Assembly and Senate. Mandle suggested using incentives to reduce payback periods for investing in an electric fleet in order to get more clean-fuel vehicles on the road. To handle areas without access to mass transit, he suggested enhancing first and last mile connections such as e-bikes and e-scooters, reducing the need for single-person car trips.

Porie Saikia-Eapen, Director of Environmental Sustainability and Compliance at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, discussed the agency’s long term goals for fleet electrification, including plans to convert the entire 6000-strong bus fleet to run on electricity by 2040. This process has already begun through the purchase of 15 electric buses and plans to order 500 more in the 2024 capital plan. She mentioned that the MTA has 2000 miles of track, covers 5000 square miles of territory, and moved an average of 9,000,000 people per day prior to the pandemic. The agency keeps 17,000,000 tons of GHG emissions out of the air annually by reducing the number of cars on the road, she said. It is currently looking to make a 10-year agreement with energy developers to install solar panels on bus depot roofs to send power to the grid. A similar program already exists with panels on the roof of the Stillwood Avenue subway terminal that power the station. Saikia-Eapen also mentioned that the agency exceeded its 2010-2020 goal of reducing energy consumption of spaces greater than 20,000 square feet by 20%. Additionally, the MTA is currently researching biodiesel as a possible fuel source. Finally, the agency is committed to reporting emissions on an annual basis to the climate registry and to meeting the science-based targets of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Kerena Tayloe is the Director of Federal Legislative Affairs at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. During the roundtable, she expressed some of the concerns about TCI, including that many of these policies were created without input from environmental justice communities. Tayloe also criticized the Trump Administration’s rollbacks of CAFE standards. She opposes market-based approaches to reducing emissions, which she feels are ineffectual. She supports the adoption of electric buses, and mentioned that an increase in the price of gas would only increase the burden on already-burdened people.

Floyd Vergara is the leader of the West Coast Office for the National Biodiesel Board. He discussed the clean fuels standard, which he said decarbonizes the transportation fuel pool, improves air quality, reduces dependency on fossil-fuels, incentivizes investment in new industries, and creates jobs. The CFS incentivizes alternative fuels such as biodiesel, which has created an estimated 38,000 jobs. Vergara said that the CFS in California has not had an adverse impact on prices at the pump. He says we often focus on the magnitude of emission reductions but ignore how long it would take to achieve these goals. Biodiesel can be implemented right now since it is compatible with existing engines and would significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from trucks. Electrification makes sense for light-duty vehicles, but for heavy-duty vehicles, biofuels will play an important role, said Vergara.

We will continue to plan more in our forum series on implementing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

On October 15th, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and Students for Climate Action (S4CA) held a candidate forum for New York Congressional Districts 1 and 2, which cover a large part of Suffolk County and the southeastern portion of Nassau County. The forum took place on Zoom ahead of the general election on November 3rd. NYLCVEF regularly holds candidate forums to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their stance on important environmental issues. 

The forum featured pre-recorded interviews with Congressional District 1 candidates Lee Zeldin (incumbent) and Nancy Goroff. Also featured were pre-recorded interviews with candidates Jackie Gordon and Andrew Garbarino, running for the Congressional District 2 seat soon to be vacated by longtime congressman Peter King. The forum was moderated by Adrienne Esposito, the Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and featured panelists Julie Tighe, President of NYLCVEF; Melissa Parrott, Executive Director of S4CA; Harrison Bench, Deputy Director of S4CA; Christine Giurcanu, a member of S4CA; and Gordiane Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. 

https://youtu.be/kF4BgrHENe0

NY Congressional District 1

Lee Zelden is the incumbent Congressman for NY’s 1st Congressional District, an attorney, and an officer in the United States Army Reserve. During the forum, he advocated for the government to work with the private sector, and mentioned the Carbon Capture Improvement Act, a bill incentivizing corporations to invest in carbon capture and storage equipment, which he co-sponsored. Regarding solar energy, Zeldin acknowledged legislation that he co-sponsored to extend the Solar Investment Tax Credit by five years. Congressman Zeldin acknowledged the importance of water quality testing and transparency of the results, and recognized the need to make incremental progress on the long-term issue of water quality across the country. He advocated for the EPA to set a limit on the level of contaminants in local water supply, mentioned the need for investment in sewer infrastructure to decrease river contamination, and emphasized the need to complete the Forge River Watershed Sewer project. In his closing statement, he emphasized the need for bipartisanship on climate legislation and lauded bipartisan climate action over the past year.

Dr. Nancy Goroff is the chair of the chemistry department at Stony Brook University and has a PhD in Organic Chemistry from UCLA. During the forum, she mentioned the need for climate action as a top priority for her and a major motivation for her entry into the race. She advocated for completely carbon neutral energy production by 2035, and total carbon neutrality as soon as possible after that. She emphasized the need to invest in clean energy infrastructure and research. Dr. Goroff also spoke about her desire to make her office a resource on climate change for every member of Congress, and to challenge climate-denying members. Dr. Goroff mentioned the need for clean energy infrastructure in the next stimulus package, including offshore wind farms for Long Island. She is in favor of increasing solar energy infrastructure however she can, including extending the solar tax credit and working with local governments to ease ordinances that place restrictions on solar power. Dr. Goroff emphasized the need for the EPA to monitor water contamination, and for both the EPA and the Department of Defense to remediate water contamination. In her closing statement, she mentioned the need to re-enter the Paris Climate Accord.

NY Congressional District 2

Jackie Gordon is a U.S. combat veteran who has worked as an educator, a community leader, and a public servant. During the forum, she acknowledged the reality of the climate crisis, recalling the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, and spoke about the need to re-enter the Paris Climate Accord. She said she would prioritize renewable energy in Congress, and mentioned the need to ensure that renewable energy companies get their products to market. She also recognized the need to secure funding for renewable energy corporations to help them conduct research. Gordon supports extending the solar tax incentive, and envisions partnerships between educational institutions and the solar industry. Gordon said she would prioritize the Bethpage plume, and bring local, state, and federal environmental agencies together to figure out what went wrong. She also mentioned the need to identify who was harmed, and to introduce a bill in Congress to clean up the site and penalize polluters. In her closing statement, she mentioned our collective responsibility to take care of the planet, emphasizing her special responsibility as a leader to do so.

Andrew Garbarino currently serves as a NY State Assemblyman for Assembly District 7. During the forum, he mentioned his personal connection to the environment, having grown up on the South Shore and learning to sail and swim in the Great South Bay. He cited his experience serving on the Environmental Conservation Committee as an assemblyman. Garbarino also acknowledged the importance of protecting the South Shore, mentioning its role as an economic driver for the area. He supports a bill which would provide a carbon recapture tax credit as well as the “Trillion Trees” bill. He emphasized that environmental conservation should be a bipartisan issue. Additionally, he supports the solar industry and extension of the solar tax credit, citing personal stories of its effectiveness. He opposes offshore drilling, and wants to replace coal and oil power with renewables and natural gas. Garbarino also cited his votes for bills banning aquifer contaminants, and advocated for a comprehensive infrastructure bill from Congress to address Suffolk County’s lack of modern sewage infrastructure. In his closing statement, he reiterated his earlier remarks about his personal experience growing up near the Great South Bay and that the climate should be a bipartisan issue.

Harry Burger is a mechanical engineer and the Green Party candidate for NY’s 2nd Congressional District. In his opening remarks, Burger mentioned current natural disasters that are being spurred on by climate change: fires in the west and hurricanes in the east. Burger supports the Green New Deal, and advocates for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Burger expressed that we need to end new oil drilling, fracking, and fossil fuel infrastructure projects. Burger expressed the need to invest aggressively in renewables and look to lower energy alternatives (e.g. high speed rail as opposed to airlines), which he says will stimulate the economy. With regards to the Bethpage plume, Burger mentioned how if Grumman and the Navy properly disposed of their waste in the 1970s, there would be no contamination in the first place, and that it would have been cheaper for them in the long run. He also stated the huge economic ($558 million) and environmental costs of the plume. To help remediate the situation and avert future disasters, Burger wants to hold Grumman responsible for the full cost of the cleanup. The more immediate concern to Burger, however, is getting the federal government to stop polluting before it reaches places like the Great South Bay. Finally, he emphasized how climate issues are interconnected, and that a disruption in one area of the environment can have a cascading effect on everything else. Harry Burger’s video testimonial can be viewed here. 

Thanks to our partners for helping to make this event a success: Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Students for Climate Action (S4CA), and Renewable Energy Long Island. 

We encourage you to vote in the upcoming election on November 3rd, and to pledge to vote early to help ensure that your vote is counted in a timely manner!

On September 29th, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) held a candidate forum for New York Senate District 55, which covers parts of Monroe and Ontario Counties, to replace State Senator Rich Funke. The forum took place on Zoom ahead of the general election on November 3rd. NYLCVEF regularly holds candidate forums to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their stance on important sustainability issues. The Senate D55 forum featured candidates Christopher Missick and Samra Brouk. The forum was moderated by Jeremy Moule, staff writer at Rochester’s CITY newspaper.

https://youtu.be/qWnmqaDrfTM

Christopher Missick is an Iraq War veteran who works as a lawyer, farmer, and winemaker. During the forum, he emphasized that his livelihood is dependent on the environment and cited his use of sustainable farming practices as well as his experience working with regulations as a lawyer. He would support bills to increase funding for wind and solar energy, along with the battery technology needed to store it. He also spoke of the need to protect water quality in the area and move away from fossil fuels, acknowledging renewables as the long term answer to our energy needs. Missick supports nuclear energy as long as it is being produced safely.

When asked what the government can do to cut emissions from the agriculture sector, he suggested planting trees on old farmland and creating incentives to diversify crop selection to improve soil health. Missick believes it is necessary to focus on educating the public about environmental issues. To address climate inequity, he suggested adding community cooling centers and the creation of empowerment zones to help rebuild economically distressed areas. Missick supports providing tax incentives and education on a classroom level to drive composting and food scrap collection. 

Samra Brouk is a former Peace Corps volunteer who currently builds nonprofits and startups. During the forum, she emphasized the importance of taking bold action on climate change and climate justice, stressing the need to improve the quality of life in underprivileged areas in conjunction with climate legislation. Brouk mentioned the importance of working with grassroots organizations and advocated for more public-private partnerships. Brouk recently visited Lake Ontario, where she observed and learned about the local effects of climate change. She cited her experience volunteering in Guatemala and working with local governments to create Climate Smart Communities (CSCs). If elected, she would advocate for increased climate resilience infrastructure and legislation that would make it easier for communities to become CSCs. Brouk would additionally support legislation to incentivize companies to create more green jobs in D55 and recruit graduates from science- and technology-focused university programs in the area.

Brouk also emphasized the need to enforce, tighten, and incentivize building codes. She believes that investing in anaerobic digesters and increasing training and education for farmers will help the agricultural sector combat climate change. To drive composting and food scrap collection, Brouk hopes to pass state level legislation and add local infrastructure. She also plans to move away from fossil fuels through government involvement, invest in clean energy, and increase education. She supports nuclear energy in conjunction with renewables. 

Both candidates support fully funding the EPF and building climate-conscious infrastructure. Missick and Brouk emphasized working with local communities on solar farms and expressed their support for wind power. They each support increased public transportation and bike capacity as alternatives to automobiles. Each candidate supported advancing a bond act and recognized the importance of fighting invasive species.

Thanks to our partners for helping to make this event a success: Citizens’ Climate Lobby Rochester and Rochester People’s Climate Coalition. Remember to cast your ballot for the general election on November 3rd via absentee ballot or at your polling place.

On September 16th, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) held a candidate forum for New York Senate District 1 (SD1), which covers the east end of Suffolk County. This race will decide who will replace longtime State Senator and environmental champion Kenneth LaValle, who is retiring. The forum took place on Zoom ahead of the election on November 3rd. NYLCVEF regularly holds candidate forums to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their stance on important sustainability issues. The SD1 forum featured Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo and Laura Ahearn. The forum was moderated by Denise Civiletti, who is the Founder, Owner, and Co-Publisher of the Riverhead Local website. 

https://youtu.be/0JP5q41uMhY

Anthony Palumbo is a NY State Assemblyman for Assembly District 2. During the forum, he shared his work on the Community Preservation Fund in the State Assembly to improve water quality, address nitrogen pollution, and increase climate resiliency. He suggested passing legislation to encourage businesses, municipalities, and school districts to go renewable, and an additional bill to improve drinking water. Palumbo supports legislation subsidizing septic systems, as well as using offshore wind as an energy source. Palumbo would support legislation banning neonicotinoid-coated seeds, and has pledged to keep the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) fully funded.

Palumbo highlighted his previous success lobbying the MTA to increase train service and emphasized the importance of “last mile” transportation alternatives like electric bicycles. He expressed his desire to continue serving on the Environmental Conservation Committee in the Senate, which he has been part of for seven years. He also hopes to clean up the former Calverton Navy/Grumman Superfund site in Bethpage using state funds, and to secure federal funding for the project if possible. Additionally, he supports wage standards for state-subsidized renewable energy projects. Palumbo stressed the need to teach recycling in schools, and advocated for the pooling of resources across municipalities to allow more people to recycle a greater variety of plastics. In his concluding statement, he emphasized the importance of environmental issues to SD1, owing it to local reliance on a sole-source aquifer for water.

Laura Ahearn is a Licensed Attorney and Social Worker in New York State. During the forum, Ahearn stressed the need for a wide range of legislation, including increased taxes on polluters and fossil fuel providers, as well as anaerobic digestion laws. She supports a bill to protect pollinators by banning neonicotinoid-coated seeds. She is also in favor of combating nitrogen pollution through government-funded land acquisition to protect vulnerable areas (such as the aquifer and estuaries), increased wastewater treatment, and a subsidy and/or tax incentive for local homeowners. Ahearn expressed the need to increase renewable energy production and pledged to keep and increase funding for the EPF.

To reduce car pollution, Ahearn supports introducing incentives for EVs, joining a regional transportation and climate initiative, and electrifying the transit system. She expressed a desire to serve on the Environmental Conservation committee, and pledged to fund septic systems and combat nitrogen pollution. If elected, she would use her post to get the Calverton site cleaned up, emphasizing the population’s need for clean drinking water. After securing 1,000 vulnerable acres of the site, she intends to discuss repurposing the remaining space with the community. Ahearn backs wage standards for renewable energy projects, and would like to combat plastic pollution by introducing a state-wide waste management system, expanding the list of recyclable plastics, creating circular markets for plastics, and instituting restrictions on the sale of toxic materials. In her concluding statement, Ahearn emphasized the need to have strong advocates like herself fight climate deniers. 

Thanks to our partners for helping to make this event a success: Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Climate Jobs NY, Climate Reality Project NY, Group for the East End, and Long Island Farm Bureau. Remember to cast your ballot on November 3rd or take the pledge to vote early this election! 

NYLCVEF today released its Clean Bus Guide, a toolkit of resources for community members and groups to launch their own campaign for electric school buses. We used our experience promoting electric school buses to develop resources that we believe will be helpful to create successful campaigns around the state.

For the past three years, NYLCVEF has been promoting electric school buses in New York City, Albany, and Western NY. The Clean Buses for Healthy Niños campaign is a national initiative of Chispa, an organizing arm of the League of Conservation Voters that empowers community activism on climate justice issues. Chispa has provided funding for our campaign in New York.

Across the state, we are working with local groups and coalitions to build support for electric school buses. The campaign has elevated the public health and environmental impacts of diesel pollution and offered a transition to zero emissions electric school buses as a promising alternative. In 2018, we released a report that demonstrates the public health impact of pollution emitted by diesel buses, particularly its impact on children and children of color. The report makes the case for large-scale investment in electric school bus fleets.

To amplify our reach and continue the fight for clean air and equity in communities across our state, we developed the Clean Bus Guide. The Guide provides the following resources:

• Key points on the environmental and health benefits of electric school buses
• A myth vs. fact sheet outlining common myths about electric school buses
• Facts and figures highlighting electric school bus technology
• Available state and federal funding sources for electric school buses
• A chart of relevant stakeholders to involve in your campaign, both as allies and campaign targets
• Case studies documenting existing electric school bus pilot programs in White Plains and Bay Shore
• Recommended metrics to track for an electric school bus pilot program
• A social media guide for launching a campaign
• General organizing and campaign planning tips
• Sample petition and letters for organizing a successful campaign

NYLCVEF is planning a series of webinars to promote the guide and explain how to use it. We want community members and local groups to take full advantage of these resources. If you want us to hold a webinar in your community, please reach out directly to Angela Hotaling, Program Director at ahotaling@nylcv.org.

On August 6th, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund held a virtual forum on the role of energy transmission in New York’s plans to expand offshore wind power. The event was co-hosted with Anbaric Development Partners and the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School and sponsored by Con Edison. This forum was the first in NYLCVEF’s series focused on the implementation of New York’s Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The law requires New York to generate 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. In response to its first round of solicitations, the state has already awarded projects that will total 1,700 megawatts. Announced just days before the forum, the state released a second solicitation for a record-setting 2,500 megawatts of additional offshore wind capacity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKBPzDnhDdM

To get all of this power to land and to the people who need it, New York must upgrade significant portions of its energy infrastructure. The goal of the forum was to look at some of the key questions surrounding offshore transmission, including cost and environmental impacts.

The first part of the forum featured a presentation from The Brattle Group covering the findings from their study on different approaches to offshore energy transmission. The second part of the event featured a panel of experts to discuss their views on the report’s findings.

The report from The Brattle Group, which was commissioned by Anbaric, made the case that New York actually needs to generate more than its target of 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy to reach its overall carbon emissions reductions goals. They estimate that in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, we need to generate between 14,000 and 24,000 megawatts of offshore wind capacity.

The Brattle Group’s presentation focused on two different approaches to offshore wind transmission: the radial approach and the planned approach. In a radial approach, each wind farm would use separate cables to connect their energy to the grid. A planned approach would involve connecting multiple wind farms to the same or to fewer cables. 

Cost, risk, and environmental and community impacts are all factors that experts and policy makers must consider when determining which approach to take. The Brattle Group’s report examined these factors. and as a result of their research, recommends a planned approach. According to the report, a planned approach is estimated to save $500 million in expenses compared to the radial approach. That is a conservative estimate, as competition for bids between corporations was not taken into account. Their view is that planned transmission makes better use of points of interconnection (POI) on transmission lines, essentially resulting in more efficiency. Using fewer cables by maximizing POI lowers the environmental impact and allows generated energy to be directed toward larger substations.

The report also found that there are issues with curtailment. While the goals to increase energy production are admirable, the existing energy grid is not able to handle such a large amount of power at this time and infrastructure upgrades are necessary.

The next part of the event focused on the panel Q&A. Moderator Joe Martens, Director of New York’s Offshore Wind Alliance, asked experts to discuss funding for energy upgrades. Who will be paying for this? The Brattle Group explained that New Yorkers would likely pay for these costs, but the amount and method of payment would differ between the two approaches. A planned grid would allow New York to recover the cost of transmission over a longer period, while a radial approach would cost less in the short term but would bring less benefit.

Panelists discussed Europe’s approach to offshore wind transmission. Europe is more advanced in their offshore wind development than the U.S. The Brattle Group discussed how many projects in Europe began with radial approaches but eventually moved toward a planned grid. The UK, Belgian, and German governments now use planned systems. 

Joe Martens then asked, “Where does the Department of Public Service stand on the two system choices?” Tammy Mitchell, Chief of Bulk Electric Systems at DPS, responded that given the ambitious energy goals in New York, there is a real need for a coordinated planning process related to transmission. Significant infrastructure is needed to connect these new energy sources to the grid, and DPS has commissioned a power grid study to identify where upgrades are needed.

Kirsty Townsend, Director and Head of Special Projects at Ørsted, an offshore wind company, added that for the Northeast, a shared system is necessary. Geographical and electric constraints have created concern about rushing into the build process and not learning from mistakes made in Europe. We should plan ahead and be ready for future offshore wind development with an upgraded system.

This forum made it clear that offshore wind development in New York State faces challenges in getting the energy generated offshore to land, on the grid, and to consumers. We likely need an all-of-the-above approach to ensure that the State implements a cost-effective and safe transmission plan.

NYCLVEF would like to thank our speakers, moderator, and sponsor for participating in this interesting conversation. You can watch a recording of the panel here. Stay tuned for more forums in our series on CLCPA implementation. 

Improving Long Island’s Water Quality at Home

Nitrogen pollution is the biggest water quality issue on Long Island for both surface and groundwater. Nitrogen comes from wastewater, fertilizer, and stormwater runoff. Not only does it leach into groundwater and can contaminate drinking water, nitrogen flows toward surface waters and often causes harmful algal (plant) blooms due to excess nutrients. Algal blooms usually lead to fish kills and impact boating, swimming, fishing, and shellfishing. Some algae are poisonous for people, too. For information about initiatives to reduce nitrogen pollution on Long Island, click here. 

The opportunity to protect Long Island’s water quality begins at home. There are plenty of ways to not only protect, but to improve water quality and reduce nitrogen pollution with a few simple practices and upgrades. If every Long Islander implemented at least one of these changes, the results would be incredible!

Septic Upgrades

In non-sewered areas, a cesspool or septic system is where your liquid household sanitary waste goes (i.e, toilets, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines). Cesspools and septic systems have been identified by local health departments as the leading cause of nitrogen pollution in our waterways. Excess nitrogen leached into water bodies causes eutrophication, an overgrowth of algae and plants which deprives the ecosystem of oxygen and emits carbon dioxide. In extreme cases, it leads to toxic algae blooms which can cause large scale fish kills, restrictions on shellfishing, and beach closures. To improve water quality on Long Island, nitrogen pollution needs to be stopped at the source. 

While cesspools and outdated septic systems are not equipped to handle nitrogen, the new Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS) remove nitrogen before discharging wastewater into the ground. Suffolk County has encouraged homeowners to upgrade to the new I/A OWTS through its Septic Improvement Program, especially residents living close to a lake, stream or the shoreline, as illustrated on this map. 

Under the Reclaim Our Water Septic Improvement Program, homeowners who would like to upgrade their septic system to a I/A OWTS are eligible for a grant up to $30,000 from Suffolk County and New York State to offset the cost of upgrading. Additionally, low interest rates are available to cover the remaining cost. 

 Well-maintained, up to date septic systems are essential for the safety of Long Island’s drinking water and the health of its ecosystems. We encourage Suffolk County residents not to wait until their current cesspool or septic systems fails which can be expensive (and gross). New laws are in effect that are more protective of the environment, so be in the know before it happens to you. More funding will be available next year, and residents are encouraged to submit an application to get the process started as soon as possible. 

Check out the interview transcript below with Long Island resident and Septic Improvement Program grant recipient, Jim Fogarty. 

Interview with Long Island Resident  and Septic Improvement Program grant recipient, Sara Davison of East Hampton, NY

1) When did you upgrade your septic system?

I started the process in October 2019 and the final sign off by the Suffolk County Health Department was received in January 2021.  It might have been a little faster, but I didn’t always stay right on top of the paperwork.

2) Why did you upgrade your septic system?

I live just outside of the 2-year travel time of 3-Mile Harbor and wanted to help improve the water quality in that impaired water body where I enjoy canoeing.  Most importantly, I work on water quality issues and spend a fair amount of time trying to convince homeowners to upgrade their septic systems.  I figured if I did it myself it would help me to better explain the process and certainly increase my credibility!

3) What was the process like through the SIP program?

There’s no question there is a fair amount of paperwork!  I applied and received grants from the New York State and Suffolk County SIPs and a grant from the Town of East Hampton Incentive Grant.  I found the County to be very responsive and the Town was just amazing—helpful and very fast turnaround.  Every site is a little different.  In my case, I had pretty steep slopes and needed to also build a retaining wall to hold the Fuji tank in place.  This added to the cost, which luckily the Town covered.

4) What advice would you give folks interested in upgrading through the SIP program?

Even though it’s time consuming, the environmental benefit is worth it.  They dig a big hole in your yard, but it gets filled back up.  Now I have some new landscaping challenges which will be fun to tackle.  

5) Have you noticed improvements to the water quality?

It’s really too early to tell

Interview with Long Island resident and Septic Improvement Program grant recipient, Jim Fogarty of Remsenburg, NY

1) When did you upgrade your septic system?

    In August 2017 I saw something in the paper about it and I contacted my local legislature. They introduced me to the right people at Suffolk county. I spoke to Justin Jobin briefly and he introduced me to the system. I was in a compromised area, a veteran, and they picked me to do it. 

2) Why did you upgrade your septic system?

    I think a big part of my decision to upgrade was reading all the articles from local newspapers about nitrogen pollution. I started to see it down by the bay, because I'm a block away from the water. You could see the brown water. When I’d go to the bay and swim there… I noticed all the seaweed was dead. As a Vietnam War veteran, I wasn’t the “greenest person” but now later in life I wanted to give back. I figured upgrading my septic system was the way I’d do it.

3) What was the process like through the Septic Improvement Program (SIP)?

    To me it was very easy. If I had the SIP the way it is today, it would be even easier today. It was really really really easy. It has improved considerably from 2017. When in doubt, I deferred back to the contact person for the program if I didn't see an answer to my issue back on the website or in the paperwork. When I got into the process, if I didn’t understand the vendor or equipment processes, I would defer back to Suffolk County if I didn’t feel comfortable with the vendor or distributor's answer. The process went on from August-November. Looking at today’s information, I probably would be able to do it in a month. To be honest, I took my time with the paperwork. 

    In 2017, I got $15,000 and was willing to pick up the excess. Now, there’s more money available. The Town of Southampton actually gave me an additional rebate after the process was completed. 

    The SIP provided me with a list of distributors and product offerings. The actual installation took one day: they pulled out the old cesspool, put in three containers and hooked them up to a leaching field (bunch of tanks) in the ground. When they’re done, they leave you with a raked down piece of property, which is seeded again. If you had an irrigation system and it was pulled out, your landscaper could rebury the hose. The way I got the property back was better than I expected to get the property back. 

    After installation, I was given a warranty good for 3-5 years. After that runs out I will pay for the maintenance contract. For $400 a year, I’m paying for healthy water. It’s just like with other AC or heating systems, it’s a price for running a home. There was never any deception about these costs, I was informed ahead of time. 

4) What advice would you give to folks interested in upgrading through the SIP?

    What I would do is not let price dictate any decisions. I wouldn’t go for the low cost provider in each case. You can choose different types of equipment. My personal opinion, if I got involved again, I would ask Suffolk County which vendor has done this the longest and I would choose someone who’s been doing this for a while. 

5) Have you noticed improvements to the water quality in the bay?

    Yes, but I can’t attest that to me entirely. I go down and look at Dune Road and the water looks cleaner to me! I’m also happy to hear about the recent legislation that makes it so that new developments need to have an upgraded septic system. 

I didn’t want to leave a run down house for my children. At least I’m leaving my children a house with a decent cesspool. 

Visit the following sites for more information about septics and nitrogen pollution on Long Island: 

• Suffolk County Government- Reclaim Our Water
• Citizens Campaign for the Environment
• Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District

Yard Stewardship

Lawns and gardens are certainly aesthetically pleasing, but upkeep can be a major culprit of nitrogen pollution. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your lawn and garden looking great while protecting Long Island’s water quality:

• Plant natives that do not need excess watering or fertilizing.
• Use drought-resistant plants and flowers.
• Install a rain barrel or rain garden.
• Use low-nutrient fertilizer or compost.
  • As per Local Law 41-2007, Suffolk County residents cannot apply soil between November 1st and April 1st each year.
  • As per Local Law 11-2009, Nassau County residents cannot apply fertilizer between November 15th and April 1st each year. 
• Plant microclover for your lawn instead of grass.
• Apply mulch to reduce evaporation from soil.
• Aerate your lawn with holes for better drainage and less run-off.

Visit the following sites for information on yard stewardship programs and initiatives on Long Island:

• Save the Great South Bay- Bay Friendly Yards
• Peconic Estuary Partnership- Peconic Friendly Yard
• LI Native Plant Initiative- Native Plant Fact Sheets

Conserving Water on Long Island

Residents on Long Island rely on an underground aquifer system for their freshwater needs. Groundwater is pumped up to the surface and gets replenished by precipitation and snowmelt that seeps through the ground. 

Image from USGS

Residents in Nassau and Suffolk counties need to be especially mindful of their water usage. Coastal aquifers are susceptible to saltwater intrusion when freshwater is pumped from the aquifer at a faster rate than it’s replenished. If there is not enough fresh water in the aquifer to prevent saltwater from encroaching, salt water can contaminate freshwater wells.  

Reducing the amount of water that’s pumped from the aquifer begins at the tap. Long Islander’s have a great opportunity to reduce water usage at home.

Here are some ways to conserve water at home:

• Install a toilet tank bank or make your own to save water with every flush!
• Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with a full load.
• Add an aerator to faucets or replace fixtures and shower heads with EPA WaterSense labeled ones.
• Upgrade appliances to a water-saving version.
• Take showers and reduce your shower time (make a shower playlist to keep track of the time!)
• Check for and repair any leaks in your home. Learn to read your water meter to better detect leaks.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or soaping up dishes when washing by hand.
• Check the weather before watering your lawn, and only water during early morning or night time to reduce evaporation.
• Sweep your patio/driveway and use a watering can for the garden instead of using a hose.

Visit the following sites for more information about water conservation on Long Island:

• Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection
• Long Island Moms for Clean Water
• Water for Long Island

Plastic waste is overwhelming our natural spaces, especially our waterways. It is estimated that by mid-century, plastic will outweigh the sea life in our oceans. Plastic does not biodegrade– it breaks down into tiny particles called microplastics. Marine life ingests microplastics and these particles move through the food chain. In fact, you probably have some inside you right now! Scientists say it’s possible that humans ingest 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles every year. Reducing plastic waste is essential for protecting human health, animals, and our environment.

Protecting the water bodies that provide our drinking water, allow for recreation, and support countless species is becoming increasingly important as plastic waste builds up. As we spend our summers cooling off in lakes, rivers, and oceans, it’s important to not take our waterways for granted. This July, we encourage you to take the challenge of going plastic-free. Recruit your friends, family, and neighbors to take the Plastic-Free July Pledge. 

Everyone that takes the pledge will be automatically entered to win a free zero-waste kit! At the end of July, we’ll choose five winners to receive this special prize. No purchase necessary.

COVID-19 note: Please dispose of your personal protective equipment (face masks, gloves, etc) in the trash. These items are not recyclable and can jam recycling equipment and harm the workers.

On May 28th, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) held a candidate forum for New York Assembly District 125, which covers Tompkins County and parts of Cortland County, to replace longtime Assemblymember Barbara Lifton, who is retiring. The forum took place on Zoom ahead of New York’s primary election on June 23rd. NYLCVEF regularly holds candidate forums to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their stance on important sustainability issues. The Assembly D125 forum featured Sujata Gibson, Beau Harbin, Lisa Hoeschele, Anna Kelles, Jason Leifer, Jordan Lesser, and Seph Murtagh. The forum was moderated by Tom Pudney, Managing Editor at the Ithaca Voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ajXifwVUk0

Sujata Gibson is an activist and local attorney. During the forum, she emphasized the need to focus on food security and hire local workers for green jobs in the region. Gibson supports developing eco-villages that are rural and provide public housing. She believes that the way to combat harmful algal blooms is to help farmers transition to more sustainable farming practices and reduce polluted runoff. Other priorities include building weatherization, clean transportation, and educating the youth about environmental stewardship and growing food.

Beau Harbin is a legislator for District 2 in Cortland County. During the forum, he raised concerns about farmers having the support they need to implement conservation practices, and called for innovative solutions to address water quality issues. Harbin would like to see upgrades to water infrastructure that utilize the power of the region’s river systems. He expressed the need to change the perception of the Green New Deal in rural communities and to pass the Restore Mother Nature Bond Act. Harbin has been working with small manufacturers and businesses in the region to make batteries for renewable energy storage.

Lisa Hoeschele is the Executive Director and CEO of Family & Children’s Counseling Services of Central New York. During the forum, she highlighted that telecommuting and telehealth is something to consider to reduce transportation pollution. Hoeschele is concerned about cheap oil distracting from environmental priorities. She supports a carbon tax and investing the funds into green technology and sustainable development. She supports partnering with community colleges to develop avenues for young people to join the green workforce.

Anna Kelles is a legislator for District 2 in Tompkins County. During the forum, she called for reducing emissions from the transportation and building sectors. She supports providing tax credits and incentives for EVs, upgrading infrastructure for electrification, and generating more renewable energy. She also expressed support for bringing green jobs to disadvantaged communities. She emphasized the importance of helping small farmers transition to sustainable farming practices. Kelles would also like to see upstate high-speed rail, a low carbon fuel standard, and an upgrade to water infrastructure.

Jason Leifer is Dryden Town Supervisor and an attorney. During the forum, he voiced support for using BOCES to train young people in HVAC, weatherization, and rehabilitation of older homes. Leifer would like to see more restoration to stream banks and riparian buffers to improve water quality. In addition, he supports the use of digester systems on farmers that turn waste into renewable gas. He would also like to see more rail trails that encourage biking, improved broadband access so people can telecommute and use telehealth, and more electric vehicle charging stations.

Jordan Lesser currently serves as legal counsel for the New York State Assembly. During the forum, he spoke in support of revamping transportation by increasing rail service, creating bikeable communities, and adopting electric school buses with Volkswagen Settlement funds. Lesser supports a soil health program to reduce nutrients and contaminants from entering water bodies, and lowering the threshold for emissions from power plants. Lastly, he would like to see revenue from a carbon fee invested into disadvantaged communities.

Seph Murtagh currently represents the 2nd Ward on the Ithaca Common Council. During the forum, he called for a streamlined green workforce development track and to prioritize funding for sustainable projects and programs. To meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates, Murtagh shared the need to transition heating systems to more sustainable systems. He would like to see more funding for farmers to help them transition to sustainable farming practices and investment in water systems.

Thanks to our partners for helping to make this event a success: Energy21, Sustainable Tompkins, Heat Smart Tompkins, Climate Reality Project NY, League of Women Voters Cortland County, Mothers out Front Tompkins County, and Sierra Club. Remember to cast your ballot for the New York primaries on June 23rd via absentee ballot or at your polling place!

On April 23rd, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) held a candidate forum for Congressional District 17 in the lower Hudson Valley, whose longtime representative and environmental champion, Nita Lowey is retiring. The forum took place before New York’s primary election on June 23rd. NYLCVEF holds candidate forums to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their stance on important sustainability issues. Our D17 forum focused on issues in Westchester and Rockland County and featured the following candidates: Assemblyman David Buchwald, State Senator David Carlucci, Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, Evelyn Farkas, Alison Fine, Mondaire Jones, County Legislator Catherine Parker, and Adam Schleifer. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya2UHAVNrf8

David Buchwald is a NY State Assemblyman for Assembly District 93. During the forum, he emphasized his interest in setting a national fuel efficiency standard that would be similar to California’s. Buchwald is a supporter of community choice aggregation and would like to see it adopted nationwide. He raised concerns about the gas pipeline running through the grounds of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, and supports the decommissioning of the facility. With regard to the health of the Hudson River, Buchwald shared his years of advocacy to prevent oil barges from populating the river.

David Carlucci is a NY State Senator representing Senate District 38. During the forum, he raised concerns about the diversion of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and supported incentives for businesses to invest in renewable energy. Carlucci would like to see a nationwide residential renewable energy tax credit to ensure that homeowners can switch to geothermal, solar, and wind energy sources. He expressed disappointment with how the EPA has handled the cleanup of PCBs in the Hudson River, noting its status as the largest Superfund site in the nation. Carlucci has been working with Riverkeeper to continually test the river’s water quality with the intent to open a beach in Ossining on the river’s shore.

Asha Castleberry-Hernandez is a national security expert, combat veteran, and professor. During the forum, she highlighted that the LWCF should be fully funded, as it improves quality of living, especially for vulnerable communities. She is concerned about water quality degradation and would like to see improved EPA water quality standards. She supports the shutdown of Indian Point, noting that it is a national security threat in addition to an environmental one. 

Evelyn Farkas is an American national security advisor who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia from 2012-2015. During the forum, she called for removing subsidies for the fossil fuel industry and instead incentivizing clean energy. She also expressed support for offshore wind and wants to see our nation move to an energy grid that allows for the electrification of vehicles. Farkas said she believes that climate change is a health, labor, environmental, and national security issue. Additionally, she does not support biofuels and believes that Congress needs to do more to hold the EPA accountable.

Alison Fine is a former faculty member of the Union of Reform Judaism, current member of the UJA-Westchester Regional Advisory Council, and founder of Innovation Network, Inc. During the forum, she voiced support for the LWCF because enjoying parks is a fundamental part of American life. Fine would like to see the EPA pivot to become a Department of Ecological Stewardship that focuses on the next generation of green technology, potentially boosting entrepreneurship throughout the economy. Fine supports closing Indian Point, and would like to see leadership in Congress that listens and asks for input from the public, especially post-pandemic. 

Mondaire Jones is an attorney, nonprofit leader, and activist. During the forum, he spoke in support of the Green New Deal and a federal mandate to decarbonize our economy, as he believes a carbon tax is too modest and regressive. Additionally, he said that the Green New Deal will help create jobs post-pandemic. Jones could not stay for the entirety of the forum, but stated that he’d like to see more investment in transportation infrastructure and a transition to renewable resources.

Catherine Parker serves on Westchester County’s Board of Legislators as representative for the 7th district. During the forum, she called for eliminating fossil fuel subsidies and incentivizing renewable energy. She also highlighted the need to prioritize renewable energy in public housing developments. Parker described the link between the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice, and how the effects of climate change—similar to that of the pandemic—disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities. To that point, she spoke of her work to eliminate #4 and #6 heating oils during her first term on the Board of Legislators. Additionally, Parker would like to see fracking banned nationwide. 

Adam Schleifer is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and NYS consumer-protection regulator. During the forum, he shared his support for a carbon tax that would help fund the LWCF. He also supports renewable energy and efforts to incentivize the private sector to develop new technologies. Schleifer believes that science should drive policies. He shared he is open to biofuels as an alternative to jet fuel, would like to see a national infrastructure plan to drive jobs and education nationwide, and supports the shutdown of Indian Point.

Special thanks to our moderator, Danielle Muoio from NY Politico and to our nonprofit partners, Hudson Riverkeeper, Croton100, Scenic Hudson, and The Climate Reality Project for their help in making this event a success. Don’t forget to vote on June 23rd! Find your polling place here. 

On April 21st, 2020, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) held a candidate forum for Congressional District 15’s primary election, which will take place on June 23rd to replace longtime environmental champion Rep. Serrano who is retiring. The forum was held virtually via Zoom and streamed on Facebook Live. NYLCVEF’s candidate forums provide for voters to hear directly from seven of the candidates about where they stand on important sustainability issues. Our D15 forum focused on issues in the South Bronx and featured the following candidates: Assemblyman Michael Blake, Samelys López, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Chivona Newsome, Julio Pabón, City Council Member Ydanis Rodríguez, and City Council Member Ritchie Torres.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWYBRZaQ9TI

In general, candidates spoke about the needs of the district, and how the communities there are experiencing disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection. In addition, community members experience high rates of asthma and poor air quality, and need more access to green spaces and reliable public transit. 

Michael Blake serves as a New York Assemblyman for the 79th District in the Bronx. During the forum, Blake discussed his priorities for addressing poverty in the district and securing equitable funding and access to public transit. When it came to issues such as cleaning up the Bronx River, increasing access to open spaces, and funding from the federal government, he tied these topics to the opportunity to create green jobs for constituents. Blake also seeks to increase ADA accessibility for public buses and address exposure to harmful chemicals, such as lead. 

Samelys López is an activist and co-founder of the nonprofit Bronx Progressives. During the forum, she focused on improving air quality in the district. López emphasized the importance of community-based planning, youth education and engagement, and grassroots organizing on environmental issues. She would like to see more coordination between the federal and state government to ensure proper funding for public transportation. She suggested building a cross-Bronx subway line to help people travel from east to west. When it comes to parks, López would like to see permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. She emphasized the importance of collaborating with community members to determine what other priorities should be in the district. 

Melissa Mark-Viverito is former speaker of the New York City Council from 2014-2017. Prior to that, from 2006-2017, she was a City Council Member for the 8th district. During the forum, Mark-Viverito raised the importance of retrofitting public housing buildings to improve energy efficiency, and reinvesting money from congestion pricing back into the community and for transit infrastructure. She continually emphasized the importance of community-led initiatives and elevating community voices, and advocated for educating the youth about how government works and how to determine policy priorities. Mark-Viverito also mentioned the New York State Bond Act as a way to protect green spaces, and wants to see federal incentives that create cooperatives and green jobs. 

Chivona Newsome is an activist and co-founder of Black Lives Matter Greater New York. During the forum, she called for better land use and creative solutions for farming to increase access to healthy produce in the district. When it comes to helping the MTA, Newsome said that the people need to be bailed out first. She highlighted the disproportionately higher rates of asthma, HIV, and other illnesses in the South Bronx, and that she would like to see electric buses and more bike lanes to help improve air quality. Newsome also emphasized the importance of investing in the youth and teaching them how to organize around climate change.

Julio Pabón is a community organizer and businessman from the Bronx. Throughout the forum, he emphasized the link between poverty and pollution, and that many solutions to address one can help the other. Pabón would like to see an audit of the MTA to ensure money is being spent properly. Pabón emphasized that air pollution is high in the district due to the major roads that run through it. He wants to see more trees in the area and safeguard existing green spaces. Lastly, Pabón would like to see environmental issues included in school curriculums. 

Ydanis Rodríguez is a New York City Councilmember for the 10th District and chair of the Transportation Committee. During the forum, Rodríguez highlighted that District 15 in the Bronx is the poorest Congressional District in the country, and emphasized that there should be more funding from the federal government to improve quality of life there. He stated that public transit should be free, the Bronx River should be cleaned up, and that climate change education should be included in school curriculums. Additionally, Rodríguez noted the disparity between funding for parks in marginalized neighborhoods versus major parks in Manhattan, calling for equal attention to all neighborhood parks across the city, especially in the South Bronx. 

Ritchie Torres is a New York City Councilmember for the 15th District. During the forum, Torres elevated the need to reduce emissions and invest in renewable energy. He emphasized the need to create new, green jobs. In particular, he highlighted green infrastructure projects as a way to create jobs and improve the health of the Bronx River. Torres spoke about the need to address lead issues in public housing, as there is no safe level of exposure to lead. Lastly, he would like to see the Cross Bronx Expressway decommissioned and buses electrified to improve air quality in the district. 

Special thanks to our moderator Ese Olumhense, a Bronx reporter for The City and to our nonprofit partners, New Yorkers for Parks, Natural Areas Conservancy NYC, and The Climate Reality Project for their help in making this event a success.