Environmental Legislative Roundtable
by Dean Gallea, TEAC Co-Chair
On Friday, Feb 7th, I attended a roundtable by the Federated Conservationists for Westchester County (FCWC) at Pace University’s Haub Law School. It was attended by representatives from many municipal environmental councils like TEAC, as well as from other groups with environmental missions, like Riverkeeper and Westchester Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (WASS).
The roundtable featured State and County legislators, who heard from constituents on their communities’ needs in four environmental areas. The officials then informed the group as to what programs were in place or were proposed to alleviate the concerns mentioned. Here’s a very brief sampling of discussion in a few areas:
Clean Water – Concerns about nanoplastics, fertilizer, and sewage runoff into our rivers and lakes. The Hudson Valley Conservancy mentioned that there were wastewater infrastructure planning grants available, up to $100k/municipality. The legislators mentioned that Lakes Associations can get clean-water funding. NYS has the most money allocated for clean-water funding in the U.S., but we need those funds to come to Westchester. Rep Mary Jane Shimsky pointed out that a lot of money gets tied up in bureaucratic roadblocks and doesn’t get spent. Fast-fashion regulation is needed to reduce microplastics getting into wastewater. Everyone has a human right to clean air and water, which is a lever we can use to force governments to take action.
Clear Air – Concerns about vehicle emissions, which make up about 30-35% of air pollutants. The Clean Fuels standard in NYS for 2025 includes medium and heavy trucks. We need “cap-and-invest” plans implemented to reduce carbon. WASS said the permit for the Peekskill incinerator expired in 2021, but the DEC is not processing renewals; we need to hold polluters responsible. Is every community moving as much as possible out of their waste stream? Expand food-scrap programs. Truth in labeling can help source separation. Legislators said more funding is needed for fast DC chargers to promote EVs. Resistance toward electric school buses needs to be countered by better funding incentives. There’s a State bill that would ban 2-stroke engines, many co-pollutants besides carbon. Accelerate clean heating in buildings – All-Electric Building Act, NY Heat Bill needs to pass. Shimsky said NYPA needs to build out more renewable energy so there’s enough to go around. Hydroelectric may be threatened by drier climate. Gov. Hochul should spend on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), not nuclear plants. Climate-denier President is killing good energy programs. Maybe change how we talk about climate change.
Environmental Justice – FCWC said no community should bear the brunt of poor environmental conditions. NYS has an Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). WASS said their group was selected by REACT to get info to disadvantaged communities. 40% of State funding is supposed to target those. Public transportation needs to be expanded into underserved areas, such as the Landmark District in Rye. Riverkeeper was concerned about Trump admin rollbacks; how can NY be immunized? There is an Energy Justice Law and Policy Center in New Rochelle. Mount Vernon has some real industrial pollution problems. Legislators said we need to increase revenue from billionaires and large companies, not “business as usual.” Words like “climate change” must not be banned. Laws cannot be eliminated by executive order, Congress cannot be made irrelevant. Sen. Harckham said “There’s no vaccine for insanity.” Expect a 30% cut in Federal funding for DEC. Educate at the local level to make voices heard; don’t blindly follow the White House; bring lawsuits; retake the House. NYS can use their “rainy day fund” to bolster action. Shimsky said any State proposals must include set-asides of 40% for EJ communities. Info must get to those in need. Protect residents from harm during reconstruction of the Cross-Bronx. Repurpose the old infrastructure to benefit the community.
Land Use – Pace environmental law professor Nicholas Robinson spoke about promoting State legislation banning “ECOCIDE”, as an update to environmental crimes law. There has been careless use of technology. Senator Harckham said we need to increase renewable energy development, and prioritize sustainability in an era of competing needs.