Environment

Budget Sets Stage for Wind, Solar Projects to Go Up in Record Time

BY Susan Arbetter New York State

Upstate New York will see new wind and solar projects being built in record time thanks to a new provision in the budget.

The state’s new spending plan fast-tracks the way renewable energy is sited, something Anne Reynolds, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy, says has been needed since last year's passage of climate legislation.

Coalition Pushes Carbon Reduction Plan in New York

BY Nick Reisman New York State

A coalition formed to push New York into becoming the first state that implements a carbon pricing plan is launching a statewide petition on Friday to further bolster their case.

The group, called CarbonFreeNY, wants the state to enact the plan backed by the New York independent System Operator.

Environmental, Business Coalition Push E-Bike Bill for New York State Budget

BY Nick Reisman New York State

A coalition that is pushing for the legalization of e-bikes and e-scooters, in a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, praised him for including the provision in the state budget, but also urged him to work with the Legislature to get the measure over the finish line.

The budget is due at the end of the month.

Business Groups Urge Lawmakers To Reject Styrofoam Ban

BY Nick Reisman City of Albany
PUBLISHED 12:44 PM ET Mar. 03, 2020

A coalition of businesses and business organizations this week urged top Democratic lawmakers in the state Senate and Assembly to reject a proposed ban on polystyrene products in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's budget.

The coalition is composed of restaurants, food producers, packaging manufactures and organized labor.

DEC Agrees To Not Enforce Bag Ban Until April 1

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 4:09 PM ET Feb. 28, 2020 UPDATED 8:35 AM ET Feb. 29, 2020

The state Department of Environmental Conservation has officially agreed to not enforce the coming ban on plastic bags until April 1, court documents filed on Friday show.

The bag ban is still set to formally take effect on Sunday. But the law is being challenged by the plastic industry as well as bodega owners in state court.

Fahy Wants A Bigger Bond Act in New York

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 7:14 AM ET Feb. 20, 2020

Assemblywoman Pat Fahy thinks New York is going to need a bigger bond act.

The Albany Democrat on Wednesday announced she is backing an even larger bond act to bolster the environment and combat climate change in New York than the original proposal of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

AG James Joins Multi-State EPA Lawsuit

BY Morgan McKay New York State
PUBLISHED 7:02 AM ET Feb. 20, 2020

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced Wednesday the state is joining a lawsuit being filed against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleging it failed to address air pollution problems.

James and attorneys general in multiple states allege the EPA is in violation of the Clean Air Act for not taking action on the pollution coming from other states in the region.

Plastic Bag Ban Takes Step Forward in New York

BY Nick Reisman New York State
PUBLISHED 7:31 AM ET Feb. 18, 2020

The state's coming ban on single-use plastic bags took a step forward on Monday as state environmental officials issued regulations for the implementation of the new law.

The ban, approved by state lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year, is set to officially take effect on March 14.

Curbing Traffic in High Peaks Showing Early Results, Adirondack Council Says

BY Nick Reisman Albany/Capital Region
PUBLISHED 6:55 AM ET Jan. 27, 2020

The effort to control overuse of the high peaks region of Adirondack Park is showing early results even as the total number of visitors to the park continued to increase, the Adirondack Council on Monday said.

Environmental groups and state officials over the last year raised concerns about overuse of the park as video and photos showed rows of cars parked along trailheads at popular destinations.

A Variety Of Groups Launch Clean Fuels Coalition

BY Nick Reisman City of Albany

A coalition led by the New York League of Conservation Voters is launching a campaign on Monday meant to push for clean fuel policy in New York.

The groups comprise a range of industries and advocacy issues, including the environmental, public health, scientists, car manufacturers and clean fuel providers.

Cuomo Back Ban On Single-Use Styrofoam

BY Nick Reisman City of Albany
PUBLISHED 5:14 PM ET Dec. 17, 2019

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday proposed a ban on Styrofoam containers and products like packing peanuts, a move that would restrict their use and distribution in the state.

The ban would effect common items like single-use food containers. And the measure would allow the state Department of Environmental Conservation to limit or ban other packaging material considered harmful to the environment.

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