N.Y. should pass the HEAT Act to save on energy and our climate (opinion)
With utility rates rising and the summer heat just around the corner, far too many Staten Islanders are struggling to pay sky-high and increasing monthly energy bills.
While our borough has enormous potential to generate local renewable electricity and to upgrade aging buildings and houses with efficient and healthy electric heating systems, Staten Islanders facing some of the highest energy cost burdens in NYC will need significant help to pay for the upfront costs of electric heat pumps, home insulation, and electric system upgrades needed to transition from gas and oil heat to electric.
This is one major reason a group of local organizations and activists have formed a new Staten Island Environmental Justice Coalition - to ensure that all of our neighbors and communities benefit from renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades and are protected from the worst impacts of pollution and climate change regardless of their income, race, or ability.
This week our state legislators have a major opportunity to advance environmental justice on Staten Island by passing the NY HEAT Act - a bill that will make New York State’s energy affordability and climate goals a reality and includes significant protections for low- and moderate-income Staten Islanders facing unaffordable energy bills.