New report finds state agencies violate NY Climate Act
ALBANY – Almost every state agency violates the clear climate and equity mandates of the law, according to a new report by the New York Lawyers for the Public Interest (NYLPI).
The report revealed that large state agencies with combined funding appropriations of over $279 billion have made over 26,000 decisions without adequately analyzing whether and how those decisions will impact greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and local disadvantaged communities across the state.
Agencies have also spent nearly $2 billion on clean energy spending without ensuring that at least 35 percent to 40 percent of benefits reach disadvantaged communities, another requirement of the Climate Act.
“It’s been five years since we passed landmark climate legislation in New York—and it’s unacceptable that, as our communities face ever-worsening heatwaves, storms, and health-impacting pollution, our state’s leading agencies have failed to uphold the Climate Law,” said Stephan Edel, NY Renews executive director.