September 2021 Spotlight
We hope you've made the best of the last few days of summer! Below is Clean and Healthy New York's monthly newsletter to spotlight the latest science, policy developments, and media coverage that sheds light on the state of environmental health in New York, the US, and abroad.
Hochul to grow the Environmental Bond Act to $4 billion
Governor Kathy Hochul reportedly plans to add yet another $1 billion to the environmental bond act proposal scheduled to go before voters in November 2022. The $4 billion Green Jobs, Clean Air & Water Environmental Bond Act includes $600 million on water and drainage infrastructure improvements, $1 billion for disadvantaged communities suffering from the cumulative impacts of toxics. The initiative is one of a suite of priorities for environmental advocates looking to build sustainable infrastructure in New York State. Read more
New report finds air pollution is slashing years off billions of lives
A new report found clean air policies that reduce fossil fuel emissions can add up to five years onto people's lives in the most polluted regions of the world. In the US, people of color and poor populations are the most impacted due to their proximity to polluters. The Negating the Impact of Chemical Exposures Act (S.1031B/A.2103A) addressing the cumulative impacts of environmental facilities sited in communities of color is a major priority of New York's environmental health and justice advocates seeking to level the playing field. Read more
Advocates travel to Albany to testify in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act
A coalition of environmentalists, public health advocates, seed growers and farmers, including CHNY, testified in Albany to support New York State's Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699B/A.7429), a bill that would ban the use of seeds treated with neonicotinoids ("neonics") - a common pesticide closely linked to large-scale losses of pollinators as well as developmental and physical disorders in mice, rabbits, deer, and now humans. The law passed in the Senate last year, and advocates are now optimistic the Assembly will do the same. Read more
New evidence of corruption at EPA chemical division
Whistleblowers have come forward with new information showing that senior staff at the US EPA have made chemicals appear safer - sometimes dodging restrictions on their use - by minimizing the estimates of how much is released into the environment. The worrying development emphasizes the importance of New York's continued leadership in environmental health in light of the federal government's unwillingness to act boldly. Read more
Spain to ban plastic-wrapped produce from 2023
A groundbreaking law in Spain will prohibit the sale of fruits and vegetables in plastic wrapping in grocery stores starting in 2023, dealing a substantial blow to manufacturers who profit off excessive packaging without taking accountability for the waste. The NYS Legislature is considering several bills to extend producer responsibility for solid waste, to build a regenerative economy and ensure that companies responsible for the materials foot the bill for their reuse and recycling instead of cash-strapped municipalities. Read more
Like to party? Clean and Healthy New York will be hosting its 15th Anniversary virtually on October 27th. Join us in honoring leaders in environmental health and justice and celebrating another remarkable year. You can sign up here.
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