New York announced on March 9 the release of draft criteria developed by the Climate Justice Working Group for identifying disadvantaged communities. The draft criteria will guide the equitable implementation of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The draft includes an interactive map and a list of communities the criteria would cover for directing programs and projects to reduce air pollution and climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic development opportunities, and target clean energy and energy efficiency investments.
“Advancing climate justice is central to New York’s Climate Act and our efforts to transition all New Yorkers to a cleaner, greener future,” says New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner and Climate Action Council Co-Chair Basil Seggos. “I thank the Climate Justice Working Group for the collaboration and extensive analysis that went into the draft disadvantaged communities list and criteria released today for public comment.”
DEC is accepting public comments until July 7 and will hold at least six public hearings during the comment period. See the draft criteria, community list, map, and additional information here.
