Issue Position: Environment

Issue Position

Addressing Climate Change, Supporting Community
Climate change and pollution are the existential threat of our time. We must take big, bold action at the State level, and encourage every individual to take opportunities to reduce their impact on the environment. I am proud of my 100% rating from environmental advocates, and committed to advancing the conversation on how to save our planet. At the same time, I know that the burden of changing business as usual cannot fall disproportionately on those with the fewest resources, and for many people, getting dinner on the table every night is challenge enough. I will listen to the voices of my community to gather input on how we can face the challenges ahead together, ensuring a future that works for all of us.

IMPROVING LOCAL AIR QUALITY
Environmental justice starts at home. I advocated for the removal of the 135th Street Marine Transfer Station, which was causing polluted air to settle in our neighborhood, and have remained active in working to address air pollution across the State, which has far reaching health impacts for local residents. I have worked to make sure that our food, medicine, and environment is safe for communities everywhere - especially those with fewer resources to combat the threats alone.

USING GREEN RESOURCES
In our neighborhoods, we are fortunate to not only be surrounded by the best parks in the world, but have a healthy mix of green spaces, community gardens, and tree pits throughout our streets. I am proud to support all our green spaces with funding for soil, facility improvement, and environmental upgrades, and as Chair of the Parks Committee, have worked to ensure that our green resources are protected and integrated with our climate actions.

LEADING THE WAY ON CLIMATE
At the same time, I have been proud to lead the charge on environmental action in Albany, co-sponsoring the Climate Leadership and Protection Act of 2019, which set ambitious goals for emissions reductions for New York State. Our neighborhood is lucky to have incredible, plentiful green spaces, and I have worked to ensure those spaces are maintained and improved for all residents, from securing extra funding for local community gardens to improving Central Park to make it more accessible for wheelchair users. Our green spaces play a vital role in the health and vibrancy of our city, and I am proud to do all I can to protect them and all they do for us.

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