The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, has been holding public hearings across the state to receive public input on the draft disadvantaged communities criteria. The sessions are part of an effort to help finalize the criteria, and to guide the implementation of the state’s Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act.
“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 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…for public comment. This marks a significant milestone in New York’s efforts to advance climate justice….”
DEC is accepting public comment on the draft criteria until July 7 and will hold several public hearings during the comment period, the next of which is set for June 21.
The draft criteria, community list, map, and supporting documentation are available on the New York State Climate Act website.
