The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) proudly participated in The Economist’s 6th annual Sustainability Week US, a gathering of leaders focused on climate resilience and sustainable economic growth. The summit brought together over 500 experts from across the public and private sectors, ranging from energy executives to environmental advocates, to explore innovations in energy, climate resilience, and sustainable growth.

Under New York State law, all new light-duty passenger vehicles must be zero-emission by 2035, with all medium- and heavy-duty passenger vehicles following suit by 2045. However, there are significant barriers to reaching these goals due to charging and grid infrastructure shortfalls, exacerbated by federal rollbacks. 

Exposure to lead, a toxic metal, has a wide range of harmful effects toward people, from headaches and stomach pains to more severe conditions such as heart disease and impaired kidney function. Children are especially vulnerable, with exposure linked to brain damage, developmental delays, behavioral issues, and hearing and speech impairments. Therefore, it’s essential that lead levels are properly monitored through accurate testing and any exceedances are promptly addressed and reduced through effective remediation, or are properly secured against use and are consistently reported to all required parties for schools.

On August 13, New York City announced the release of Greater Greenways: The New York City Greenway Plan, a milestone achievement and a top New York League of Conservation Voters priority. Required under Local Law 115 of 2022, which NYLCV strongly supported, the plan is the city’s first comprehensive greenway vision in more than 30 years. 

Rats!  While New York City has made important progress on its zero waste goals – including the passage of the Zero Waste Act and subsequent roll out of the citywide curbside composting program, there is still a long way to go. We believe the logical next step  – the proverbial low-hanging (discarded) fruit – would be for the City Council to vote on and pass Intro 1123, which would direct the NYC Department of Sanitation to establish a program requiring all buildings with 10 or more dwelling units to place residential waste in stationary on-street containers.