Single-use plastics must be reduced to address climate change and meet NYC’s goal of Zero Waste by 2030.

On January 7th, Governor Andrew Cuomo gave his 2020 State of the State address, laying out his biggest priorities for this year’s legislative session and budget. There was plenty of good news for the environment even though the state is facing fiscal challenges.

New York City continues to fall short of its waste reduction goals. NYLCV highlights a number of solutions to the problem.

Late last month, Congress passed a $1.4 trillion spending package that unfortunately did not include common-sense legislation that would have moved the U.S. forward on climate action. While tax credits for land-based wind development were approved for another year, extensions for off-shore wind, solar, electric vehicles, and energy storage incentives were excluded.

Rep. Donald McEachin (VA-4) recently introduced the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 (HR5221) to set a national goal of achieving net-zero pollution economy-wide by 2050. New York Congressmember Paul Tonko (NY-20) is one of the lead sponsors of this effort. The legislation builds on New York’s Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act by making carbon-neutrality by 2050 a national goal and would enhance pollution-reduction efforts by other governments.

A planned hydroelectric cable connecting hydro energy sources to residents in the downstate region would reduce New York’s dependence on fossil fuels and provide 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy.

States like New York are investing in resilient infrastructure, which is the adaptive design of structures with consideration to future impacts of climate change. These preventative measures can help bolster coastlines, strengthen infrastructure, and reinforce flood zones.