New Yorkers are considering a larger bond law to protect their water and sewer systems from increasingly severe weather conditions.
The initial price tag for the proposed Environmental Bond Act was $3 billion at the time it was proposed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal has been increased to $4.2 billion.
Advocates looking for more ways to limit the impacts of climate change in New York, including the addition of money, were pleased by the measure. The final deal also included measures to encourage electric school buses, 500 million for offshore wind projects, and $400 million for Environmental Protection Fund.
However, Kate Kuera (Deputy Director of Environmental Advocates NY) stated that the spending will not go far enough to meet the needs.
“Finally and most importantly, while the climate investments made in this budget will accelerate the development of the offshore Wind industry, we are disappointed it failed to reach the level required to match the urgency associated with the climate crisis, and to jump-start the states’ transition off fossil fuels,” she stated.
The bond act is intended to upgrade water and sewer systems that are susceptible to being overwhelmed by storms. Tens of thousands died in flash floods that struck New York City last year. The water inundated creeks and tributaries.
This November, the borrowing plan will be decided by the voters.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill stated that this budget again represents record funds for important environmental programs. These funds are critical investments in New York’s ability preserve and protect communities. They also help us to continue our national leadership in addressing climate changes as they bear down on us in the form increasingly extreme weather.
