New Yorkers are considering a larger bond law to protect their water and sewer systems from increasingly severe weather conditions.
The original price tag for the proposed Environmental Bond Act was only $3 billion when it was first proposed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo has increased his proposal to $4.2 Billion.
Advocates seeking to reduce the impact of climate change in New York were pleased with the measure and the additional money. It was part of the $220billion state budget. In the final deal were also included measures that would encourage electric school buses and offshore wind projects to the tune of $500 million. The Environmental Protection Fund was also included.
However, Kate Kuera, NY Deputy Director of Environmental Advocates, stated that spending will not be sufficient to meet the need.
“Finally we are disappointed that the budget’s climate investments did not achieve the level of investment required to meet the urgency of climate crisis and jump-start states’ transition from fossil fuels,” she stated.
The bond act was created to improve water and sewer systems susceptible to flooding during storms. Last year, flash floods in New York City killed many people and caused creeks and tributaries to be quickly inundated by water.
The November election will determine the final borrowing plan.
Assemblyman Kevin Cahill said that the budget represents record-breaking resources for important environmental programs. These funds are crucial investments in New York’s ability to preserve and safeguard our communities. They also help us maintain our national leadership in addressing climate change, which is affecting us in increasingly extreme weather.
