WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?
RECENT SUCCESSES

2021 in Review
Here is an incomplete - yet still very impressive - synopsis of the climate achievements of 2021. Climate Reality Project advocated for most of the Capital Region, NYC, & NYS successes with our partners and actively lobbied all of our US Representatives and Senators on the federal infrastructure bill.
There’s still plenty to do, but we have great momentum!
CAPITAL REGION
NYC
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Astoria NRG power plant expansion stopped
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Gowanus power plant expansion plans cancelled by developer
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Intro 2317: NYC becomes largest city in the world to ban the use of methane gas in most new buildings
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NYC Pensions completed the divestment of $3 Billion from fossil fuels
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NYC commits to have all electric school buses by 2035
NYS
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Danskammer (Newburgh) power plant expansion stopped
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Styrofoam ban extended from NYC to NYS from January 1
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NYS voters approved an amendment to the Constitution guaranteeing citizens “Clean Air, Water, and a Healthful Environment”
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The Environmental Bond Act was approved for public referendum. If voters approve, it will provide $4 Billion for the environment in New York.
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S2758: 100% of new passenger cars and trucks sold in NYS will be zero-emissions vehicles by 2035
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Gov. Hochul announces program to deploy more than 50,000 EV charging ports in NY. 10x more than today.
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S2936: prohibits the use of dirty, grade 6 heating oils (bunker fuel)
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S4095B: prohibits the use of coal tar paving sealant
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S5082: prohibits the use of tiny plastic toiletry bottles in hotels
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S841: reduces emissions from petroleum bulk storage containers
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S6532A: permits kelp cultivation in Peconic and Gardiners Bays. Kelp absorbs nitrogen, which contributes to ocean “dead zones”
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S2997: stops homeowner’s associations from banning solar panels within their communities
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S6189: allows the formation of community choice aggregation programs on Long Island
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A4328: designates state geologic trails
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S4094: study to find alternative municipal uses for recycled glass
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Stopped an anti-wind power law promulgated by George Borrello
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Stopped the Cohoes cement factory from burning tire derived fuels which would have put toxic chemicals into the air in an environmental justice area
USA
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US rejoined Paris Agreement
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Infrastructure Bill funds $66Bn for railways, $39Bn for public transport, $15Bn for electric vehicles, $65Bn for power infrastructure, $21Bn for cleaning up abandoned wells, mines and Superfund sites and $47Bn for adaptation and resiliency funding.
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Executive order puts the government’s $650Bn purchasing power behind transforming the economy by requiring the US government buy EVs, source renewable energy and use sustainable materials.
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The EPA issued the strongest vehicle emissions rules ever that require that new vehicles average 55 mpg by 2026, up from 38 today.
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Biden Administration approves the South Fork Wind Project, kick starting the offshore wind revolution on the East Coast that was stalled for the past four years.
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Keystone XL, PennEast, Byhalia, Atlantic Coast & Dakota Access pipelines as well as the Millennium Coal Terminal were all stopped or cancelled.